Surfactants Market Size To Reach $71,748.7 Million By 2033

July 2025 | Report Format: Electronic (PDF)

Surfactants Market Growth & Trends

The global surfactants market size is anticipated to reach USD 71,748.7 million by 2033, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc. The market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.3% from 2025 to 2033. Development of detergents market predominantly in Latin America and Asia Pacific as a result of rising disposable income levels is likely to drive market growth. Moreover, growing oilfield chemicals demand on account of speedily growing E&P activities in China and North America is also expected to drive the global surfactants market.

Surfactants are used to diminish surface tension between a solid and a liquid or between two liquids in the form of emulsifiers, wetting agents, foaming agents, detergents or dispersants. They are used in numerous end-use industries for instance cosmetics, agrochemicals and pharmaceuticals. Constant progress in these sectors is projected to assist the major industry participants.

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Surfactants Market Report Highlights

The synthetic segment secured the dominant market share in 2024 owing to their low production costs and easy availability. Anionic surfactants, in particular, gained prominence for their affordability and widespread use in household detergents, shampoos, and cleaning products.
The bio-based segment is expected to register the fastest CAGR of 5.7% during the forecast period. The demand for sustainable technologies has led to the increased adoption of bio-based surfactants.
The amphoteric surfactants segment dominated with 86.5% of the market share in 2024. These products are known for their mildness and skin-friendly nature which makes them ideal for application in baby care products, sensitive skin products, and high-end cosmetics.
Non-ionic surfactants are expected to emerge as the fastest-growing segment over the forecast period. Their excellent stability in hard and soft water, low toxicity, and mildness on skin and eyes make them suitable for extensive applications in personal care, home care, and industrial cleaning.
The homecare segment dominated the market in 2024. Surfactants have been majorly used in household cleaning products such as cleaners, sanitizers, hand wash, laundry detergents, and dishwashing liquids.
The Asia Pacific surfactants market accounted for the dominant market share of 35.07% in 2024 owing to population growth, rapid urbanization, and industrialization in the region.

Surfactants Market Segmentation

Grand View Research has segmented the global surfactants market report based on source, product, application, and region:

Surfactants Source Outlook (Volume, Kilotons; Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2033)

Synthetic
Biobased

Surfactants Product Outlook (Volume, Kilotons; Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2033)

Non-Ionic Surfactants
- Alcohol Ethoxylates
  - Fatty Alcohol Ethoxylates
  - Lauryl Alcohol Ethoxylates
  - Ceto Stearyl Alcohol Ethoxylates
  - Behenyl Alcohol Ethoxylate
  - Other Alcohol Ethoxylates
- Alkyl Phenol Ethoxylates
- Fatty Acid Esters
- Fatty Amine Ethoxylates
- (EO-PO) co-ethoxylates
- Other Non-Ionic Surfactants
Amphoteric Surfactants
Others