Global bar soap market is projected to witness a CAGR of 4% during the forecast period 2024-2031, growing from USD 21.02 billion in 2023 to USD 28.88 billion in 2031. Factors such as growing awareness of personal hygiene among consumers, rising demand for natural and organic bar soaps, consumers’ preference for mild and gentle products and consumers’ preference for premium quality bar soaps.
Bar Soaps are a sustainable option when compared to liquid soaps as they do not require disposable plastic bottle packaging, creating an appeal to eco-conscious consumers. Moreover, most of the soap bars come in reusable tin packaging. Apart from that, the production of soap bars is more energy efficient and produces relatively less waste. The manufacturers are introducing biodegradable formulations. For instance, in February 2024, Dove, a brand of Unilever PLC, released a body soap bar infused with plant-based milk. It is formulated with 100% gentle cleansers and formulas which are 98% biodegradable.
Bar soaps, which offer functionality such as extra hydration, moisturization, exfoliation, and medicinal properties, appeal to the consumers. They help with cleansing and provide additional benefits. For instance, in February 2023, Vermont’s Original Bag Balm launched the latest rosemary mint-scented exfoliating bar soap which contains lanolin, leaving the skin clean, soft, and moisturized. Moreover, medicated bar soaps which contain ingredients such as salicylic acids appeal to the consumers as they help in treating skin problems such as acne. According to American Academy of Dermatology Association, acne affects up to 50 million Americans annually. Moreover, around 85% of people aged between 12 and 24 years experience at least minor acne.
Fragrance-free, paraben- and sulfate-free, and hypoallergenic soap bars are gaining traction in the market as consumers become increasingly aware of skin sensitivities due to prolonged exposure to harsh chemicals.
Online retail distribution channels dominate the market as they offer convenience to consumers. Manufacturers are offering their products majorly on direct-to-consumer websites as they perceive it as a popular choice among consumers to purchase bar soaps. For instance, in August 2021, My Beenoo announced the launch of its unique cold-process soaps through the latest direct-to-consumer website. The products offered by the company include bathing, handwashing, and dishwashing bar soap.
Organic Bar Soap to Gain Popularity Among Consumers
Consumers’ increasing preference for natural and organic formulations has been observed in the global bar soap market. Consumers seek safer and more environmentally friendly options for their bar soaps which are gentle on their skin. Therefore, companies have been making bar soaps with natural ingredients such as plant-based oils such as olive and coconut oils, essential oils, and botanical extracts. These formulations usually do not contain synthetic additives such as sulfates, parabens, and artificial fragrances. Natural and organic bar soaps are mild on the skin and, therefore, they are a much healthier alternative. They are often promoted with open ingredient lists and eco-friendly packaging, conforming to consumers’ values. The trend reflects the broader shift towards clean beauty and wellness in the personal care industry and is projected to continue driving innovation in bar soap formulations.
For instance, in May 2023, Pete and Pedro expanded into the men’s grooming body care category by launching a body bar soap. It is infused with the perfect blend of natural Shea Butter and Olive Oil, which leaves the skin clean, hydrated, and smooth. It contains Pumice and Organic Oat Bran, which provides gentle exfoliation to remove dead skin.
Medicated Bar Soaps to Gain Momentum
Consumers increasingly prefer medicated bar soaps as they are often focused on therapeutic care and provide real efficacy in managing skin concerns such as acne, eczema, and fungal infections. These bar soaps are often combined with active ingredients such as salicylic acid, sulfur, and tea tree oil for their medicinal values. Manufacturers are using sulfur in their bar soaps as it offers great acne treatment by its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties which help treat other skin concerns as well. Other soap bars include BHA, such as salicylic acid, which offers gentle exfoliation.
Increased awareness of skin health conditions, along with the over-the-counter convenience, is facilitating consumers’ preferences. Moreover, preventative healthcare and self-care fuel the trend for medicated soaps as an integral part of one’s daily hygiene regime. In addition, the trend of medicated bar soaps among consumers is driven by transparent labeling and dermatological endorsements to give consumers confidence and assurance.
In September 2023, 111MedCo launched a 6% sulfur skin cleansing soap bar, its third medicated soap bar launched with dermatologist support. It is developed to manage multiple skin conditions, such as acne, sebum reduction, and exfoliation.
In July 2023, Crown Therapeutics, a division of Crown Laboratories, Inc., launched PanOxyl 10% Benzoyl Peroxide Acne Treatment Bar Soap. This bar soap helps reduce acne and promotes healthier and cleaner skin. This dermatologically tested formula is gentle for daily usage and suitable for various skin types.
Asia-Pacific to Hold a Greater Market Share
Asia-Pacific is dominating the global bar soap market as bar soaps have a long-standing tradition in various Asia-Pacific countries, where consumers prefer simplicity and effectiveness in personal hygiene products. For instance, dishwashing and laundry soap bars are used widely in the Asia-Pacific region due to the practice of handwashing of clothes and utensils in the region.
Moreover, bar soaps are economical and more affordable than liquid soaps, making them accessible to a broader segment of consumers in urban and rural areas. The region’s hot and humid climate conditions encourage frequent bathing among consumers, boosting the demand for soap bars.
In May 2024, Unilever Bangladesh Limited hosted a launch of the latest formulation of LUC soap bars in Bangladesh. LUX has now relaunched with a superior pro glow formulation with premium skincare ingredients such as Vitamin C and vitamin E, which help consumers achieve flawless glowing skin.
In March 2022, Reliance Consumer Products Limited announced the expansion of its packaged consumer goods portfolio to mom-and-pop stores with the launch of home and personal care products, including Dozo dishwash bars and Enzo laundry detergent bars. The products will be available across different distribution channels, including Reliance Retail’s network of about 3,000 modern trade stores.
Bath and Body Bar Soap to Dominate the Market
Bath and body bar soap dominate the bar soap market over other bar soaps due to the product’s multi-usability and customers’ preference for a traditional cleansing experience. Bathing bar soaps are widely used as they are convenient, effective, and often provide eco-friendly packaging.
The declining trend of handwashing dishes and laundry among consumers and the introduction of convenient dishwashing liquids and laundry pods are further responsible for the dominance of bath and body bar soaps in the market.
In response, manufacturers have diversified formulations, fragrances, and specialty options, further fueling the growth in demand. The segment is, therefore, expected to sustain its rapid expansion in the global market as consumers continue to seek health and hygiene products.
For instance, in January 2024, Wild Willies launched a rugged, clean body bar that provides odor protection. The body bar soap is formulated with skin-caring shea butter and coconut oil, which hydrates the skin. It is available in four fresh scents: Coastal Drift, River Mist, Sunrise Ridge, and Aspen Trail.
In November 2023, Dr. Squatch, LLC introduced an oversized bathing bar soap. The soap delivers a ‘squatch-sized cleaning’ experience which refreshes the body as it is made up of Alaskan Glacier Mineral Clay.
Future Market Scenario (2024 – 2031F)
The bar soaps market is anticipated to witness growth in the forecast period due to continuous innovation in the market in terms of formulation, packaging, sizes, functionality, and fragrances. These innovations attract the consumers to make continuous demand and retails the existing consumers by offering latest and novel products.
Specialty and handmade bar soaps developed to address specific skin concerns and offer tailored skincare benefits appeal to consumers, further augmenting the market’s growth. These bar soaps offer targeted skincare formulations with ingredients such as collagen and antioxidants. Thus, these artisanal and innovative bar soaps are gaining popularity in the market, fostering the market’s growth exponentially.
Report Scope
“Bar Soap Market Assessment, Opportunities and Forecast, 2017-2031F”, is a comprehensive report by Markets and Data, providing in-depth analysis and qualitative and quantitative assessment of the current state of global bar soap market, industry dynamics, and challenges. The report includes market size, segmental shares, growth trends, opportunities, and forecast between 2024 and 2031. Additionally, the report profiles the leading players in the industry, mentioning their respective market share, business model, competitive intelligence, etc.
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