Sophorolipids Market Report 2026

The sophorolipids market size has grown exponentially in recent years. It will grow from $5.64 billion in 2025 to $6.83 billion in 2026 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 21.1%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to biosurfactant research growth, cosmetic industry demand, green chemistry adoption, fermentation technology development, regulatory pressure on chemicals.

The sophorolipids market size is expected to see exponential growth in the next few years. It will grow to $14.54 billion in 2030 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 20.8%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to sustainable product demand, biotechnology scale up, clean label formulations, bio based detergent growth, environmental regulations. Major trends in the forecast period include growing adoption of bio based surfactants, rising use in personal care formulations, expansion of eco friendly cleaning products, increased application in pharmaceutical formulations, focus on low toxicity and biodegradability.

The increasing consumer demand for cosmetics and personal care products is expected to drive growth in the sophorolipids market in the coming years. Cosmetics and personal care products include substances or formulations applied to the body - such as skin, hair, or nails - for purposes like cleansing, beautifying, enhancing appearance, or maintaining hygiene and skin health. This demand is rising due to growing consumer awareness regarding hygiene and beauty. Sophorolipids contribute to cosmetics and personal care products as natural, biodegradable surfactants that improve cleansing, emulsification, and skin conditioning. For example, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, a government agency responsible for labor market data, the average annual consumer spending on personal care products and services increased from $866 thousand in 2022 to $950 thousand in 2023. Consequently, the growing demand for these products is boosting the sophorolipids market.

Leading companies in the sophorolipids market are focusing on innovative bio-based ingredients to promote sustainability, enhance product performance, and meet the increasing need for eco-friendly and biodegradable solutions across various sectors. Bio-based ingredients are naturally derived compounds produced by fermenting renewable resources, valued for their biodegradable and environmentally safe properties in a range of applications. For instance, in October 2024, Locus Ingredients, a U.S.-based biosurfactant manufacturer, expanded its Amphi biosurfactant line, now listed in the TSCA Inventory of Chemical Substances. These 100% bio-based sophorolipids, the first domestically produced glycolipid-class biosurfactants available at commercial scale, provide formulators in consumer and industrial fields - including cleaning, CASE, paints and inks, agriculture, and metalworking - with a sustainable, high-performance alternative to traditional petrochemical surfactants.

In December 2024, Indorama Ventures Public Company Limited, a Thailand-based chemicals and feed ingredients company, formed a partnership with Holiferm GmbH to expand sustainable amino acid production in South America. Through this collaboration, Indorama and Holiferm aim to increase local production of feed-grade amino acids by combining Holiferm’s fermentation expertise with Indorama’s regional manufacturing and distribution capabilities, supporting sustainable and cost-effective animal nutrition solutions. Holiferm GmbH is a Germany-based fermentation technology company specializing in the production of amino acids and fermentation-based solutions for the agriculture and feed sectors.

Major companies operating in the sophorolipids market are Holiferm, Locus Ingredients, Jeneil Biotech, Inc., Saraya Co., Ltd., Biotensidon GmbH, MG Intobio Co., Ltd., Wheatoleo SAS, BioReNuva Inc., BRAIN AG, Evonik Industries AG, Clariant AG, BASF SE, Dow Inc., Shaanxi Deguan Biotechnology Co., Ltd., Shandong Qilu Biotechnology Group Co., Ltd., Shandong Bailong Chuangyuan Bio-Tec Co., Ltd., Daqing WOTFO Bio-Products Co., Ltd., Mark Nature Biotechnology Co., Ltd., TensioGreen GmbH, Ecover SA.

North America was the largest region in the sophorolipids market in 2025. Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the forecast period. The regions covered in the sophorolipids market report are Asia-Pacific, South East Asia, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa. The countries covered in the sophorolipids market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Taiwan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.

The sophorolipids market consists of sales of liquid sophorolipids, acidic sophorolipids, and powdered sophorolipids. Values in this market are ‘factory gate’ values, that is the value of goods sold by the manufacturers or creators of the goods, whether to other entities (including downstream manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors and retailers) or directly to end customers. The value of goods in this market includes related services sold by the creators of the goods.

The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD unless otherwise specified).

The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.

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