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Metallic Stearates Market Analysis

ID: MRFR//3471-CR | 138 Pages | Author: Priya Nagrale| April 2019

Lubricants play a crucial role in drug formulation, serving as essential additives to minimize friction during various pharmaceutical processes. The application of metallic stearates in the pharmaceutical industry as lubricants has been on the rise. This is particularly evident in blending, tablet manufacturing, capsule filling, and roller compaction operations, where lubrication is indispensable to reduce friction between the manufacturing equipment surfaces and organic solids. This process ensures that tablets and capsules do not stick to the molds, enhancing overall efficiency in pharmaceutical production.
Metallic stearates, utilized in small quantities in capsule and tablet formulations, contribute to improving the powder processing properties of drug formulations. Magnesium stearates, in particular, stand out in the pharmaceutical industry due to their large surface area and small particle size, offering excellent lubrication properties. These characteristics make magnesium stearates widely favored in pharmaceutical applications.
The pharmaceutical industry's increasing focus on research and development is expected to drive the demand for metallic stearates further. The industry's growth is propelled by medical advancements addressing various diseases, increased drug affordability, heightened awareness of treatment options, and favorable government policies. Technological progress in pharmaceutical research has ushered in a new era in medicine development, leading to a decline in mortality rates. Recent breakthroughs include the control of high blood pressure and cardiovascular diseases through anti-hypertensive and cholesterol-lowering medications, as well as targeted therapies for cancer. According to the European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries & Associations (EFPIA), North America accounted for 49% of global pharmaceutical sales in 2016, with Europe contributing 21.5%. The rising application of metallic stearates in pharmaceuticals, coupled with ongoing research and development, is expected to drive the global metallic stearates market during the forecast period.
Beyond pharmaceuticals, metallic stearates have found widespread use in skin and hair care products, deodorants, and various cosmetics. They are integral in the formulation of makeup products such as eyeshadows, mascara, face powders, foundation, and lipsticks. The lubricating properties of metallic stearates play a key role in increasing the thickness of the oil portion used in cosmetic products. Zinc stearates, with antiseptic and astringent properties, find applications in the cosmetic industry.
The Asia Pacific region, comprising over 60% of the global young population, serves as a prime consumer base for cosmetics. The cosmetics industry in the region is transitioning from an unorganized or informal sector to an organized retail sector. Countries like India, China, Myanmar, and Indonesia significantly contribute to the consumption of cosmetics and personal care products. Moreover, Indonesia, Hong Kong, Australia, and Japan have witnessed a notable rise in cosmetic product consumption. Factors such as increasing disposable income, changing lifestyles, a growing working population (particularly women), and the widespread use of e-commerce platforms are contributing to the growth of the global cosmetic industry. Consequently, this trend is expected to positively impact the global metallic stearates market during the forecast period.

Covered Aspects:

Report Attribute/Metric Details
Segment Outlook Type, Application and End-Use

Metallic Stearates Market Overview


The metallic stearates are also known as salts and cleansers that are used for the enhancement of various products. The customization according to the varied applications by the manufacturers is currently boosting the overall growth of the metallic stearates industry. The lubrication, separation properties, release agents, and other properties of metallic stearates are propelling various end-user industries to adopt metallic stearates. The zinc stearates are used in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries as lubricants; additionally, magnesium stearates were also used in the lubrication of tablets. Such factors have promoted the overall growth of the metallic stearates industry in recent years.


The continuous development in the industry and the increasing investment in the industry, where the market value is expected to reach over USD 5.4 billion by the year 2030 with a CAGR of 5.4% during the forecast period.


COVID 19 Analysis:


The COVID 19 has significantly reduced the market value of several industries and the entire economic condition has declined. Therefore the market demands for various consumer products and services have reduced due to the change in the purchasing patterns. Such factors have resulted in a severe loss for industrial verticals. However, the demand for the pharmaceutical industries in recent years has created a huge impact on metallic stearates market growth. 


However, the demand for the plastic production and cosmetics industries has reduced significantly and the demand for the automotive industries has also reduced. Such factors have also reduced the overall growth of the metallic stearates industry.


Market dynamics


Market drivers


The development and the customization of the grades according to the application are considered as the major drivers of the metallic stearates industry. The various options for end-user industries and the availability of the compatible grades according to the requirements are considered as the major drivers for metallic stearates market growth.


The increasing number of emergencies and casualties across the world is increasing the demand for the pharmaceutical industry and the demand for medicines and medical equipment is increasing. Since the metallic stearates market demand is also increasing in recent years. The printing inks used in the product packaging are also boosting the overall growth of the metallic stearates industry.


Market opportunities


The manufacturers are increasingly incorporating new techniques into the industry for easier operability and the increasing investments are paving the way for the innovations and research in the metallic stearates industry. The developed product quality with the improved properties is expected to boost the overall growth of the metallic stearates industry during the forecast period. For instance, the usage of stearic acid utilized from vegetable oils has significantly increased the usage of metallic stearates production as the vegetable oils alter the solubility of the metallic stearates.


The increasing demand combined with the increasing production of the potential end-user industries such as plastics and rubber is presenting a lucrative opportunity for metallic stearates market growth during the forecast period. For instance, the Plastic industry was holding a market value of 30% in terms of revenue in the year 2017, and with the increasing usage of plastics; the market share has been increasing since then. Such factors are expected to boost the overall growth of the metallic stearates industry during the forecast period.


The increasing industrialization across the globe and the increasing demand for the product across the automotive industries, where the demand for the lightweight components made of plastics are increasingly driving the overall growth of metallic stearates industry in the recent years. On the other hand, the cosmetics industries are also gaining momentum and are expected to drive the metallic stearates market growth during the forecast period.


Market restraints


The filterability of the chemicals and the other issues such as corrosion is considered as the major restraints of metallic stearates market growth. These stearates are used to improve the product quality, therefore such factors are considered as the major restraints of metallic stearates market growth.


The magnesium stearates are intensively used as a lubricant in the pharmaceutical industry, as they are important in protecting the tables from disintegration and getting dissolved when comes in contact with water. The improper amount of magnesium stearates used in the medicines might cause serious problems and be considered as the major restraint for metallic stearates market growth.


Market challenges


The health hazards related to metallic stearates production and the highly dangerous hazards associated with the exposure of metallic stearates are considered as the major challenge for the metallic stearates market growth.


Magnesium stearates are used in the medicines, however, the National Center for Biotechnology Information has declared that is not safe if consumers are above 2500 milligrams per kilogram per day. Therefore stringent regulations are imposed by the government to administrate the quantity used in such applications. Such factors are considered as the major challenges for the overall growth of the metallic stearates industry.


Cumulative growth analysis


The metallic stearates market value was at USD 3 billion in the year 2020 and it is expected to surpass the market value of over USD 5.4 billion by the year 2030 while registering a CAGR of 5.4% during the forecast period. The market value is highly influenced by the intensive usage in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. The changing attitude of the customers and the increasing disposable income in the developed countries has increased the demand for cosmetics. Especially, magnesium and calcium stearates are used in facial creams and lotions as they are considered non-toxic.


The increasing demand for polymers and plastics in various construction and consumer products is impacting the overall growth of the metallic stearates industry. However, there are a few downfalls, which are primarily due to the health hazards for the professionals working in the industries. The economic slowdown across the globe has also impacted the metallic stearates industry negatively.


Value chain analysis


Metallic stearates are used in varied end-user industries for varied purposes such as lubricant and acid stabilizer in processing the polymers and emulsifiers, thickening agents in personal care, and another important role in the pharmaceutical industry. Several manufacturers are providing products based on the applications and convenience of the end-user industries. The products are available in metal, physical form, and aqueous stearate dispersions and various forms such as prill, pastille, flake, and granular. Such varied forms and applications of metallic stearates availability in the market have augmented the overall growth of the metallic stearates industry in recent years.


They are also called metal soaps, and fatty acid metal salts, which are produced using natural acids like stearic acid, palmitic acid, and so on. The fatty acids used in the production of metallic stearates are derived from animals or plants. Therefore they are categorized as soluble and insoluble in water. This solubility in water is considered to be a crucial part of varied applications. Therefore the end-user industries look for the characteristics of the metallic stearates when choosing for the application. The zinc stearates are gaining momentum in the metallic stearates industry due to the increasing demand in the pharmaceutical and cosmetics industries and polymers and rubber industries. The increasing emergencies and medical conditions are driving the metallic stearates market demand.


Segment overview


Based on end-user applications




  • Paints and coatings




  • Polymer and rubber industry




  • Building and construction 




  • Pharmaceuticals and cosmetics




  • Others




Based on Product




  • Zinc stearate




  • Calcium stearate




  • Aluminum stearate




  • Magnesium stearate




  • Others




Based on Application




  • Polymer industry




  • Rubber industry




  • Building and construction 




  • Paints and different coats




  • Pharmaceuticals




  • Cosmetics




  • Others




Based on type




  • Aluminum




  • Zinc




  • Magnesium




  • Calcium




  • Potassium




  • Copper




  • Nickel




  • Cadmium




  • Lithium




  • sodium stearates




Regional analysis


The Asia-pacific region is exhibiting a higher metallic stearates market share and is expected to grow with a CAGR of 6% during the forecast period. The increasing demand for the end products across China, India, and other countries in the Asia-pacific region is considered as the major driver of metallic stearates market growth. Asia-pacific region possesses several industries such as building and construction and manufacturing industries which manufacture the products such as plastics, rubber. Such factors are projecting higher demand for metallic stearates.


Similarly, other end-user applications such as pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, polymers, rubbers, and other manufacturing industries in the Asia-pacific region due to the presence of cheap labor and favorable resources are propelling the overall growth of metallic stearates industry. 


Competitive landscape




  • IRRH Specialty Chemicals




  • Dover Chemical Corporation




  • Seoul Fine Chemical Ind. Co., Ltd.




  • Baerlocher GmbH




  • Lumega Industries






  • Marathwada Chemicals




  • Peter Greven GmbH & Co. KG




  • Nimbasia Stabilizers




  • Valtris Specialty Chemicals




  • James M. Brown Ltd.




  • Sun Ace Kakoh (Pte.) Limited. 




Recent developments


In the year 2020, one of the leading market players, Ravago Chemicals North America has partnered with another leading market player, Valtris Speciality chemicals which are known for its metallic stearates production and the varied portfolio for the varied end-user industries such as Food, nutraceutical, and pharmaceutical, personal care and significant others.In the year 2017, one of the leading market players, Baerlocher USA has announced the expansion of their metal soap production facility, where the expansion is expected to be over 50% because of the growing market demand and the rapid innovation.


Report overview:


 This report has covered:




  • Market overview




  • COVID 19 Analysis




  • Market dynamics




  • Cumulative growth analysis




  • Value chain analysis




  • Segment overview




  • Regional analysis




  • Competitive landscape




  • Recent developments




Segmentation Table:


Based on end-user applications:




  • Paints and coatings




  • Polymer and rubber industry




  • Building and construction 




  • Pharmaceuticals and cosmetics




  • Others




Based on Product:




  • Zinc stearate




  • Calcium stearate




  • Aluminum stearate




  • Magnesium stearate




  • Others




Based on Application:




  • Polymer industry




  • Rubber industry




  • Building and construction 




  • Paints and different coats




  • Pharmaceuticals




  • Cosmetics




  • Others




Based on type:




  • Aluminum




  • Zinc




  • Magnesium




  • Calcium




  • Potassium




  • Copper




  • Nickel




  • Cadmium




  • Lithium




  • sodium stearates



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