Global Emollient Market 2026-2035

Emollient Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report by Form (Solid, Semi-solid, Liquid, and Powder/ Flakes) by Chemical Type (Esters, Fatty Alcohols, Fatty Acids, Ether, Silicones, and Hydrocarbons) by Application (Skin Care, Hair Care, Oral Care, Fragrances, Toiletries, and Cosmetics), Forecast Period (2026-2035)

Industry Overview

Emollient market was valued at $3,562.5 million in 2025 and is projected to reach $5,588.1 million by 2035, growing at a CAGR of 4.6% during the forecast period (2026-2035). The global emollient market is experiencing steady expansion as personal care brands place greater emphasis on improving product texture, comfort, and skin feel. Companies are refining their formulations to meet rising expectations for smoother and more conditioning cosmetic products. This has encouraged manufacturers to explore a broader range of emollient ingredients that enhance both performance and sensory appeal. Growing demand for specialized skincare solutions has also contributed to increased use of emollients across multiple product categories. Businesses are investing in materials that support consistent quality and long-term formulation stability. Together, these developments are helping the market maintain a strong growth trajectory.

Market Dynamics

Growing Preference for Natural and Plant-Derived Emollients

The market is seeing a steady shift toward emollients sourced from botanicals as consumers show greater interest in cleaner and more transparent ingredient profiles. Manufacturers are investing in refining plant-based formulations to match the performance of synthetic alternatives without compromising sensory quality. This trend is supported by rising demand for products that align with sustainability goals and responsible sourcing practices. Brands are also highlighting these ingredients as part of their broader marketing strategies to build trust with health-conscious buyers. As a result, natural emollients are gaining stronger placement across skincare, haircare, and personal care lines. This movement continues to shape new product development pipelines across the industry.

Increasing Use of High-Performance Emollients in Advanced Skincare

Emollients with enhanced functionality are becoming more prominent as skincare brands focus on delivering measurable benefits beyond basic hydration. Companies are introducing specialized ingredients that improve texture, absorption, and long-lasting moisture retention. These advanced materials are being incorporated into premium formulations aimed at addressing aging, sensitivity, and barrier repair concerns. The growing interest in dermatologically tested products has further encouraged manufacturers to refine the safety and stability profiles of their emollients. This push for higher-quality formulations reflects the expanding sophistication of consumer expectations. Collectively, these factors are contributing to sustained demand for performance-driven emollient systems.

Market Segmentation

• Based on the form, the market is segmented into solid, semi-solid, liquid, and powder/ flakes.
• Based on the chemical type, the market is segmented into esters, fatty alcohols, fatty acids, ethers, silicones, and hydrocarbons.
• Based on the application, the market is segmented into skin care, hair care, oral care, fragrances, toiletries, and cosmetics.

Ester Segment to Lead the Market with the Largest Share

Ester-based emollients are gaining attention because they offer a smooth, lightweight feel that aligns well with modern cosmetic preferences. Many formulators choose these ingredients to improve spreadability and reduce the greasy sensation associated with heavier emollients. Their adaptability across creams, lotions, and sun care products has encouraged broader industry use. Companies are also refining ester blends to deliver better stability in complex formulations. As product textures become a key point of differentiation, ester emollients are being incorporated more frequently. This steady increase in adoption is supporting overall market growth.

Skin Care: A Key Segment in Market Growth

The expanding skincare sector has contributed significantly to the rising demand for emollients of various types. Brands are focusing on ingredients that enhance softness, provide lasting comfort, and support everyday skin maintenance. Emollients are widely used to improve product feel and create a more enjoyable application experience, which consumers increasingly value. Companies are also developing formulations that address dryness, sensitivity, and environmental stress. These needs have encouraged greater reliance on high-quality emollient systems across moisturizers, serums, and treatment products. As skincare continues to evolve, its influence on market growth remains strong.

Regional Outlook

The global emollient market is further divided by geography, including North America (the US and Canada), Europe (the UK, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Russia, and the Rest of Europe), Asia-Pacific (India, China, Japan, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand, ASEAN Countries, and the Rest of Asia-Pacific), and the Rest of the World (the Middle East & Africa, and Latin America).

Growing Demand for Customer Engagement Strategies in North America

In North America, loyalty initiatives have become an essential element of customer engagement strategies as competition intensifies across industries. Companies are adopting sophisticated platforms to strengthen retention efforts and refine their communication with frequent buyers. These systems help organizations interpret detailed behavioral data and respond with meaningful rewards. With digital interactions increasing, firms are prioritizing programs that offer consistency across all customer touchpoints. Organizations are also seeking solutions that support long-term relationship building rather than short-term promotions. These priorities are contributing to the region’s ongoing growth in loyalty management services.

Asia-Pacific Region Dominates the Market with Major Share

Demand for loyalty solutions in the Asia-Pacific region has strengthened as companies look for reliable ways to maintain customer relationships in fast-growing markets. Firms are introducing structured programs to keep pace with shifting consumer expectations and rising digital engagement. Many organizations are investing in tools that allow them to understand user behavior more accurately and respond with targeted incentives. The region’s strong mobile adoption has further encouraged the use of integrated loyalty platforms. Businesses are leveraging these systems to maintain visibility across diverse retail and service environments. As a result, the market continues to expand steadily across the Asia-Pacific.

Market Players Outlook

The major companies operating in the global emollient market include Ashland Global Holdings Inc., BASF SE, Clariant AG, Croda International Plc., and Evonik Industries AG, among others. Market players are leveraging partnerships, collaborations, mergers and acquisitions strategies for business expansion and innovative product development to maintain their market positioning.

Recent Developments

• In March 2025, BASF SE introduced a next-generation renewable lipid-based functional emollient, emphasizing sustainability and improved sensory profile. BASF also invested in emollient plants in China to meet growing market demand. The division’s high-performance product portfolio includes surfactants, emulsifiers, polymers, emollients, chelating agents, cosmetic active ingredients, and UV filters.
• In September 2024, Evonik officially inaugurated its new production plant for cosmetic emollients at its site in Steinau, Germany. These esters are manufactured using an enzymatic process. The double-digit million-euro plant will significantly increase Evonik’s production capacity, catering to the growing demand for sustainable cosmetic emollients from customers. This investment will help reduce the climate footprint of Evonik and its customers' cosmetic formulations.

The Report Covers

• Market value data analysis of 2025 and forecast to 2035.
• Annualized market revenues ($ million) for each market segment.
• Country-wise analysis of major geographical regions.
• Key companies operating in the global emollient market. Based on the availability of data, information related to new products and relevant news is also available in the report.
• Analysis of business strategies by identifying the key market segments positioned for strong growth in the future.
• Analysis of market-entry and market expansion strategies.
• Competitive strategies by identifying ‘who-stands-where’ in the market.

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