Low Foam Surfactants Market by Application, Type, and Geography - Forecast and Analysis 2023-2027

Low Foam Surfactants Market Forecast 2023-2027

The low foam surfactants market is estimated to grow by USD 5.84 billion at a CAGR of 6.21% between 2022 and 2027. The growth of the market depends on several factors, including rising demand for personal care products, rising demand from developing economies, and increasing use of low foaming surfactant in detergents and cleaning agents. These surfactants are essential in various applications where minimal foam formation is required. The key players in the Low Foam Surfactants market include Oilfield Chemicals, Evonik Industries, BASF, and Dow Chemical. The demand for Low Foam Surfactants is driven by the increasing usage in industries such as oilfield, pharmaceuticals, and personal care. In the oilfield industry, these surfactants are used in enhanced oil recovery processes to reduce the viscosity of the oil and improve the flow rate. In the pharmaceutical industry, they are used in the formulation of drugs to enhance their solubility and bioavailability.

What will be the size of the Market During the Forecast Period?

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Market Dynamics and Customer Landscape

The personal care industry is another major consumer of Low Foam Surfactants. They are used in the production of shampoos, conditioners, and body washes to provide a rich lather without excessive foam. The use of Low Foam Surfactants in these applications helps to improve the consumer experience by providing a more luxurious feel. The market for Low Foam Surfactants is expected to grow at a steady pace due to the increasing demand from various end-use industries. The use of biodegradable and eco-friendly Low Foam Surfactants is also gaining popularity due to growing environmental concerns. The development of new and innovative Low Foam Surfactants is expected to further drive the growth of the market. The market is a growing segment in the global surfactants industry, driven by the increasing demand from various end-use industries such as oilfield, pharmaceuticals, and personal care. The market is expected to grow steadily due to the development of new and innovative products and the increasing demand for eco-friendly and biodegradable surfactants. Our researchers analyzed the data with 2022 as the base year and the key drivers, trends, and challenges. A holistic analysis of drivers will help companies refine their marketing strategies to gain a competitive advantage.

Key Driver

The rising demand for personal care products is notably driving market growth. The high consumption of surfactants in personal care applications has contributed to the growing use of cosmetics such as hair care, skincare, and baby care products.  In industrial sectors, these surfactants play a vital role in industrial cleaning applications, mechanized dishwashing, metal maintenance, and oilfield chemicals. They are also essential in household detergents, including laundry care detergents and soaps and detergents, where they provide mild detergency actions and contribute to particle stabilization. Lifestyle changes and increasing interest in personal cleanliness have led to a surge in demand for low-foaming surfactants in personal care products, such as shampoos, skincare creams, and soaps. These surfactants offer sustainability criteria, including water absorption, water hardness, and wetting qualities, making them ideal for use in personal care products. Moreover, the plastics industry and naval construction also utilize low-foaming surfactants for their excellent viscosity-building properties. Non-ionic surfactants, such as betaines, are commonly used due to their ability to produce foam and their natural origin. In summary, low-foaming surfactants have a vital role in various industries, from industrial processes to personal care products, and their use is expected to continue growing due to their sustainability criteria and desirable properties.. In lipstick and make-up, surfactants are mainly used in the dispersion of color pigments. Hence, the growing demand for cosmetic products is expected to boost the demand for surfactants, which will drive the market growth and trends during the forecast period.

Significant Trend

The growing demand for bio-based surfactants is an emerging market trend. Biosurfactants are amphiphilic compounds that are produced on the surfaces of living organisms or discharged extracellularly. They have both hydrophilic and hydrophobic parts, which makes them capable of reducing the surface tension between a liquid and a solid surface or two liquid surfaces.  Major players, such as Clariant International, offer low-foaming surfactants like Genapol EP 0244, Genapol PN 30, and Genapol EP 2564, which are utilized in various sectors. These include metal maintenance, mechanized dishwashing, and oilfield chemicals. Low-foaming surfactants play a vital role in industrial processes, such as the plastics industry, naval construction, and milk machine cleaning, due to their mild detergency actions, water absorption, and wetting qualities. The growing purchasing power and lifestyle changes have led to an increased demand for sustainable surfactants, such as natural and non-ionic types, in laundry care detergents, shampoos, skincare creams, and soaps and detergents. Moreover, low-foaming surfactants are essential in formulating products that meet sustainability criteria, such as particle stabilization and water hardness management. They serve as substitutes for high-foaming surfactants, contributing to cost savings and enhanced product performance. Overall, low-foaming surfactants continue to play a significant role in various industries, from personal cleanliness to industrial applications. The rising demand coupled with their advantages and the growing focus of companies on developing bio-based surfactants, are expected to boost the growth of the global market during the forecast period.

Major Challenge

The availability of substitutes is a major challenge impeding the market growth. Anionic surfactants with similar characteristics are substitutes for low-foam surfactants. Non-ionic surfactants such as fatty alcohol ethoxylates, amine oxides, sulfoxides, cocamide monoethanolamine, and cocamide diethanolamine, is experiencing growth in various industries due to their vital role in applications like household detergents, laundry care detergents, and industrial cleaning processes. The increasing interest in low-foaming surfactants is driven by their mild detergency actions, water absorption, and wetting qualities, making them suitable for applications where foam is undesirable. However, the high cost of production, primarily due to the expensive raw materials and economies of scale, limits their use in some industries and applications. This includes industrial processes like metal maintenance, naval construction, oilfield chemicals, plastics industry, and particle stabilization. In addition, low-foaming surfactants are used in personal care products like shampoos, skincare creams, and soaps and detergents, as well as in mechanized dishwashing and milk machine cleaning. Despite their high cost, low-foaming surfactants offer sustainability criteria and are often used as substitutes for conventional anionic surfactants due to their superior performance in certain applications. The purchasing power and water hardness also influence the cost and usage of low-foaming surfactants. Natural surfactants are gaining popularity as a more sustainable alternative, but their production cost and performance characteristics need to be optimized to compete with synthetic low-foaming surfactants.

Anionic surfactants are suitable for detergents and home cleaning applications due to their performance, cost-effectiveness, and effective cleaning properties. They get ionized in solution and carry a negative charge, which mainly helps in lifting and suspending particulate soils. They are the commonly used surfactants in dishwashing liquids, laundry detergents, and shampoos because of their cleaning properties. Hence, the increasing use of anionic surfactants as a suitable alternative, especially in household and industrial cleaning applications, will pose a challenge to the global market during the forecast period.

Customer Landscape

The market growth and forecasting report includes the adoption lifecycle of the market, covering from the innovator’s stage to the laggard’s stage. It focuses on adoption rates in different regions based on penetration. Furthermore, the market forecasting report also includes key purchase criteria and drivers of price sensitivity to help companies evaluate and develop their growth strategies.

Customer Landscape

Who are the Major Low Foam Surfactants Market Companies?

Companies are implementing various strategies, such as strategic alliances, partnerships, mergers and acquisitions, geographical expansion, and product/service launches, to enhance their presence in the market.

Galaxy Surfactants Ltd. - The company offers surfactants and speciality chemicals for cleaning and personal care space. 

The market forecasting report also includes detailed analyses of the competitive landscape of the market and information about 15 market companies, including:

• Air Products and Chemicals Inc.
• Akzo Nobel NV
• Arkema SA
• Ashland Inc.
• BASF SE
• Clariant International Ltd.
• Croda International Plc
• Dow Inc.
• Enaspol A.S.
• EOC Group
• Huntsman Corp.
• Innospec Inc.
• Kao Corp.
• KLK Oleo
• Marubeni Corp.

Qualitative and quantitative analysis of companies has been conducted to help clients understand the wider business environment as well as the strengths and weaknesses of key market players. Data is qualitatively analyzed to categorize companies as pure play, category-focused, industry-focused, and diversified; it is quantitatively analyzed to categorize companies as dominant, leading, robust, tentative, and weak.

Market Segmentation

The market is experiencing significant growth due to the increasing demand for eco-friendly and sustainable cleaning solutions. These surfactants, which include Galaxyl and Surfactants, are gaining popularity for their ability to produce less foam during the cleaning process. This reduces the amount of water required for rinsing, leading to water savings and cost efficiency. Additionally, the use of low foam surfactants in industries such as personal care, agriculture, and food processing is increasing due to their effectiveness in various applications. The market for these surfactants is expected to grow at a steady pace in the coming years, driven by factors such as increasing consumer awareness and government regulations promoting the use of eco-friendly products. The Indian and Chinese markets are expected to be major contributors to this growth due to their large populations and growing economies. Overall, the The market is an exciting space to watch as it continues to evolve and meet the changing needs of various industries.

By Application

The market share growth by the home and personal care segment will be significant during the forecast period. The  market holds a vital role in the production of household detergents and personal care products. The increasing interest in maintaining personal cleanliness and improving industrial cleaning applications drives the demand for these surfactants.Increasing demand for cleaning and maintaining sanity and growing adoption of personal care products are the major factors that are expected to boost the demand for low-foam surfactants for home and personal care applications during the forecast period. 

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The home and personal care segment was valued at USD 3.53 billion in 2017 and continued to grow until 2021. Low-foaming surfactants, such as non-ionic types, enhance the wetting qualities of water in various applications, including dishwashing, laundry care detergents, and floor and wall cleaning formulations. Industrial processes, including metal maintenance, naval construction, and oilfield chemicals, also rely on low-foaming surfactants for particle stabilization. Sustainability criteria and lifestyle changes have led to the adoption of sustainable surfactants, like natural ones, in various industries. Low-foaming surfactants are essential in mechanized dishwashing, shampoos, skincare creams, and soaps and detergents. They help reduce surface tension, improve water absorption, and mitigate the effects of water hardness. In the plastics industry, they are used as substitutes for harsh chemicals. Overall, the growing purchasing power and the need for mild detergency actions in various applications are expected to boost the demand for low-foaming surfactants during the forecast period.

The growing demand for such formulations from residential users is expected to drive the demand for a wide range of low-foam surfactants. Moreover, the rising adoption of body washes, mild shampoos, and hand washes, among others, is expected to drive the demand for low-foam surfactants for their formulation. In addition, the growing demand for low irritation potential and skin-compatible surfactants is also expected to drive the demand for low foam surfactants for the formulation. Furthermore, rapid growth in urbanization, coupled with the economic stability of consumers in several countries across the world, is one of the major factors that boost the demand for home and personal care products. This, in turn, is expected to foster the growth of this segment in the global market during the forecast period.

By Type

The market encompasses various types of surfactants, including bio-based non-ionic surfactants, used in diverse applications. These surfactants offer advantages such as hardness stability, excellent grease removal, and foam stability. They are commonly found in household cleaners, laundry products, and dishwashing liquids. Agrochemicals and automotive industries utilize amphoteric and cationic surfactants for their antibacterial and antimicrobial properties. Coatings compositions in automotive paints and construction benefit from surfactants' defoaming capabilities and dispersal properties. Detergents for commercial cleaning and sanitation require surfactants for detergency, dirt elimination, and conditioning. Bio-based surfactants, like Arkema's Sensio, contribute to greener and sustainable surfactants in home care applications, including fabric softeners, face washes, and floor cleaners. Galaxy Surfactants also offers non-ionic surfactants for foam stability and gentle detergent characteristics. Environmental regulations drive the expansion of the market towards caustic and acid stability, and foamy compositions. Surfactants play a crucial role in various industries, from home care to industrial applications.

Regional Analysis

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APAC is estimated to contribute 37% to the growth of the global market during the forecast period. Technavio’s analysts have elaborately explained the regional trends and drivers that shape the market during the forecast period.

The share of APAC is expected to grow significantly in the global market due to the growing demand for surfactants from various industries such as personal care, textiles, detergents, and food and dairy processes. Moreover, increasing urbanization, coupled with the rising consumption of laundry cleaners in households, will considerably increase the demand for detergents in countries such as China and India, which, in turn, is expected to fuel the growth of the market in the region during the forecast period.

The emergence of China and India as manufacturing hubs for several industries, such as paper, textile, and pharmaceuticals, is expected to drive industrial and institutional cleaning, which, in turn, is expected to foster the demand for low-foam surfactants for the development of cleaning products. The diversity of personal care products offers lucrative opportunities for the growth of the market in the region. The growing demand for hair care products, body lotions, skin creams, and low-foam shampoos is expected to augment the growth of the market in APAC. Furthermore, the growing demand for bio-degradable and eco-friendly low-foam surfactants in personal care and other applications is also expected to drive the market in the region during the forecast period.

Market Analyst Overview

The market is witnessing robust growth driven by increasing demand for greener and sustainable surfactants. As consumer awareness rises, particularly in highly populated countries, there's a notable shift towards products catering to personal cleanliness and environmental sustainability. The market caters to various end-user industries such as household detergents, hard surface cleaners, and industrial processes, with functionality optimized for diverse temperatures and conditions. South American regions are emerging as significant markets for low foam surfactants, driven by expanding chemical industries and changing lifestyle patterns. In the home & personal care segment, these surfactants play a vital role in formulating household and personal care products. With a focus on eco-friendly solutions, manufacturers are adapting to meet the evolving demands of consumers, driving innovation in the sector.

Segment Overview

The market research and growth report forecasts market growth by revenue at global, regional & country levels and provides an analysis of the latest trends and growth opportunities from 2017 to 2027. 

• Type Outlook
  • Non-ionic
  • Cationic
  • Amphoteric

• Application Outlook
  • Home and personal care
  • Industrial and institutional cleaning
  • Food and dairy cleaning
  • Others

• Region Outlook
  • North America
    • The U.S.
    • Canada
  • Europe
    • The U.K.
    • Germany
    • France
    • Rest of Europe
  • APAC
    • China
    • India
  • Middle East & Africa
    • Saudi Arabia
    • South Africa
    • Rest of the Middle East & Africa
  • South America
    • Chile
    • Brazil
    • Argentina

Industry  Scope
Report Coverage	Details
Page number	181
Base year	2022
Historic period	2017 - 2021
Forecast period	2023-2027
Growth momentum & CAGR	Accelerate at a CAGR of 6.21%
Market growth 2023-2027	USD 5.84 billion
Market structure	USD Fragmented
YoY growth 2022-2023(%)	5.59
Regional analysis	APAC, Europe, North America, Middle East and Africa, and South America
Performing market contribution	APAC at 37%
Key countries	US, China, Japan, Germany, and Russia
Competitive landscape	Leading Companies, Market Positioning of Companies, Competitive Strategies, and Industry Risks
Key companies profiled	Air Products and Chemicals Inc., Akzo Nobel NV, Arkema SA, Ashland Inc., BASF SE, Clariant International Ltd., Croda International Plc, Dow Inc., Enaspol A.S., EOC Group, Galaxy Surfactants Ltd., Huntsman Corp., Innospec Inc., Kao Corp., KLK Oleo, Marubeni Corp., Nufarm Ltd., RAG Stiftung, Solvay SA, Stepan Co., and The Lubrizol Corp.
Market dynamics	Parent market analysis, Market growth inducers and obstacles, Fast-growing and slow-growing segment analysis, Market growth and Forecasting, COVID 19 impact and recovery analysis and future consumer dynamics, Market condition analysis for forecast period
Customization purview	If our report has not included the data that you are looking for, you can reach out to our analysts and get segments customized.

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What are the Key Data Covered in this Market Research Report?

• CAGR of the market during the forecast period
• Detailed information on factors that will drive the growth of the market between 2023 and 2027
• Precise estimation of the size of the market size and its contribution to the parent market
• Accurate predictions about upcoming trends and changes in consumer behavior
• Growth of the industry across APAC, Europe, North America, Middle East and Africa, and South America
• Our market trends and analysis report includes a thorough analysis of the market’s competitive landscape and detailed information about companies
• Comprehensive analysis of factors that will challenge the growth of market companies

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