Antiseptics and Disinfectants Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Type (Quaternary Ammonium Compounds, Alcohols and Aldehyde Products, Enzyme, Chlorine Compounds, Others), By Product (Medical Device Disinfectants, Enzymatic Cleaners, Surface Disinfectants), By Sales Channel (FMCG, B2B, By End-User, Hospitals, Clinics, Others) and By Region(North America, Europe, APAC, Middle East and Africa, LATAM) Forecasts, 2025-2033

Antiseptics and Disinfectants Market Size 

The global antiseptics and disinfectants market size was valued at USD 44.58 billion in 2024. It is estimated to reach from USD 48.81 billion by 2025 to USD 100.89 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 9.5% during the forecast period (2025–2033).

Hospitals, clinics, and homes all frequently employ antiseptics and disinfectants. They both eliminate bacteria, but antiseptics are used on live things and disinfectants on inanimate objects. A chemical called an antiseptic kills infections and dangerous bacteria in or on the surface tissue of the human body. They primarily affect cells by evaporating water from the cells, causing dehydration, rupturing cell membranes, and denaturing proteins. On the other hand, disinfectants are substances used to eliminate pathogenic bacteria from the surfaces of items. Cell membranes are damaged, and proteins and enzymes within the cell are denatured as part of the disinfectant's primary mechanism of action. These chemical agents defeat gram-positive and gram-negative vegetative bacteria, mycobacteria, and viruses easily.

The market for antiseptics and disinfectants is expanding as a result of the rising incidence of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). Patients can contract HAIs while obtaining medical care in a hospital or other healthcare facility. They can result in higher healthcare expenses and are a major source of morbidity and mortality. By limiting the transmission of dangerous bacteria, antiseptics and disinfectants are essential in the prevention of HAIs.

Antiseptics and Disinfectants Growth Drivers

Increasing prevalence of hospital-acquired infections

Hospital-acquired Infections (HAIs) are primarily found in patients receiving long-term treatment, especially surgical treatment. It can occur in hospitals, surgical centers, clinics, ambulatory surgical centers, and long-term care facilities such as rehabilitation facilities and nursing homes. Factors such as indwelling catheters, lack of proper hygiene in the healthcare setting, and excessive use of antibiotics can increase the risk of HAIs in patients. In addition, increasing cases of HAIs due to lack of sanitation and precaution is a key factor anticipated to fuel market expansion over the forecast period.

Furthermore, according to a CDC report in 2018, around 1.7 million cases of HAIs and around 99,000 associated deaths are reported yearly in American hospitals. These incidents should result in a rise in the demand for antiseptics and disinfectants. Applying disinfectant solutions in hospitals and clinics generally protects against contamination and lowers the risk of acquiring HAIs. Such solutions are required in hospitals to maintain proper hygiene and sanitation, thereby reducing the risk of HAIs, which is anticipated to propel market growth over the forecast period.

Growing awareness about home cleanliness

One of the key reasons anticipated to fuel market expansion is the rise in the incidence of diseases, including cholera, typhoid, food poisoning, hepatitis A, and dengue, which are mainly brought on by a lack of home cleanliness. For instance, according to a report released by the ECDC in 2019, three and six cases of dengue fever were reported in Spain and France in 2018. This necessitated a risk assessment for dengue fever transmission in Europe. These illnesses are primarily brought on by germs, viruses, and bacteria that flourish in filthy homes, latrines, and kitchens. Therefore, antiseptic and disinfectant treatments are crucial to keeping a house clean. Further, these treatments lower the risk of contracting these diseases by stopping the growth of dangerous bacteria and viruses. As a result, the market is predicted to grow during the forecast period due to rising awareness about home cleanliness.

Market Restraint

Lack of knowledge about the usage of antiseptics and disinfectants in developing countries

A lack of relevant knowledge about applying antiseptics and disinfectants in developing economies may restrict their use. For instance, as per Non-native Species (NNS) survey conducted by National Institute for Environmental Protection and Research (ISPRA), Italy, government authorities and various organizations tend to lack knowledge about NNS and their effects. The lack of knowledge also increases nosocomial infections in developing economies. Hence, this factor is expected to impede market growth during the forecast period.

Market Opportunity

Increasing use of endoscope reprocessors and surgical units

Gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy enables medical professionals to see the digestive tract's inner lining. Many Gastrointestinal illnesses can be diagnosed and treated with the endoscope. One has the option of having an outpatient or inpatient GI endoscopy. If the endoscopes are not correctly reprocessed, it could cause several problems. Endoscopes must be reprocessed appropriately per infection-control guidelines to lower the risk of transferring environmental or patient-borne microorganisms between patients. In these situations, applying the right antiseptic and disinfectant solutions is crucial to stop the spread of illnesses.

Additionally, the risk of contracting HAIs is anticipated to rise with the need for endoscopy. For instance, according to BMJ Publishing Group Ltd. & the British Association of Gastroenterology in 2018, the need for gastrointestinal endoscopy for bowel cancer screening in symptomatic patients has significantly increased. Over the past five years, the overall demand has virtually doubled in many UK centers. As a result, the market players will likely have opportunities to expand due to the growing use of endoscope reprocesses and surgical units.

Regional Analysis

North america dominates the global market

North America is the most significant market shareholder in the global antiseptics and disinfectants market and is estimated to ascend at a CAGR of 19.3% over the forecast period. An increasing number of surgeries being performed in North America and the rising number of workers in the healthcare sector are among the factors expected to drive the demand for antiseptics and disinfectants in North America. Antiseptic and disinfectant solutions are essential for surgical procedures and in the field of research as they reduce the risk of contamination and transmission of infections from one patient to another. 

In addition, increasing cases of hospital-acquired infections may boost the demand for such solutions as doctors increasingly recommend using disinfectant solutions. For instance, as per Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society, each day, 1 out of 25 patients in the U.S. is affected with hospital-acquired infection. Furthermore, proper and regular usage of antiseptics and disinfectants in hospitals and clinics generally helps prevent infections, as these reduce or kill harmful microbes and bacteria, creating an aseptic environment. Hence, the market is anticipated to experience increased demand due to the rising prevalence of hospital-acquired diseases.

Europe is projected to grow at a CAGR of 19.1% over the forecast period. The rising number of surgeries and increasing incidence of hospital-acquired infections are expected to fuel the market growth over the forecast period. For instance, according to Expatica, in January 2020, there were around 1,400 hospitals in France, and French hospitals offered the most advanced medical facilities. Since antiseptics and disinfectants are essential requirements in hospitals and clinics, a rise in the number of hospitals in France is anticipated to impact market growth positively. As per Eurostat, in 2017, around 267.4 transluminal coronary angioplasties and 1,291.9 cataract surgeries were performed in France alone, driving the regional market growth. In addition, various initiatives being undertaken by major market players about antiseptic and disinfectant solutions and recommendations by doctors for using such solutions are also anticipated to propel the market growth. Furthermore, the increasing number of regional hospitals will positively impact market growth as disinfectant solutions are necessary.

Asia-Pacific is expected to grow significantly over the forecast period. The increasing incidence of healthcare-associated infections, food poisoning, cholera, and typhoid fever is a significant factor driving the market over the forecast period. In addition, rising awareness about home cleanliness among people will likely positively impact the market growth. Major players are also trying to enter untapped markets in the Asia Pacific region, thereby expanding the market scope. Similarly, emerging economies such as China and India are adding to regional market growth. In China, various initiatives undertaken by local players, such as the launch of herbal disinfectants and antiseptic solutions, are also anticipated to increase the usage rate of these products. For instance, Made-in-China.com distributes and markets herbal disinfectant solutions in China at affordable prices, which is expected to boost their demand over the forecast period, resulting in market growth.

The Latin America antiseptics and disinfectants market is primarily propelled by the region's increased awareness of the need for hospital and household hygiene. Growing cases of food poisoning due to a lack of maintenance of proper household hygiene may boost the demand for domestic disinfectant solutions in the region. For instance, according to the Brazilian Ministry of Health, around 1,524 outbreaks of foodborne diseases were recorded between 2000 and 2015, with 219,909 individuals sickened and 167 deaths. In addition, maintenance of proper hygiene is necessary to reduce the spread of such conditions. Using proper antiseptic and disinfectant solutions in houses helps reduce or eliminate harmful microbes causing these diseases. Therefore, the demand for antiseptics and disinfectants will increase over the forecast period, boosting market growth.

Increasing healthcare expenditure by governments of the Middle East and Africa countries is expected to lead to the entry of several significant players into the market, which is anticipated to fuel the market growth. An increasing number of surgeries in Saudi Arabia is projected to positively impact market development, as antiseptic and disinfectant solutions are essential for reprocessing surgical units before performing surgeries. For instance, according to the Ministry of Health of Saudi Arabia, around 448,453 surgeries are performed annually. Reprocessing surgical units before surgeries are essential, as it reduces the risk of hospital-acquired infections. These factors are estimated to expand the region's antiseptics and disinfectants market over the forecast period.

Segmental Analysis

Based on type

The quaternary ammonium compounds segment is the highest contributor to the market share and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 19.7% over the forecast period. In hospitals and laboratories, quaternary ammonium compounds are frequently utilized as surface disinfectants. These substances prevent healthcare-associated infections in hospitals and clinics from spreading. Furthermore, it is used to clean medical equipment with direct skin contact. Globally increasing rates of hospital-acquired infections are projected to have a beneficial effect on the segment's growth. For instance, as per WHO, of every 100 hospitalized patients in a given time, 7 out of 100 hospitalized patients in developed countries and 10 out of 100 patients in developing countries acquire at least one healthcare-associated infection each year. This is anticipated to drive the demand for quaternary ammonium compounds as they effectively prevent the spread of infections. Similarly, the rising number of surgical procedures worldwide is expected to boost the demand for these products.

Based on product

The medical device disinfectants segment owns the largest market share and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 19.6% over the forecast period. Surgical units and endoscopes are typically reprocessed using medical equipment disinfectants. Some disinfectants used for reprocessing/disinfecting medical devices include glutaraldehyde, phenol/phenate, hydrogen peroxide, and peracetic acid. Endoscopes and medical equipment must be reprocessed appropriately because of the risk of infection spread from patient to patient by skin-to-skin contact. One of the key factors propelling the segment during the forecast period may be the rising number of surgical procedures performed globally.

Based on sales channels

The B2B segment is the highest contributor to the market and is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 19.4% over the forecast period. Businesses, not consumers, are the target market for direct sales in the B2B sales channel. B2B sales channels typically have longer sales cycles and more expensive average orders. In addition, due to entry barriers in the B2B industry, which include a need for more funding for developing technologically advanced products and difficulties coordinating with various vendors, the B2B sales channel is predicted to grow slowly during the forecast period. Major antiseptics and disinfectants sold through the B2B sales channel include surface disinfectants, enzymatic cleaners, and medical device disinfectants. Hospitals, clinics, healthcare providers, and suppliers are some of the primary end customers of the B2B sales channel.

Based on the end-user

The hospital segment owns the highest market share and is projected to rise at a CAGR of 20.1% during the forecast period. The increasing incidence of hospital-acquired infections globally is one of the significant reasons for segment growth over the forecast period.

For instance,according to the CDC, a hospital infection is transmitted by about 1 out of every 31 patients. The use of appropriate antiseptics and disinfectants is crucial since it aids in stopping the spread of illnesses. In addition, rising healthcare costs in developed and developing nations may lead to a rise in hospitals, which is predicted to increase demand for antiseptics and disinfectants. For instance, as per Eurostat, Germany, France, and Sweden had the highest GDP healthcare expenditure (around 11.0%) in 2015. Thus, such factors are expected to propel the segment growth over the forecast period.

Recent Developments

• November 2022- In India, Dettol, a brand for germ protection, introduced Dettol Antiseptic Cream. With the introduction of this antiseptic cream, the firm intends to carve out a position in the cuts and wounds market and expand its antiseptic liquid.

• September 2022- Deepak Fertilisers and Petrochemicals Corporation Ltd., one of India's prominent producers of industrial chemicals and fertilizers, announced the launch of Cororid® disinfection solutions tailored to meet the needs of hospitals, clinics, laboratories, and other medical and healthcare facilities.