Dimethyl Silicone Market Size, Share, Trends, Value 2030

Dimethyl Silicone Industry Prospective:

The global dimethyl silicone market size was worth around USD 5.46 billion in 2022 and is predicted to grow to around USD 12.46 billion by 2030 with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of roughly 10.86% between 2023 and 2030.

Request Free Sample

The report delves deeper into several crucial aspects of the global dimethyl silicone market. It includes a detailed discussion of existing growth factors and restraints. Future growth opportunities and challenges that impact the dimethyl silicone industry are comprehensively addressed in the report.

Dimethyl Silicone Market: Overview

Dimethyl silicone, with chemical formula (C2H6OSi)n, is a widely used silicone polymer. It is also known as polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) or dimethicone and dimethylpolysiloxane. PDMS is considered one of the most commonly used silicone polymers with applications ranging from use in cosmetic products to other industries such as paints since it acts as an excellent industrial lubricant. The popularity of dimethyl silicone is driven by the high versatility of the chemical and some well-accepted attributes include low viscosity at room temperature, chemical inertness, water-repulsion properties, and thermal stability. For instance, dimethyl silicone can remain stable across a wide range of temperatures since its boiling point is between 155-220°C and melting point is -35°C. Studies indicate that PDMS is non-toxic and does not have any particular taste which has assisted in greater adoption of the chemical in end-user verticals. The dimethyl silicone industry deals with the production, distribution, and application of PDMS and is expected to register steady growth in the coming years.

Key Insights:

• As per the analysis shared by our research analyst, the global dimethyl silicone market is estimated to grow annually at a CAGR of around 10.86% over the forecast period (2023-2030)
• In terms of revenue, the global dimethyl silicone market size was valued at around USD 5.46 billion in 2022 and is projected to reach USD 12.46 billion, by 2030.
• The dimethyl silicone market is projected to grow at a significant rate due to the growing application in the cosmetic sector
• Based on application segmentation, lubricant was predicted to show maximum market share in the year 2022
• Based on end-user segmentation, industrial was the leading user in 2022
• On the basis of region, Asia-Pacific was the leading revenue generator in 2022

Request Free Sample

Dimethyl Silicone Market: Growth Drivers

Increasing application in the cosmetic sector to drive market growth

One of the key applications which are also expected to drive the global dimethyl silicone market during the projection period is the extensive application of the chemical in the cosmetic sector. Makers and producers of cosmetic products use dimethyl silicone oil to improve the overall cosmetic performance of the product. Since silicone is known to have low surface tension along with reduced viscosity, the chemical helps in making other components of the cosmetic product spread easily on the skin without acting too heavy or sticky. In the current cosmetic market, consumers are actively seeking products that feel light on the skin. Moreover, PDMS is used in the manufacturing of nail polish and eye makeup products. Recent research has pointed out that the eye cosmetics market generated more than USD 1.97 billion in revenue. It was also one of the largest-selling cosmetic segments in the last few years. The increasing number of product launches in the cosmetic sector is likely to impact market growth. For instance, in June 2021, KayBeauty, an Indian cosmetic brand, launched a new range of 24-hour eye makeup collections in the Indian market.

Dimethyl Silicone Market: Restraints

Concerns over extensive use of dimethyl silicone to restrict market growth

The global dimethyl silicone market is expected to come across certain growth restrictions due to the growing concerns over the excessive use of dimethyl silicone in the cosmetic sector. Studies show that although dimethyl silicone is harmless and non-toxic unlike other silicones, the product cannot be considered completely free of unwanted results. For instance, it has been reported that PDMS, as a property, tends to trap everything that falls beneath it. So when it is used in cosmetic products, it can lead to blackheads or breakouts. Furthermore, when used in hair care products, it can cause build-up in the hair causing it to become heavy or greasy and consumers will have to use sulfate-based shampoos or conditioners. Such factors are likely to impact the demand for dimethyl silicone during the forecast period.

Dimethyl Silicone Market: Opportunities

Increasing research on additional applications of dimethyl silicone to provide growth opportunities

Since dimethyl silicone is an extremely versatile chemical and has applications in various industries, in recent times, the research activities surrounding dimethyl silicone have grown across the globe. For instance, current studies on understanding the benefits of using PDMS oil in dietary supplements for goats that are typically fed with high-concentration diets which results in frothy rumen bloat in goats. Additionally, the rise in investment toward building larger silicone-producing facilities could help in better growth opportunities for the dimethyl silicone industry. In July 2022, WACKER, a Munich-based chemical company, inaugurated a new production facility for silicones in India. The move is a part of the company’s new growth strategy. In March 2023, WACKER further strengthened its hold in the market by expanding its silicone manufacturing and cartridge filling capacities at its Nünchritz site

Dimethyl Silicone Market: Challenges

Intense competition from domestic suppliers to challenge market expansion

The global dimethyl silicone market is highly competitive mainly due to the increasing emergence of domestic players offering products with reduced complications associated with international trade. Moreover, managing trade routes and domestic tariffs for international players is getting difficult due to the increasing political tension between Western and Eastern nations. Recent research studies conclude that the war in Ukraine has already impacted energy and feedstock costs for chemical producers which in turn impacts inflation rate and freight charges. In October 2022, Dow, a dominant giant in the global chemical industry announced its plan to cut nearly USD 1 billion in costs as energy prices are skyrocketing.

Dimethyl Silicone Market: Segmentation

The global dimethyl silicone market is segmented based on application, product, end-user, and region.

Based on application, the global market is segmented into heat transfer fluid, lubricant, water repellant, electric insulation oil, fiber treatment surfactant, defoamer, additives, and others. Although dimethyl silicone has extensive applications across the board, in 2022, the highest growth was observed in the lubricant segment due to the increased demand for the chemical as a lubricant oil for plastic bearings, rubber, and gears. The oil can be used to manage friction between two steel parts or other metals and shows the same performance efficiency even at room temperature. PDMS is used as a defoamer as it is not soluble in vegetable or animal oils, or water. This property is expected to drive its demand in the chemical, petroleum, and medical industries. In 2022, the market share of the Oil Drilling & Gas Extraction industry was estimated to have increased by 65.49%.

Based on product, the dimethyl silicone industry is segmented into gels, fluids, resins, elastomers, and others. In 2022, the PDMS industry was dominated by the elastomers segment with control over 40% of the market share. They are based on silicon chemistry and showcase a unique blend of properties such as higher flexibility, resistance to low and high temperatures, electrical insulation, and biocompatibility. They are characterized into Liquid Silicone Rubber (LSR), Room Temperature Vulcanization (RTV), and High-Temperature Vulcanizing (HTV). Factors including growing demand for electric vehicles and increasing competition in the automobile industry are likely to drive the demand for efficient silicone elastomers.

Based on end-user, the dimethyl silicone industry is segmented into industrial, construction, transportation, electronics, and others. In 2022, the industrial segment generated over 26% of the total market revenue due to the increased adoption of dimethyl silicone-based lubricants in the industrial coating segment along with use in offshore drilling activities. Moreover, the higher rate of consumption of the chemical for its anti-foaming properties across end-user verticals could cause a higher growth rate. During the forecast period, the building & construction sector is projected to become the second-leading segment due to higher construction activities across the globe.

Dimethyl Silicone Market: Report Scope

Dimethyl Silicone Market: Regional Analysis

Asia-Pacific to continue its growth streak

The global dimethyl silicone market is expected to register the highest growth in Asia-Pacific. In 2022, the region was the largest revenue generator with a contribution of over 45% of the global market share. This is mainly due to the expansive chemical industries of India and China. The latter country is one of the largest chemical producers and suppliers in the internal market. The presence of an extensive manufacturing line, an increasing number of chemical manufacturers, and the growing entry rate of foreign chemicals and materials manufacturers are leading reasons for China’s dominance in the regional market.

Request Free Sample

In March 2021, Dow announced that it plans to open a new specialty chemical plant in the Zhanjiang area of China. The plant is expected to be worth USD 250 million. While the initial investment will be directed toward the production of polyurethane and alkoxylate, the company explained that it may add more products to its production line in the near future.

Dimethyl Silicone Market: Competitive Analysis

The global dimethyl silicone market is led by players like:

• Wacker Chemie AG
• Dow Silicones (formerly Dow Corning)
• Bluestar Silicones (part of Elkem Group)
• Momentive Performance Materials Inc.
• Shin-Etsu Chemical Co. Ltd.
• Reiss Manufacturing Inc.
• Elkem ASA
• Zhejiang Xinan Chemical Industrial Group Co. Ltd.
• KCC Corporation
• Quantum Silicones LLC
• Evonik Industries AG
• Specialty Silicone Products Inc.
• NuSil Technology LLC (part of Avantor)
• Silchem Inc.
• Gelest Inc.

The global dimethyl silicone market is segmented as follows:

By Application

• Heat Transfer Fluid
• Lubricant
• Water Repellant
• Electric Insulation Oil
• Fiber Treatment Surfactant
• Defoamer
• Additives
• Others

By Product

• Gels
• Fluids
• Resins
• Elastomers
• Others

By End-User

• Industrial
• Construction
• Transportation
• Electronics
• Others

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