Global Isostearic Acid Market By Application (Adhesives, Coating & Paintings, Finishing Agents, and Other Applications), By End-User(Cosmetics & Personal Care, Chemical Esters, Lubricant & Greases), By Region and Companies - Industry Segment Outlook, Market Assessment, Competition Scenario, Trends, and Forecast 2023-2032

Report Overview

In 2022, the global isostearic acid market was valued at USD 404.7 million and is expected to reach USD 768.6 million in 2032. This market is estimated to register a CAGR of 6.8% between 2023 and 2032. Isostearic acid is a branched-chain fatty acid commonly used in personal care and cosmetic products such as soaps, shampoos, and skin creams.

It boasts excellent stability and resistance to oxidation, making it an ideal ingredient for these kinds of items. Isostearic acid comes from plant-based oils like castor oil which make it suitable to replace other fatty acids that may not be so stable or more prone to oxidation.

Furthermore, isostearic acid provides several advantages within personal care and cosmetic items including improved consistency/texture of products along with moisturizing/emollient properties.

Key Takeaways

• Market Size: It is projected that the global isostearic acid market will experience a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.8% between 2023-2032.
• Market Trend: Isostearic acid has gained increasing attention within the cosmetics and personal care industries due to its wide array of applications and functional properties, particularly within cosmetics products.
• Application Analysis: Adhesives represented 28% of total revenues in 2022 and were predominantly utilized as additives within adhesive products, paint lubricants, and personal care items.
• End User Analysis: By end-use industry segment, chemical esters are projected to hold the largest revenue share at 37% over time and an expected compound annual growth rate of 6.5% during forecasted years.
• Drivers: An increase in demand for cosmetic and personal care products, increased awareness about sustainable ingredients, and an influx of disposable income are major contributors.
• Restrictions: Reducing regulatory hurdles, limited availability of raw materials and the requirement for technological breakthroughs as means for production is challenging.
• Opportunities: Growth of the cosmetics industry in emerging markets, development of eco-friendly formulations and collaboration for product innovation present significant growth potential for cosmetics makers.
• Challenges: Maintaining quality standards, being cost-efficient, and meeting consumer safety concerns about products.
• Regional Analysis: Asia-Pacific is expected to dominate the global isostearic acid market with 32% market share and projected compound annual growth rates of 7.2% throughout its forecast period.
• Key Players Analysis: Major players in the isosteric acid market include Croda International, Arizona Chemicals, Oleon NV, Nissan Chemicals, Emery Oleochemicals, Jarchem Industries, Inc., KLK EMMERICH GmBH, Santa Cruz Biotechnology, Inc., Vantage Specialty Chemicals, Foreverest Resources Ltd., SysKem Chemie GmbH, Kraton Corporation, Other Key Players.

Driving Factors

Increasing Demand for Personal Care Products Propel the Market Growth

The growing demand for personal care products such as skincare, hair care, and cosmetics is propelling the growth of the isostearic acid market. Isostearic acid is sourced from renewable resources and is considered a sustainable ingredient that contributes to skin health. The growing demand for eco-friendly products is propelling the growth of the isostearic acid market.

The chemical industry is continually finding new uses for isostearic acid, particularly in the production of chemical esters. Technological advances within this sector are fueling demand for isostearic acid as a key raw material. The rising demand for industrial lubricants is fueling the growth of the isostearic acid market.

This lubricant finds application in industrial settings, particularly within automotive and industrial equipment production. Isostearic acid serves as an emulsifier and stabilizer in food processing with processed foods and convenience foods seeing a surge in sales.

Restraining Factors

The Threat of Substitutes will be the Major Restraint

Isostearic acid is increasingly being challenged by other fatty acids and their derivatives, which can serve as substitutes for it in various applications. For example, isostearic acid is commonly employed in the production of chemical esters; however, other fatty acids like lauric acid or stearic acid may also be utilized for this purpose.

The cost of raw materials used in the production of isostearic acid can fluctuate due to various factors, including weather conditions, global economic conditions, and supply chain disruptions. These fluctuations in price can adversely impact the profitability of isostearic acid manufacturers and the cost of the final product.

Furthermore, certain applications of isostearic acid may be subject to regulatory constraints in different countries; for instance, some may have restrictions on using it in food additives which could adversely impact growth prospects for this market within food processing industries.

By Application Analysis

The Adhesives Segment is Dominant

Based on application, the market for isostearic acid is segmented into adhesives, coating & paintings, finishing agents, solvents, surfactants, and other applications. Among these applications, the adhesives segment is the most lucrative in the global isostearic acid market with a projected CAGR of 6.6%.

The total revenue share of the adhesives segment is 28% in 2022. It is used primarily as an additive in adhesives, lubricants for paints, and personal care products.

Isostearic acid is an amphiphilic fatty acid meaning that it has both hydrophobic and hydrophilic ends. As such, it has favorable interactions with both polar and non-polar molecules making it suitable for surfactant use. Furthermore, its oil solubility allows for use as an emulsifier or dispersant in many oils. With these qualities in place, isostearic acid makes for a useful additive in various industries.

By End-User Analysis

The Chemical Esters Segment is Dominant

Based on end-user, the market is segmented into cosmetics & personal care, chemical esters, lubricant & greases, and other end-users. Among these end-users, the chemical esters segment is estimated to be the most lucrative segment in the global isostearic acid market, with the largest revenue share of 37% and a projected CAGR of 6.5% during the forecast period.

Isostearic acid can be utilized to produce various chemical esters, such as isopropyl isostearate, glyceryl isostearate, and isostearyl isostearate. These chemical esters possess unique properties which make them valuable ingredients in various applications.

Isostearic acid’s excellent emollient and moisturizing qualities make it an ideal ingredient in personal care products like lotions, creams, and soaps; its demand for personal care items is expected to increase over the forecast period due to these properties.

Key Market Segments

Based on Application

• Adhesives
• Coating & Paintings
• Finishing Agents
• Solvents
• Surfactants
• Other Applications

Based on End-User

• Cosmetics & Personal Care
• Chemical Esters
• Lubricant & Greases
• Other End-Users

Growing Opportunities

New Applications in Various Sectors Further Fueling Market Demand

Isostearic acid is derived from renewable resources and is considered a bio-based product. With the rising demand for eco-friendly and sustainable items, the growth of the isostearic acid market will likely be stimulated, particularly in regions with stringent environmental regulations. Isostearic acid has numerous applications in industries such as personal care, chemical esters, lubricants, and food additives.

With ongoing research and development in these sectors, new applications for isostearic acid could emerge, Further fueling its demand. Additionally, sustainability initiatives and green chemistry initiatives are driving demand for bio-based products such as isostearic acid; this trend could further expand its usage across various applications.

Latest Trends

Rising Demand for Eco-friendly and Sustainable Items

The trend towards sustainable and eco-friendly products has created an increased demand for bio-based chemicals such as isostearic acid. Utilizing bio-based isostearic acid reduces dependence on petrochemicals while helping to reduce carbon emissions. Isostearic acid is widely used in personal care products such as lipstick, skin creams, and shampoos due to its emollient and moisturizing qualities.

With the increasing demand for these items in the personal care space is expected to fuel growth in the isostearic acid market. Isostearic acid is used as a raw material in the production of ester-based lubricants. With rising demand for these lubricants in automotive and industrial sectors, isostearic acid market growth is anticipated. Furthermore, many manufacturers are expanding their production capacities to meet this rising demand, which should increase supply and reduce prices of this essential chemical.

Regional Analysis

Asia-Pacific is Dominant Region in Global Isostearic Acid Market

APAC is anticipated to be the most dominant region in the global isostearic acid market with the largest market share of 32% and is projected to register a CAGR of 7.2% during the forecast period. The isostearic acid market in APAC is expected to experience rapid growth due to rising demand from various end-use industries such as personal care, lubricants, and chemicals.

China and India’s expanding populations and rising disposable income are fueling demand for personal care products, which in turn is driving up demand for isostearic acid in this region. North American demand for isostearic acid is the second largest due to growth within cosmetic and personal care industries, particularly the United States due to large manufacturers present there and high consumer interest for such items.

Key Regions and Countries

• North America
  • The US
  • Canada
  • Mexico
• Western Europe
  • Germany
  • France
  • The UK
  • Spain
  • Italy
  • Portugal
  • Ireland
  • Austria
  • Switzerland
  • Benelux
  • Nordic
  • Rest of Western Europe
• Eastern Europe
  • Russia
  • Poland
  • The Czech Republic
  • Greece
  • Rest of Eastern Europe
• APAC
  • China
  • Japan
  • South Korea
  • India
  • Australia & New Zealand
  • Indonesia
  • Malaysia
  • Philippines
  • Singapore
  • Thailand
  • Vietnam
  • Rest of APAC
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Colombia
  • Chile
  • Argentina
  • Costa Rica
  • Rest of Latin America
• Middle East & Africa
  • Algeria
  • Egypt
  • Israel
  • Kuwait
  • Nigeria
  • Saudi Arabia
  • South Africa
  • Turkey
  • United Arab Emirates
  • Rest of MEA

Key Players Analysis

The global isostearic acids industry is highly fragmented with only a few large-scale vendors controlling most of the market share. Most producers of isostearic acids manufacture products on a smaller scale for environmental reasons. Companies are investing thoroughly in research & development activities with the aim of creating environment-friendly items. Successful players often pursue key strategies like expanding product portfolios or merging and acquisitions.

Market Key Players

• Croda International
• Arizona Chemicals
• Oleon NV
• Nissan Chemicals
• Emery Oleochemicals
• Jarchem Industries, Inc.
• KLK EMMERICH GmBH
• Santa Cruz Biotechnology, Inc.
• Vantage Specialty Chemicals
• Foreverest Resources Ltd.
• SysKem Chemie GmbH
• Kraton Corporation
• Other Key Players

Recent Developments

• Emery Oleochemicals and Univar Solutions signed a distribution agreement in 2020 to expand the distribution of Emery’s bio-based isostearic acid products throughout Europe.
• Croda International plc released an isostearic acid-based emulsifier in 2021 for personal care and cosmetic applications.

Report Scope