The global skin barriers market size was valued at USD 1.23 billion in 2023. It is expected to reach USD 1.73 billion in 2032, growing at a CAGR of 3.87% over the forecast period (2024-32). The increasing prevalence of chronic diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), colorectal cancer, and urinary incontinence contributes to the demand for ostomy care products. Skin barriers are essential for managing ostomy pouching systems, protecting peristomal skin, and preventing skin complications in patients with ostomies.
A skin barrier is used to manage the containment of stool, which is of liquid or semiliquid consistency. It is used in patients with fecal incontinence and helps them keep the skin free from contaminants and moisture that may cause skin breakdown. It is a thin film attached to the ostomy pouches to prevent leakage of the body fluids. It also helps reduce infection transmission by keeping infectious body waste in a closed system. Similarly, it supports protecting the perianal and sacral pressure areas.
Skin barriers or devices are crucial in minimizing the likelihood of involuntary bowel leakage and constipation. Most skin barrier products contain chemical elements within the occlusive or humectant categories. Water soluble and occlusive ingredients include zinc oxide, petroleum jelly, and silicone/dimethicone. Alpha hydroxy acids, sorbitol, glycerine, urea, hyaluronic acid, and seaweed extract fall in the humectants category. Unique barrier products include additives like vitamin B3 and ceramides to support the regeneration of the skin barrier.
Irritable bowel syndrome is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that causes digestive tract inflammation, leading to abdominal pain, fatigue, severe diarrhea, weight loss, and malnutrition. Individuals suffering from this syndrome often have fecal incontinence or constipation problems. Within recent years, a significant rise in the incidence rate of irritable bowel syndrome has been witnessed across the globe. For example, according to the American College of Gastroenterology, in the U.S., it is estimated that 10–15% of the adult population suffers from IBS symptoms. Therefore, the global increase in the frequency of irritable bowel syndrome is predicted to fuel the expansion of the skin barrier market in the near future.
Furthermore, one of the main factors fueling the need for skin barriers and market expansion is the rising prevalence of urine incontinence (UI) globally. BioMed Central's sample size of 518,465 people aged 55 to 106 revealed a global prevalence of urine incontinence in older women of 37.1%. In comparison, Asia recorded the greatest incidence of urinary incontinence in older women at 45.1%, according to a thorough systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies on prevalence and factors related to urinary incontinence in older adult women worldwide in 2021. As a result, the skin barrier industry will be significantly driven by the increasing prevalence of incontinence.
Upsurge in the geriatric population has been witnessed across the globe. The elderly are especially prone to fecal incontinence and constipation issues. For instance, the WHO predicted that by the year 2050, 22% of the world's population will be over 60. In addition, in 2020, the number of individuals aged 60 and older was projected to outnumber children younger than five. In 2050, 80% of older people will be expected to reside in low-income and middle-income countries. Therefore, the increased risk of developing fecal incontinence among the elderly increases the demand for skin barrier devices, significantly contributing to market growth.
Patients requiring palliative care frequently need help managing their bowel care. Although various government guidelines on palliative care have been introduced within recent years, lack of guidance persists, specifically on bowel management for bedridden patients experiencing fecal inconsistency. Additionally, people with bowel dysfunction illnesses have been found to have a loss of dignity as one of their top concerns. This has much to do with their diminished ability to control their body functions and loss of privacy, especially while receiving intimate care like washing, restroom use, and bowel interventions. Moreover, the dearth of trained professionals required to provide better comfort while performing bowel management procedures is a significant concern in developing economies, significantly hampers the market's growth.
The emerging economies of Asia-Pacific and LAMEA regions offer lucrative growth opportunities for expanding the skin barriers market due to improvements in healthcare infrastructure in these regions and a surge in demand for improved healthcare. The prevalence of autoimmune disorders like irritable bowel syndrome, which can cause constipation or fecal inconsistency, and increased research efforts for creating medical devices for managing feces have also increased demand for skin barriers. Furthermore, the rapid expansion of healthcare reforms in developing countries is projected to present lucrative market expansion opportunities.
| Study Period | 2020-2032 | CAGR | 3.87% |
| Historical Period | 2020-2022 | Forecast Period | 2024-2032 |
| Base Year | 2023 | Base Year Market Size | USD 1.23 billion |
| Forecast Year | 2032 | Forecast Year Market Size | USD 1.73 billion |
| Largest Market | North America | Fastest Growing Market | Europe |
Based on region, the global skin barriers market is bifurcated into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and LAMEA.
North America is the most significant shareholder in the global skin barriers market and is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 3.8% during the forecast period. North America is projected to grow quickly during the forecast period, owing to a significant increase in the geriatric population in this region. The U.S. dominated the North American market and is anticipated to continue this trend during the forecast period. This is attributed to an alarming increase in the prevalence of irritable bowel syndrome. As per the International Foundation of Gastrointestinal Disorders, IBS affects around 25 to 45 million people in the U.S., which propels the demand for skin barrier devices, thereby augmenting the expansion of the market in the region. Ongoing R&D activities for introducing innovative skin barrier devices for fecal management are the major trend in the North American market.
Furthermore, the rise in the geriatric population in this region significantly contributes to market growth. For instance, according to Economics and Statistics Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce, America's elderly population is now growing at a moderate pace and is anticipated to grow rapidly in the near future. In addition, according to the Census Bureau's "Middle Series" Projections, the elderly population is estimated to double by 2050 to 80 million. Elderly individuals are at high risk of developing fecal incontinence, which fuels the demand for skin barrier devices. Therefore, the rapid growth of the geriatric population in this region is a critical factor that drives market growth.
Europe is predicted to grow at a CAGR of 4.1% over the forecast period. Europe was the second largest market and is projected to proliferate during the forecast period, owing to a surge in the incidence of fecal incontinence among adults and pediatrics. Germany accounted for the majority of the market share and is anticipated to continue the same during the forecast period. A rise in awareness among patients in European countries regarding the availability of skin barrier devices is expected to boost market growth. Moreover, an increase in governmental support for innovation and a rise in funding of projects for the R&D of innovative fecal management systems fuel the market growth in this region. In addition, significant improvements in healthcare infrastructure, a rise in bowel dysfunction syndromes, and ease of availability of skin barrier devices in the region contribute to market growth.
The Asia-Pacific is densely populated, with India and China being the most populated countries. The regional growth is supplemented by increased demand for healthcare infrastructure, a rise in the number of hospitals in emerging countries, development of the R&D sector, an increase in healthcare reforms, and technological advancements in the healthcare field. Due to their large populations, considerable increases in demand for skin barriers, and increased R&D efforts to bring new medical devices to the area, India and China are also predicted to expand at the quickest CAGR during the projection period.
In addition, the significant factors driving the expansion of the skin barriers market in the Asia-Pacific region include an increase in per capita income in many countries, a rise in government initiatives for the improvement of the healthcare sector, and a surge in the focus of leading manufacturers on extending their geographical presence in emerging Asia-Pacific nations to capture potential growth opportunities in the market. Leading manufacturers of skin barriers, including ConvaTec and Coloplast, are gradually focusing on this region for their product launch. Moreover, the rise in demand for these products alarming increase in the prevalence of irritable bowel syndrome fuels the market growth.
LAMEA comprises Latin America and the Middle East and Africa. LAMEA is anticipated to grow quickly owing to an increase in awareness among people regarding the availability of these devices. Furthermore, Brazil accounted for the majority of the share in LAMEA and is anticipated to continue the same during the forecast period. LAMEA is projected to witness significant growth in the future, owing to improvements in healthcare infrastructure and a rise in awareness toward incontinence treatment. Within recent years, several advances in the management of fecal incontinence have been witnessed in this region, owing to the surge of the elderly population. Moreover, the development in healthcare infrastructure, rise in the number of hospitals, and increase in disposable income are the major factors contributing to the market growth of skin barriers in the LAMEA region.
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The global skin barriers market is segmented by shape and surgery type.
Based on shape, the global skin barriers market is segmented into flat and convex.
The flat-shaped skin barrier segment owns the highest market share and is predicted to grow at a CAGR of 4.0% over the forecast period. As their name suggests, skin barriers with a flat shape are beige floating flanges incorporated. These thin films are used in ostomy bags to stop leaks. These can be used with any brand-new drainable, closed, or urostomy pouch with the same flange size. The natural rubber latex used to make these barriers is not used. In addition, the flat-shaped skin barrier is a crucial medical device for patients with fecal inconsistency. Elderly folks, bedridden persons, and those who have irritable bowel syndrome frequently use it. A two-piece pouching system includes this skin barrier. As an illustration, the FormaFlex barrier, sold by Hollister, is a skin barrier that can be extended and molded effortlessly by hand without scissors. In order to reduce pressure on the abdomen when attaching a pouch, the skin barrier incorporates an incorporated floating flange that is finger-accessible.
Convex skin barrier—as the name signifies—is convex in shape and is widely used by patients suffering from fecal inconsistency. They usually come in cut-to-fit and are mostly made up of ceramide material. In addition, convex-shaped products are often regarded as the preferred means to manage flat or retracted stomas and to compensate for irregular peristomal planes such as creases or folds. The convex skin barrier is widely used for matching the relative rigidity of the abdomen and the peristomal plane with the depth and rigidity of the available ostomy products. For instance, Hollister's CeraPlus skin barrier with Remois technology is formulated to help safeguard the skin's natural moisture barrier and maintain peristomal skin health. It is intended to maintain adhesive characteristics. The CeraPlus skin barrier is suggested to be used with new image pouches, which include drainable, high output, closed, and urostomy options.
Based on surgery type, the global skin barriers market is divided into colostomy, ileostomy, and urostomy.
The colostomy segment is the highest contributor to the market and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.2% over the forecast period. Colostomy is a surgical procedure in which the surgeon brings one end of the large intestine through the abdominal wall. In addition, one end of the colon is abstracted through a notch in the abdominal wall, creating a stoma. The skin opening where the ostomy bag is fastened to collect waste is known as a stoma.
Urostomy is a surgical procedure in which an opening is created in the abdominal wall through which urine can pass. A urostomy is usually performed when the bladder is not functioning or must be removed. Although multiple surgeries treat fecal incontinence, the most common are ileal conduit and colonic conduit.
