The global hand sanitizer market reached a value of US$ 6.0 Billion in 2021. Looking forward, IMARC Group expects the market to reach US$ 2.9 Billion by 2027. Keeping in mind the uncertainties of COVID-19, we are continuously tracking and evaluating the direct as well as the indirect influence of the pandemic. These insights are included in the report as a major market contributor.

A hand sanitizer, or a hand rub, is an antiseptic solution applied on the hands to remove disease-causing pathogens from the skin. It is commonly available in foam, gel and liquid-based variants and consists of alcohol, water, emollients, polyacrylates, artificial and natural colors and fragrances. The alcohol used in hand sanitizers includes ethanol and isopropanol, which instantly denatures proteins and destroys the lipid-based coatings of certain bacteria and viruses. The water acts as a carrier for the ingredients and bonds with the hydrogel. The emollients and other ingredients are added in small quantities to protect the skin from dryness caused by the alcohol, neutralize the acidic effects of polyacrylate and enhance the smell and appearance of the product. Currently, alcohol-free variants are also available, which are manufactured using glycerin, thickening agents and disinfectants, such as benzalkonium chloride (BAC) and other antimicrobial agents.

Hand sanitizers also contain humectants that attract and lock moisture in the hands and do not remove natural oils from the skin despite repetitive use. In comparison to the traditionally used soap, these sanitizers are more effective and gentler on the skin. As coronavirus disease (COVID-19) continues to spread across the globe, there has been a significant increase in the demand for hand sanitizers in schools, hospitals, residential and commercial complexes and other public spaces. However, with the ease of lockdown regulations and an overall decline in the number of cases globally, there is a significant drop in the demand and sales of hand sanitizers.

Global Hand Sanitizer Market Trends:
The Spread of Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Across the Globe
With the sudden outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, the World Health Organization (WHO) has recommended the use of hand sanitizers for self-preservation and minimizing the spread of the coronavirus. The increasing number of deaths caused by the virus has further triggered an alarming response from consumers, thereby increasing the emphasis of consumers on hand hygiene as a preventive measure from contracting the infection. Hand sanitizers contain a high percentage of alcohol, which removes the envelope coating of the virus, thereby making it non-infectious and providing continuous protection to the user.

Rising Health Consciousness Among the Masses
The increasing demand for hand sanitizers is further supported by the rising prevalence of various gastrointestinal, respiratory and skin infections among the masses. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers can minimize the transmission of harmful bacteria and viruses present on the skin or palm of the hands, thereby reducing the instances of stomach infections, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting. In comparison to the traditionally used hand washes and soaps, hand sanitizers contain ingredients that can also aid in minimizing dryness and irritation on the skin. Product manufacturers are developing sanitizers with natural and organic ingredients that do not cause allergies and are non-toxic in nature.

The Introduction of Novel Variants and Dispensers
The market is also driven by the launch of innovative hand sanitizers infused with floral and fruit fragrances. Product manufacturers are developing easy-to-use and portable foam and gel-based sanitizers in sachets and mini-bottles. The gel-based sanitizers have a thin and watery consistency that spread and penetrate the skin quickly to neutralize the pathogens. Similarly, foam-based hand sanitizers are also highly convenient to use and do not need to be rubbed off. Manufacturers are launching products in innovative flavors, such as strawberry, green apple, litchi and orange, in novel hands-free automatic sensor-based and foot-operated dispensers.

Product Availability Through Online Retail Channels
The market is also driven by the proliferation of online retail channels and social media platforms. Consumers are increasingly becoming aware of the availability of premium personal care and hygiene products and are widely adopting healthy lifestyles. Product vendors are using innovative marketing strategies to promote sanitation products through influential celebrities and sports personalities to reach and attract a broader consumer base. They are also developing attractive packaging to grab the consumer’s attention and provide them with an authentic and luxurious experience through their high-quality products. Through online retail platforms, consumers are now able to place orders from the convenience of their homes and the product manufacturers and vendors are able to reach the audiences present in remote locations.

Key Market Segmentation:
IMARC Group provides an analysis of the key trends in each sub-segment of the global hand sanitizer market, along with forecasts at the global, regional and country level from 2022-2027. Our report has categorized the market based on product form, product type, distribution channel and end use.

Breakup by Product Form:

Gel
Liquid
Spray
Foam
Others

Breakup by Product Type:

Alcohol-Based
Non-Alcohol Based

Breakup by Distribution Channel:

B2B
Hospitals
Other Institutions
Retail
Hypermarkets/Supermarkets
Pharmacy Stores
Departmental Stores
Online Stores
Others

Breakup by End Use:

Hospitals
Households
Manufacturing
Hospitality
Restaurants
Government/Utilities (Except Educational Institutes)
Schools and Educational Institutes
Enterprise and Commercial Facilities
Recreational and Entertainment Centers
Agriculture
Others

Breakup by Region:

North America
United States
Canada
Europe
Germany
United Kingdom
France
Italy
Spain
Russia
Others
Asia Pacific
China
India
Japan
South Korea
Australia
Indonesia
Others
Latin America
Brazil
Mexico
Others
Middle East and Africa

Competitive Landscape:
The report has also analyzed the competitive landscape of the market with some of the top hand sanitizer manufacturers being Reckitt Benckiser Group PLC, The Himalaya Drug Company, The Procter & Gamble Company, Henkel AG & Company, Unilever PLC, Vi-Jon Laboratories Inc., Gojo Industries, Inc., Sanofi S.A., Kutol Products Company, Inc., and The 3M Company.

Key Questions Answered in This Report
1. What is the size of the global hand sanitizer market?
2. What has been the impact of COVID-19 on the global hand sanitizer market?
3. What are the key factors driving the global hand sanitizer market?
4. What is the breakup of the global hand sanitizer market based on the product form?
5. What is the breakup of the global hand sanitizer market based on the product type?
6. What is the breakup of the global hand sanitizer market based on the end use?
7. What are the key regions in the global hand sanitizer market?
8. Who are the key players/companies in the global hand sanitizer market?