The market of silicones in the US cosmetics and toiletries segment is set to grow by 5.7 percent a year to $555m by 2014, according to the latest report from market research provider Freedonia.
This is a significant decline in the level of growth seen in previous years, when demand for silicones from this segment gave it one of the fastest growth rates, increasing total market share from 9 percent to 15 percent of the total US market.
Growth continues to outstrip the market
However, future growth will continue to outstrip average gains for the rest of the market for silicones, the Freedonia researchers say, pointing to the fact that this will be driven by projections for continued healthy growth in the cosmetics and toiletry market as a whole.
Likewise, further gains will also be realized due to the fact that personal care formulators are looking for ways to significantly enhance products using silicone ingredients such as to enhance water resistance, increase emolliency and protection from ultra violet light.
Applications include added shine and manageability for hair care products, bringing water resistance and increased spread quality to make-up products such as lipstick and foundation, as well as sunscreens.
Watch out for silicone alternatives
However, the Freedonia report also highlights how silicones are coming under increased competition from other ingredients that are being marketed as specific alternatives to silicone ingredients.
One such product is Crodamol SFX, which was launched by Croda in May 2010 as a replacement to cylomethicone for personal care products in response to environmental concerns over silicones.
This ties in with the growing trend for natural-based personal care products, where ingredients such as silicones, which are deemed to be highly synthetic, are avoided in favor of natural or organic-certified alternatives.