Linear Alkylbenzene Sulfonate Market Report 2026

The linear alkylbenzene sulfonate market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $6.48 billion in 2025 to $6.91 billion in 2026 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.5%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to growth of detergent manufacturing, urban population expansion, rising hygiene awareness, replacement of branched surfactants, cost effectiveness of LAS.

The linear alkylbenzene sulfonate market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $8.79 billion in 2030 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.2%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to demand for eco friendly cleaning products, growth of emerging detergent markets, innovation in surfactant formulations, expansion of packaged consumer goods, rising personal care consumption. Major trends in the forecast period include growing demand for biodegradable surfactants, rising consumption of household detergents, expansion of liquid and powder detergent formulations, increasing use in personal care products, focus on improved foaming and cleaning efficiency.

Increasing awareness of natural household cleaning products is expected to drive the growth of the linear alkylbenzene sulfonate market in the future. Natural household cleaning products are formulated using ingredients sourced from nature, such as plants, minerals, and essential oils. This rising awareness stems from health and safety concerns related to harsh chemicals found in conventional cleaners, which can cause respiratory problems, skin irritation, and other health issues. Linear alkylbenzene sulfonate (LAS) supports natural household cleaning products by offering effective, biodegradable cleaning performance that removes dirt and grease while promoting environmentally friendly formulations. For example, a report by PolicyBee, a UK-based organization, stated that the number of cleaning businesses in the UK increased from 73,655 in 2022 to 75,565 in 2023. Hence, growing awareness of natural household cleaning products is fueling the expansion of the linear alkylbenzene sulfonate market.

Leading companies in the linear alkylbenzene sulfonate market are focusing on creating advanced solutions such as biodegradable surfactant intermediates to boost sustainability and lower environmental impact. Biodegradable surfactant intermediates are chemical compounds used to produce surfactants that naturally break down in the environment without causing pollution. For instance, in January 2023, Cepsa Química, a Spain-based linear alkylbenzene manufacturer, launched NextLab, the world’s first sustainable linear alkylbenzene designed for producing linear alkylbenzene sulfonate (LAS), the main primary surfactant in the homecare sector for making biodegradable detergents. NextLab features the integration of renewable and circular raw materials certified through mass-balance methods, resulting in a reduced carbon footprint while maintaining the same quality and performance as conventional linear alkylbenzene. It achieves greenhouse gas emission reductions of 10-35%, supports biodegradable surfactant production, and requires no changes in detergent formulations, allowing easy adoption by manufacturers. Supported by third-party certifications such as ISCC PLUS and AENOR, NextLab guarantees traceability and credibility for sustainability claims, while promoting the circular economy and advancing global decarbonization efforts in the surfactant and cleaning products industries.

In November 2023, Abu Dhabi Developmental Holding Company (ADQ), an investment and holding company based in the UAE, acquired a 35% stake in Egyptian Linear Alkyl Benzene (Elab) for an undisclosed sum. Through this acquisition, ADQ intends to strengthen its chemicals portfolio and expand its footprint in the African market, leveraging Elab’s established position in linear alkylbenzene production to meet growing regional demand for detergents and cleaning products. Egyptian Linear Alkyl Benzene (ELAB) is a producer of linear alkyl benzene sulfonate based in Egypt.

Major companies operating in the linear alkylbenzene sulfonate market are BASF SE, LG Chem Ltd., Evonik Industries AG, Sasol Limited, Kao Corporation, Huntsman Corporation, Clariant AG, Chevron Phillips Chemical Company LLC, Nippon Shokubai Co Ltd., Stepan Company, Croda International Public Limited Company, Innospec Inc., Bodal Chemicals Limited, Hansa Group AG, Lion Specialty Chemicals Co Ltd, Prakash Chemicals International Private Limited, Fengchen Group Co Ltd., Shandong ThFine Chemical Co Ltd., Zhejiang Zanyu Technology Co., Ltd., Sinopec Jinling Petrochemical Co., Ltd., CEPSA Química, Arabian Sulfonates Company.

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

The linear alkylbenzene sulfonate market consists of sales of laundry detergents, dishwashing liquids, household cleaners, industrial cleaners, and textile processing agents. 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.

This product will be delivered within 1-3 business days.