Lauryl Myristyl Alcohol Market

The global Lauryl Myristyl Alcohol market size was USD 8.13 billion in 2023, and is calculated at USD 8.55 Billion in 2024. The market is projected to reach USD 14.20 Billion by 2034, and register a revenue 5.2% over the forecast period (2025-2034).

Premium Insights:

Globa Lauryl Myristyl Alcohol market revenue growth is driven majorly by steady and rising demand for personal care and cosmetics products, and particularly products with sustainable, natural and organic, and bio-based ingredients. Lauryl Myristyl Alcohol (C12-14), also known 1-dodecanol, dodecyl alcohol and lauryl alcohol, is derived from natural sources such as coconut oil and palm kernel oil fatty acids and methyl esters by hydrogenation. Lauryl myristyl alcohol can be derived from organic, or petrochemical or synthetic sources, but the organic sources of fatty alcohols remain largely various vegetable-based, and are highly preferred currently.

LMA is also widely used in production of industrial and domestic cleaning products, automotive lubricants and greases, for flavor and fragrance in food and nutrition applications, plasticizers and polymer components, pharmaceutical formulation, water treatment, metal cleaning agents, textile and fabric processing, leather applications, and others. It is used extensively in the manufacture of chemical intermediates, surfactants, oil-in-water emulsions ad emulsifiers, and thickening agent, and finds wide application across a wide range of products and industries.

Among the products, personal care, cosmetics, and household products rank high in terms of demand and production. Lauryl myristyl alcohol (C12-14) is a key ingredient in personal care products including shampoos, soaps, lotions, creams, shaving gel, and hair colorant, among others, owing to dual function as an emollient or moisturizing agent, and as surfactant or foaming agent. LMA imparts both, smooth texture and rich lather, while stabilizing the overall formula. It is also natural and plant-based ingredient, with a relatively mild nature, unlike synthetic alcohols, and its moisturizing properties help maintain skin hydration, essential for reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Emollient properties of this ingredient helps to soften and hydrate the skin and provides a conditioning effect. The surfactant function helps create a stable foam in products like shampoos and body washes. Lauryl myristyl alcohol is also versatile and blends well with other ingredients, and this positions it in high demand and appeal for a wide range of personal care products. ​

Demand for personal care products has been increasing substantially, and is further supported by easy availability, robust visibility, benefits and advantages offered in personal grooming and appearance enhancement and skin care, as well as accessibility to a wide range of products through online channels and e-commerce. In addition, lauryl myristyl alcohol serves as a solubilizer and stabilizer in pharmaceutical formulations,​ and plays a crucial role in evenly dispersing Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) in both liquid and semi-solid dosage forms. Due to its inert properties and compatibility with various medicinal compounds, it is suited for applications in parenteral, topical, and oral medications. LMA is also used in pH regulators, water treatment products, coating products, metal surface treatment products, laboratory chemicals, polymers, plasticizers, and resin additives. It is also used for detergency-boosting and lubricant additives.

Top Lauryl Myristyl Alcohol Market Drivers and Trends:

• Expanding Personal Care Products Markets: Increasing consumer focus on personal care, health, and grooming is driving demand for LMA. Demand for premium skin and hair care products, sunscreen and lipstick, and child beauty care products and color cosmetics is also rising significantly. Ease of availability of various personal care and cosmetics products through various sales channels such as e-commerce, specialty stores, pharmacies, and beauty salons is also driving market growth.
• Shift Towards Natural Ingredients: Rising preference for sustainable, organic, and bio-based ingredients, especially in cosmetics and home care products, as opposed to products with synthetic chemicals is driving demand for natural fatty alcohols and supporting growth of the LMA market.
• Economic Growth in Emerging Markets: Rapid urbanization, rising disposable income, and lifestyle changes in regions such as Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Africa are factors driving demand for personal care products and supporting market growth. Demand for products with natural-based ingredients is also relatively high in developed regions and markets.
• Sustainability and Eco-Friendly Practices: Companies are steadily adopting sustainable production practices, such as using renewable and organic raw materials, which align with focus on addressing environmental concerns. Some manufacturers are also focusing on developing bio-based versions of lauryl myristyl alcohol to cater to evolving demand.
• Strategic Partnerships and Product Innovation: Product manufacturers are engaging in collaborations to expand product offerings and enhance presence in the LMA market. Innovations in product formulations, such as using lauryl myristyl alcohol in high-end or multi-functional cosmetics, are becoming more prevalent.

Lauryl Myristyl Alcohol Market Restraining Factor Insights

• Fluctuating Raw Material Prices: Lauryl myristyl alcohol is derived from natural sources, including palm kernel oil, and also through synthetic processes, both of which are subject to price volatility. Environmental regulations or geopolitical tensions affecting supply chain of raw materials can drive up costs of end products.
• High Production and Energy Costs: Manufacturing processes like hydrogenation are energy-intensive, and high operational costs can result in high cost of end products. This is a factor that can restrain preference and consumption, especially in price-sensitive markets.
• Formulation Challenges and Limited R&D Investment: Developing sustainable, non-toxic, and eco-friendly derivatives for cosmetics and personal care applications remains a complex challenge. Limited funding, especially for smaller companies to invest in R&D, results in fewer breakthroughs in alternative formulations or improved performance.
• Disadvantages of Use: Skin sensitivity and allergies can be a concern, as lauryl myristyl alcohol can cause irritation or allergic reactions in certain users. This is especially a possibility with sensitive skin care products and cosmetics, which may cause fluctuation in consumer base size.
• Environmental Concerns: If not sustainably sourced, palm-based derivatives contribute to deforestation, creating regulatory and consumer backlash. Also, synthetic production routes are criticized for contributing to pollution.
• Shift to Natural and Organic Alternatives: Rising consumer demand for organic, plant-based ingredients may push manufacturers to switch from synthetic or processed alcohols like lauryl myristyl alcohol to alternatives.
• Stringent Regulations on Chemicals: Increasingly stringent environmental and health regulations, especially in the Europe and North America, could limit the permissible use of such alcohols in personal care or cleaning products.
• Substitution by Low-Cost Surfactants and Saturation: Producers may switch to cheaper synthetic surfactants or bio-based alternatives that offer similar functionality. Another concern is overcapacity and market saturation, especially in regions with high production capacity. Focus on catering to evolving consumer preferences can result in oversupply issues, leading to downward pressure on prices and profits.

Lauryl Myristyl Alcohol Market Opportunities

• Product Innovation and New Applications: Manufacturers can capitalize on growing demand for sustainable and bio-based chemicals by developing eco-friendly lauryl myristyl alcohol derivatives for personal care, cosmetics, and cleaning products. Innovations focusing on skin-safe, hypoallergenic formulations can cater to health-conscious consumers. For instance, sustainable palm oil sourcing, coupled with certifications (like RSPO), can boost consumer trust and brand value.
• Strategic Partnerships, Mergers, and Acquisitions: Leading companies can engage in partnerships or acquisitions to expand market reach, improve supply chain efficiency, or enhance technological capabilities. Collaborations with bio-based chemical startups or cosmetic giants can facilitate faster market entry for new products. Acquiring smaller players with niche expertise also helps diversify product portfolios and regional presence.
• Geographic and Market Expansion: Expanding into emerging markets in Asia Pacific, Africa, and Latin America presents significant revenue opportunities. Capitalizing on opportunities arising from rising disposable incomes and demand for personal care products can enhance revenue streams. Also, manufacturers can introduce premium or multifunctional products to attract new customer base. Establishing local production facilities or regional agreements helps reduce costs, mitigate supply chain risks, and ensure faster delivery.

Lauryl Myristyl Alcohol Market Segmentation:

By Source:

• Petrochemical
• Natural

By Type:

• Long Chain
• Higher Chain
• Short-Chain
• Mid-Cut Chain

By Application:

• Industrial & Domestic Cleaning
• Personal Care & Cosmetics
• Lubricants
• Plasticizers
• Pharmaceutical Formulation
• Food and Nutrition
• Others

By End-Use Industry:

• Personal Care & Cosmetics
• Soaps and Detergents
• Automotive
• Textiles
• Petrochemicals
• Food and Nutrition
• Others

Segment Insights:

By Source:

The natural segment among the source segments is expected to account for largest revenue share over the forecast period. This can be attributed to factors such a rising demand for eco-friendly, sustainable, and bio-based chemicals in various end-uses, products, and industries. Preference among consumers is shifting increasingly towards personal care and household products with natural and organic ingredients, driven by rising awareness regarding the potential adverse effects and impacts of synthetic and chemical based ingredients and raw materials on personal wellness as well as on the environment in long and short term. Regulatory norms are also encouraging shift towards sustainable sourcing, which has been prompted manufacturers to shift towards plant-based feedstocks like palm kernel oil and coconut oil for an increasing variety of products.

By Type:

Among the type segments, the long-chain segment is expected maintain dominance in terms of revenue share over the forecast period. Superior performance in applications requiring high stability, viscosity, and hydrophobicity is a major factor driving high rate of adoption long-chain alcohols. It is widely used in personal care products like conditioners, moisturizers, and creams owing to appealing emollient and thickening properties. Also, these alcohols exhibit excellent surfactant behavior, making them ideal for industrial and domestic cleaning products. Compatibility with other ingredients and ability to form stable emulsions makes long-chain variants highly applicable after across a number of industries.

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By Application:

The personal care segment among the application segments is expected to continue to lead in terms of revenue share over the forecast period. Rising demand for skincare, haircare, and cosmetic products globally and increased consumer spending on hygiene and grooming products, especially in emerging markets, are some key factors expected to continue to drive market growth. Lauryl myristyl alcohol provides moisturization and texture enhancement, making it a preferred ingredient in lotions, creams, shampoos, and conditioners. Increasing demand for premium personal care products, rising popularity of e-commerce sales channels, high online product visibility, and shift toward formulations with fewer synthetic chemicals are other factors supporting growth of this segment.

Regions and Countries

North America

• United States
• Canada
• Mexico

Europe

• Germany
• United Kingdom
• France
• Italy
• Spain
• Rest of Europe

Asia Pacific

• China
• Japan
• India

Rest of Asia Pacific

• Latin America
• Brazil
• Argentina

Rest of Latin America

• Middle East & Africa
• Saudi Arabia
• South Africa
• United Arab Emirates
• Israel
• Rest of MEA

Lauryl Myristyl Alcohol Market Regional Landscape:

Among the regional markets, the Asia Pacific Lauryl Myristyl Alcohol market is expected to continue to register fastest revenue growth rate. Robust industrial growth and, large consumer base, and high demand for personal care products are key factors driving growth of the market in the region. Countries such as China, India, and Japan lead among the other countries in the regional market, supported by increasing disposable incomes, rapid urbanization, and a growing middle class consumer base. In addition, availability of raw materials like palm kernel oil in Southeast Asian countries such as Indonesia and Malaysia supports local production, thereby providing companies with a competitive edge.

In North America, the US is the primary market for lauryl myristyl alcohol as well as for sales of various related products and ingredients, driven by the high consumption of personal care, household cleaning, and pharmaceutical products. Stringent environmental regulations also encourage the use of natural and sustainable raw materials, and this is contributing to high demand for bio-based lauryl myristyl alcohol.

In Europe, Germany, France, and the UK are major markets for Lauryl Myristyl Alcohol and related products and applications. High focus on sustainability and natural ingredients, especially in cosmetics and personal care industries, is a major factor supporting growth of the market in the region.

In Latin America, Brazil leads in terms of consumption of products and revenue share, supported by the growing cosmetics industry and high and rising demand for household cleaners in urban areas. The region's agricultural strength also presents opportunities for raw material sourcing, especially for natural alcohol production.

Lauryl Myristyl Alcohol Market Competitive Landscape:

Company List:

• Wilmar International Ltd.• Procter & Gamble (P&G)• BASF SE (BASF Care Creations)• Kao Corporation• Sasol Limited• Arkema S.A.• Eco Green Oleochemicals • VVF LLC• Stepan Company• Godrej Industries Limited (Chemicals)• Kuala Lumpur Kepong Berhad (KLK)• Dow Chemical Company• Lubrizol Corporation• Azelis Americas LLC• Emery Oleochemicals LLC

Competitive Landscape:

The global Lauryl Myristyl Alcohol market is highly competitive, with major players focusing on innovation, sustainability, and strategic collaborations to maintain their market position and expand consumer base. Leading companies have established a strong presence through vertical integration and control over raw material sourcing. This integration helps mitigate supply chain disruptions and manage production costs, especially for natural alcohols derived from palm kernel oil or coconut oil.

Sustainable sourcing is also a key strategy being employed by companies in the market. Increasing pressure from regulators and consumers for environmentally friendly products is prompting companies to obtain Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) certifications and others to ensure traceability and sustainability. In addition, an increasing number of companies are investing in R&D to develop innovative formulations, such as biodegradable surfactants and multifunctional products for personal care, which cater to evolving customer demands.

Companies are also engaging in mergers, acquisitions, partnerships, and strategic alliances with cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and cleaning product manufacturers to create customized solutions and expand their applications. Geographic expansion into high-growth regions like Asia Pacific is also a key strategy, with companies setting up production facilities closer to raw material sources and end consumers to reduce costs and improve logistics.

Recent Developments

• August 14, 2024: BASF and UPC Technology Corporation (UPC) formalized their long-standing partnership by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), and will advance regional cooperation with a focus on the supply of plasticizer alcohols and catalysts used in the production of phthalic anhydride (PA) and maleic anhydride (MA). Also, the partnership will prioritize sustainable initiatives aimed at reducing carbon emissions in their operations and product lines. UPC is a leading chemical company within the MiTAC-Synnex Group, and specializes in the production of plasticizers and phthalic anhydride, and has extensive manufacturing and operational facilities throughout Asia.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: What is the global Lauryl Myristyl Alcohol market size in 2024 and what is the projection for 2034?

A: The global Lauryl Myristyl Alcohol market size was calculated at USD 8.55 billion 2024 and is projected to reach USD 14.20 billion in 2034

Which regional market accounted for largest revenue share in 2023, and what is the expected trend over the forecast period?

A: North America Lauryl Myristyl Alcohol market is expected to lead in terms of revenue share over the forecast period.

Q: Which are the major companies are included in the global Lauryl Myristyl Alcohol market report?

A: Major companies in the market report are Wilmar International Ltd., Procter & Gamble (P&G), BASF SE (BASF Care Creations), Kao Corporation, Sasol Limited, Arkema S.A., Eco Green Oleochemicals (PT. Ecogreen Oleochemicals), VVF LLC, Stepan Company, Godrej Industries Limited (Chemicals), Kuala Lumpur Kepong Berhad (KLK), Dow Chemical Company, Lubrizol Corporation, Azelis Americas LLC, Emery Oleochemicals LLC.

Q: What is the projected revenue CAGR of the global Lauryl Myristyl Alcohol market over the forecast period?

A: The global Lauryl Myristyl Alcohol market is expected to register a CAGR of 5.2% between 2025 and 2034.

Q: What are some key factors driving revenue growth of the Lauryl Myristyl Alcohol market ?

A: Some key factors driving market revenue growth include rising demand for personal care and cosmetics products, and particularly products with sustainable, natural and organic, and bio-based ingredients.