Market Overview
The global ceramide market size was valued at USD 95.14 million in 2021. It is expected to reach USD 163.49 million by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 6.2% during the forecast period (2022–2030). In the epidermis layer of the skin, ceramide, a lipid complex, can be found in the intercellular spaces. The ceramide component is found in glycosphingolipids, which belong to the glycolipid class and are found in plant cells. In its most basic form, ceramide comprises sphingosine and fatty acid.
Natural ceramide can be derived from various plant resources, including rice, wheat, and soybeans. In addition, synthetic ceramide can be produced through the fermentation of a wide variety of microorganisms. Ceramide is primarily utilized in the production of cosmetics and skincare products to improve the skin's hydration rate and the moisturizing ratio. In addition, the availability of numerous online sales channels has made it possible for consumers in rural areas to purchase a particular product at an affordable price, resulting in increased consumer engagement.
The major factors driving the market are increased disposable income and the popularity of anti-aging skincare products. Ceramide, commonly found in cosmetics and food products, has been shown to increase the amount of hydration within the skin and be effective against various skin diseases associated with aging. In addition, as consumers' discretionary incomes have increased, a growing number of them have more money to spend on personal care and cosmetics.
The utilization of such products is frequently regarded as having the potential to enhance a person's quality of life and self-confidence. It is anticipated that factors of this nature will contribute to the expansion of the ceramide market. E-commerce and other forms of online sales channels are likely to make headway in the market due to the growing demand for mobile networks and internet access.
Market Dynamics
Sharp Uptick in Consumer Interest in Anti-Ageing Skincare Products
Customers spend significantly more on anti-aging skincare items like facial cream and lotion. The size of the market for anti-aging cosmetics is growing steadily daily. Over the past few years, there has been a dramatic rise in the demand for anti-aging cosmetics containing ceramide. This is primarily caused by the population of nations like the United Kingdom and the United States aging faster. In the UK, consumers over the age of 65 spend significantly more money on beauty products than consumers under the age of 65. Consumers over 65 spend at least three times more money on cosmetics products than younger people. The expansion of the market can be attributed to the aforementioned factors.
Market Restraining Factors
Potentially Harmful Effects on Health
There is a possibility that severe health problems could arise due to an increase in the consumption of ceramide through food products or an excessive application of ceramide through cosmetics. The presence of an abnormally high concentration of ceramide in human tissue has been linked to various health problems, including diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. In addition, it has a detrimental effect on human metabolism and is directly connected to several other comorbid conditions. It is anticipated that such factors will be a brake on the market's expansion.
Key Market Opportunities
Growing Investment Opportunities in Innovation and Research Facilities
The ceramide industry strongly emphasizes research and high levels of scientific expertise. Many businesses across various sectors contribute to developing new cosmetics and personal care items in Europe and the United States of America. In addition, a shift in consumers' preference toward natural products may create new investment opportunities for the various players in the industry. This will further result in creating new economic activities that will support a significant increase in the number of new employment opportunities. For instance, European industry players spend at least 5 percent of their annual revenue on research and development (R&D), consisting of 77 innovation facilities and over 28,000 scientists. The market will offer lucrative opportunities to those investors who pursue this kind of investment strategy.
Regional Analysis
The global ceramide market has been studied across North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and LAMEA.
Asia-Pacific is the highest revenue contributor, growing at a CAGR of 5.6% during the forecast period. The market expansion is being driven in large part by an aging population as well as the food habits of consumers. The Asia-Pacific region holds the largest market share, allowing China to dominate. This can be attributed to the high consumption of food supplements and various cosmetics containing rice, wheat, and soybean products. With approximately 149 million tonnes of rice consumed annually, China is the leading consumer of rice, followed by India.
Additionally, China and India have a significant demand for products derived from wheat and soybean oil, two of the most important natural sources of ceramide. In addition, the expansion of the market is supported in many countries, including Australia and Singapore, by rising levels of discretionary income and interest in color cosmetics.
Additionally, the rise in internet penetration, which is currently at 48 percent in the Asia-Pacific region, will open up new market opportunities that target new consumer groups. E-commerce and social media channels, two emerging trends, have the potential to improve consumer engagement in the purchasing and application of cosmetics. This, in turn, will have an impact on the expansion of the market.
Europe is the second-largest contributor to the market and is estimated to reach around USD 52.28 million at a CAGR of 7.1% during the forecast period. The cosmetics industry is the primary driving force behind the growth of the European ceramide market. The most significant contributions to the European market come from Germany and France. The robust presence of major manufacturers and significant expenditures on research and development activities are anticipated to boost European market growth. Both the cosmetics and the cosmetics ingredients industries are known for their high levels of innovation; as a result, industry participants invest approximately 5 percent of their annual revenue in research and development activities. The presence of a large number of research teams in addition to the rapid pace of innovation in the cosmetics industry is both factors that contribute to the expansion of the market in Europe.
North America is the third-largest contributor to the market. The rise in demand for natural products in conventional and synthetic cosmetics is outpacing their competition in the personal care and cosmetics industries. Additionally, an increase in the number of elderly people in the population is one of the primary factors that drive the expansion of the market for ceramide products used in a variety of antiaging skin products and cosmetics.
Segmental Analysis
The global ceramide market has been divided into Type, Process, and Application.
By Type
Based on the type, the global ceramide market has been categorized into Natural and Synthetic.
The Natural segment was the highest contributor to the market, growing at a CAGR of 5.8% during the forecast period. Natural ceramides are produced naturally in the skin, and significant food sources of natural ceramide include soybeans, wheat, rice, potatoes, corn, and konjac. Natural ceramides are also produced naturally in the liver. Rice ceramide, widely used in cosmetics, effectively regulates the skin's trans-epidermal water loss. In addition, rice ceramide has a higher moisturizing ratio than other resources such as wheat and elephant foot. Fermentation is used to produce natural ceramide, which is used in various skin care products.
Evonik Industries AG is one of the major players that make natural ceramide. A significant factor contributing to the expansion of the market is the growing preference for cosmetics and personal care ingredients. Because the percentage of ceramide in the skin gradually decreases with age, ceramide is widely used in various cosmetic products, such as antiaging products for dry skin-related problems. In addition, natural ceramide is frequently utilized in the production of foods and nutritional supplements. In addition, rising discretionary income levels and shifting consumer preferences toward natural and environmentally friendly products positively impact the segment's growth.
The second-largest segment is the synthetic segment growing at a CAGR of 6.9% during the forecast period. Most ceramides included in cosmetic products are of an artificial origin. It is possible for there to be as much as 0.2 percent of the product's volume comprised of synthetic ceramides. Evonik Industries and Ashland Inc. are two of the industry's most significant companies selling synthetic ceramides. The calcium levels inside cells can be raised by synthetic ceramide, and its derivatives can help skin retain moisture. Because a single antiaging ingredient is insufficient to solve the problems caused by aging skin, products containing synthetic ceramides are typically formulated with antioxidants and skin-restoring ingredients.
The growth of the segment is supported by an increase in demand for personal care and cosmetic products that are also affordable. Products for skin care and cosmetics often contain synthetic ceramides, which are very effective. It does this by acting as a barrier, which helps the skin hold onto its natural moisture and is also a key component in various antiaging creams. In addition, in comparison to natural ceramide, the majority of these synthetic ceramides are not only more affordable but also more readily available. On the other hand, in contrast to natural ceramides, synthetic ceramide cannot easily permeate the layers of the skin.
By Process Type
Based on the process type, the global ceramide market has been categorized into Fermentation ceramide and Plant extract ceramide.
The Plant extract ceramide segment was the highest contributor to the market, growing at a CAGR of 5.8% during the forecast period. Plants such as rice, wheat, soybeans, and corn are primarily used in the extraction process for ceramide, a type of plant extract. Millet, spinach, and sweet potatoes are some additional food sources that can be utilized. To obtain a ceramide product, pretreatment, microwave countercurrent extraction, concentration, organic solvent extraction, separation, performing chromatography adsorption separation, and then concentrating and drying the product are all required steps in the rice ceramide extraction process. The growth of the market for plant extract ceramide is primarily driven by the consistent demand coming from the market for food and dietary supplements.
In contrast to synthetic ceramides, natural ceramides derived from plant extracts can permeate the skin's layers more readily. As a result, natural ceramides may be more helpful in treating hair and scalp conditions. EPI FRANCE and ESN Group, Inc. are two of the most prominent companies in this industry, and both of them offer ceramides derived from plant extracts. However, the limited availability of natural plant extract and the high production cost of natural ceramide are significant issues for bulk production in the cosmetics and pharmaceutical industries. This is expected to impede the growth of this segment of the market.
The fermentation ceramide segment is the second-largest segment and is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 6.9% during the forecast period. The fermentation of different microorganisms in the laboratory leads to the production of synthetic ceramides. These microorganisms are cultured by using a variety of organic compounds (such as saccharides) as a culture medium, which results in the production of either glucosylceramide or ceramide. Fermentation is frequently utilized because of the high cost of producing natural ceramide or ceramide derived from plants.
Evonik Industries and Solus Advanced Materials are just two major companies offering fermentation ceramide to their customers. It is anticipated that an increase in the demand for synthetic ceramide and ceramide by-products in cosmetics and personal care products will drive the market's growth. The fermentation ceramide process involves using microorganisms such as yeast in a culture solution; the final product is very similar to the ceramide found in human skin lipids. Most of the time, this is included in the formulation of skin care products that fight the signs of aging and keep the skin hydrated. Following the completion of the fermentation process, the final product is subjected to further processing before being packaged and distributed to various users.
By Application
Based on the application type, the global ceramide market has been categorized into Cosmetics and Food.
The Cosmetics segment was the highest contributor to the market, growing at a CAGR of 5.6% during the forecast period. The term "cosmetics" can refer to shampoos, deodorants, anti-aging products, and various kinds of makeup kits. The typical concentration of ceramide found in products of this kind can reach up to 0.2 percent of the product's total weight (dry weight). Ceramide is an effective method for retaining the moisture content of the skin's layers. It also can repair a variety of skin diseases and the effects of aging. One of the most critical factors contributing to the market expansion is the rising interest in natural products. The market expansion is driven by the increased frequency with which people use cosmetics products, such as during meetings or other social gatherings. In addition, an increase in discretionary income and a shift toward a more active lifestyle are two factors driving the demand for various anti-aging cosmetic products, which will further boost the demand for ceramide. The use of ceramide in anti-aging creams has been shown to improve the skin's ability to retain moisture and repair damage caused by the effects of aging on the skin.
The food segment is the second-largest segment and is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 6.4% during the forecast period. Food and dietary supplements are common places to find natural ceramides being utilized. These ceramides are called Phyto-derived ceramides or ceramides derived from plants. Ceramides derived from rice, soybeans, and wheat are the most common sources used in food supplements. For example, the Oryza CER produced by the Oryza Oil & Fat Co. Ltd. is utilized extensively in manufacturing various dietary supplements. In addition, food supplements that contain Konjac CER, which is a ceramide derived from Konjac, are extremely popular in both China and Japan. UsingUsing natural ceramide in a wide variety of foods and dietary supplements is extremely common. It is effective against conditions that disrupt the normal functions of the skin barrier, such as trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL) and epidermal hyperplasia. The products Ceramide-PCD, ORYZA CERAMIDE, and Wheat Polar Lipids Complex are all examples of ceramides that are used in the food industry frequently. In addition, it has been demonstrated that ceramide complex products like WPLC-O and WPLC-P are more effective on skin layers than a placebo treatment. Incorporating ceramide into dietary supplements cancan boost skin moisturizing ratio, hydration rate, and elasticity, all of which contribute to expanding the market.
Top Key Players
Evonik
Croda
Doosan
Vantage
Toyobo
Macrocare
Unitika
Ashland
Others
