• Cat-intel
  • MedIntelliX
  • Resources
  • About Us
  • Request Free Sample ×

    Kindly complete the form below to receive a free sample of this Report

    Leading companies partner with us for data-driven Insights

    clients tt-cursor
    Hero Background

    Humectants Market

    ID: MRFR/F-B & N/6409-HCR
    90 Pages
    Snehal Singh
    October 2025

    Humectants Market Research Report By Application (Cosmetics, Food Beverages, Pharmaceuticals, Personal Care, Agriculture), By Source (Natural, Synthetic), By Formulation Type (Liquid, Solid, Powder), By End Use Industry (Food Industry, Cosmetic Industry, Pharmaceutical Industry) and By Regional (North America, Europe, South America, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa) - Forecast to 2035

    Share:
    Download PDF ×

    We do not share your information with anyone. However, we may send you emails based on your report interest from time to time. You may contact us at any time to opt-out.

    Humectants Market Infographic
    Purchase Options

    Humectants Market Summary

    The Global Humectants Market is projected to grow from 4.42 USD Billion in 2024 to 6.0 USD Billion by 2035, reflecting a steady demand for moisture-retaining ingredients.

    Key Market Trends & Highlights

    Humectants Key Trends and Highlights

    • The market is expected to achieve a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.81% from 2025 to 2035.
    • By 2035, the market valuation is anticipated to reach 6.0 USD Billion, indicating a robust growth trajectory.
    • In 2024, the market is valued at 4.42 USD Billion, showcasing a solid foundation for future expansion.
    • Growing adoption of humectants in personal care products due to increasing consumer demand for moisturizing solutions is a major market driver.

    Market Size & Forecast

    2024 Market Size 4.42 (USD Billion)
    2035 Market Size 6.0 (USD Billion)
    CAGR (2025-2035) 2.81%

    Major Players

    Ginkgo BioWorks, Hawkins Watts, Clariant, Kraton Corporation, Ashland, Solvay, SABIC, PolyOne, Lonza Group, Brenntag, Dow, BASF, Evonik Industries, Kohlberg Kravis Roberts, Rhodia

    Humectants Market Trends

    The Humectants Market is driven by the rising demand for moisturizing and skin care products across various industries, including cosmetics, personal care, food, and pharmaceuticals. Increasing awareness of skin health and the benefits of hydration has led consumers to seek products that contain effective humectants. This is particularly true in regions with extreme weather conditions, where skin hydration is crucial. Additionally, the growth of the food industry, especially in processed foods, has spurred the need for humectants as they help retain moisture and extend shelf life.

    The growing trend of clean labeling among consumers is also pushing manufacturers to incorporate natural humectants, which aligns with the demand for safer and more transparent ingredient sourcing.

    Opportunities in the Humectants Market lie in the development of innovative formulations that combine humectants with other beneficial ingredients. This could cater to niche markets, such as formulations for sensitive skin or specialized dietary products. Companies can explore partnerships and collaborations to enhance their product offerings or enter new markets. The rising popularity of e-commerce also provides a platform for brands to reach wider audiences and offer personalized skincare solutions, enhancing consumer engagement and loyalty. Recent trends have seen a shift towards sustainable practices within the Humectants Market.

    The increasing demand for natural and organic products is driving innovation in the humectants market, as manufacturers seek to meet consumer preferences for sustainable and effective moisturizing solutions.

    U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)

    Humectants Market Drivers

    Market Expansion in Emerging Economies

    The Global Humectants Market Industry is poised for expansion in emerging economies, where rising disposable incomes and urbanization are driving demand for personal care and food products. Countries in Asia-Pacific and Latin America are witnessing a surge in consumer spending on beauty and wellness products, which often incorporate humectants. This trend is expected to contribute to the market's growth, with projections indicating a rise to 6.0 USD Billion by 2035. The compound annual growth rate of 2.81% from 2025 to 2035 suggests a steady increase in market activity, as manufacturers seek to capitalize on the burgeoning consumer base in these regions.

    Rising Demand in Personal Care Products

    The Global Humectants Market Industry experiences a notable surge in demand driven by the personal care sector. Humectants, such as glycerin and hyaluronic acid, are increasingly utilized in skincare formulations due to their moisture-retaining properties. As consumers become more conscious of skin health, the market for moisturizing creams and serums expands. In 2024, the market is projected to reach 4.42 USD Billion, reflecting a growing preference for products that enhance skin hydration. This trend is likely to continue, with the industry adapting to incorporate innovative humectants that cater to diverse consumer needs.

    Growth in Food and Beverage Applications

    The Global Humectants Market Industry is significantly influenced by the food and beverage sector, where humectants play a crucial role in maintaining moisture content in various products. Ingredients like sorbitol and propylene glycol are commonly used in baked goods and confectionery to enhance texture and shelf life. As the demand for processed foods increases, the market for humectants is expected to grow correspondingly. This trend is indicative of a broader shift towards convenience foods, which often require effective moisture management. The industry's adaptability to food safety regulations further supports its expansion in this sector.

    Technological Advancements in Formulation

    Technological innovations in formulation chemistry are propelling the Global Humectants Market Industry forward. Advances in extraction and synthesis methods allow for the development of more effective and sustainable humectants. For instance, bio-based humectants derived from natural sources are gaining traction as consumers seek eco-friendly alternatives. These innovations not only enhance product efficacy but also align with the growing demand for sustainable ingredients in personal care and food applications. As the industry embraces these advancements, it is likely to witness a shift in consumer preferences towards products that are both effective and environmentally responsible.

    Regulatory Support for Natural Ingredients

    The Global Humectants Market Industry benefits from increasing regulatory support for natural and organic ingredients. Governments worldwide are implementing stricter regulations on synthetic additives, prompting manufacturers to explore natural alternatives. This shift is particularly evident in the personal care and food sectors, where consumers are gravitating towards products labeled as natural or organic. As a result, humectants derived from plant sources are gaining popularity, driving market growth. The industry's responsiveness to regulatory changes indicates a potential for sustained growth as it aligns with consumer preferences for transparency and safety in product formulations.

    Market Segment Insights

    Humectants Market Application Insights  

    The Humectants Market revenue is experiencing significant growth, expected to be valued at 4.37 USD Billion in 2023 and reach 5.54 USD Billion by 2032, driven largely by the demand across various applications. The application segment showcases different areas where humectants play a crucial role, including Cosmetics, Food  Beverages, Pharmaceuticals, Personal Care, and Agriculture. Within these applications, the Cosmetics sector holds a substantial market share, valued at 1.15 USD Billion in 2023, illustrating its importance in formulating moisturizers and skin care products that attract hydration, thus impacting consumer choices significantly.

    The Food  Beverages segment also represents a major component of the Humectants Market segmentation, with a valuation of 1.2 USD Billion in 2023, emphasizing the role of humectants in maintaining moisture levels in food products, improving shelf life, and enhancing taste appeal. The Pharmaceuticals application area, valued at 0.85 USD Billion in 2023, further signifies the significance of humectants in drug formulation processes, ensuring proper moisture retention that is vital for stability and effectiveness.

    The Personal Care segment, with a valuation of 1.0 USD Billion in 2023, highlights how products like shampoos, conditioners, and lotions utilize humectants to provide hydration and improve product texture, attracting a wide range of consumers focused on skin health.

    In contrast, the Agriculture segment, while still recognized for its contributions, holds a smaller market valuation of 0.17 USD Billion in 2023, indicating its more niche role, primarily focused on improving moisture retention in soil and across various crop types. This distinction reveals how different applications of humectants cater to a variety of industries, with Cosmetics and Food  Beverages segments dominating in terms of market size and growth potential.

    As market trends continue to evolve, the increasing awareness regarding product formulations that support skin health and food quality is likely to present new opportunities for growth within these significant application areas.

    Humectants Market Source Insights  

    The Humectants Market is projected to reach a value of 4.37 USD Billion in 2023, highlighting a steady growth trajectory in the sector. The market segmentation, particularly by Source, is divided into Natural and Synthetic categories, each playing a crucial role in the overall expansion. Natural humectants, derived from diverse botanical sources, are gaining traction due to the clean-label trend and growing consumer preference for sustainable and organic ingredients. They account for a significant part of the market due to their appeal in the skincare and food industries, prioritizing health and wellness attributes.

    On the other hand, synthetic humectants are widely utilized in various formulations for their cost-effectiveness and consistency in performance. The continued demand for these products is driven by their effectiveness in maintaining moisture levels, particularly in cosmetics and personal care. In summary, the Humectants Market is witnessing a blend of both Natural and Synthetic sources evolving in response to market trends, growth drivers, challenges, and new opportunities, contributing to the overall market growth and shaping Humectants Market statistics.

    Humectants Market Formulation Type Insights  

    The Humectants Market, valued at 4.37 USD billion in 2023, presents diverse opportunities across various formulation types. As the market evolves, the formulation types, including liquid, solid, and powder, play a vital role in meeting consumer demands for moisture retention in products such as cosmetics, food, and pharmaceuticals. The liquid formulation holds a significant share in the market due to its ability to blend easily with other ingredients, making it a preferred choice in many applications. Solid formulations, while less common, are favored in specific scenarios for their stability and long shelf life.

    Powder formulations also contribute notably to the market, especially in applications where controlled release of moisture is required. Factors driving market growth include the rising demand for hydrating products, increasing awareness of skin health, and innovative formulation technologies. However, challenges such as regulatory hurdles and cost fluctuations of raw materials may impact industry dynamics. The Humectants Market data forecasts steady growth, indicating a robust industrial trend towards enhancing product moisture content while ensuring effectiveness and consumer satisfaction.

    Humectants Market End Use Industry Insights  

    The Humectants Market is set to witness significant growth driven by its diverse applications across various end use industries, particularly in the Food, Cosmetic, and Pharmaceutical sectors. In 2023, the market valuation stood at 4.37 USD Billion, underscoring the vital role humectants play in enhancing product quality and shelf life. The Food Industry utilizes humectants to control moisture content, which is essential for maintaining texture and flavor in food products, thus catering to consumer preferences for quality.

    The Cosmetic Industry also significantly relies on humectants for their moisture-retaining properties, which are crucial for formulating skincare products that appeal to health-conscious consumers.

    Likewise, the Pharmaceutical Industry incorporates humectants to improve the stability and delivery of active ingredients in medications. The substantial presence of these industries highlights their importance in overall market growth, reflecting strong demand for innovative products that leverage humectants' beneficial properties. With the ongoing trends towards natural and functional ingredients, the Humectants Market will likely adapt and evolve, opening up new opportunities for growth and development across its various segments, relying on robust Humectants Market data and Statistics to inform strategic decisions.

    Get more detailed insights about Humectants Market

    Regional Insights

    The Humectants Market revenue in 2023 is valued at 4.37 USD Billion, with significant contributions from various regions. North America holds a major share with a market valuation of 1.29 USD Billion, showcasing its dominance in the industry due to strong consumer demand and innovative applications of humectants in cosmetics and food products. Europe follows closely, valued at 1.05 USD Billion, reflecting a growing trend towards natural ingredients in personal care and high-quality food products.

    The Asia-Pacific region leads with the highest valuation of 1.52 USD Billion, driven by rapid urbanization, increased disposable income, and a rising trend for personal care products among consumers.

    South America and the MEA regions represent smaller segments, valued at 0.30 USD Billion and 0.21 USD Billion, respectively, in 2023, signifying emerging markets where growth opportunities exist due to the rising awareness of health and wellness products. The diversity in the Humectants Market segmentation illustrates varying consumer preferences and application trends, highlighting North America's leadership and APAC's rapid growth as key opportunities for market expansion.

    Humectants Market By Regional

    Source Primary Research, Secondary Research, Market Research Future Database and Analyst Review

    Key Players and Competitive Insights

    The Humectants Market is characterized by a diverse array of companies vying for prominence in an industry that is integral for various applications, ranging from food and beverages to cosmetics and personal care products. Humectants play a crucial role in maintaining moisture levels, enhancing texture, and extending shelf life, thereby presenting significant opportunities for growth and innovation across sectors. The competitive landscape is marked by both established players and emerging firms that continuously engage in research and development to create advanced products tailored to meet consumer preferences and regulatory standards.

    This dynamic environment compels companies to adopt strategic partnerships, enhance distribution channels, and invest in sustainable practices to captivate a broader consumer base and strengthen their market positions.

    Ginkgo BioWorks is renowned for its innovative approach within the Humectants Market, emphasizing synthetic biology to produce humectant ingredients that are not only effective but also sustainably sourced. Leveraging its cutting-edge technology, Ginkgo BioWorks focuses on developing tailored humectants that cater to the specific needs of industries such as food and personal care. The company boasts robust capabilities in biotechnology, enabling it to manipulate natural organisms to produce more efficient and environmentally friendly humectant alternatives.

    This strategic focus on sustainable production methods complements its dedication to meeting strict regulatory standards, fostering trust and credibility in a market that increasingly values transparency and eco-friendly initiatives. The emphasis on customization allows Ginkgo BioWorks to further engage with clients, ensuring that their product formulations achieve the desired results while adhering to sustainability principles.

    Hawkins Watts has established a significant foothold within the Humectants Market, primarily through its expertise in sourcing and supplying high-quality humectant ingredients to various sectors, including food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. The company's strong market presence is bolstered by a commitment to quality assurance and a comprehensive understanding of market dynamics, enabling Hawkins Watts to provide tailored solutions to its clients. With a well-developed supply chain and established relationships with key producers, Hawkins Watts can facilitate prompt delivery and competitive pricing, thereby gaining an edge over competitors.

    The company's continuous investment in market research and trends equips it with the insights necessary to adapt to shifting consumer demands and regulatory changes. This proactive approach fosters long-term partnerships, positioning Hawkins Watts as a trusted and reliable player in the growing Humectants Market.

    Key Companies in the Humectants Market market include

    Industry Developments

    The Humectants Market is experiencing significant developments as companies like Clariant, Ashland, and BASF continue to innovate in sustainable product offerings. Recent advancements in bio-based humectants are gaining traction, particularly from Ginkgo BioWorks and Solvay, enhancing the market’s shift toward environmentally friendly solutions. In terms of mergers and acquisitions, the integration of Kraton Corporation's technologies by larger companies is under scrutiny as it strategizes to strengthen its position in the cosmetics and personal care sectors. Additionally, Dow and SABIC are exploring synergies in their operations to leverage production efficiencies, potentially reshaping the competitive landscape in the humectants domain.

    The market is witnessing growth in valuation driven by rising demand for personal care products, which is positively impacting revenues for major players, including Evonik Industries and Brenntag. As consumers increasingly seek performance and sustainability in formulations, the Humectants Market dynamics are evolving, with companies adapting to meet these shifting demands, further fuelling the competitive environment. The ongoing advancements, along with strategic acquisitions, are set to play a crucial role in shaping the future of the humectants market.

    Future Outlook

    Humectants Market Future Outlook

    The Global Humectants Market is projected to grow at a 2.81% CAGR from 2024 to 2035, driven by increasing demand in personal care and food industries.

    New opportunities lie in:

    • Develop innovative humectant formulations for clean beauty products.
    • Expand distribution channels in emerging markets to capture new consumer segments.
    • Invest in sustainable sourcing of natural humectants to enhance brand value.

    By 2035, the market is expected to exhibit robust growth, reflecting evolving consumer preferences and industry advancements.

    Market Segmentation

    Humectants Market Source Outlook

    • Natural

    Humectants Market Regional Outlook

    • North America

    Humectants Market Application Outlook

    • Cosmetics

    Humectants Market End Use Industry Outlook

    • Food Industry

    Humectants Market Formulation Type Outlook

    • Liquid

    Report Scope

    Report Attribute/Metric Details
    Market Size 2022 4.25(USD Billion)
    Market Size 2023 4.37(USD Billion)
    Market Size 2032 5.54(USD Billion)
    Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) 2.68% (2024 - 2032)
    Report Coverage Revenue Forecast, Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors, and Trends
    Base Year 2023
    Market Forecast Period 2024 - 2032
    Historical Data 2019 - 2023
    Market Forecast Units USD Billion
    Key Companies Profiled Ginkgo BioWorks, Hawkins Watts, Clariant, Kraton Corporation, Ashland, Solvay, SABIC, PolyOne, Lonza Group, Brenntag, Dow, BASF, Evonik Industries, Kohlberg Kravis Roberts, Rhodia
    Segments Covered Application, Source, Formulation Type, End Use Industry, Regional
    Key Market Opportunities Natural and organic ingredient demand, Expansion in personal care sectors, Growing food preservation requirements, Rising awareness of skin health, and Technological advancements in formulation.
    Key Market Dynamics Increasing demand in the food industry, Growth in personal care products, Expanding pharmaceutical applications, Rising awareness of natural ingredients, Innovation in product formulations
    Countries Covered North America, Europe, APAC, South America, MEA

    Market Highlights

    Author
    Snehal Singh
    Assistant Manager - Research

    High acumen in analyzing complex macro & micro markets with more than 6 years of work experience in the field of market research. By implementing her analytical skills in forecasting and estimation into market research reports, she has expertise in Packaging, Construction, and Equipment domains. She handles a team size of 20-25 resources and ensures smooth running of the projects, associated marketing activities, and client servicing.

    Leave a Comment

    FAQs

    What is the expected market size of the Humectants Market by 2032?

    The Humectants Market is expected to be valued at 5.54 USD Billion by 2032.

    What is the projected CAGR for the Humectants Market from 2024 to 2032?

    The expected CAGR for the Humectants Market from 2024 to 2032 is 2.68%.

    Which region is expected to dominate the Humectants Market by 2032?

    North America is projected to dominate the market with a value of 1.68 USD Billion by 2032.

    What are the market values for the Food Beverages segment in 2023 and 2032?

    The Food Beverages segment is valued at 1.2 USD Billion in 2023 and is expected to reach 1.55 USD Billion by 2032.

    Who are the key players in the Humectants Market?

    Major players in the market include Ginkgo BioWorks, Clariant, Kraton Corporation, and BASF.

    What is the market size for the Cosmetics application by 2032?

    The Cosmetics application is expected to be valued at 1.45 USD Billion by 2032.

    What is the expected market value for the Agriculture segment in 2032?

    The Agriculture segment is projected to reach a value of 0.24 USD Billion by 2032.

    Which region is anticipated to grow the fastest from 2024 to 2032?

    The Asia-Pacific (APAC) region is expected to show substantial growth during the forecast period.

    What is the projected value for the Pharmaceuticals segment by 2032?

    The Pharmaceuticals segment is anticipated to be valued at 1.1 USD Billion by 2032.

    What is the market value for Personal Care applications in 2023?

    The market value for Personal Care applications stands at 1.0 USD Billion in 2023.

    Download Free Sample

    Kindly complete the form below to receive a free sample of this Report

    Case Study
    Chemicals and Materials