South Korea Lactoferrin Market Size, Share, and COVID-19 Impact Analysis, By Function (Iron Absorption and Intestinal Flora Protection), By Application (Personal Care Products and Infant Formula), and South Korea Lactoferrin Market Industry Trend, Forecasts to 2035

South Korea Lactoferrin Market Insights Forecasts to 2035

• The South Korea Lactoferrin Market Size Was Estimated at USD 3663.1 Million in 2024
• The Market Size is Expected to Grow at a CAGR of around 8.9% from 2025 to 2035
• The South Korea Lactoferrin Market Size is Expected to Reach USD 9353.8 Million by 2035

According to a research report published by Spherical Insights & Consulting, the South Korea Lactoferrin Market is anticipated to reach USD 9353.8 Million by 2035, growing at a CAGR of 8.9% from 2025 to 2035. The increasing consumer knowledge of lactoferrin's immunomodulatory, antiviral, and antibacterial health effects.  As a result, there is now a greater need for lactoferrin in infant formula, functional foods, and dietary supplements.  Additionally, as customers look for items to strengthen their immune systems, the market has grown due to the rising occurrence of viral and bacterial diseases.

Market Overview

Lactoferrin is a multifunctional glycoprotein naturally found in milk and bodily fluids, known for its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and immune-boosting properties. It plays a key role in iron absorption and gut health, making it popular in infant formula, dietary supplements, and skincare products. Rising health awareness and demand for natural bioactive offer strong market opportunities in functional foods and personal care. Government initiatives in South Korea supporting nutritional research, infant health, and biotech innovation further drive market growth and local product development.

Report Coverage

This research report categorizes the market for South Korea lactoferrin market based on various segments and regions forecasts revenue growth, and analyses trends in each submarket. The report analyses the key growth drivers, opportunities, and challenges influencing the South Korea lactoferrin market. Recent market developments and competitive strategies such as expansion, product launch, development, partnership, merger, and acquisition have been included to draw the competitive landscape in the market. The report strategically identifies and profiles the key market players and analyses their core competencies in each sub-segment South Korea lactoferrin market.

Driving Factors

The rising consumer awareness of immune health, iron deficiency, and gut wellness. Its natural origin and multifunctional benefits fuel demand in infant nutrition, supplements, and skincare. Growing preference for clean-label and bioactive ingredients supports its adoption across health-conscious demographics. Additionally, the increasing elderly population, the rise in chronic conditions, and innovation in functional foods and cosmeceuticals are accelerating market growth. Expanding research and clinical validation further strengthen lactoferrin’s position as a valuable health-promoting ingredient.

Restraining Factors

High production costs are a significant barrier, as lactoferrin extraction from milk involves complex and expensive processes, making end products costly and limiting their accessibility. Additionally, the limited availability of raw materials and seasonal fluctuations in milk production can disrupt supply chains and affect product consistency.

Market Segmentation

The South Korea lactoferrin market share is classified into function and application.

• The iron absorption segment held a significant share in 2024 and is expected to grow at a significant CAGR during the forecast period.

The South Korea lactoferrin market is segmented by function into iron absorption and intestinal flora protection. Among these, the iron absorption segment held a significant share in 2024 and is expected to grow at a substantial CAGR during the forecast period. The increasing awareness of iron deficiency-related health issues, especially among women, children, and the elderly. Lactoferrin’s natural ability to enhance iron bioavailability makes it a preferred supplement in functional foods and infant formulas. Rising demand for non-pharmaceutical, immunity-boosting solutions further supports its growth. Additionally, South Korea’s focus on preventive healthcare and nutritional innovation continues to drive consumer interest in lactoferrin-based iron absorption products.

• The personal care products segment held a significant share in 2024 and is expected to grow at a significant CAGR during the forecast period.

The South Korea lactoferrin market is segmented by application into personal care products and infant formula. Among these, the personal care products segment dominated a share in 2024 and is expected to grow at a significant CAGR during the forecast period. The rising consumer demand for multifunctional skincare and anti-aging solutions. Lactoferrin’s anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties make it highly suitable for acne treatment, sensitive skin care, and skin barrier repair. South Korea’s advanced beauty industry, coupled with innovation in cosmeceuticals and clean-label ingredients, has led to its adoption. Growing awareness of skin health, coupled with the trend toward natural bioactive ingredients, supports strong growth in this segment.

Competitive Analysis:

The report offers the appropriate analysis of the key organizations/companies involved within the South Korea lactoferrin market, along with a comparative evaluation primarily based on their product offering, business overviews, geographic presence, enterprise strategies, segment market share, and SWOT analysis. The report also provides an elaborate analysis focusing on the companies' current news and developments, including product development, innovations, joint ventures, partnerships, mergers & acquisitions, strategic alliances, and others. This allows for the evaluation of the overall competition within the market.

List of Key Companies

• Green Cross Biopharma
• Samsung Biologics
• CJ CheilJedang
• Celltrion
• Lotte Biologics
• Yuhan Corporation
• Hanmi Pharmaceutical
• Kolon Life Science
• Daewoong Pharmaceutical
• Genexine
• Others

Key Target Audience

• Market Players
• Investors
• End-users
• Government Authorities 
• Consulting and Research Firm
• Venture capitalists
• Value-Added Resellers (VARs)

Market Segment

This study forecasts revenue at South Korea, regional, and country levels from 2020 to 2035. Spherical Insights has segmented the South Korea lactoferrin market based on the below-mentioned segments:

South Korea Lactoferrin Market, By Function

•  Iron Absorption
• Intestinal Flora Protection

South Korea Lactoferrin Market, By Application

• Personal Care Products
• Infant Formula