Biosurfactants Market Size - By Product Type, Production Method, Microbial Sources, End Use Industry, Industry Analysis, Share, Growth Forecast 2026 - 2035

Biosurfactants Market Size

The global biosurfactants market was valued at USD 9.6 billion in 2025. The market is expected to grow from USD 10.2 billion in 2026 to USD 14.7 billion in 2035, at a CAGR of 4.1% according to latest report published by Global Market Insights Inc.

• The biosurfactants market is emerging as one of the most growing markets, due to increasing demand for ecofriendly and sustainable products from different sectors. Biosurfactants are surface-active compounds produced by various microorganisms such as bacteria, yeast, and fungi; they work to reduce surface and interfacial tension between different phases; thus, they have diverse applications.
   
• The most important function of biosurfactants is to act like natural emulsifiers, foaming agents, detergents, and antimicrobial agents. Because of their biodegradable properties and low toxicity, they are an alternative to synthetic surfactants derived from petrochemicals in line with the global movement toward greener products. The additional advantages of biosurfactants are their high efficiency under extremes of pH, temperature, and salinity conditions, as well as their renewability and lower environmental impact.
   
• In the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries, biosurfactants form part of the formulations because of their gentle, natural cleansing properties. The food industry takes biosurfactants to improve the stability of products and their safety, while oil and gas use them in oil recovery enhancement processes.
   
• One of the reasons market growths can be attributed is that more consumers become aware of environmental issues, along with the stringent regulations on synthetic chemicals. Technological advancements in microbial production method are also enhancing the feasibility of manufacture at lower costs.
   

Biosurfactants Market Trends

• Technological advances have been the most significant drivers in increasing competition in the market. This is seen in innovations brought about by microbial fermentation and genetic engineering, which have improved bioprocessing techniques associated with cost efficiency and yield in biosurfactant production. Synthetic biology has revolutionized production by introducing high stability mutant microorganisms with specific functionality that can be manufactured in large scale very efficiently economically and environmentally sustainable. Automation and process optimization further reduce production workflow cycles while ensuring identical quality levels in the market.
   
• Regulatory regimes are also changing with this upsurge in biosurfactant applications, primarily originating from the growing environmental awareness along with the sustainable solutions movement. The governments along with regulatory agencies most probably create clearer guidelines and standards regarding eco-friendly ingredients, which then favor biosurfactants because they are biodegradable and safe alternatives to conventional chemicals. These regulations support innovation and development among manufacturers in terms of safety, environmental, and health standards, which increases market confidence and speeds up acceptance in different regions.
   
• Focus on product innovation continues to drive biosurfactants market expansion. For instance, companies are more concentrated on the production of specific biosurfactants for different applications. Examples of such applications are antimicrobial, anti-adhesive, and high-performance formulations in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and environmental remediation. The advent of new bio-based surfactants with superior biodegradability, stability and foaming capacity continues to widen their application scope and appeal to consumers. The increasing use of biosurfactants in formulations where they are bundled with other eco-friendly ingredients continues to open new market segments and fortifies the thrust towards sustainable products.
   

Biosurfactants Market Analysis

Based on product type, the market is segmented into glycolipids, lipopeptides, phospholipids, and synthetic & semi-synthetic biosurfactants. Glycolipids dominated the market with an approximate market share of 56% in 2025 and is expected to grow with a CAGR of 4.1% by 2035.
 

• The biosurfactant market is mainly propelled by the glycolipids segment. This is so due to the high emulsification, foaming, and biodegradability characteristics of such biosurfactants. The glycoproteins biosurfactants produced by microorganisms like Candida, Rhodococcus, and Pseudomonas species which further strengthen their environmental applications through bioremediation and degradation of oil spills due to their efficacious and eco-friendly nature.
   
• Lipopeptides are used as very effective biosurfactants with their different properties, such as antimicrobial, antiviral, and anti-adhesive. They are increasingly important in pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and cleaning products. The impact of the natural preservatives leaves behind the synthetic chemicals in the formulations, which adds boost to the demand for lipopeptides.
   
• Phospholipids make a huge market for biosurfactants and find applications most in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and even food. Their unique ability to form stable micelles and vesicles makes them a perfect choice concerning the delivery of pharmaceutical drugs, dermatological huers, and even nutritional supplements. Demand for phospholipids keeps rising because of the increasing inclination towards natural, biocompatible ingredients in personal care and nutraceutical products.
   

Based on production method, the biosurfactants market is segmented into fermentation-based production, chemical & enzymatic synthesis, and hybrid & emerging methods. Fermentation-based production held the largest market share of 62.2% in 2025 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.2% during 2026-2035.
 

• The fermentation-based production process has dominated the biosurfactant market, mainly due to its environmentally safe and economically feasible route yielding products of high purity. The fermentation is carried out by microbial fermentation processes of strains such as Candida, Pseudomonas, and Bacillus species that have been optimized through new biotechnological techniques.
   
• Chemical and enzymatic synthesis methods have been given substantial consideration in the biosurfactant market to produce specialized semi-synthetic biosurfactants with tailored properties. Chemical synthesis holds the promise of being able to finely manipulate the molecular structure to relate such biosurfactants with improved stability, activity, or unique functionalities apt for specific industrial applications.
   

Based on microbial sources, the biosurfactants market is segmented into bacterial sources, yeast & fungal sources, and engineered & recombinant strains. Bacterial sources segments dominated the market with an approximate market share of 47.9% in 2025 and is expected to grow with a CAGR of 4% by 2035.
 

• Bacteria sources provide an excellent platform for the diversification of natural producers of biosurfactants to sustain environmental friendliness. This section is characterized by growing interest in research and development in finding new microbial strains and optimizing existing ones for their high yields in biosurfactants. Sources such as Pseudomonas, Bacillus, or Candida species have emerged as natural candidates due to their efficiency and safety profiles. The need for green and biodegradable products in industries such as agriculture, cosmetics, and environmental remediation fuels the development of biosurfactants derived from microorganisms.
   
• The attention towards yeast and fungi as sources for biosurfactants is now more inclined towards their GRAS status and ability to produce biosurfactants from mild conditions. The following trends indicate that strains like Candida and Saccharomyces have captured the interest of researchers for their bio emulsifiers and glycolipids with applications in cosmetics, food, and pharmaceuticals. The market is shifting towards using yeast and fungi since they generally do not require stringent cultivation conditions compared with bacteria and can produce distinctive biosurfactants with specialized functionality.
   

Based on end-user industry, the biosurfactants market is segmented into oil & gas industry, agriculture industry, chemical manufacturing, food & beverage industry, pharmaceutical & healthcare industry, personal care & cosmetics industry, household cleaning industry, and others. Personal care & cosmetics industry segments dominated the market with an approximate market share of 32.2% in 2025 and is expected to grow with a CAGR of 4.4% by 2035.
 

• Biosurfactants are the major end-user of the oil & gas industry because of their use in enhanced oil recovery (EOR), drilling fluids, and pipeline cleaning. The market trends depict increased biosurfactants usage owing to their being recognized as environmentally friendly alternatives to chemical surfactants, given the stringent environmental regulations and the oil industry's push towards sustainable operations.
   
• In the agricultural domain, biosurfactants are rapidly gaining interest as eco-friendly agents used for soil remediation, pest control, and plant growth promotion, with a market trend dedicated to sustainable agricultural practices and restrictions imposed on conventional chemical pesticides and fertilizers.
   
• The food & beverage industry is fast adopting biosurfactants on account of their natural, biodegradable, and non-toxic qualities. This trend reflects rising consumer awareness and preference for clean-label products that are free from synthetic additives. Biosurfactants serve as emulsifiers, foaming agents, and stabilizers in dairy, bakery, and beverage food products. Growth is being propelled by the development of cost-effective production methods, coupled with the ability to produce biosurfactants that have functional benefits.
   
• The personal care and cosmetics industry is undergoing significant transition toward incorporating natural and sustainable ingredients, with biosurfactants as the mainstay. The trend reverses the path of replacing synthetic surfactants with bio-alternatives, which are mild to the skin and eco-friendly. Biosurfactants have an application in cleansing agents, shampoos, facial washes, and body care products because they gently clean and foam but with less tendency to irritate the skin or the environment. With consumers seeking organic and eco-conscious products, this spurt toward biosurfactants is further fueled by myriad formulations that can maximize benefits and experience of the product.
   

The North America biosurfactants market is growing rapidly on the global level with a market share of 29.2% in 2025.
 

• The North American biosurfactant market is growing fast due to consumer awareness of natural ingredients and eco-friendly products in industries such as personal care, household cleaning, and environmental remediation. The application of strict regulations on synthetic chemicals and the push for sustainability induce companies to switch to biosurfactants as a safer option. The region's strong hold on important industry players combined with continuous innovations and advancement in technology is further driving this market forward.
   

Europe biosurfactants market leads the industry with revenue of USD 3.5 billion in 2025 and is anticipated to show lucrative growth over the forecast period.

• Forced by stringent environmental legislation, highly developed consumer demand for sustainable products makes Europe a leading market for biosurfactants. The EU's encouragement for biobased and biodegradable ingredients in cosmetics and cleaning products and industrial applications is directing market trends. With a vision towards lowering carbon footprint and circular economy practices, the region provides a helpful environment for manufacturers to incorporate biosurfactants in their formulations.
   

The Asia Pacific biosurfactants market is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 4.2% during the analysis timeframe.
 

• Huge growth in the biosurfactant market is being witnessed in the Asia Pacific region due to industrialization, urbanization, and an awakening middle-class population that is becoming conscious of environmental issues. Countries like China, India, and Japan are investing huge amounts in sustainable ingredients including biosurfactants for agriculture, cosmetics, and oil recovery.
   

Latin America biosurfactants market accounted for 6% market share in 2025 and is anticipated to show steady growth over the forecast period.
 

• Latin America is starting to respond to a promising market for biosurfactants as awareness about environmental pressures rises for natural products in various areas of human activity such as personal care, agriculture, and bioremediation. Countries such as Brazil and Argentina are seeing the biosurfactant gain an increased foothold due to local manufacturing and availability of microbiological resources for production. The region's inclination to sustainable practices and government incentives to bio-based industries also contribute to the market development. 
   

Middle East & Africa biosurfactants market accounted for 6.8% market share in 2025 and is anticipated to show lucrative growth over the forecast period.

• The biosurfactant market in the MEA region is still at a very early stage of development but has a high potential for growth, especially in environmental application areas like oil spill cleanup and wastewater treatment. Increasing investment in oil and gas combined with the booming trend of sustainable and eco-friendly industrial practices has been providing interest in biosurfactants. Rising environmental awareness and regulatory pressure would encourage industries in the region to look at bio-based alternatives.  
   

Biosurfactants Market Share

The top 5 companies in Biosurfactants industry include Evonik Industries AG, Stepan Company, Solvay S.A., Kaneka Corporation, Jeneil Biotech, Inc. These are prominent companies operating in their respective regions covering approximately 40.7% of the market share in 2025. These companies hold strong positions due to their extensive experience in market. Their diverse product portfolios, backed by robust production capabilities and distribution networks, enable them to meet the rising demand across various regions.
 

• Evonik a global leader in specialty chemicals, focuses on innovation and sustainability. Evonik is well advanced in R&D and high-performance, eco-friendly processes, leading to the generation of high-performance biosurfactant products. The increasing demand for natural and biodegradable ingredients in various industries, including personal care, cleaning, and environmental remediation, matches Evonik's strategic focus on sustainability.
   
• Stepan Company is best known for surfactants and specialty chemicals. Stepan has been concentrating much more on biosurfactants from renewable resources. Their concentration on establishing environmentally friendly products in conjunction with sustainable development gave them an advantageous position in the biosurfactants industry. Stepan spends a good deal of capital in its research-and-development sector producing bio-based surfactants compliant with government regulations and consumer preference toward natural ingredients.
   
• Solvay is one of the multinational chemical companies having a significant involvement in advanced materials and specialty chemicals. In terms of biosurfactants, Solvay has been focused more on creating innovative solutions specifically for the cosmetics, personal care, and industrial categories. Thus, the company's investment in the development of R&D and sustainable products for global adaptation toward bio-based surfactants and biodegradable surfactants indicates the trend of Solvay's current activity.
   
• KANEKA CORPORATION is a Japanese chemical and biotechnology company that prides itself on innovative developments in biosurfactants and other bio-based products. Kaneka's intense interest in biotechnology and fermentation technology enables the production of unique and very effective biosurfactants, especially for cosmetics, personal care, and industrial applications. The company's excellent research, development, and sustainable manufacturing techniques keep it ahead of the competition by providing differentiated, high-quality biosurfactant products.
   
• Jeneil Biotech is a world leader in flavors and fragrances, and its activity revolves in entering the biosurfactants field, especially in relation to personal care and household products. With the company's know-how in sensory science and formulation innovation, it is able to establish the development of biosurfactants that are sensitive to the product’s aesthetic, performance, and sustainability. The focus on natural and clean-label content helps with the overall trend of consumers towards more eco-friendly, bio-based products.
   

Biosurfactants Market Companies

Major players operating in the biosurfactants industry include:

• Allied Carbon Solutions Co., Ltd.
• Evonik Industries AG
• Givaudan
• GlycoSurf LLC
• Jeneil Biotech, Inc.
• Kaneka Corporation
• Saraya Co. Ltd.
• Solvay S.A.
• Stepan Company
• Synthezyme LLC

Biosurfactants Industry News

• In May 2024, Evonik Industries AG opened a new plant in Slovakia, becoming the first to produce rhamnolipid biosurfactants on an industrial scale worldwide. The multi-million-euro facility uses biotechnological methods to manufacture high-quality, sustainable biosurfactants derived from renewable corn feedstocks.
   
• In April 2024, Ghent-based biotech startup AmphiStar raised USD 6.5 million in funding to develop eco-friendly, affordable biosurfactants made from waste. The funding supports its commercial production and R&D efforts to enhance its technology and meet regulatory requirements.
   

This biosurfactants market research report includes in-depth coverage of the industry, with estimates & forecasts in terms of revenue (USD Billion) and volume (Kilo Tons) from 2026 to 2035, for the following segments:

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Market, By Product Type

• Glycolipids
  • Rhamnolipids
  • Sophorolipids
  • Trehalolipids
•  Lipopeptides
• Phospholipids
• Synthetic & semi-synthetic biosurfactants
  • Methyl ester sulfonates (MES)
  • Alkyl polyglucosides (APG)
  • Sorbitan esters
  • Sucrose esters

Market, By Production Method

• Fermentation-based production
• Chemical & enzymatic synthesis
• Hybrid & emerging methods

Market, By Microbial Source

• Bacterial sources
• Yeast & fungal sources
• Engineered & recombinant strains

Market, By End Use Industry

• Oil & gas industry
• Agriculture industry
  • Agricultural chemicals
  • Crop protection
  • Animal nutrition
• Chemical manufacturing
  • Industrial cleaners
  • Paints & coatings
  • Metal cleaning & processing
• Food & beverage industry
• Pharmaceutical & healthcare industry
  • Pharmaceutical applications
  • Antimicrobial/antiviral agents
  • Anticancer applications
• Personal care & cosmetics industry
  • Personal care products
  • Oral care
  • Skin microbiome products
• Household cleaning industry
  • Household detergents
  • Hard surface cleaners
  • Specialty cleaners
• Others

The above information is provided for the following regions and countries:

• North America  
  • U.S.
  • Canada
• Europe  
  • Germany
  • UK
  • France
  • Spain
  • Italy
  • Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific  
  • China
  • India
  • Japan
  • Australia
  • South Korea
  • Rest of Asia Pacific
• Latin America  
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Argentina
  • Rest of Latin America
• Middle East and Africa  
  • Saudi Arabia
  • South Africa
  • UAE
  • Rest of Middle East and Africa