Humectants Market Report and Forecast 2025-2034

The global humectants market attained a value of nearly USD 27.06 Billion in 2024. The market is further expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.00% during the forecast period of 2025-2034 to reach a value of USD 48.46 Billion by 2034.

North America to be a Major Regional Market for the Humectants Industry

The global humectants industry is being driven by the rising adoption of the product in the North American region. Owing to the FDA approval for the use of humectants in food products, North America is providing lucrative growth opportunities for the market growth. Europe is also expected to be a significant market for humectants. While the usage of synthetic humectants in Europe is limited by the decrease in the use of humectants in cosmetics, the region’s focus on natural humectants as opposed to synthetic humectants because of their less harmful effects is expected to provide the market with fresh growth opportunities in the region. Meanwhile, the Asia-Pacific region is expected to witness a rapid growth rate in the forecast period, owing to rapid population growth, rising consciousness of food safety, and a rising number of investment projects in the food and beverage industry.

Humectants: Market Segmentation

Humectant is a hygroscopic compound used to keep stuff moist; since it is wet, it is the reverse of a desiccant. It is also a molecule with many hydrophilic groups, most often hydroxyl groups; but it is also possible to encounter amines and carboxyl groups, often esterified (its affinity to build hydrogen bonds with water molecules is the main characteristic). These materials are used in various products, such as food, beauty products, medicines, as well as pesticides.

Market Breakup by Source

• Natural
• Synthetic

Market Breakup by Type

• Glycerol
• Sugar Alcohol
• Glycols
• Alpha Hydroxy Acids and Polysaccharides
• Others

Market Breakup by Application

• Food and Beverages
• Pharmaceuticals
• Animal Feed
• Oral and Personal Care
• Others

Market Breakup by Region

• North America
• Europe
• Asia-Pacific
• Latin America
• Middle East and Africa

Rising Demand from the Food and Beverage Industry Bolstering the Market Growth of Humectants

Owing to the growing use of humectants to extend the longevity of a food product and rising product efficacy, the demand for humectants in the market has substantially increased. The rising application of the product as an additive in the food and beverage sector is rapidly rising, thus driving the global market. The use of humectant as an ingredient is rapidly rising in many personal care and beauty products, like in moisturisers, hair conditioners, lip balms, cleansers for the face or body, creams, and lotions for the body, which is further propelling the market growth.

In waterborne paints, humectants are used in order to preserve the moisture content while stored. The rising construction sector is driving the growth of the paints and coatings industry, which is further aiding the humectants industry growth. The market is also being driven by the growing population and the rising investments in infrastructure.

Key Industry Players in the Global Humectants Market

The report gives a detailed analysis of the following key players in the global humectants market, covering their competitive landscape, capacity, and latest developments like mergers, acquisitions, and investments, expansions of capacity, and plant turnarounds:

• Roquette Frères
• Brenntag GmbH
• Cargill, Incorporated
• BASF SE
• Others

The comprehensive report provides an in-depth assessment of the market based on the Porter's five forces model along with giving a SWOT analysis.

Humectants Market Snapshots

Humectants Market Size

Humectants Market Growth

Humectants Companies