Isostearic Acid Market Size, Analysis, Share & Forecast 2031

Report Description

Isostearic Acid Market Outlook

The Global Isostearic Acid Market size was estimated at USD 612.2 Mn in 2021 and is anticipated to reach USD 919.0 Mn by 2030, expanding at a CAGR of 4.8% during the forecast period, 2022-2030. Isostearic acid is a fatty acid molecule with an 18-carbon atom chain backbone. It is an isomer of stearic acid.

Both stearic acid and isostearic acid have a chemical formula of C18H36O2; however, the arrangement of atoms is different. While stearic acid has a linear carbon chain with 18 carbon atoms, isosteric acid has a carbon chain with 17 atoms and a single carbon branch at the 16th carbon atom. Isostearic acid is a clear golden liquid, whereas stearic acid is in solid state. The molecules of isostearic acid cannot pack as tightly in solid form as those of stearic acid, due to the branching nature of its carbon chain.

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Macro-economic Factors

Research and Development

Research departments are directly developing products or are staffed by industrial scientists and charged with conducting applied research in scientific or technological fields, which aid in the manufacturing of isostearic acid. Isostearic acid is synthesized from vegetable oil using a catalyst.

Recently, several studies have been conducted to increase the yield of isostearic acid by using efficient and recoverable catalysts. For instance, zeolite catalysts are used more frequently to synthesize isostearic acid as compared to clay catalyst, which is not recoverable and produces waste.

Environmental Impact

When chemicals are manufactured, used, and discarded, they enter the air, water, and soil. The environmental impact of a chemical is defined by the amount of its release, nature, concentration, and location. Isostearic acid is derived from vegetable oil and is biodegradable. Isostearic acid is non-toxic to the environment.

Therefore, isostearic acid is increasingly used to manufacture bio-based lubricants, personal & cosmetic care products, and fuel additives, among others. Furthermore, awareness among the population regarding the environmental impact of the product they are consuming is increasing the demand for isostearic acid.

Availability of Raw Materials

Availability of raw materials for manufacturing a product is an important part of the process. Manufacturing companies ensure the availability of raw materials inventory to ensure the good flow of the production process with good quality, proper time, and effective cost. Isostearic acid is synthesized using vegetable oil and a catalyst, which are readily available in the market, making it easier for manufacturers to produce isostearic acid.

Gross Domestic Product

Gross domestic product (GDP) is a standard measuring the value created by a country's production of goods and services over a certain period of time. Thus, it accounts for the money generated by such output, and the overall amount spent on final goods and services.

According to The European Chemical Industry Council, the chemical industry is used almost in every good-producing sector, contributing an estimated USD 5.7 trillion to the global GDP through direct, indirect, and induced effects, equivalent to 7% of the global GDP and providing 120 million jobs. GDP plays a significant role in economic activities.

Isostearic Acid Market Dynamics

Market Driver

Increasing Demand for Personal Care and Cosmetics

Millennials use beauty & personal care products such as skin care, color cosmetics, and hair care on a regular basis. Rising purchasing power and consumer awareness of personal care products are expected to increase the sales of personal care and cosmetics products. Isostearic acid is widely used in the personal care and cosmetic products, as it functions as a surfactant cleaning agent and binder in these products.

It is forms a film, which makes it ideal for usage in soaps, shaving foams, and liquid cleansers. Isostearic acid is an oil-based fatty acid that spreads quickly. It has moisturizing effects and leaves dry skin with a light, smooth, and soft feel. Isostearic acid is ideal for usage in skincare and color cosmetics, due to its good solubility and oxidation stability.

Furthermore, the growing inclination of male customers towards skincare and grooming to improve their physical appearance is expected to provide significant prospects to the market players. Increased expenditure in research and development of isostearic acid is contributing to market growth.

Rising Usage of Isostearic Acid for Lubricants and Greases

A lubricant is a fluid that, when applied as a coating between two solid surfaces, lowers friction, heat, and wear. Grease and lubricants are primarily used to reduce wear and heat between contacting surfaces that are moving relative to one another. Lubricants and greases are extensively utilized in the automotive, engineering production, and oil and gas sectors, among others. Isostearic acid is utilized as an emulsifier or dispersion, as it is soluble in various oils.

When compared to other fatty acids such as stearic acid and oleic acid, the structural composition of isostearic acid exhibits a favorable mix of saturation and branching. It is used in a wide range of formulations, due to its properties such as thermal stability, oxidative stability, surface activity, slipperiness, and low color. These properties of isostearic acid make it ideal for usage as a thermal stabilizer and additive in lubricants. 

Market Restraint

High cost of end-user industries hampers the market expansion. Manufacturers get feedstock and oleochemical derivatives before converting them into various main and secondary components for isostearic acid. Each of them requires its individual tanks and equipment, which must be cleaned after each treatment. Furthermore, it is expensive, due to the complexity of the supply chain and the need to handle minuscule quantities of a variety of oleochemical derivatives in different tanks while taking into account quality maintenance and contamination issues.

As a result, it requires high pricing, leading to market stagnation and increased capital and operating expenses for manufacturers. Numerous alternatives, such as palmitic acid, lauric acid, stearic acid, myristic acid, oleic acid, and coconut fatty acid are abundantly available in the market at low prices. These factors are projected to restrain the growth of the isostearic acid market during the forecast period.

Market Opportunity

China, India, Brazil, Mexico, Indonesia, and Saudi Arabia are regarded as the top six emerging countries among the top twenty economies in terms of GDP. A majority of industrialized nations are attaining maturity, and these economies are emerging as profitable marketplaces for all industries, especially the cosmetics and personal care industry. BRIC (3.08 billion population) countries had a population that is more than forty percent of the global population.

The availability of essential ingredients in Asia Pacific and the Middle East & Africa market make them fast-growing markets. Increased purchasing power of the population in these emerging nations as well as the rising middle-class population are expected to provide significant growth opportunities for the global consumer goods industry. Increasing demand for personal care items such as skin care, hair care, and dental care, increases global demand for isostearic acid.

Scope of Isostearic Acid Market Report        

The report on the global Isostearic Acid market includes an assessment of the market, trends, segments, and regional markets. Overview and dynamics have also been included in the report.

Isostearic Acid Market Segmental Outlook

Based on the end-user, the global isostearic acid market is segmented into personal care & cosmetics, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and automotive. The personal care & cosmetics segment is dominating the market, as isostearic acid is extensively used as a dispersing agent, emulsifier, and stabilizer in cosmetics & skin care products.

Isostearic acid acts as a dispersing agent in cosmetic products and provides more efficiency as compared to other products such as palm, oleic acid, stearic acid, and oleic acid. Rising applications of chemical esters in food & beverage, surfactants, adhesives, and other consumer essential products is driving the chemicals segment. Isostearic acid is used to thermally stabilize the coating liquid and increase its effectiveness, which is driving the chemicals segment.

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Isostearic Acid Market Regional Outlook

Based on region, the market is separated into five regions, namely, North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa. The market in Asia Pacific held a significant share of the market during the forecast period. 

The market in Asia Pacific is projected to expand at a CAGR of 5.4% during the forecast period, owing to the increasing demand for personal care products with isostearic acid. This is attributed to the high use of products with eco-friendly ingredients that do not have any side effects.

China is the biggest consumer of fatty acids, accounting for more than 30% of the demand, owing to the fast growth rate of the economy and rapid urbanization in the country. The market in the Middle East & Africa expands at a CAGR of 3.0%. Government support to cosmetic enterprises for the expansion is expected to create opportunities in the market during the forecast period. This factor is expected to generate revenue for the isostearic acid market in the Middle East & Africa.

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Key Benefits for Industry Participants & Stakeholders

• In-depth Analysis of the Global Isostearic Acid Market
• Historical, Current, and Projected Market Size in Terms of Value
• Potential & Niche Segments and Regions Exhibiting Promising Growth Covered
• Industry Drivers, Restraints, and Opportunities Covered in the Study
• Recent Industry Trends and Developments
• Competitive Landscape & Strategies of Key Players
• Neutral Perspective on Global Isostearic Acid Market Performance