Antiseptic Wipes Market

Market Overview

The global antiseptic wipes market size was valued at USD 6.59 billion in 2022. It is estimated to reach USD 10.17 billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 4.95% during the forecast period (2023–2031).

The global market is being driven by an increasing demand for hand sanitizing wipes that exhibit great efficacy against germs and diseases, particularly among individuals who prioritize their health and well-being.

Antiseptic wipes are single-use wipes that sanitize the skin without the risk of cross-contamination. It eliminates germs and bacteria instantaneously without the need for soap and water. Apart from killing germs and sanitizing the skin, these wipes are also used to clean wounds and cleanse the skin before surgery.

Antiseptic wipes are individually packaged, making them suitable for on-the-go use. The wipes can also be used to disinfect countertops and other surfaces. Medical professionals use them in hospitals and for commercial and household purposes. However, antiseptic wet wipes are composed of nonbiodegradable plastic polymers. This composition renders them unsustainable, as they increase their carbon footprint.

Market Dynamics

Global Antiseptic Wipes Market Drivers

Growing Health-consciousness Among Consumers

The growing trend of health consciousness among individuals, which is observed only in a subset of the population, is projected to expand significantly over the forecast period. The contemporary generation is increasingly concerned with living a healthy lifestyle.

In addition, consumers are progressively transitioning towards healthier dietary practices and prioritizing hygiene maintenance, exemplified by the growing adoption of hand sanitizing wipes, gels, and sprays. The younger cohort exhibits an increased consciousness of prioritizing personal health and well-being. Therefore, a growing demand for hand sanitizing wipes that are highly effective against germs and infections amongst the health-conscious population worldwide.

Increasing Number of Product Launches

Major companies largely invest in research and development to launch new products in the market as per the needs of people. There is an enormous shift in consumer behavior in the market due to various factors. For instance, increased awareness regarding eco-friendly products has driven the demand for natural material-based antiseptic wipes.

The COVID-19 epidemic resulted in a significant surge in the demand for alcohol-based wipes. Hence, as per the needs of people and changing trends, companies launch new products in the market. For instance, in 2021, Nice-Pak company introduced Nice ‘N CLEAN Sani-hands sanitizing hand wipes for the consumer market. Similarly, in 2021, WetOnes launched new wipes containing ethyl alcohol and moisturizing ingredients that meet the CDC requirements.

Global Antiseptic Wipes Market Restraint

Growing Cost of Antiseptic Wipes

Vendors strive to produce quality antiseptic wipes at affordable prices to meet the competitive environment. Fluctuations in the raw materials cost can reduce profit margins, affecting overall market growth. A significant constraint for antiseptic wipes is that further price increases will force smaller clinics and labs in underdeveloped nations to switch to conventional goods like soaps and gels.

Global Antiseptic Wipes Market Opportunities

Introduction of Eco-Friendly Antiseptic Wipes

Antiseptic wipes are a growing industry as a result of producers switching to more environmentally friendly materials and methods, such as using natural fibers and water instead of alcohol. Sustainability is playing a major role in the wipes market. There is a huge demand for biodegradable and discardable materials after use, mainly to reduce the carbon footprint. The need for personal hygiene is one of the major factors driving the demand for greener products in the market.

Pressure from developed countries is forcing companies to move towards greener products. For instance, more than 20 states and various municipalities have already introduced more than 100 bills to resolve plastic concerns in the US. This will increase wipes usage in all segments during the forecast period. Companies are also focused on producing environmentally friendly products, thereby creating Kolan eco-friendly sanitizing wipes for hands completely made up of 100% natural cellulose and bleach-free.

Regional Analysis

North America Dominates the Global Market

Based on region, the global antiseptic wipes market is bifurcated into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East and Africa.

North America is the most significant global antiseptic wipes market shareholder and is anticipated to exhibit a CAGR of 3.01% during the forecast period. Various factors are driving the demand for antiseptic wipes in this region. For instance, many surgeries are performed in this region due to the developed healthcare infrastructure, and most of the population has insurance and reimbursement options. This is driving people to opt for surgeries instead of alternative treatments. In addition, the standard of hospital care is higher in countries like the US and Canada. The frequency of using antiseptic wipes in healthcare settings is high enough to provide better hygiene and faster recovery for patients.

Additionally, there has been a consistent upward trend in this region's geriatric population. Therefore, there has been a corresponding rise in the number of individuals who prefer long-term care centers, driving the usage of antiseptic wipes in the market. In addition, the government took various steps to increase awareness about hand hygiene during the COVID-19 pandemic. This fueled the demand for hand sanitizers, hand sanitizing wipes, and other products.

Europe is predicted to exhibit a CAGR of 5.70% over the forecast period. Europe is a region with many developed countries and a large population with better healthcare infrastructure access through insurance, co-pays, and more. The high standards of hospital care are one of the major driving factors for the consumption of a large volume of antiseptic wipes in the region. Moreover, the growing target population will drive the demand for antiseptic wipes in healthcare. For instance, the prevalence of wounds is high in various European countries. The population prevalence of lesions is 3–4/1,000 individuals, corresponding to 1.5–2.0 million of the 491 million residents of the EU-27, with an incidence of 4 million individuals annually.

Similarly, a large number of people undergo surgeries in this region. For instance, at least 1.16 million cesarean sections were performed in European countries in 2018. These increasing numbers of surgeries are major factors, along with the prevalence of wounds, driving the demand for antiseptic wipes in the region.

The Asia-Pacific region is home to more than 65% of the global population. The standard of hospital care is high in some Asia-Pacific countries. With a large population, this region still lags behind North America and Europe in the revenue segment. The main reason for this is the lack of awareness among the population. The healthcare segment is the largest consumer of antiseptic wipes in this region. In addition, the large target population is accelerating the usage of antiseptic wipes in this region. There is a constant increase in the geriatric population, as well as road accidents, chronic wound care patients, burns, and more. India is expected to become the diabetic capital soon. In India, the number of patients afflicted with acute to severe burns exceeds one million. This indicates a strong potential for antiseptic wipes in the Asia-Pacific region.

In Latin America, one of the major factors driving the usage of antiseptic wipes is the increasing number of cosmetic surgeries. Latin America has performed the highest number of cosmetic surgery procedures globally. The region has both developed and developing economies with well-developed healthcare infrastructure. Countries like Brazil have one of the largest universal health coverages, allowing individuals to undergo surgeries easily. In addition, it is estimated that by 2030, around 17% of the population in the region will be above 60 years. It is projected that by the year 2050, a significant proportion of the senior demographic will be encompassed by pension programs, granting them the opportunity to avail themselves of surgical interventions. This is increasing the consumption of antiseptic wipes in healthcare settings.

In the Middle East and Africa, one of the major reasons for the minimal share is the rising usage of conventional products compared to advanced wound care and skin care products in this segment. Due to the high cost of the products, the adoption of antiseptic wipes in this region is lower than in other regions. However, countries like Turkey and the UAE are the largest contributors to medical tourism in this region. In addition, the standard of hospital care is high in these countries, demanding the largest consumption of antiseptic wipes. Due to the lack of increased awareness among patients and physicians regarding advanced wound care, the usage of advanced wound care products is limited, including antiseptic wipes to clean wounds. Various new wound care companies are collaborating with hospitals to provide wound care treatments, driving the demand for the antiseptic wipes market.

Segmental Analysis

The global antiseptic wipes market share is segmented by material, application, end-user, formulation, and distribution channel.

Based on material, the global antiseptic wipes market is bifurcated into natural and synthetic. 

The synthetic segment dominates the global market and is projected to exhibit a CAGR of 4.50% over the forecast period. A majority of the wipes are manufactured from synthetic materials. Synthetic fibers have more benefits, like easy availability and affordability, and large manufacturing companies have established manufacturing facilities using synthetic materials in the wipes. Since their introduction onto the market, many wipes have been fabricated using synthetic materials. Some end-users, like healthcare settings, are large consumers of synthetic medical wipes. Only a few countries with environmental concerns have imposed restrictions against synthetic wipes; however, a large volume of synthetic wipes is still preferred in the market.

Based on application, the global antiseptic wipes market share is divided into sanitizing, skincare, and wound care. 

The skin care segment is the largest revenue contributor to the market and is expected to exhibit a CAGR of 4.16% over the forecast period. The usage of antiseptic wipes in the skin care segment has increased drastically in recent years. The skin care segment consumes a large volume of wipes, of which the largest consumers are women. The usage of intimate wipes to prevent infections in intimate regions has been increasing over the past few years.

The use of intimate wipes with antibacterial or antiseptic characteristics to mitigate the risk of infections in intimate areas is not exclusive to females, as men also engage in this practice. The rising awareness among individuals regarding various skin conditions in intimate regions and the required care to prevent unnecessary infections have increased the consumption of antiseptic wipes among the population.

Based on end-users, the global antiseptic wipes market is segmented into healthcare, households, and others. 

The healthcare segment owns the highest market share and is estimated to exhibit a CAGR of 4.68% during the forecast period. Hospital settings are large consumers of antiseptic wipes in the market. The hospitals are the first point of contact for patients with any health condition. Diabetic individuals frequently exhibit an increased susceptibility to wounds and typically receive medical care in hospitals. In addition, hospitals are provided with the latest machines and technology for diagnosis, monitoring of the wound condition, and quick healing. Prevention of infections in wounds is significant, especially among the diabetic population. The delayed healing of wounds and subsequent development of problems can occur in people who experience protracted infections. Antiseptic wipes are commonly employed for the regular cleansing of wounds.

Based on formulation, the global antiseptic wipes market share is divided into alcohol, chlorhexidine, iodine, octenidine, and others. 

The iodine segment is the most significant contributor to the market and is predicted to exhibit a CAGR of 4.68% over the forecast period. Iodine-based antiseptic wipes and topical antibiotics are antiseptic (cleansing and sterilizing agents). Povidone-iodine is effective and painless, which means it does not hurt when applied to an open wound. Iodine molecules swiftly permeate the cell wall of microorganisms and inactivate the cells by forming complexes with amino acids and unsaturated fatty acids, thereby inhibiting protein synthesis and altering cell membranes.

Additionally, Iodine is a germ-free drug widely used in topical applications to fix and treat skin diseases and minor injuries. Iodine-based antiseptic wipes are effective antiseptics that do not impede wound healing. Iodine has a bactericidal effect on both gram-positive and gram-negative organisms. Povidone-iodine has been found to facilitate the healing process in several types of acute and chronic injuries.

Based on distribution channels, the global antiseptic wipes market is divided into B2B/B2C, retail, and online. 

The B2B/B2C segment contributed the highest market share and is predicted to exhibit a CAGR of 4.20% over the forecast period. B2B is among the largely preferred distribution channels. The antiseptic wipes manufacturers conduct research in product development, innovate, and manufacture new products. In addition to manufacturing, these companies also distribute their products to large distributors/institutions that distribute them to hospitals, labs, shops, online platforms, and other end-users.

In the case of antiseptic wipes, group purchasing organizations (GPOs) are directly procuring antiseptic wipes in very large volumes at an economical cost from manufacturers. This trend is usually seen in developed countries like the US. Most large hospitals that consume a larger volume of wipes, or a chain of hospitals, will order directly from the manufacturers to get the product at a discount, thereby eliminating middlemen and distributors in the supply chain.

Recent Developments

• July 2023- Wet Ones, well-known for its antibacterial hand wipes, introduced its first liquid gel hand sanitizer and Wet Ones Plus Alcohol Hand Sanitizing Wipes.
• April 2023- Orangetheory Fitness announced that it officially launched Natrulab biodegradable disinfectant cloths in all 110 Canadian studios as part of its ongoing commitment to promoting environmental sustainability.