Global Elastomer Gel in Personal Care Market Size, Trend & Opportunity Analysis Report, by Product Type (Silicone Elastomer Gels, Polyurethane Elastomer Gels), Application Type (Skin Care Products, Hair Care Products), End-User Type (Men, Women), Distribu

Market Definition and Introduction
Global Elastomer gels is on the brink of great transformation, moving from a value of USD 1.2 billion in 2024 to an anticipated USD 2.83 billion by 2035. This expansion is holding ground with a solid CAGR of 8.10% during the forecast period and is attributed to the merging of technological innovations, a heightened consumer consciousness toward grooming, and a strong demand for high-performance formulations in personal care.
Modernization of beauty regimes to products that are multi-functional and sensorially-enhanced, elastomer gels are becoming the key enablers of tactile elegance and aesthetic sophistication in product formulations. There is a huge demand for elastomer gels in the market owing to their unique rheological and sensory properties to yield silky smooth textures with a mattifying finish and non-greasy touch. These gels are primarily silicone-based, and manufacturers of skin and hair care products prefer utilizing them to provide a luxurious experience without compromising on performance attributes such as moisture retention, sebum control, and active ingredient encapsulation. Polyurethane elastomer gels, on the other hand, are coming to the forefront of the market, especially among clean beauty brands that are in search of alternatives to traditional silicone technology.
Fuelled by trends such as gender-inclusive grooming, clean-label demands, and self-care routines—are reshaping elastomer gels' use. Personal care solutions that give a salon-like performance feel, are ethically sound, and non-offensive to the skin feel are in demand from the millennial and generation Z consumers. Therefore, there has been a faster pace in the R&D pipelines developing hybrid elastomer systems that combine functional benefits with elegant aestheticism, which become powerful tools for differentiation in a highly competitive arena.

Recent Developments in the Industry

In March 2024, Momentive Performance Materials launched its advanced Valves elastomer gel series targeted at clean-beauty aligned skin care brands. These formulations deliver improved skin adhesion and active delivery properties, supporting next-gen anti-aging and moisturizing applications.
In September 2023, Dow Personal Care unveiled its expanded production facility in North Carolina, aimed at boosting the global output of silicone elastomer gels and enabling more agile supply to APAC and LATAM markets.
In June 2023, BASF SE partnered with a leading indie skincare brand in Europe to co-develop a customized polyurethane-based elastomer system tailored for sensitive skin applications, reinforcing the market’s inclination toward ingredient personalization.

Market Dynamics

Surging Demand for Advanced Sensory Agents in Skincare and Haircare Formulations
Consumers have higher expectations than ever, and sensory agents have increased in prominence in the cosmetic market. At the forefront are elastomer gels, which modify textures, spread products well, and provide aesthetically pleasing finishes depending on different climate conditions or skin types. This demand growth is particularly evident in fast-growing product categories that include facial serums, primers, and leave-in conditioners.
Growing Interest in Hybrid Formulations Across Gender-Neutral and Clean Beauty Lines
The rise of unisex personal care products has catalyzed demand for neutral-scented, high-performance bases such as elastomer gels. These gels, when engineered with non-volatile carrier systems or biodegradable polymers, provide ideal platforms for brands catering to clean beauty enthusiasts, environmental advocates, and health-conscious consumers.
Strategic R&D and Customization Driving Brand Loyalty and Premiumization
Leading ingredient suppliers are investing in proprietary elastomer platforms that offer unique customization capabilities to meet brand-specific performance targets. With formulators experimenting with actives ranging from peptides to botanical extracts, elastomer gels are increasingly being tailored to offer both immediate and long-term skincare and haircare benefits, fostering a strong competitive edge.
Proliferation of DTC and Online-First Brands Catalyzing Demand for Distinctive Product Textures
Digitally-native personal care brands are actively pursuing formulations that captivate consumers not only with efficacy but also through distinctive sensorial signatures. The role of elastomer gels, in this context, extends to enabling high consumer engagement via product demos, texture visuals, and positive first-use impressions, especially in skincare where unboxing and first-application moments are pivotal.
Manufacturers Turning to Sustainable Elastomer Alternatives Amid Regulatory and ESG Pressures
With increasing scrutiny on the environmental impact of silicones, many brands are seeking out polyurethane and biodegradable elastomer blends that align with sustainability claims. Suppliers are responding with next-gen materials that retain performance integrity while satisfying emerging regulatory and ethical standards in regions such as the EU and California.

Attractive Opportunities in the Market

Silicone-Free Innovation – Rising demand for alternative elastomer technologies amid clean beauty trends.
High-Definition Finishes – Products with flawless skin feel and visual appeal expand across APAC markets.
Male Grooming Surge – Men’s skincare segment tapping elastomer gels for mattifying and hydrating duality.
Multifunctional Blends – Hybrid elastomer systems offer delivery of actives with enhanced skin compatibility.
Offline Luxury Retail – In-store demos benefit from the tactile advantage of elastomer-based creams and serums.
Smart Packaging Integration – Compatibility of gels with airless pumps and applicators boosts premium appeal.
Sensory Differentiation – Indie brands are leveraging unique textures to compete with legacy formulations.
Hair Styling Expansion – Elastomer gels entering scalp and styling product lines for flexible hold and shine.

Report Segmentation

By Product Type: Silicone Elastomer Gels, Polyurethane Elastomer Gels
By Application Type: Skin Care Products, Hair Care Products
By End-User Type: Men, Women
By Distribution Channel: Online Retail, Offline Retail
Region: North America (U.S., Canada, Mexico), Europe (UK, Germany, France, Spain, Italy, Spain, Rest of Europe), Asia-Pacific (China, India, Japan, Australia, South Korea, Rest of Asia-Pacific), LAMEA (Brazil, Argentina, UAE, Saudi Arabia (KSA), Africa Rest of Latin America)
Key Market Players: Momentive Performance Materials, Dow Personal Care, BASF SE, Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd., Evonik Industries AG, Elkem ASA, Grant Industries Inc., Kobo Products Inc., Wacker Chemie AG, Innospec Inc.

Report Aspects

Base Year: 2024
Historic Years: 2022, 2023, 2024
Forecast Period: 2025-2035
Report Pages: 293

Dominating Segments

Services Segment Dominates the Personal Care Market Globally with Elastomer Gel in Terms of Texture-Based Brand Strategy
Silicone elastomer gels dominate the space thanks to their application in a range of skin care categories, from primers and moisturizers to sunscreens. This makes them precious for brands targeting high-performance claims with their silky, mattifying, or even dispersing effects without oily residue. Innovations in low-cyclic, volatile-free systems add further value in sensitive skin injury prevention.
Polyurethane elastomer gels segment is steadily gaining traction, particularly in portfolios that are focused on clean and sustainable beauty
Nevertheless, the polyurethane elastomer gels segment is steadily gaining traction, particularly in portfolios that are focused on clean and sustainable beauty. They are categorized as non-silicone-based, elastic, and environmentally friendly; thus, the product perfectly matches the conscious consumers' values and the non-biodegradable silicones regulation. Adoption of the materials in brands is increasing in line with the two goals of efficacy and eco-responsibility.
Skincare continues to lead in terms of applications through which it gains revenues
Skincare continues to lead in terms of applications through which it gains revenues. A common formulation staple is the elastomer gel in anti-aging creams, pore-blurring primers, and high-definition formulations. The rise of minimalistic skincare approaches has reinforced the trend toward products that are sensorially rich products create.
Haircare's notable growth emanates from elastomer gel technology
Haircare's notable growth emanates from elastomer gel technology in heat protectants, serums, and conditioners. Frizz control, shine enhancement, and a more excellent texture consistency within the formulations appeal to consumers drawn to salon results at home.
Offline retail remains supreme because of the tactile advantages it has in displaying elastomer texture through in-store sampling and live ambassadors for the brands
In sales terms, offline retail remains supreme because of the tactile advantages it has in displaying elastomer texture through in-store sampling and live ambassadors for the brands. For now, online retail is expected to grow fastest among all the sales channels, as DTC platform- and influencer-driven skincare brands move to capitalize upon showcasing products through videos and social proofs, emphasizing texture.

Key Takeaways

Skincare Evolution – Texture and sensory feel reshape consumer preferences for skincare products.
Silicone Elastomer Supremacy – Performance-based texture agents dominate face care and sun care.
Clean Formulation Boom – Polyurethane gels offer sustainable alternatives with low-irritation profiles.
Multifunctionality Drives Value – Gels supporting active delivery and hydration win formulation favor.
Digital DTC Acceleration – Online-first brands adopt elastomer gels to enhance product appeal.
Retail Experience Edge – Offline channels leverage touch-testing to market texture innovation.
Hybrid Innovation Surge – Blended elastomer systems disrupt traditional emulsion formats.
Sensory Benchmarking – Brands differentiate using patented textures and silky finishes.
Asia-Pacific Ascendancy – Regional beauty markets push demand for next-gen texture enhancers.
Men’s Care Segment Rise – Lightweight, oil-free gel textures gain male grooming segment favor.

Regional Insights

North America Takes the Lead in Incorporating Elastomer Gel for Skin Care and Grooming Applications
The North American market has an edge with the development of best-proven ecosystems for cosmetic product innovations and keen consumer demand for premium skincare. In addition, major chemical manufacturers and beauty conglomerates will expedite the integration of the newest elastomer technologies into ongoing new product developments.
Europe Continues to Be an Epicentre of Sustainable Development of Elastomers and Growth in Clean Beauty
Next, after such a consequence is Europe, most of which is propelled by strict regulations on cosmetic ingredients, high mandates set by sustainability, and high consumer affinity to clean-label brands. France and Germany are innovating in bio-based and non-silicone elastomer materials, putting Europe on the map as the center of eco-conscious product development.
Asia-Pacific Will Grow at the Highest Rate By Far with An Increase in Beauty Spending and E-commerce Penetration
According to forecasted figures, Asia-Pacific will be followed by the fastest-growing region, as Korea, Japan, and China would increase their scale of production and consumption in advanced personal care. K-beauty influence and ever-expanding e-commerce with higher earning capacity have opened new growth frontiers for elastomer gel-infused products.
LATAM and MEA Markets Start to Gradually Incorporate Elastomer Products through the Restructuring of Local Brands
Latin America and the Middle East Africa are slowly incorporating elastomer gels into their product lines. However, the shift towards premium grooming and skincare, along with increased urbanization, is causing local manufacturers to adopt innovative texturizing agents, albeit at a slower pace than in other regions.

Core Strategic Questions Answered in This Report

Q. What is the expected growth trajectory of the biological safety testing services market from 2024 to 2035?
The global elastomer gel in personal care market is projected to rise from USD 1.2 billion in 2024 to USD 2.83 billion by 2035, expanding at a CAGR of 8.10%. This upward trajectory is driven by the rising demand for texture-enhancing cosmetic ingredients, increasing gender-neutral product launches, and growing innovation in clean and hybrid beauty formulations.
Q. Which key factors are fuelling the growth of the biological safety testing services market?
Growth is being propelled by several dynamic forces:

Escalating consumer demand for premium skincare textures and visual enhancements.
Rising preference for silicone-free and environmentally friendly elastomer solutions.
Proliferation of DTC skincare brands emphasizing tactile and sensorial product features.
Innovations in hybrid elastomer systems combining performance with biocompatibility.
Expanding men’s grooming sector demands lightweight, matte-finish formulations.
Strong e-commerce growth enabling broader accessibility to texture-focused products.
Q. What are the primary challenges hindering the growth of the biological safety testing services market?
Some challenges include:

High formulation costs and compatibility testing for elastomer integration.
Regulatory restrictions on certain silicone-based compounds in Europe.
Limited consumer awareness in emerging markets.
Technical barriers in formulating natural elastomers with equivalent sensory attributes.
Supply chain complexities linked to elastomer raw material procurement.
Q. Which regions currently lead the biological safety testing services market in terms of market share?
North America leads due to the early adoption of high-end skincare and the wide distribution of advanced elastomer-based personal care products. Europe remains a stronghold due to its clean beauty emphasis and formulation innovation, while Asia-Pacific is rapidly growing as a major consumption and production hub.
Q. What emerging opportunities are anticipated in the biological safety testing services market?
Opportunities abound in areas like:

Hybrid gel innovation combining silicone, polyurethanes, and botanical actives.
Expansion of elastomer gel applications in men’s skincare and styling products.
Development of bio-based, biodegradable elastomer alternatives.
Enhanced in-store and online marketing leveraging texture differentiation.
Growth of elastomer-powered minimalist products in wellness and self-care routines.

Key Benefits for Stakeholders

The report offers a quantitative assessment of market segments, emerging trends, projections, and market dynamics for the period 2024 to 2035.
The report presents comprehensive market research, including insights into key growth drivers, challenges, and potential opportunities.
Porter's Five Forces analysis evaluates the influence of buyers and suppliers, helping stakeholders make strategic, profit-driven decisions and strengthen their supplier-buyer relationships.
A detailed examination of market segmentation helps identify existing and emerging opportunities.
Key countries within each region are analysed based on their revenue contributions to the overall market.
The positioning of market players enables effective benchmarking and provides clarity on their current standing within the industry.
The report covers regional and global market trends, major players, key segments, application areas, and strategies for market expansion. Show more