Bar Soap Market Size, Share, Analysis, Trends, Growth, 2032

Bar Soap Industry Prospective:

The global bar soap market size was worth around USD 31.15 billion in 2023 and is predicted to grow to around USD 46.53 billion by 2032 with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of roughly 4.68% between 2024 and 2032.

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Bar Soap Market: Overview

A bar soap is a surfactant used for cleaning and washing. As per the United States Food & Drug Administration (FDA), a product is classified as a soap if it has three essential attributes. The primary aspect deals with the ingredients. For instance, a product classifies as soap if it is made using ashes with oils or fats. Furthermore, the cleansing agent in the soap must only be alkali salts and there is no scope for the addition of other types of cleansers. The third attribute is related to the way in which a product is marketed. For instance, if the bar soap claims to be antibacterial or impart moisturization, the FDA agency classifies the product as a cosmetic item. Bar soap has been integral to the cleaning and washing industry.  They are solid in form and most cases rectangular in structure. Bar soaps have been traditionally used for washing and cleaning purposes however, in recent times, the products have been quickly replaced with liquid-based counterparts. The main components of a bar soap include oils or fats, additives, water, and alkali with each ingredient imparting certain quality to the final product. Additionally, certain bar soaps are made using fragrance, especially the ones used by humans and animals for cleaning body parts. The industry for bar soaps is highly competitive as it is ruled by a wide range of players including the ones operating on an international level as well as several domestic manufacturers of bar soaps. Moreover, the rising innovation rate in the industry could fuel the market’s growth trend during the projection period.

Key Insights:

• As per the analysis shared by our research analyst, the global bar soap market is estimated to grow annually at a CAGR of around 4.68% over the forecast period (2024-2032)
• In terms of revenue, the global bar soap market size was valued at around USD 31.15 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 46.53 billion, by 2032.
• The bar soap market is projected to grow at a significant rate due to the growing access to consumer goods through retail outlets
• Based on the application, the body/skincare segment is growing at a high rate and will continue to dominate the global market as per industry projection
• Based on the distribution channel, the supermarkets/hypermarkets segment is anticipated to command the largest market share
• Based on region, Asia-Pacific is projected to dominate the global market during the forecast period

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Bar Soap Market: Growth Drivers

Growing access to consumer goods through retail outlets will drive the market demand

The global bar soap market is expected to grow due to the growing access to every essential through retail outlets that include smaller commodities selling standalone shops to larger supermarkets. Urbanization and increased demand from consumers for all-in-one stores have resulted in the growth of consumer goods retailers. In recent times, a large number of supermarkets and hypermarkets have emerged globally serving the everyday buyers. Additionally, retail giants are also focusing on rural parts of the world by launching appropriate retail shops offering extensive products and adopting affordable pricing techniques. These retail chains are visited by a large number of people every day buying essential items such as cleaning or washing bar soaps.

For instance, India’s leading retailer DMart is estimated to make over INR 21 lacs every day in revenue. In March 2024, Uchumi Supermarket in Kenya announced that it would stage a comeback by opening a new store in April of the same year. The brand has shown low profitability in the last few years and is currently debt-ridden. In addition to this, the growing international expansion of international retail brands may further help the market generate a significant growth rate. The growing focus on developing highly automated and smart supermarkets with advanced features will attract more buyers. For instance, in January 2024, Netto, a leading German discount chain, announced the launch of Europe’s largest autonomous supermarket. Buyers can shop cash-free as the facility is equipped with artificial intelligence helping customers navigate the store.

Rising demand for bar soaps in the hospitality sector in emerging economies may fuel the market expansion rate

The global bar soap market players must tap into the growing potential of the hospitality sector since bar soaps are commonly used in facilities offering accommodation, food, and other services. Bar soaps are a part of the amenities that these centers are required to provide to all the customers especially facilities offering extended stay. In addition to this, the centers also use bar soaps to maintain the quality of linens provided to the guests during their stay. The growth in the hospitality sector will drive the demand for bar soaps in the coming years.

Bar Soap Market: Restraints

Growing replacement of bar soaps with liquid alternatives may limit the market’s adoption rate

The global industry for bar soap is expected to be restricted due to the increasing number of customers switching to liquid and other forms of alternatives to bar soap. Under certain circumstances, bar soaps can be considered unhygienic especially if the same soap is used by multiple people for washing or cleaning items. Moreover, bar soaps designed to be used by people for personal hygiene are recommended not to be shared by multiple people since they lead to the spread of infectious diseases. Liquid body wash or liquid cleansing items for clothes and utensils are safer and hygienic. Moreover, the increase in the number of companies delivering alternate solutions has been on the rise.

Bar Soap Market: Opportunities

Rising demand for organic or chemical-free soaps may generate high-growth opportunities

The global bar soap market can gain extensive revenue during the forecast period by targeting the surging demand rate for chemical-free or organic bar soaps. Modern consumers are becoming more environmentally conscious and thus changing their buying patterns to reduce the impact of consumerism on the environment. Chemically bar soaps are known to compromise environmental quality by mixing with the water or neighboring surroundings after use. Moreover, the demand for fragrance-free soaps is also escalating at a steady rate driven by the growing number of people suffering from fragrance-based allergies. As per the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology, around 10-30% of the world’s population is allergic to specific substances. The growing demand for environmentally friendly and chemical-free soaps provides excellent growth avenues for the market players. For instance, in August 2023, Cal & Gary announced the launch of a new carbon capture bar soap. The new range offers 6 fragrances that are made using Calgary’s recycled carbon dioxide (CO2) powered by a clean carbon capture program. Moreover, Bio-D company offers bar soaps made using 100% naturally derived raw materials. Moreover, the company also focuses on using recyclable cardboard packaging for further positive environmental impact.

Bar Soap Market: Challenges

Extreme competitiveness in the industry and regulatory hurdles may challenge the market expansion rate

The global bar soap industry is expected to be challenged due to the extreme competitiveness in the industry. Currently, the bar soap industry is filled with several players with each company offering novel products. Moreover, the steady rise in the addition of new players may further cause hurdles in developing strategies for product differentiation. The implications surrounding legal regulations governing the labeling and categorization of bar soaps may limit the market’s revenue.

Bar Soap Market: Segmentation

The global bar soap market is segmented based on application, type, distribution channel, end-use, and region.

Based on the application, the global market segments are facial care, body/skin care, hair care, and others. In 2023, the highest growth was observed in the body/skincare segment. Bar soaps are mainly used for cleansing body parts such as hands, legs, and torso regions. In 2023, the segment dominated more than 52% of the total market share. The demand is higher for moisturizing soaps made using cocoa butter, shea butter, or coconut oil since they have excellent nourishing qualities.

Based on type, the global market divisions are synthetic and organic

Based on the distribution channel, the global bar soap industry is divided into online retailers, specialty stores, convenience stores, supermarkets/hypermarkets, and others. The highest revenue-generating segment in 2023 was supermarkets/hypermarkets. It contributed to over 31% of the total segmental revenue. These facilities allow customers to access a wide range of products at discounted offers. Moreover, the rise in urban population is fueling the demand for efficient supermarkets.

Based on end-use, the global market segments are humans, animals, objects, and others.

Bar Soap Market: Report Scope

Bar Soap Market: Regional Analysis

Asia-Pacific will emerge as the highest revenue-generator during the forecast period

The global bar soap market will be led by Asia-Pacific during the projection period. In 2023, the region held control over more than 40% of the global revenue. The sheer quantity of consumers in Asia-Pacific mainly concentrated in China and India is the major driver for the bar soap industry. These regions have shown a wide popularity of bar soaps for cleaning and washing purposes for multiple years and continue to remain a part of most households. The key aspect of bar soap driving the regional demand is the cost-efficiency of the product. Bar soaps are relatively less expensive as compared to liquid alternatives. Moreover, the regional market is dominated by several domestic players who understand the cleaning or washing needs of the regional population. Furthermore, Asia-Pacific is a proliferating market for organic bar soaps. India for instance, is known for the popularity and acceptance of chemical-free products that are not harsh on the skin and the environment. In December 2023, India’s Karnataka Soaps and Detergents Ltd. (KSDL) announced the diversification of its product offering as the state-owned firm now plans to expand its presence in the North Indian market.

Bar Soap Market: Competitive Analysis

The global bar soap market is led by players like:

• Godrej Consumer Products Limited
• Johnson & Johnson
• Colgate-Palmolive
• The Honest Company
• Procter & Gamble (P&G)
• The Himalaya Drug Company
• Kao Corporation
• Unilever
• Patanjali Ayurved
• Beiersdorf AG
• Henkel AG & Co. KGaA
• The Dial Corporation
• L'Oréal
• Reckitt Benckiser Group plc
• The Clorox Company

The global bar soap market is segmented as follows:

By Application

• Facial Care
• Body/Skin Care
• Hair Care

By Type

• Synthetic
• Organic

By Distribution Channel

• Online Retailers
• Specialty Stores
• Convenience Stores,
• Supermarkets/Hypermarkets

By End-Use

• Humans
• Animals
• Objects

By Region

• North America
  • The U.S.
  • Canada
• Europe
  • France 
  • The UK
  • Spain
  • Germany
  • Italy
  • Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • Japan
  • India
  • South Korea
  • Southeast Asia
  • Rest of Asia Pacific
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Rest of Latin America
• Middle East & Africa
  • GCC
  • South Africa
  • Rest of Middle East & Africa