Hand Sanitizer Market Report Research Report

Market Overview:

The global hand sanitizer market size reached US$ 5.3 Billion in 2022. Looking forward, IMARC Group expects the market to reach US$ 3.3 Billion by 2028.

A hand sanitizer, or a hand rub, is an antiseptic solution applied on the hands to remove disease-causing pathogens from the skin. It is commonly available in foam, gel and liquid-based variants and consists of alcohol, water, emollients, polyacrylates, artificial and natural colors and fragrances. The alcohol used in hand sanitizers includes ethanol and isopropanol, which instantly denatures proteins and destroys the lipid-based coatings of certain bacteria and viruses. The water acts as a carrier for the ingredients and bonds with the hydrogel. The emollients and other ingredients are added in small quantities to protect the skin from dryness caused by the alcohol, neutralize the acidic effects of polyacrylate and enhance the smell and appearance of the product. Currently, alcohol-free variants are also available, which are manufactured using glycerin, thickening agents and disinfectants, such as benzalkonium chloride (BAC) and other antimicrobial agents.

Hand sanitizers also contain humectants that attract and lock moisture in the hands and do not remove natural oils from the skin despite repetitive use. In comparison to the traditionally used soap, these sanitizers are more effective and gentler on the skin. As coronavirus disease (COVID-19) continues to spread across the globe, there has been a significant increase in the demand for hand sanitizers in schools, hospitals, residential and commercial complexes and other public spaces. However, with the ease of lockdown regulations and an overall decline in the number of cases globally, there is a significant drop in the demand and sales of hand sanitizers. 

Global Hand Sanitizer Market Trends:

The Spread of Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Across the Globe

With the sudden outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, the World Health Organization (WHO) has recommended the use of hand sanitizers for self-preservation and minimizing the spread of the coronavirus. The increasing number of deaths caused by the virus has further triggered an alarming response from consumers, thereby increasing the emphasis of consumers on hand hygiene as a preventive measure from contracting the infection. Hand sanitizers contain a high percentage of alcohol, which removes the envelope coating of the virus, thereby making it non-infectious and providing continuous protection to the user.

Rising Health Consciousness Among the Masses

The increasing demand for hand sanitizers is further supported by the rising prevalence of various gastrointestinal, respiratory and skin infections among the masses. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers can minimize the transmission of harmful bacteria and viruses present on the skin or palm of the hands, thereby reducing the instances of stomach infections, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting. In comparison to the traditionally used hand washes and soaps, hand sanitizers contain ingredients that can also aid in minimizing dryness and irritation on the skin. Product manufacturers are developing sanitizers with natural and organic ingredients that do not cause allergies and are non-toxic in nature.

The Introduction of Novel Variants and Dispensers

The market is also driven by the launch of innovative hand sanitizers infused with floral and fruit fragrances. Product manufacturers are developing easy-to-use and portable foam and gel-based sanitizers in sachets and mini-bottles. The gel-based sanitizers have a thin and watery consistency that spread and penetrate the skin quickly to neutralize the pathogens. Similarly, foam-based hand sanitizers are also highly convenient to use and do not need to be rubbed off. Manufacturers are launching products in innovative flavors, such as strawberry, green apple, litchi and orange, in novel hands-free automatic sensor-based and foot-operated dispensers.

Product Availability Through Online Retail Channels

The market is also driven by the proliferation of online retail channels and social media platforms. Consumers are increasingly becoming aware of the availability of premium personal care and hygiene products and are widely adopting healthy lifestyles. Product vendors are using innovative marketing strategies to promote sanitation products through influential celebrities and sports personalities to reach and attract a broader consumer base. They are also developing attractive packaging to grab the consumer’s attention and provide them with an authentic and luxurious experience through their high-quality products. Through online retail platforms, consumers are now able to place orders from the convenience of their homes and the product manufacturers and vendors are able to reach the audiences present in remote locations.

Key Market Segmentation:

IMARC Group provides an analysis of the key trends in each sub-segment of the global hand sanitizer market report, along with forecasts at the global, regional and country level from 2023-2028. Our report has categorized the market based on product form, product type, distribution channel and end use.

Breakup by Product Form:

• Gel
• Liquid
• Spray
• Foam
• Others
   

Breakup by Product Type:

• Alcohol-Based
• Non-Alcohol Based
   

 Breakup by Distribution Channel:

• B2B
  • Hospitals
  • Other Institutions
• Retail
  • Hypermarkets/Supermarkets
  • Pharmacy Stores
  • Departmental Stores
  • Online Stores
  • Others
     

Breakup by End Use:

• Hospitals
• Households
• Manufacturing
• Hospitality
• Restaurants
• Government/Utilities (Except Educational Institutes)
• Schools and Educational Institutes
• Enterprise and Commercial Facilities
• Recreational and Entertainment Centers
• Agriculture
• Others
   

Breakup by Region:

• North America
  • United States
  • Canada
• Europe
  • Germany
  • United Kingdom
  • France
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • Russia
  • Others
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • India
  • Japan
  • South Korea
  • Australia
  • Indonesia
  • Others
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Others
• Middle East and Africa

Competitive Landscape:

The report has also analyzed the competitive landscape of the market with some of the top hand sanitizer manufacturers being Reckitt Benckiser Group PLC, The Himalaya Drug Company, The Procter & Gamble Company, Henkel AG & Company, Unilever PLC, Vi-Jon Laboratories Inc., Gojo Industries, Inc., Sanofi S.A., Kutol Products Company, Inc., and The 3M Company.

Report Coverage: