Surfactants are surface active agents composed of hydrophilic and hydrophobic ends. The surfactants market is segmented based on the charge of the hydrophilic end, falling into three categories: Anionic, Non-Ionic, and Cationic. Anionic surfactants bear a negative charge on the hydrophilic end, produce foam when agitated, and are ineffective in removing oily stains. Some examples of anionic surfactants include sulfates, sulfonates, carboxylates, and phosphates. On the other hand, cationic surfactants boast a positive charge on their hydrophilic end and are commonly used in hair conditioners and fabric softeners. Non-ionic surfactants, which lack electrical charge, find applications in personal care products, agrochemicals, and industrial cleaners.
Source: Secondary & Primary Research and Prismane Consulting estimates
In terms of surfactants market by application, the surfactants market is segmented into laundry detergents, industrial cleaners, household cleaners, textiles, lubricants, food & beverages, cosmetic & personal care, oilfield chemicals, agrochemicals, and others.
Leading manufacturers in the surfactants industry include:
During the COVID-19 pandemic, demand soared for household cleaners, laundry detergents, and cosmetic & personal care products such as soaps, shampoos, body washes, and hand sanitizers. This surge was driven by increased hygiene concerns, spurring demand for surfactants.
However, the surfactants market faces competition from the development of biobased surfactants. For instance, L’Oreal is investing in a joint venture with Unilever, Kao, and Genomatica to create bio-based surfactants from plant sugars for personal care products.
In September 2022, Stepan Company acquired the surfactants business and associated assets of PerformanX Specialty Chemicals, aiming to boost its annual revenue by approximately USD 20 million.
Solvay introduced a new surfactant, Reactsurf 2490, in November 2022, catering to customers in Asia, Europe, and Latin America. It finds applications in coatings, pressure-sensitive adhesives, paint binders, adhesives & sealants, textile & nonwoven binders, paper coatings, and building & construction. This new surfactant is alkylphenol ethoxylate-free and safeguards adhesives & coatings from surfactant leaching.
Solvay also launched bio-surfactants, Mirasoft SL L60 and Mirasoft SL A60, derived from rapeseed oil and sugar in April 2022, targeting the beauty & personal care products sector.
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