Global Personal Care Specialty Ingredients Market Growth, Share, Size, Trends and Forecast (2025 - 2031)
By Product;
Active - Surfactant, Amphoteric, Anionic, Cationic, Non-ionic and Other, Emollient - Emollient Ester, Natural oil and Other, UV Absorber - Organic and Inorganic, Conditioning Polymer - Silicone, Polyquaternium and Conditioning Protein, Antimicrobial - Preservative, Bacteriostats, Others, and Inactive.By Application;
Skin Care, Hair Care, Oral Care, Color Cosmetics, and Others.By Geography;
North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa, and Latin America - Report Timeline (2021 - 2031).Introduction
Global Personal Care Specialty Ingredients Market (USD Million), 2021 - 2031
In the year 2024, the Global Personal Care Specialty Ingredients Market was valued at USD 9,283.45 million. The size of this market is expected to increase to USD 13,237.91 million by the year 2031, while growing at a Compounded Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 5.2%.
The global personal care specialty ingredients market has witnessed substantial growth over the past decade, driven by rising consumer demand for more effective, sustainable, and multifunctional beauty and wellness products. Specialty ingredients are integral to the formulation of personal care products, providing added benefits that enhance the overall performance and appeal of skin care, hair care, oral care, and cosmetic products. These ingredients are carefully selected and incorporated into formulations to serve specific roles, such as moisturizing, preserving, enhancing texture, providing protection, or delivering active skin benefits. As consumer preferences shift towards personalized, natural, and eco-friendly products, the demand for specialized ingredients continues to rise, making them a key focus for innovation in the personal care industry.
The global market is diverse, with key segments including active ingredients like surfactants, emulsifiers, UV absorbers, conditioning polymers, and antimicrobial agents. These active ingredients perform critical functions in personal care formulations. For instance, surfactants and emulsifiers are used for their cleansing and texture-enhancing properties, UV absorbers protect the skin from harmful UV rays, conditioning polymers help to improve hair and skin texture, and antimicrobial agents are essential in extending product shelf life and maintaining product hygiene. The growing interest in skin health, anti-aging, and eco-conscious formulations has propelled the development of specialized ingredients with advanced properties, leading to innovations such as plant-based emollients, advanced UV filters, and more effective preservatives.
In addition to the active ingredients, the personal care specialty ingredients market also includes inactive ingredients, which serve functions like stabilizing formulations, improving the texture of products, or enhancing the sensory experience. Inactive ingredients, although not as directly involved in product efficacy, are equally important in ensuring the stability, usability, and appeal of final products.
Another prominent trend in the market is the increasing demand for natural, sustainable, and clean beauty products. Consumers are increasingly conscious of the ingredients in the products they use, seeking those that are free from harmful chemicals and are sustainably sourced. This shift has led to the rise of natural oils, plant-based surfactants, and other renewable ingredients. With growing concerns over sustainability, companies are also working to reduce their carbon footprints, enhance their sourcing practices, and increase transparency in ingredient sourcing.
Global Personal Care Specialty Ingredients Market Recent Developments
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In July 2023, Evonik Industries AG acquired Novachem, an Argentinian manufacturer of cosmetic active ingredients. This strategic move involves the integration of Novachem into Evonik's Care Solutions business line, which operates within the company's life sciences division.
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The primary objective of this acquisition is to enhance its existing portfolio of active ingredients, specifically catering to the beauty industry. Evonik aims to strengthen its position in serving the evolving needs of the cosmetics sector by incorporating Novachem's capabilities and expertise.
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In May 2023, Evonik Industries AG collaborated with Safic-Alcan, a distinguished specialty chemicals distributor, to expand the reach of its nutraceutical offerings to a wider customer base. Through this partnership, Evonik is able to distribute its comprehensive range of nutraceutical products, including AvailOm, Healthberry, and IN VIVO BIOTICS, to customers across Europe, Turkey, and Egypt. By leveraging the distribution capabilities of Safic-Alcan, Evonik will be able to serve broader clients through an extensive network of local sales offices. This collaboration strengthens Evonik's portfolio and enables the company to cater to a diverse array of consumer needs, particularly in areas such as brain health, eye health, and heart health.
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In March 2022, Vantage Specialty Chemicals, a prominent and vertically integrated supplier of naturally derived ingredients, successfully completed the acquisition of JEEN International Corporation. This strategic move enables Vantage Personal Care to further enhance its comprehensive range of naturally derived ingredients, encompassing active ingredients, natural oils, and bio-based chassis ingredients. The acquisition of JEEN International Corporation aligns seamlessly with Vantage Personal Care's existing portfolio, offering complementary products and expertise.
Segment Analysis
The Global Personal Care Specialty Ingredients Market has been segmented by Product, Application, and Geography. Active ingredients such as surfactants, emollients, UV absorbers, conditioning polymers, and antimicrobial agents are integral to a wide variety of personal care products. Surfactants, including anionic, cationic, and non-ionic varieties, are primarily used for cleansing, foaming, and emulsifying functions in products like shampoos, body washes, and facial cleansers. Emollients, such as natural oils and esters, provide moisturizing properties, contributing to softer skin and hair in lotions, creams, and conditioners. UV absorbers, including both organic and inorganic types, are used extensively in sunscreens to protect against harmful UV radiation.
Conditioning polymers, such as silicones and polyquaternium, enhance the sensory feel and manageability of hair and skin products, with silicones offering smoothness and frizz control in hair care. Antimicrobial agents like preservatives and bacteriostats play a crucial role in ensuring the safety and longevity of personal care products, preventing microbial growth and contamination. On the other hand, inactive ingredients focus on stabilizing formulations and enhancing sensory properties. These ingredients are necessary for maintaining product texture, consistency, and shelf life.
Applications span across several personal care categories, including skin care, hair care, oral care, color cosmetics, and more. Skin care products dominate the market, driven by the growing demand for anti-aging, moisturizing, and protective solutions. Hair care follows closely, with increasing interest in products that address hair health, manageability, and styling. Cosmetics and oral care also contribute significantly to market demand, driven by consumer desire for high-performance, safe, and effective beauty solutions.
Global Personal Care Specialty Ingredients Segment Analysis
In this report, the Global Personal Care Specialty Ingredients Market has been segmented by Product, Application, and Geography.
Global Personal Care Specialty Ingredients Market, Segmentation by Product
The Global Personal Care Specialty Ingredients Market has been segmented by Product into Active - Surfactant, Amphoteric, Anionic, Cationic, Non-ionic and Other, Emollient - Emollient Ester, Natural oil and Other, UV Absorber - Organic and Inorganic, Conditioning Polymer - Silicone, Polyquaternium and Conditioning Protein, Antimicrobial - Preservative, Bacteriostats, Others, and Inactive.
Surfactants are essential for cleansing in products like shampoos, body washes, and facial cleansers. These ingredients lower the surface tension between water and oils, enabling the removal of dirt and impurities. Surfactants are further categorized into Amphoteric, Anionic, Cationic, Non-ionic, and Other based on their chemical charge and functionality. Anionic surfactants (e.g., sodium lauryl sulfate) are widely used for their foaming and cleansing properties, while Non-ionic surfactants (e.g., alkyl polyglucoside) are milder and used in sensitive skin formulations. Cationic surfactants (e.g., quaternary ammonium compounds) are often used in hair conditioners for their ability to provide anti-static and conditioning effects.
Emollients are used to moisturize and soften the skin, providing a smooth, hydrated feel. These are key ingredients in lotions, creams, and hair care products. Emollient Esters (e.g., isopropyl myristate) are widely used for their ability to provide a lightweight, non-greasy feel. Natural oils (e.g., argan oil, coconut oil) have gained popularity due to their skin-soothing, nourishing, and antioxidant properties, which also contribute to sustainable formulations. Emollients help restore skin’s moisture barrier and prevent water loss, which is crucial for dry and damaged skin. UV absorbers are crucial in protecting the skin from harmful ultraviolet radiation, preventing premature aging and skin damage. These are broadly divided into Organic (e.g., avobenzone, octinoxate) and Inorganic (e.g., zinc oxide, titanium dioxide) types. Organic UV filters are typically used in lightweight, invisible formulations, while inorganic filters offer physical sun protection and are favored in mineral sunscreens due to their non-chemical nature and broad-spectrum protection.
Conditioning agents like Silicone, Polyquaternium, and Conditioning Proteins (e.g., hydrolyzed silk protein) are key to enhancing the texture and manageability of hair and skin care products. Silicone-based ingredients, such as dimethicone, provide a smooth, glossy finish and protect against frizz, making them popular in hair care formulations. Polyquaternium offers hair conditioning and anti-static properties, while proteins contribute to hair and skin repair by strengthening and moisturizing.
Global Personal Care Specialty Ingredients Market, Segmentation by Application
The Global Personal Care Specialty Ingredients Market has been segmented by Application into Skin Care, Hair Care, Oral Care, Color Cosmetics, and Others.
The skin care segment is the largest and fastest-growing category in the personal care specialty ingredients market. Ingredients in this segment focus on moisturizing, anti-aging, sun protection, and skin repair. Active ingredients like emollients and UV absorbers play a pivotal role in skin care formulations, with consumers increasingly seeking natural and effective solutions to maintain youthful, healthy skin.
Products like moisturizers, sunscreens, anti-aging creams, serums, and exfoliators rely heavily on these ingredients to provide hydration, protection, and rejuvenation. Hair care products also contribute significantly to the market, driven by a growing emphasis on hair health, shine, manageability, and protection. Conditioning polymers like silicones and emollients help make hair softer, smoother, and more manageable, while surfactants provide effective cleansing. The growing popularity of sulfate-free shampoos has increased the demand for milder surfactants and natural oils in hair care formulations, aligning with the rising consumer demand for clean beauty products.
Oral care is a vital category in the personal care market, with active ingredients like antimicrobial agents playing an important role in preventing plaque, cavities, and gum disease. Preservatives and bacteriostats ensure that oral care products like toothpaste, mouthwashes, and dental gels remain safe and effective over time. As consumers become more concerned with overall oral hygiene, there is also an increasing demand for products that provide additional benefits like teeth whitening, fresh breath, and gum care. In the color cosmetics segment, ingredients like silicones and polyquaternium are commonly used to improve the application, texture, and longevity of products like foundation, lipsticks, and eye makeup. These ingredients provide a smooth, flawless finish while ensuring that the makeup stays intact for longer periods. Additionally, demand for natural and sustainable ingredients has been rising in the cosmetics industry, prompting the development of eco-friendly, skin-loving products free from harmful chemicals.
Global Personal Care Specialty Ingredients Market, Segmentation by Geography
In this report, the Global Personal Care Specialty Ingredients Market has been segmented by Geography into five regions; North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East Africa, and Latin America.
Global Personal Care Specialty Ingredients Market Share (%), by Geographical Region, 2024
North America holds a prominent share in the personal care specialty ingredients market, driven by a strong consumer base in the United States and Canada. This region is characterized by a high demand for premium personal care products, particularly those focused on anti-aging, skincare, and clean beauty. With consumers becoming more conscious about ingredient transparency and sustainability, there has been a significant rise in demand for natural, organic, and eco-friendly products. Regulatory frameworks, such as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations in the U.S., further ensure the safety and efficacy of personal care ingredients, which boosts market confidence. The demand for advanced formulations in skincare and hair care is also driving the growth of specialty ingredients, particularly in anti-aging, moisturizing, and sun protection products.
Europe is another key market for personal care specialty ingredients, known for its strong emphasis on product innovation, sustainability, and environmental consciousness. Countries like France, Germany, and the UK are major contributors to the market due to their established personal care industries and the increasing trend toward natural and organic ingredients. The European market is also influenced by the stringent regulatory environment governed by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and the European Commission’s Cosmetics Regulation, which ensures the use of safe and high-quality ingredients. The rising awareness regarding clean beauty, coupled with the growing demand for products that cater to specific skin conditions and personal care needs, is further fueling market growth in the region.
In the Asia Pacific region, the personal care specialty ingredients market is witnessing rapid growth, driven by the increasing urbanization, rising disposable incomes, and growing awareness of personal grooming and wellness. Countries like China, India, Japan, and South Korea are key players in this region, with significant demand for skincare, hair care, and beauty products. The region is particularly influenced by trends such as K-beauty (Korean beauty) and J-beauty (Japanese beauty), which have gained global attention for their innovative and high-performance formulations. The Asia Pacific market is also marked by a growing preference for natural and plant-based ingredients, supported by the traditional use of natural herbs and oils in beauty and personal care. Additionally, the region is seeing an increasing shift toward e-commerce platforms for purchasing personal care products, which has further boosted the demand for specialty ingredients.
The Middle East & Africa (MEA) region is witnessing gradual growth in the personal care specialty ingredients market, with a rising demand for high-quality skincare, hair care, and fragrance products. The demand is particularly strong in countries such as the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and South Africa, driven by the affluent consumer base and their interest in luxury and premium beauty products. The growing awareness of beauty and personal grooming among consumers in this region, along with a preference for products offering sun protection and hydration due to the harsh climate, is propelling the market.
Market Trends
This report provides an in depth analysis of various factors that impact the dynamics of Global Personal Care Specialty Ingredients Market. These factors include; Market Drivers, Restraints and Opportunities Analysis.
Drivers, Restraints and Opportunity Analysis
Drivers
- Increasing Focus on Anti-aging and Skin Health Solutions
- Growing Consumer Preference for Eco-friendly and Sustainable Products
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Advancements in Product Formulation and Technological Innovations - Advancements in product formulation and technological innovations are significantly driving the growth of the global personal care specialty ingredients market. The ability to incorporate new and improved technologies in the development of ingredients and formulations has allowed for the creation of more effective, sustainable, and consumer-friendly personal care products. New technologies in ingredient extraction, encapsulation, and delivery systems have led to enhanced performance, longevity, and targeted effects in personal care products.
Microencapsulation technology allows active ingredients to be released gradually over time, improving their stability and efficacy. This innovation is especially valuable in products like moisturizers, anti-aging creams, and sunscreens, where prolonged skin interaction is crucial for better results. Furthermore, advances in biotechnology and the use of plant stem cells and fermentation processes are enabling the development of highly potent, natural, and eco-friendly ingredients. This allows manufacturers to meet the growing consumer demand for safe, non-toxic, and environmentally friendly personal care solutions.
AI-driven personalization is allowing beauty brands to develop products that cater specifically to individual skin and hair needs. Companies are increasingly leveraging technology to formulate products tailored to unique customer profiles based on factors like skin type, ethnicity, climate, and specific concerns such as acne, wrinkles, or pigmentation. These advancements not only meet consumer expectations for personalized beauty but also promote innovation and competition in the market, making it an exciting time for both manufacturers and consumers.
Restraints
- Stringent Regulatory Guidelines and Compliance
- High Costs of Premium Active Ingredients
- Limited Availability of Raw Materials
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Complexity in Ingredient Compatibility and Formulation - As personal care products become more advanced and multifunctional, formulating them becomes more intricate. The compatibility of ingredients is a crucial factor in the development of personal care formulations. A product’s effectiveness, texture, appearance, and stability depend on how well the ingredients interact with each other.
Many active ingredients, such as antioxidants, vitamins, peptides, and plant extracts, may lose their potency or cause adverse reactions when combined improperly. Furthermore, emulsifying agents need to be carefully selected to ensure that oil-based and water-based ingredients blend effectively without compromising product quality. Similarly, preservatives must be added in specific amounts to prevent contamination, but excess usage may affect the sensory attributes or irritate the skin.
The challenge is further complicated by the increasing demand for natural and organic ingredients, which are often more sensitive to environmental factors like temperature and light. For example, essential oils and natural extracts are prone to oxidation, which can lead to reduced effectiveness and shorter shelf life. Balancing natural formulations with performance requirements becomes a difficult task that often requires advanced knowledge of chemistry, microbiology, and formulation science. This complexity in ensuring ingredient compatibility requires highly skilled formulation experts and sophisticated manufacturing processes, which can increase both production time and costs. Moreover, the growing trend towards multifunctional beauty products, like anti-aging serums with UV protection or moisturizers with skin repair properties, adds further complexity to the formulation process. Manufacturers need to ensure that all active ingredients in such products work
Opportunities
- Innovations in Personalized and Customizable Skincare Products
- Growth in Clean Beauty and Sustainability Trends
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Rising Demand for Anti-pollution and Protective Skin Care Solutions - The rising demand for anti-pollution and protective skin care solutions presents a significant opportunity for the personal care specialty ingredients market. As global urbanization continues to increase, so does exposure to environmental pollutants, UV radiation, and other harmful factors that can damage the skin. Consumers are becoming more aware of the effects of pollution on their skin, leading to heightened demand for products that offer protection against environmental stressors.
Pollutants, such as particulate matter (PM), chemicals in air pollution, and harmful UV rays, can accelerate skin aging, cause inflammation, and contribute to conditions like acne, hyperpigmentation, and dry skin. In response to these concerns, personal care brands are formulating products that offer protective and reparative benefits. Ingredients such as antioxidants, vitamin C, SPF agents, and pollution-neutralizing agents are gaining popularity due to their ability to shield the skin from external aggressors. For example, pollution-protective polymers and anti-pollution peptides are being incorporated into skin care products to help create a barrier against environmental pollutants while also enhancing the skin’s natural repair processes. Additionally, micronized zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are widely used in sunscreens to offer broad-spectrum UV protection. The growing recognition of pollution-related skin damage is also driving the development of products with a combination of antioxidant-rich ingredients like green tea extract and niacinamide, which help neutralize free radicals and restore skin health.
As consumers increasingly seek out these protective solutions, there is a strong market opportunity for brands to invest in R&D and offer innovative anti-pollution skin care products. With more brands focusing on clean, protective beauty solutions, this trend is expected to continue growing, especially in urban areas where pollution levels are highest.
Competitive Landscape Analysis
Key players in Global Personal Care Specialty Ingredients Market include:
- Inolex, Inc.
- Vantage Specialty Chemicals
- Naturex
- Adina Cosmetic Ingredients Ltd.
- Avenir Ingredients Pty Ltd.
- Cosmetic Ingredients
- Lotioncrafter
- Treatt Plc
- Akott Evolution S.r.l.
- Symrise
- CLARIANT
- BASF Personal Care and Nutrition GmbH
- Evonik Industries AG
- Dow
In this report, the profile of each market player provides following information:
- Company Overview and Product Portfolio
- Key Developments
- Financial Overview
- Strategies
- Company SWOT Analysis
- Introduction
- Research Objectives and Assumptions
- Research Methodology
- Abbreviations
- Market Definition & Study Scope
- Executive Summary
- Market Snapshot, By Product
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Market Snapshot, By Application
- Market Snapshot, By Region
- Global Personal Care Specialty Ingredients Market Dynamics
- Drivers, Restraints and Opportunities
- Drivers
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Increasing Focus on Anti-aging and Skin Health Solutions
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Growing Consumer Preference for Eco-friendly and Sustainable Products
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Advancements in Product Formulation and Technological Innovations
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- Restraints
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Stringent Regulatory Guidelines and Compliance
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High Costs of Premium Active Ingredients
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Limited Availability of Raw Materials
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Complexity in Ingredient Compatibility and Formulation
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- Opportunities
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Innovations in Personalized and Customizable Skincare Products
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Growth in Clean Beauty and Sustainability Trends
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Rising Demand for Anti-pollution and Protective Skin Care Solutions
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- Drivers
- PEST Analysis
- Political Analysis
- Economic Analysis
- Social Analysis
- Technological Analysis
- Porter's Analysis
- Bargaining Power of Suppliers
- Bargaining Power of Buyers
- Threat of Substitutes
- Threat of New Entrants
- Competitive Rivalry
- Drivers, Restraints and Opportunities
- Market Segmentation
- Global Personal Care Specialty Ingredients Market, By Product, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
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Active
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Surfactant
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Amphoterics
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Anionics
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Cationics
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Non-ionics
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Others
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Emollient
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Emollient ester
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Natural oil
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Other
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UV Absorber
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Organic
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Inorganic
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Conditioning polymer
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Silicone
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Polyquaternium
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Conditioning protein
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Antimicrobial
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Preservative
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Bacteriostats
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Antidandruff agent
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Others
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Inactive
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Global Personal Care Specialty Ingredients Market, By Application, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
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Skin Care
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Hair Care
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Oral Care
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Color Cosmetics
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Others
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- Global Personal Care Specialty Ingredients Market, By Geography, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
- North America
- United States
- Canada
- Europe
- Germany
- United Kingdom
- France
- Italy
- Spain
- Nordic
- Benelux
- Rest of Europe
- Asia Pacific
- Japan
- China
- India
- Australia & New Zealand
- South Korea
- ASEAN (Association of South East Asian Countries)
- Rest of Asia Pacific
- Middle East & Africa
- GCC
- Israel
- South Africa
- Rest of Middle East & Africa
- Latin America
- Brazil
- Mexico
- Argentina
- Rest of Latin America
- North America
- Global Personal Care Specialty Ingredients Market, By Product, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
- Competitive Landscape
- Company Profiles
- Inolex, Inc.
- Vantage Specialty Chemicals
- Naturex
- Adina Cosmetic Ingredients Ltd.
- Avenir Ingredients Pty Ltd.
- Cosmetic Ingredients
- Lotioncrafter
- Treatt Plc
- Akott Evolution S.r.l.
- Symrise
- CLARIANT
- BASF Personal Care and Nutrition GmbH
- Evonik Industries AG
- Dow
- Company Profiles
- Analyst Views
- Future Outlook of the Market