The global isostearic acid market was valued at USD 324.1 million in 2024 and is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.1% from 2025 to 2032. The increasing consumption of cosmetics and personal care products, particularly across the Asia Pacific and European regions, continues to drive demand for isostearic acid globally. The compound finds wide use in food and beverages, personal care, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, coatings, industrial cleaners, and lubricants. Leading global manufacturers include Croda International Plc, Oleon NV, Emery Oleochemicals, Kraton Corporation, and Jarchem Innovative Ingredients LLC.
Technologically, isostearic acid production depends primarily on clay-catalyzed oligomerization of tall oil fatty acids (TOFA). The reaction occurs at temperatures ranging from 180°C to 260°C and pressures up to 10 bar, resulting in a 100% bio-based product without added chemical catalysts. Rising availability of renewable raw materials, such as vegetable oils and tall oils, has supported manufacturing expansion, broadening the scope for bio-based ingredient applications.
Isostearic acid is mainly derived from oleic acid, with common feedstocks including rapeseed, soybean, palm, safflower, and sunflower oils. Its branched molecular structure offers superior oxidation resistance and stability, making it ideal for cosmetics and high-performance lubricants. Growing sustainable raw material adoption and green chemistry initiatives are propelling global market growth through 2032.
Esters of isostearic acid—such as isostearyl isostearate, isopropyl isostearate, and glycerol monostearate—are widely used as emollients and dispersing agents in personal care products like skincare, lipsticks, and sun protection formulations. The increasing middle-class population and higher disposable income in developing economies across Asia Pacific and Latin America continue to boost market growth in the personal care segment.
The chemical esters segment remained the top application category in 2024, accounting for around 39.2% of total revenue. These esters enhance pigment dispersion, promote adhesion, and serve as excellent solubilizers and lubricants in cosmetic and industrial products. Isostearic acid-based chemical esters improve softness, coating performance, and stability across applications in skincare, haircare, and sun protection formulations.
Isostearic acid also plays a major role in the lubricant and grease industries due to its strong oxidative stability and low pour point. Bio-based lubricants formulated using isostearic acid esters are increasingly replacing petroleum-based alternatives due to environmental regulations. In addition, it is being explored for use in gasoline detergents and biodegradable industrial fluids owing to its strong dispersive and anti-corrosive properties.
The rising demand for renewable and long-lasting chemical compounds has further enhanced the product’s appeal across multiple sectors. Isostearic acid’s multifunctionality—ranging from use in coatings to performance additives—makes it valuable in both consumer and industrial markets.
Europe maintained its leadership position in 2024, representing 34.6% of total revenue. The region’s strong presence in the cosmetics and skincare industries, coupled with strict environmental regulations promoting renewable raw materials, continues to drive demand. The growing preference for bio-lubricants, particularly in Germany, France, and the UK, provides additional market opportunities. Bio-lubricant-based hydraulic fluids and chainsaw oils are increasingly replacing petroleum counterparts as regulations restrict synthetic oils with harmful additives.
Asia Pacific held a significant share of 30.1% in 2024 and is projected to record the fastest growth rate through 2032. Expansion in personal care manufacturing in China, Japan, South Korea, and India underpins the region’s dominance. High population density, urban expansion, and increasing awareness about natural ingredients in health and beauty products continue to accelerate growth.
North America remains an important regional market, supported by the growing industrial and lubricant manufacturing sectors. Companies in the U.S. are integrating isostearic acid into bio-lubricants, household cleaning products, and specialized greases. Rapid shifts toward biodegradable and sustainable formulation practices also contribute to growing market adoption in the region.
The global isostearic acid industry is moderately consolidated, with leading producers focusing on sustainability-driven innovations and product performance enhancements. Strategic acquisitions, research investments, and capacity expansions are common strategies among key players to enhance global reach and secure long-term competitive advantage.
In March 2025, Croda International Plc announced the expansion of its biopolymer and oleochemical plant in the UK to increase isostearic acid-based chemical production for the cosmetics and lubricant sectors. Similarly, in April 2025, Oleon NV introduced a new generation of low-carbon isostearic acid derivatives aimed at enhancing skin hydration properties in personal care formulations. Emery Oleochemicals also announced partnerships to commercialize eco-friendly ester-based lubricants in North America.
| Report Attribute | Details |
| Market size value in 2024 | USD 324.1 million |
| Revenue forecast in 2032 | USD 572.4 million |
| Growth Rate | CAGR of 7.1% from 2025 to 2032 |
| Base year for estimation | 2024 |
| Historical data | 2020 – 2023 |
| Forecast period | 2025 – 2032 |
| Quantitative units | Revenue in USD million, volume in tons, CAGR from 2025 to 2032 |
| Report coverage | Revenue forecast, company rankings, market size, trends, and growth drivers |
| Segments covered | Application, Region |
| Regional scope | North America; Europe; Asia Pacific; Central & South America; Middle East & Africa |
| Country scope | U.S.; Canada; Mexico; Germany; UK; France; Italy; China; India; Japan; South Korea; Singapore; Brazil; Argentina; Saudi Arabia; South Africa |
| Key companies profiled | Croda International Plc; KOKYU ALCOHOL KOGYO CO., LTD.; Oleon NV; Nissan Chemical Corporation; Emery Oleochemicals; Jarchem Innovative Ingredients LLC; KLK EMMERICH GmbH; Vantage Specialty Chemicals; Foreverest Resources Ltd.; Kraton Corporation |
This report offers volume and revenue forecasts at global, regional, and country levels while identifying emerging trends across segments from 2020 to 2032.
What is the size of the isostearic acid market in 2025?
The global isostearic acid market is estimated to reach USD 347.5 million in 2025 and is projected to grow to USD 572.4 million by 2032.
What is the expected growth rate of the isostearic acid market?
The market is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 7.1% from 2025 to 2032 due to the increasing use of bio-based ingredients in personal care, lubricant, and industrial formulations.
Which region accounts for the largest market share?
Europe leads with a 34.6% revenue share in 2024, driven by strong cosmetics production and environmental policies supporting biodegradable raw materials.
Who are the major players in the isostearic acid market?
Key companies include Croda International Plc, Oleon NV, Kraton Corporation, Emery Oleochemicals, Nissan Chemical Corporation, and Jarchem Innovative Ingredients LLC.
What factors are driving isostearic acid market growth?
Primary factors include rising demand for renewable and bio-derived ingredients in cosmetics, coatings, and lubricants, along with growing awareness of eco-friendly product formulations.
