Medicated Soap Market

Medicated Soap Market Outlook (2022 to 2032)

The Global Medicated Soap Market was valued at US$ 13.6 billion at the end of 2021 and is forecasted to expand at a CAGR of 6.1% to reach a market valuation of US$ 26.3 billion by the end of 2032. According to this new study by Persistence Market Research, South Asia is the leading regional market with a share of 26.6% as of 2021.

Soaps made of antiseptics or similar ingredients that comply with the quality requirements outlined by organizations, such as the rules under the Foodstuffs, Cosmetics, and Disinfectants Act of 1972 (Act 54 of 1972), are considered medicated soaps.

Medicated soaps speed up the healing process to treat skin issues such as acne, eczema, dry skin, dandruff, rosacea, contact dermatitis, sunburns, hyperpigmentation, and seborrheic dermatitis. Over the coming years, demand for medicated soaps is expected to increase due to the growing focus on skin care across the world. Antiseptic soaps and antibiotic soaps are gaining traction owing to their ability to diminish bacterial growth and are widely used in hospitals, nursing homes, and several other healthcare facilities.

Sales of medicated soaps accounted for 58.3% share of the global antiseptic soap market in 2021.

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Sales Analysis of Medicated Soaps (2012 to 2021) Vs. Market Outlook (2022 to 2032)

Sales of medicated soaps increased at a CAGR of 4.8% from 2012 to 2021, mainly owing to a rise in the demand for herbal and natural ingredient soaps. Increasing side effects of chemical-based soaps and rising medical concerns regarding skin care issues have boosted product market growth.

Demand for medicated soaps reached a market value of US$ 33.1 billion in 2021 with a share of 41% of the global soap market.

The market is segmented into antiseptic soaps and skin-sensitive soaps. Several organizations endorse maintaining great hygiene to prevent the spread of diseases.

• For instance, WHO cites cleanliness promotion as the most economical health measure to prevent diseases. In 2020, 70% of individuals utilized basic hygiene services globally.

This is considered to be a great opportunity for the development of the medicated soap market.

A majority of diseases are caused by contamination from unclean hands and a contaminated environment. While consuming food, bacteria present on the hands can enter the body, giving rise to diseases such as diarrhea, which eventually weakens the immune system. Also, Staphylococcus aureus exists on the hair, nasal passages, pharynx, and skin of more than 50% of healthy individuals, which can increase infectious spread.

Thus, regular usage of medicated soaps can reduce bacterial spread. Additionally, other skin care issues caused due to bacterial presence on the skin can be cured by using medicated soaps.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the importance of personal hygiene propelled the demand for soaps to avoid exposure to viral infections and diseases such as flu and cold.

• According to WHO, around 70% of the population around the world uses basic hygiene services. In 2020, 1.6 billion people had access to handwashing facilities without water or soap and 2.3 billion people possessed basic hygiene services (a facility for washing hands with soap and water).

The increasing global need for personal hygiene and skin care has led medicated soap manufacturers to focus on customer-centric models. Manufacturers are focusing on offering products that would meet customers’ demands according to their skin types, made from organic and herbal ingredients. Key players are offering innovative solutions such as liquid soaps that are convenient to use and carry compared to bar soaps.

• In November 2020, Tesco joined the Lifebuoy Soaper Heroes hand hygiene campaign that aims to teach two million elementary school students about proper hand hygiene.

Thus, the aforementioned factors are expected to contribute to the growth of the global medicated soap market at a CAGR of 6.1% during the forecast period from 2022 to 2032.

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What Opportunities Lie Ahead for Medicated Soap Manufacturers?

Increasing number of skin problems such as pimples, acne, rashes, and other skin diseases are propelling the demand for medicated soaps in the market. After eczema, acne is the skin condition that affects people the most, globally. Nearly all adults and teenagers experience acne vulgaris at some point in their life.

• According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association, acne has affected up to 40 million people in the United States aged between 12 and 24, accounting for 85% of cases.

Moreover, to prevent the skin from damaging chemical products, customers are more inclined to purchase medicated products. This is also anticipated to contribute to the expansion of the global market for soaps, especially medicated soaps.

Additionally, growing demand from ecologically concerned new-age consumers for natural products has created opportunities for start-ups to penetrate the market with innovative solutions that meet varied customers’ needs.

• In December 2022, Earth Connection, a Goa, India-based e-Commerce firm, introduced a line of natural handmade soaps and shampoos. The company offers a broad range of products, including glycerin soaps, herbal shampoos, cow ghee, and butter soaps.

Thus, developments in medicated soaps and increasing awareness regarding skin infections are expected to promote market growth over the coming years.

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What Can Dent the Demand Growth for Medicated Soaps to Some Extent?

The availability of alternatives to medicated soaps and higher prices of medicated soaps compared to normal soaps are important factors restraining market growth. People in developing countries may not purchase medicated soaps due to their high prices.

Medicated soaps are made up of chemicals that have antiseptic properties. These chemicals can cause allergic reactions, impeding the adoption rate of medicated soaps. The most prevalent active antiseptic component used in these soaps is triclosan, which can cause allergic reactions along with antibiotic resistance. The excessive use of antiseptic soaps and hand washes can result in developing resistance to microorganisms. Using medicated soaps not only affects the skin’s microflora but also causes environmental damage.

Some of the medicated soaps that are available over the counter (OTC) are proven to be less effective than medicated soaps that are prescribed by medical practitioners.

• As per the United States Food and Drug Administration (USFDA), there is a lack of evidence to prove that washing with regular soap and water is not as effective as OTC antibacterial soaps. The advantages of using OTC soaps have not been established yet, but have shown enough results of causing potential harm to health.

Along with all these factors, it has also been reported that the chemicals used in the manufacturing of these soaps can remove the natural oil from the skin and can cause dryness. Excessive use of these products can eventually lead to scaling, cracking, and itching in the skin.

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Country-wise Insights

What Makes the United States a Large Market for Medicated Soaps?

The United States accounted for 86.7% share of the North American market in 2021 and is anticipated to exhibit rapid expansion over the coming years. Rising incidence of skin diseases in the U.S. is anticipated to increase the adoption of medicated soaps.

• The American Academy of Dermatology Association’s data states that over 14 million cases of cellulitis are reported each year in the United States, making it one of the most widespread bacterial skin infections among Americans.

Will India Exhibit Increasing Demand for Medicated Soaps?

In 2021, India held 70% of the revenue share of the South Asian market. Key players are coming up with products that are natural and have herbal antiseptics such as neem and aloe vera.

• In November 2022, the aloe vera-based health, beauty, and wellness company Forever Living India introduced new seasonal products in the personal care category, which are naturally derived, gentle-on-the-skin cleansers.
• In October 2022, National Skin Hospital announced the launch of the global skin hives campaign on World International Urticaria Day. This campaign offers a glimpse into what it's like to have chronic idiopathic urticaria (CIU).

How is China Evolving in the Medicated Soap Industry?

In 2021, China accounted for a revenue share of 57.4% of the East Asian medicated soap market, and this revenue share is expected to rise over the forecast period.

Residents in China had a per capita disposable income of US$ 5,237 in 2021, a nominal rise of 9.1% from the year before. The rise in healthcare expenditure is predicted to propel the demand for medicated soaps in the country.

Category-wise Insights

Which Type of Medicated Soap is Most Popular?

Sales of antiseptic soaps are anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 5.9% through the forecast period.

Demand for antiseptic medicated soaps is expected to rise as the incidence of skin infection is increasing. As a result, more people are switching from ordinary soaps to antiseptic soaps.

Which Form of Medicated Soap is Largely in Focus Globally?

Bar medicated soaps accounted for 62% market share in 2021 due to the rising demand for soaps with antiseptic properties.

However, the growing burden of hygiene issues related to the usage of bar soaps, and the ease and convenience of liquid soaps marks a projected lucrative growth rate of 8.0% for the segment during the forecast period.

Which Skin Condition are Medicated Soaps Most Widely Used For?

In 2021, dermatitis held a high revenue share of 39.5% and is projected to dominate throughout the forecast period.

According to the Atopic Dermatitis Report’s data in 2022, atopic dermatitis is considered a severe skin condition with complicated pathogenesis. Atopic dermatitis is quite common, affecting up to 20% of children and 10% of adults.

This growing number of cases is leading to higher sales of medicated soaps.

Competitive Landscape

Leading manufacturers of medicated soaps are primarily focusing on increasing medication research, disease diagnostics, and expanding the supply of medicated soaps to gain momentum in the market. Additionally, top manufacturers such as Unilever, Reckitt Benckiser, and Procter & Gamble Company are frequently releasing new products and adopting strategic approaches such as collaborations and expansions to improve their production of medicated soaps.

For instance,

• In November 2022, Reckitt and Essity released a line of co-branded disinfection products such as antimicrobial foam soaps, hand sanitizer gels, and antibacterial multipurpose cleaner sprays. These products were released in four European countries: the United Kingdom, Ireland, Germany, and Austria.
• In January 2021, Innova Partnerships, a consultancy that supports healthcare companies, and Unilever established a joint venture with Penrhos Bio, which is a biotechnology company. It aims to commercialize a technology that will lead to the development of self-cleaning surfaces.

Medicated Soap Industry Report Scope

Medicated Soap Industry Research Segmentation

By Product Type:

• Antiseptic Soaps
• Skin-Sensitive Soaps

By Form:

• Liquid
• Bars

By Condition:

• Dermatitis
• Scabies
• Lice
• Others

By Distribution Channel:

• Supermarkets/Hypermarkets
• Pharmacies and Drug Stores
• Specialty Stores
• Online stores
• Others

By Region:

• North America
• Latin America
• Europe
• South Asia
• East Asia
• Oceania
• Middle East and Africa (MEA)