Biosurfactants are surface-active compounds that reduce surface and interfacial tension between different substances. Produced by microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, and yeast, biosurfactants are non-toxic and environmentally friendly, and they are increasing gaining traction as an attractive alternative to conventional petrochemicals-based synthetic surfactants. Food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals are currently among key consuming end-uses for biosurfactants, wherein they aid in emulsifying, dispersing, and stabilizing various substances.
Biosurfactants are produced through fermentation by microorganisms like bacteria, yeast, and fungi. The process involves using substrates like glucose or fatty acids, which microorganisms convert into surfactant compounds. Factors such as nutrient type, temperature, and pH levels during fermentation influence the characteristics of the biosurfactants produced.
Biosurfactants Market Segmentation
The biosurfactants market is segmented by type into low molecular weight (sub-segmented further into Glycolipids, Lipopeptides and Others) and high molecular weight (sub-segmented further into Lipoproteins, Polysaccharides, and Others). Glycolipids are widely used owing to their strong emulsifying, wetting, and foaming properties, making them suitable for applications in food, cosmetics, and cleaning products. Lipopeptides are known for their antimicrobial and surface-active properties and are commonly used in healthcare and agricultural products.
In terms of application, the biosurfactants market is segmented into Detergents, Personal Care, Agricultural Chemicals, Food Processing, and Others. Detergents benefit from biosurfactants due to their excellent cleaning and foaming properties, while they are used in personal care products like shampoos, soaps, and lotions for their non-toxicity and skin compatibility. In agricultural chemicals, biosurfactants are used in improve pesticide and herbicide efficacy, while they are used in food processing as emulsifiers and stabilizers in products like margarine and low-fat foods.
The demand (consumption) split by type and by application has been provided for each of the countries/regions considered in the scope in Volume (kilo tons) and Value (USD Million).
Key producing companies in the global Biosurfactants market include Evonik, BASF, AGAE Technologies, SARAYA, Holiferm, Allied Carbon Solutions (ACS), Stepan Company, Kaneka Corp., Givaudan, GlycoSurf, Syensqo, and Shaanxi Deguan Biotechnology.
Biosurfactants is a USD 1.3 billion dollars market as of 2024. Market is poised to reach over USD 8.6 billion by 2034, registering a CAGR of 8.6% between 2025 and 2034.
Recent Developments in the Biosurfactants Market
Driver: Rising Demand for Eco-Friendly and Sustainable Products
The increasing consumer preference for environmentally friendly and sustainable products is a major driver for the biosurfactants market. As industries and consumers alike shift towards “greener” alternatives, the market for biosurfactants is poised to augment. Their use across various sectors, including personal care, agriculture, and food processing, is growing rapidly as they align with global shift toward sustainability.
Restraint: High Production Costs and Limited Raw Material Availability
The high production costs of biosurfactants, primarily due to the complex manufacturing processes and limited feedstock availability, is a restraining factor for its market growth. Further, scaling-up of the assets would require advanced technologies and substantial investment. These factors can make biosurfactants more expensive compared to traditional surfactants, limiting their widespread adoption in price-sensitive industries.
The Biosurfactants report describes the global Biosurfactants market, with focus on the country, type and application. The study provides
Market Data & Forecast (Short-term and Long-term)
Country Summaries & Product Review
Note: Demand Analysis has been provided for all major Regions / Countries as mentioned below. The demand (consumption) split by type and by application has been provided for each of the countries/regions in Volume (kilo tons) and Value (USD Million).
Note: CAGR will be calculated for Biosurfactants by type and by application to arrive at the regional/global demand growth for the forecast period (2025 – 2034)
Note: This section includes company information, company financials, manufacturing bases, and operating regions. Company financials have been mentioned only for those companies where financials were available in SEC Filings, annual reports, or company websites. All the reported financials in this report are in U.S. Dollars. Financials reported in other currencies have been converted using average currency conversion rates. Company profiles may include manufacturers, suppliers, and distributors.
The Biosurfactants report describes the global Biosurfactants market, with focus on the country, type and application. The study provides
Market Data & Forecast (Short-term and Long-term)
Country Summaries & Product Review
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