The increasing global awareness about sanitation & personal hygiene is a key driver for the demand for hand sanitizers as they serve as antiseptic solutions & are used as a substitute for water & soap. These sanitizers play an important role in preventing the spread of infectious diseases like norovirus, COVID-19, influenza, hand, meningitis, mouth disease, whooping cough, & MRSA etc. The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly amplified the usage of hand sanitizers across, transportation, hospitals, public facilities nursing homes, and households to combat the virus spread. Active substances like ethyl alcohol, suggested by The US FDA (Food & Drug Administration) have proven efficacy against COVID-19, which has further contributed to the market's growth. The global increase in
health & hygiene concerns is driving the demand for hand sanitizers globally.
Market Dynamic
The Global Hand Sanitizer Market has experienced significant advancements & developments in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the sector has faced several challenges because of the disruptions in the supply chain & huge gaps in supply & demand, leading to the shortage. To address this issue, several firms have utilized their mass production capabilities to produce hand sanitizers for their domestic market need. For example, Honeywell announced in April 2020 that it expanded its manufacturing operations at two chemical facilities to produce & donate hand sanitizers to government agencies, aiming to alleviate the shortages caused by the recent pandemic.
In response to challenges regarding the drying effects of alcohol-based hand sanitizers, organizations have started using natural substances such as aloe vera in their products, which helps to reduce the risk of rough skin & provides a smooth & better moisturizing feel for the users. Prominent market players have actively promoted the use of hand sanitizers through advertising, promotional campaigns, and media coverage, resulting in increased awareness & usage among customers for these products, which, in turn, allows companies to expand their market share globally. The popularity of hand sanitizers with pleasant fragrances has also grown, with manufacturers frequently introducing new scent options based on consumer preferences & market trends, providing a range of options for customers.
Moreover, the COVID-19 pandemic has spurred entrepreneurs & innovators worldwide to reconsider their product ideas. In the craft cocktail arena, distilleries & breweries have shifted their attention from spirits to hand sanitizers. With increasing customer recognition of the vitality of hand hygiene for overall well-being, the demand for hand sanitizers is on the rise, as they are considered essential in preventing the transmission of contagious diseases. The convenience & portability offered by hand sanitizers, along with their effectiveness in preventing various diseases, have attracted a wide consumer base & boosted sales in the market.
Research Scope and Analysis
By Product
The segment of gel-based hand sanitizer dominates the market, holding the largest share, and is anticipated to have its leadership position for the period of 2023-2032. The popularity of gel sanitizers is due to their watery & light formulation, providing higher flowability, easy penetration into the skin, & effective bacteria-killing properties. The wider accessibility & easy availability of gel sanitizers contribute to their increasing demand in the upcoming years. The demand for gel sanitizers surged during the COVID-19 outbreak, particularly in regions like Europe, North America, & Asia Pacific.
CNBC stated that several online inventories of hand sanitizers made of gel were bought by consumers on major platforms such as Walmart, Walgreens & Amazon. Yet, the segment of foam-based hand sanitizer is expected to grow with the highest compound annual growth rate for the forecast period.
Products that are Foam-based provide effective penetration and long-lasting effects on the skin. Their easy application provides convenience and time-saving benefits, leading to increased demand. For example, Cleancult, an eco-friendly cleaning brand that avoids harmful chemicals and promotes zero waste, introduced a foam-based hand sanitizer. This sanitizer possesses a formula free from fragrances & approved by the Food & Drug Administration for its disinfectant properties, boasting the ability to eliminate germs.
By Distribution Channel
Under the Offline segment, supermarkets & hypermarkets dominate the global hand sanitizer market, with the maximum share in 2023. This growth can be accredited to the widespread presence of these channels across different regions & the increased sales of hand sanitizers in the market. The surge in demand for hand sanitizers is evident during the COVID-19 pandemic, as reported by CNBC (March 2020). Hand sanitizer sales in the United States surged by 300% compared to the same week in 2019, causing shortages in various stores during the initial weeks of the outbreak. Similar scenarios were observed in supermarkets in Singapore, where cleaning products of household, including hand sanitizers, ran out of stock due to panic shopping & hoarding.
The segment of online distribution channels is projected to experience a high compound annual growth rate for the forecast period. The growth of online platforms for sale in emerging nations like China & India is propelling producers to adapt their strategies for retail in these regions. During the initial months of the COVID-19 outbreak, customers piled up hand sanitizers & antibacterial items, leading to a surge in increase in online purchases of products against viral infections, including masks, sanitizers, antibacterial sprays & gloves, in the United States. Hand sanitizer gels which are alcohol-based, as suggested by WHO, quickly sold out on major online platforms like Walmart, and Amazon during that period.
The Global Hand Sanitizer Market Report is segmented on the basis of the following:
By Product
- Liquid/ spray
- Gel
- Foam
- Sanitizing Wipes
By Distribution Channel
- Offline
- Hypermarkets & Supermarkets
- Convenience Store
- Drug stores
- Online
Regional Analysis
Europe holds the maximum share of 25.5% in the global hand sanitizers market in 2023. The region boasts a significant presence of various market players, offering a wide range of antiseptic items including foam-based, gel-based, wipes, & sprays. Economies such as Germany & United Kingdom lead the market due to customers' willingness to invest in self-care & hygiene products.
Moreover, the region has witnessed a growing consciousness about ecological impacts, prompting some customers to seek hand sanitizers with environmentally friendly packaging, with options to refill or formulations using sustainable & natural components. The demand for alcohol-based sanitizers increased during the recent pandemic, leading to panic shopping & product shortages. In response, local drugstores & chemical manufacturers increased their production to meet the excessive demand. For example, Vegamour introduced its own hand sanitizer in 2020, which surpassed the CDC standards for hand hygiene.
Moreover, Asia Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing regional market, with a high compound annual growth rate for the forecast period. The region's growth can be accredited to the increased awareness of hygiene due to the viral infection of a recent pandemic. Key firms in the Asia Pacific are releasing advanced self-care & hygiene products with a focus on safety measures for customers.
By Region
North America
Europe
- Germany
- The U.K.
- France
- Italy
- Russia
- Spain
- Benelux
- Nordic
- Rest of Europe
Asia-Pacific
- China
- Japan
- South Korea
- India
- ANZ
- ASEAN
- Rest of Asia-Pacific
Latin America
- Brazil
- Mexico
- Argentina
- Colombia
- Rest of Latin America
Middle East & Africa
- Saudi Arabia
- UAE
- South Africa
- Israel
- Egypt
- Rest of MEA
Competitive Landscape
The global hand sanitizer market is characterized by a high degree of fragmentation, with numerous regional and local players operating in the industry. Competition among market players is intense, especially from top manufacturers who possess a large consumer base, strong brand recognition, and extensive distribution networks. In order to maintain a competitive edge, companies have been employing various expansion strategies, including forming partnerships and launching new products. For example, in May 2020, Reckitt Benckiser Group plc. announced a collaboration with Hilton Hotels to introduce the Hilton Clean Stay initiative. This partnership involved Reckitt Benckiser Group plc.'s brands, Lysol and Dettol, working alongside Mayo Clinic's Infection Prevention and Control team to enhance Hilton's cleaning and disinfection protocols.
Some of the prominent players in the Global Hand Sanitizer Market are:
- GOJO Industries Inc.
- Best Sanitizer Inc.
- 3M Company
- Vi-Jon, Inc
- SC Johnson & Son Inc.
- Chattem Inc.
- Ecolab Inc.
- Givaudan SA
- Unilever plc
- Procter & Gamble
- Kutol
- Other Key Players
COVID-19 Pandemic & Recession: Impact on the Global Hand Sanitizer Market:
The COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent recession had a significant impact on the global hand sanitizer market. With the outbreak of the pandemic, there was an unprecedented surge in demand for hand sanitizers as they became essential for personal hygiene and infection prevention. Panic buying and stockpiling of hand sanitizers led to widespread product shortages, prompting manufacturers to ramp up production to meet the heightened demand. In April 2020, Procter & Gamble responded to the shortage of hand sanitizers and masks during the pandemic by initiating the production of these products for commercial customers. These products were marketed under Procter & Gamble's Safeguard brand and adhered to the standards and regulations set by the World Health Organization. These strategic moves showcase the efforts made by companies to adapt to the challenging market conditions and meet the evolving demands of consumers during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The pandemic also spurred the entry of new players into the market, leading to increased competition. Additionally, disruptions in supply chains and raw material shortages posed challenges for manufacturers. However, as the pandemic progressed and restrictions eased, the market witnessed a gradual stabilization in demand. The recession also influenced consumer spending habits, with some individuals opting for lower-priced hand sanitizer products or looking for eco-friendly and sustainable options. Going forward, the market is expected to see steady growth, driven by continued awareness of hygiene practices and the ongoing emphasis on infection prevention.