South Africa Hand Sanitizer Market Overview, 2027

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.

According to the report titled, “South Africa Hand Sanitizer Market Overview, 2027” the market in the country is majorly driven by factors like increasing concerns about personal hygiene and health safety standards. The report to provide in depth analysis of the market categorize the market firstly on the basis of Product type which includes Gel, Liquid, Foam, Spray and other segment. The Gel segment in the market accounted for the majority of the market share, which is simply due to the availability of this product type and the supply. But in the future the Foam segment is expected to grow with the highest growth rate closely followed by the Spray segment. This high growth rate of this segment is due to the fact that unlike gel sanitizers, foam sanitizers do not easily slip from the hand while application. Secondly, the market is bifurcated into Alcoholic Base and non-alcohol base sanitizers. The Alcoholic base sanitizers are the most widely use type. This can be attributed to the fact that alcoholic sanitizers are more effective in dealing with germs and bacteria. The only short coming this type of sanitizer has is that this type of product creates dry skin when used. To deal with this problem the development of non-alcoholic sanitizers was done, they use substitutes like glycerine and some moisturizing content, but aren’t as effective as alcoholic sanitizers in subduing bacteria. These types of sanitizers are used majorly for babies and infants who have sensitive skins. The growing rate of infectious diseases around the globe have created concerns in the country have infused the growth of the market by forcing hand hygiene behaviour. Along with this major government support towards both the personal and social hygiene sector has given the market with the necessary growth. Further, majority of the diseases transmitted through contacts are by hands, as this body part comes in contact the most in a social environment.

This creates a need for frequent hand wash to maintain health safety, but the availability of hand wash is quite low in some conditions. To fulfil this gap, the hand sanitizer product came into existence and acquired a major market share in the economy of South Africa. Current trends in the market have observed manufacturers creating value added products in the market to create differentiation amongst consumer. Along with this the marketing campaigns have gained momentum to propel the perception of sanitizers being an essential product. This manufacturing and marketing activities will propel the market in during the forecasted period. The increasing adoption of hand sanitizers in hospitals and healthcare facilities have historically made the market grow at a significant pace. Further, the use of sanitizers in institutional settings like schools and offices have propelled the market growth during recent times.

The major obstacle this market faces is the use of chemicals in this product. The changing consumer behaviour which aids the market growth has a dual effect, as these same consumers want to reduce consumption of Chemicals especially in terms of Skincare and food. To deal with this problems manufacturer in the country have started producing organic sanitizers which make little to no use of chemicals. This type of products are majorly produced using ingredients like aloe vera and other essential oils.

COVID-19 Impact

The pandemic affected the market for hand sanitizers in a positive manner, the need for hand hygiene sky rocketed during this period. This high need for hand hygiene created a massive demand for hand sanitizers driving the market tremendously. On the other hand the market faced obstruction with the onset of lockdowns and travel restriction which created issues in the supply chain and production activities.

Considered in the report

• Geography: South Africa
• Base year: 2021
• Historical year: 2016
• Forecasted year: 2027

Aspects covered in the report

• Market Size by Value for the period (2016-2027F)
• Market Trends and Opportunities
• Market Driving and Restraining Factors
• Market Share by Product type
• Gel
• Liquid
• Foam
• Spray
• Others
• Market Share by Type
• Alcoholic Base
• Non-Alcohol

Intended Audience

This report can be useful to industry consultants, manufacturers, suppliers, associations & organizations related to the consumer goods and services industry, government bodies, and other stakeholders to align their market-centric strategies. In addition to marketing & presentations, it will also increase competitive knowledge about the industry.