Topical Corticosteroids Market Report 2026

The topical corticosteroids market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $9.17 billion in 2025 to $9.88 billion in 2026 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.7%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to increasing incidence of eczema and dermatitis, growing dermatology clinic visits, widespread use of prescription topical steroids, rising awareness of skin health, expansion of hospital pharmacy networks.

The topical corticosteroids market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $13.13 billion in 2030 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.4%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to development of novel low-side-effect formulations, growth of otc hydrocortisone products, increasing adoption of online pharmacies, rising demand for personalized dermatology treatments, expansion of homecare-based skin treatment solutions. Major trends in the forecast period include rising prevalence of chronic skin disorders, growing demand for over-the-counter corticosteroid products, increased use of combination topical therapies, expansion of online and retail pharmacy distribution, rising focus on safer low-potency and long-term use formulations.

The rising incidence of skin disorders is expected to drive the growth of the topical corticosteroids market in the coming years. Skin disorders encompass a wide range of conditions affecting the skin’s appearance, structure, or function, potentially impacting overall health, comfort, and quality of life. The increase in skin disorders is largely attributed to modern lifestyle stressors, including long working hours, poor diets, and prolonged screen exposure, which adversely affect skin health and encourage the use of effective dermatological treatments. Topical corticosteroids help manage skin disorders by reducing inflammation, itching, and redness through suppression of overactive immune responses, making them essential for treating conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, and dermatitis. For instance, in September 2024, Cancer Australia, a government agency, reported 18,257 new melanoma cases and 1,314 deaths in 2023. Therefore, the growing incidence of skin disorders is fueling demand for topical corticosteroids.

Leading companies in the topical corticosteroids market are increasingly focusing on nanoparticle-based corticosteroid formulations to provide safer, more consistent, and more effective anti-inflammatory therapies. Nanoparticle-based formulations improve skin penetration, enable controlled drug release, and minimize systemic side effects. For example, in September 2024, Eyenovia, a US-based ophthalmic pharmaceutical company, launched clobetasol propionate ophthalmic suspension 0.05%, formulated with Formosa Pharmaceuticals’ APNT nanoparticle technology. The nanosuspension ensures uniformity, supports twice-daily dosing, and delivers rapid pain and inflammation relief post-ocular surgery, with clinical data showing complete pain resolution in about 80% of patients by day 4. This represents the first new ophthalmic steroid in over 15 years in the US, improving both patient outcomes and experience.

In June 2025, Harrow, a US-based ophthalmic pharmaceutical company, acquired the exclusive U.S. commercial rights to BYQLOVI (clobetasol propionate ophthalmic suspension) 0.05% from Formosa Pharmaceuticals for an undisclosed sum. Formosa will continue independent operations, while Harrow will commercialize BYQLOVI in the U.S., ensuring continuity in product availability. Formosa Pharmaceuticals, based in Taiwan, specializes in developing innovative ophthalmic corticosteroids and oncology drug formulations.

Major companies operating in the topical corticosteroids market are Merck & Co. Inc., GSK plc, Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., Sandoz International GmbH, Macleods Pharmaceuticals Ltd., Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., Menarini Group, Aurobindo Pharma Ltd., Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories Ltd., Cipla Ltd., Lupin Limited, LEO Pharma A/S, Taro Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., Ajanta Pharma Ltd., Micro Labs Ltd., FDC Limited, Harrow Inc., Salve Pharmaceuticals Pvt. Ltd., Lincoln Pharmaceuticals Ltd., Emcure Pharmaceuticals Ltd.

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

Tariffs have influenced the topical corticosteroids market by increasing the cost of imported active pharmaceutical ingredients, excipients, and packaging materials, leading to higher manufacturing expenses. Prescription and otc segments distributed through hospital and retail pharmacies are most affected, particularly in regions such as North America and Europe that rely on global supply chains. These cost pressures may impact pricing and availability in the short term. However, tariffs have also encouraged local manufacturing, supply chain diversification, and formulation optimization, supporting long-term market stability.

The topical corticosteroids market research report is one of a series of new reports that provides topical corticosteroids market statistics, including topical corticosteroids industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with a topical corticosteroids market share, detailed topical corticosteroids market segments, market trends and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the topical corticosteroids industry. This topical corticosteroids market research report delivers a complete perspective of everything you need, with an in-depth analysis of the current and future scenario of the industry.

Topical corticosteroids are medications applied directly to the skin to reduce inflammation, redness, and itching by mimicking the effects of adrenal hormones. They work by suppressing the immune response in the treated area, helping to manage various skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, and dermatitis.

The main types of topical corticosteroids include prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) products. Prescription corticosteroids require authorization from a doctor or licensed healthcare provider, while OTC products can be purchased without a prescription. These medications are available in multiple forms, including ointments, creams, liquids, solutions, lotions, gels, oils, pastes, sprays, and others. They are distributed through hospital pharmacies, retail pharmacies, and online platforms, and are used in applications such as acne, dermatitis, psoriasis, skin infections, hyperpigmentation, melasma, and more. Key end users include hospitals, dermatology clinics, homecare settings, and others.

The topical corticosteroids market consists of sales of creams, ointments, lotions, gels, and foams. 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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