Hand Sanitizer Market Size & Share 2023 to 2032
Market Size by Type (Gel, Liquid, Foam), by Composition (Alcohol-based Sanitizer, Alcohol-free Sanitizer), by Distribution Channel (Retail {Pharmaceutical Stores, Supermarkets, Convenience Stores}, Online Platform) & Forecast.
Report ID: GMI4604
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Published Date: January 2023
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Report Format: PDF
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Authors:
Mariam Faizullabhoy, Gauri Wani
Hand Sanitizer Market Size
Hand Sanitizer Market size was worth more than USD 3.5 billion in 2022 and is estimated to grow at over 7% CAGR from 2023 to 2032 driven by the rising prevalence of infectious diseases worldwide.
Hand Sanitizer Market Key Takeaways
Market Size & Growth
Key Market Drivers
Challenges
The transmission of infectious illnesses, including respiratory infections and other communicable diseases, is significantly reduced by the use of hand sanitizers. Increased incidences of TB, influenza, severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), and pneumonia, among other diseases, are anticipated to create massive growth potential. The surging focus on following hygiene practices, such as hand washing and no-touch hand sanitizing on account of increasing health awareness, is expected to support industry development through 2032.
Ineffectiveness of alcohol-free hand sanitizer to restrict product adoption
To cater to the mounting product demand, some firms are boosting hand sanitizer manufacturing capacity, including alcohol-free hand sanitizer. However, certain governments and healthcare organizations do not recommend using alcohol-free sanitizers, which has hindered hand sanitizer market expansion. For instance, the Australian government discourages its residents from using alcohol-free disinfectants since they are less efficient as compared to alcohol-based disinfectants at preventing the spread of infections. Nevertheless, growing awareness about the benefits of alcohol-based sanitizers may help overcome this restraint in the future.
Hand Sanitizer Market Analysis
Based on composition, the hand sanitizer market is classified into alcohol-based sanitizer and alcohol-free sanitizer. The alcohol-based sanitizer segment accounted for over USD 3 billion in revenue in 2022, the report claims. The CDC advises using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol, which is foreseen to support segment growth. Additionally, the supply of alcohol-based hand sanitizer from traditional manufacturers, (i.e., companies other than those that started producing over-the-counter (OTC) drugs) has increased, which has been favorable for the segment.
Hand sanitizer market from gel type segment was worth over USD 1.5 billion in 2022. The convenience and cost-effectiveness of gel-based hand sanitizers and the inclusion of various aromas and moisturizers are speculated to promote segment progress. Furthermore, mounting efforts by firms to enhance their market standing are anticipated to support segment development. For instance, in November 2022, global hygiene leaders Reckitt and Essity launched a range of co-branded disinfection products, including antimicrobial foam soap and hand sanitizer gel for use in Tork dispensers across four European countries.
As per distribution channels, the hand sanitizer market share from the retail segment is anticipated to grow at a 7% CAGR between 2023 and 2032. The segment is further classified into retail pharmaceutical stores, supermarkets, convenience stores, and others. Retail stores offer quick and easy availability of consumer goods, including hand sanitizer. The increased convenience of buying hand sanitizers for both the public and medical professionals is speculated to bolster product adoption through retail distribution channels.
Europe hand sanitizer market is expected to reach over USD 2 billion by 2032. Favorable initiatives and funds provided by the domestic regulatory bodies for supporting local hand sanitizer manufacturers to meet the growing consumer demand, coupled with the increasing prevalence of infectious diseases in the region, are estimated to complement industry revenue. For instance, to eliminate possible production hurdles and assist suppliers in fulfilling emerging requirements during the COVID-19 pandemic, the UK Government’s HMRC greenlit the use of denatured alcohol for making hand sanitizers.
Hand Sanitizer Market Share
Some of the prominent participants in the hand sanitizer market are
Surging investment toward technological advancement and product range expansion by industry players are projected in the market.
Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic
The COVID-19 outbreak contributed to the growing use of hand sanitizers as a personal preventive measure against the virus. This favorably impacted the industry's growth as the demand for hand sanitizers skyrocketed, which prompted pharma companies and other manufacturers to scale up production. This unexpected increase in demand led to high raw materials costs and a shortage of inventory. However, the hand sanitizer business witnessed numerous innovations by manufacturers, which amplified product sales during the pandemic.
The hand sanitizer market research report includes in-depth coverage of the industry with estimates & forecast in terms of revenue in USD from 2018 to 2032, for the following segments:
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By Type
By Composition
By Distribution Channel
The above information is provided for the following geographies:
Research methodology, data sources & validation process
This report draws on a structured research process built around direct industry conversations, proprietary modelling, and rigorous cross-validation and not just desk research.
Our 6-step research process
1. Research design & analyst oversight
At GMI, our research methodology is built on a foundation of human expertise, rigorous validation, and complete transparency. Every insight, trend analysis, and forecast in our reports is developed by experienced analysts who understand the nuances of your market.
Our approach integrates extensive primary research through direct engagement with industry participants and experts, complemented by comprehensive secondary research from verified global sources. We apply quantified impact analysis to deliver dependable forecasts, while maintaining complete traceability from original data sources to final insights.
2. Primary research
Primary research forms the backbone of our methodology, contributing nearly 80% to overall insights. It involves direct engagement with industry participants to ensure accuracy and depth in analysis. Our structured interview program covers regional and global markets, with inputs from C-suite executives, directors, and subject matter experts. These interactions provide strategic, operational, and technical perspectives, enabling well-rounded insights and reliable market forecasts.
3. Data mining & market analysis
Data mining is a key part of our research process, contributing nearly 20% to the overall methodology. It involves analysing market structure, identifying industry trends, and assessing macroeconomic factors through revenue share analysis of major players. Relevant data is collected from both paid and unpaid sources to build a reliable database. This information is then integrated to support primary research and market sizing, with validation from key stakeholders such as distributors, manufacturers, and associations.
4. Market sizing
Our market sizing is built on a bottom-up approach, starting with company revenue data gathered directly through primary interviews, alongside production volume figures from manufacturers and installation or deployment statistics. These inputs are then pieced together across regional markets to arrive at a global estimate that stays grounded in actual industry activity.
5. Forecast model & key assumptions
Every forecast includes explicit documentation of:
✓ Key growth drivers and their assumed impact
✓ Restraining factors and mitigation scenarios
✓ Regulatory assumptions and policy change risk
✓ Technology adoption curve parameter
✓ Macroeconomic assumptions (GDP growth, inflation, currency)
✓ Competitive dynamics and market entry/exit expectations
6. Validation & quality assurance
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Our triple-layer validation process ensures maximum data reliability:
✓ Statistical Validation
✓ Expert Validation
✓ Market Reality Check
Trust & credibility
Verified data sources
Trade publications
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Industry databases
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Regulatory filings
Government procurement records and policy documents
Academic research
University studies and specialist institution reports
Company reports
Annual reports, investor presentations, and filings
Expert interviews
C-suite, procurement leads, and technical specialists
GMI archive
13,000+ published studies across 30+ industry verticals
Trade data
Import/export volumes, HS codes, and customs records
Parameters studied & evaluated
Every data point in this report is validated through primary interviews, true bottom-up modelling, and rigorous cross-checks. Read about our research process →