Product Launch (Blog)

Mar, 20 2025

Leading Players in the Global Surfactant Market: Driving Innovation and Sustainability in Consumer and Industrial Applications

The global surfactant market is experiencing robust growth, driven by the increasing demand for surfactants in industries such as personal care, home care, industrial cleaning, and oilfield chemicals. Surfactants, known for their ability to lower surface tension and improve the performance of products, are widely used in cosmetics, detergents, shampoos, and soaps. In the industrial sector, surfactants are crucial for emulsification, cleaning, and enhanced oil recovery. The market is also witnessing a shift toward more sustainable and eco-friendly surfactants, as consumers and manufacturers become more conscious of environmental impact and the need for biodegradable and non-toxic ingredients. The rising trend of green chemistry and natural formulations is driving the growth of plant-derived and bio-based surfactants, particularly in personal care and home care products.

Global Surfactant Market is valued at USD 60.70 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach USD 85.59 billion by 2031, with a growing CAGR of 4.4% during the forecast period 2024 to 2031.

To know more, visit https://www.databridgemarketresearch.com/reports/global-surfactant-market

Below are the Top Surfactant Companies with a Significant Market Share:

Rank

Company

Overview

Product Portfolio

Sales Geographical Coverage

Developments

1.

Dow

Dow is a global leader in chemicals, materials science, and specialty products, with a strong presence in the surfactant market. The company offers a broad range of surfactants used in industries such as personal care, home care, industrial cleaning, agriculture, and coatings. Dow’s surfactants are known for their excellent wetting, foaming, and emulsifying properties, making them essential in detergents, cosmetics, and agrochemical formulations.

  • Nonionic Surfactants
  • Anionic Surfactants

North America, South America, Middle East and Africa, Asia-Pacific, and Europe

In January 2022, Dow was recognized by the Business Intelligence Group with multiple 2022 BIG Innovation Awards. This honor is awarded to organizations and people who bring new ideas, big or small, to life. Dow also received three awards from the same organization in 2021.

2.

BASF SE

BASF is a global leader in chemicals and materials, including the production of surfactants. The company offers a wide range of surfactants for industries such as personal care, home care, agriculture, and industrial applications. BASF’s surfactants are renowned for their performance and eco-friendly profiles, with a focus on enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of formulations in cleaning products, cosmetics, and agrochemicals.

  • Surfactants

North America, South America, Middle East and Africa, Asia-Pacific, and Europe

In June 2021, BASF SE Home Care, I&I, and Industrial Formulators of Europe's business expanded its portfolio of palm-based surfactants with RSPO (Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil) certifications. This helped the company to meet consumer demand for environment-friendly products in the detergents and cleaners industry.

3.

Sasol Ltd.

Sasol is a global integrated chemicals and energy company with a significant share in the surfactant market. Sasol produces a wide range of surfactants, including anionic, nonionic, and amphoteric surfactants, used in personal care, home care, industrial, and agricultural products. Sasol’s surfactants are highly valued for their performance and versatility in various formulations, from detergents to emulsions.

  • Nonionic Surfactants
  • Anionic Surfactants
  • Fatty Acid Esters and amines
  • Alkylamine Alkoxylates
  • Hydrotropics
  • Polyethylene Glycols

 

North America, South America, Middle East and Africa, Asia-Pacific, and Europe

 In October 2023, Sasol Chemicals, a business unit of Sasol Ltd., announced the launch of CARINEX and LIVINEX, two brands that will broaden Sasol's sustainable product portfolio. CARINEX SL and LIVINEX SL, both biosurfactants, are the first products available under these new trademarks.

4.

Evonik Industries AG

Evonik is a leading specialty chemicals company, known for its wide range of surfactants used in personal care, home care, industrial cleaning, and agrochemicals. The company provides innovative surfactants that enhance the performance and stability of formulations. Evonik’s products are used in detergents, shampoos, industrial cleaners, and agricultural products, where they contribute to increased efficiency and sustainability.

  • TEGOSTAB

North America, South America, Africa, Asia-Pacific, and Europe

In January 2024, Evonik Industries AG developed the first product from its industrial-scale plant for sustainable biosurfactants in Slovakia, which was finished ahead of time. The new facility is the world's first to create sustainable rhamnolipid biosurfactants. Evonik Industires AG rhamnolipids are of extraordinarily high quality, and the company IP-protected, fermentation-based manufacturing process gives it a distinct market advantage. 

5.

KLK OLEO

KLK OLEO is a leading manufacturer of oleochemicals and surfactants. The company produces a wide range of surfactants derived from renewable sources, used in industries such as personal care, home care, and industrial applications. KLK OLEO’s natural and biodegradable surfactants are highly sought after for their environmentally friendly properties and superior performance in applications such as shampoos, body washes, cleaning agents, and emulsions.

  • Anionic Surfactants
  • Cationic Surfactants
  • Non-Anionic Surfactants

 

In March 2025, KLK OLEO expanded its portfolio by acquiring a controlling stake in Temix Oleo SpA, a move that enhances its capabilities in producing chlorinated fatty acid methyl esters, which are vital intermediates in manufacturing surfactants.

Conclusion

The global surfactant market is poised for continued growth, supported by strong demand across multiple industries and an increasing emphasis on sustainability and eco-friendly solutions. Innovations in bio-based and natural surfactants are likely to fuel market expansion, particularly in personal care and cleaning products. While challenges such as cost fluctuations and regulatory pressures exist, the market’s future looks promising as companies adapt to evolving consumer preferences and environmental concerns, ensuring the continued demand for effective and sustainable surfactants.


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