South Korea Surfactants Market Size, Share, and COVID-19 Impact Analysis, By Product (Non-Ionic and Amphoteric), By Source (Synthetic and Biobased), By Application (Homecare and Personal Care), and South Korea Surfactants Market Insights, Industry Trend, Forecasts to 2035

South Korea Surfactants Market Insights Forecasts to 2035

• The South Korea Surfactants Market Size Was Estimated at USD 1.65 Billion in 2024
• The Market Size is Expected to Grow at a CAGR of around 10.19% from 2025 to 2035
• The South Korea Surfactants Market Size is Expected to Reach USD 4.80 Billion by 2035

According to a research report published by Spherical Insights & Consulting, the South Korea Surfactants Market Size is anticipated to reach USD 4.80 Billion by 2035, growing at a CAGR of 10.19% from 2025 to 2035. The market for surfactants has mostly been driven by the rising demand for personal care products, such as skincare, haircare, and cosmetics. In order to improve the washing and foaming qualities of products like shampoos, shower gels, and lotions, these compounds are essential.

Market Overview                   

Surface-active agents, or substances that lessen the surface tension between two liquids, a liquid and a gas, or a liquid and a solid, are in high demand worldwide and are included in the surfactants market. Because surfactants lessen surface tension, liquids can spread more readily and clean surfaces more successfully. They improve the stability and functionality of a variety of products by acting as solubilizers, foaming agents, and emulsifiers. Compared to conventional synthetic alternatives, bio-based surfactants have lower toxicity, a smaller environmental effect, and are biodegradable. Surfactants are found in many different products, ranging from industrial cleaning agents and textile treatments to household detergents and shampoos. Bio-based surfactants, which provide a sustainable substitute for their synthetic counterparts, are growing in popularity due to consumer desire for environmentally friendly solutions. The demand for surfactants is significantly influenced by the personal care sector, which includes skincare, haircare, and cosmetics. This sector also generates chances for new product development and formulations. The agrochemical and textile industries' rapid growth, as well as the growing demand for personal and household care items, all contribute to the surfactants market's expansion in various countries.

Report Coverage

This research report categorizes the market for South Korea surfactants 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 surfactants market. Recent market developments and competitive strategies such as expansion, product launch, and 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 surfactants market.

Driving Factors

Growing consumer awareness of skincare and cleanliness is driving up demand for surfactants in shampoos, soaps, lotions, and other personal care products. Demand in this industry is driven by surfactants, which are necessary components of detergents, dish soaps, and cleaning solutions. The usage of surfactants in a variety of industrial activities, such as food processing, oil and gas, and agriculture, helps the market grow. Eco-friendly substitutes that reduce their negative effects on the environment are becoming more and more popular among consumers and businesses.

Restraining Factors

Market expansion could be hampered by the drawn-out and expensive procedure of getting government approval for novel surfactants. Because they are simpler to produce and use easily accessible raw materials, synthetic surfactants can be sold for less, which puts other surfactant kinds at a competitive disadvantage. Given the origin of the raw ingredients, the manufacturing of natural surfactants can occasionally be more costly and environmentally harmful than that of synthetic surfactants.

Market Segmentation

The South Korea surfactants market share is classified into product, source, and application.

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

The South Korea surfactants market is segmented by product into non-Ionic and amphoteric. Among these, the non-Ionic segment held a significant share in 2024 and is expected to grow at a significant CAGR during the forecast period. They are appropriate for a wide range of personal care, household care, and industrial cleaning applications due to their exceptional stability in both soft and hard water, low toxicity, and gentleness on skin and eyes. Non-ionic surfactants are also effective under difficult circumstances and in complicated formulations. They are therefore prized in industrial applications such as oil recovery, textiles, and agrochemicals.

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

The South Korea surfactants market is segmented by source into synthetic and biobased. Among these, the synthetic segment held a significant share in 2024 and is expected to grow at a significant CAGR during the forecast period. Anionic surfactants rose to prominence due to their accessibility and extensive usage in cleaning supplies, shampoos, and household detergents. However, metal toxicity and non-degradability have presented serious problems due to environmental concerns.

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

The South Korea surfactants market is segmented by application into homecare and personal care. Among these, the homecare segment held a dominated share in 2024 and is expected to grow at a significant CAGR during the forecast period. Surfactants are mostly found in household cleaning solutions such dishwashing liquids, laundry detergents, hand wash, sanitizers, and cleansers. Because of their ability to disperse, moisten, wash, and emulsify, they are necessary components of cleaning solutions.

Competitive Analysis:

The report offers the appropriate analysis of the key organizations/companies involved within the South Korea surfactants 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 elaborative 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

• Kumho Petrochemical Co., Ltd. (KKPC)
• Hyosung Chemical Corporation
• OCI Company Ltd.
• Namhae Chemical Corporation
• SFC Co., Ltd.
• FTC Korea Co., Ltd.
• Geo-Young Corporation
• Hannong Chemicals Inc.
• Chemfield International Co., Ltd.
• MIWON Chemicals Co., Ltd.
• AEKYUNG Chemical Co., Ltd.
• 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 surfactants market based on the below-mentioned segments:

South Korea Surfactants Market, By Product

• Non-Ionic
• Amphoteric

South Korea Surfactants Market, By Source

• Synthetic
• Biobased

South Korea Surfactants Market, By Application

• Homecare
• Personal Care