Silicone Oil Market Highlights

• Global silicone oil market revenue is poised to garner USD 8.8 billion by 2032 with a CAGR of 7.2% from 2023 to 2032
• Asia-Pacific silicone oil market value occupied almost USD 1.5 billion in 2022
• Asia-Pacific silicone oil market growth will record a CAGR of around 8% from 2023 to 2032
• Among application, the skin and hair care oil sub-segment generated around US$ 1.1 billion revenue in 2022
• Based on end-use industry, the personal care sub-segment generated over 24% share in 2022
• Growing demand for silicone oil in personal care and cosmetics is a popular silicone oil market trend that fuels the industry demand

Silicone oil is an organic side chain compound and primarily is a liquid polymerized siloxane. Polydimethylsiloxane is one of the most important compounds for making silicone oil. These polymers are commercially more demanded due to their lubricating properties and relatively high thermal stability. The silicone oil industry is expected to grow positively during the forecast period, owing to factors such as increased demand from end-use industries, expanding applications in various sectors, technological advancements, and a focus on sustainability.

Global Silicone Oil Market Dynamics

Market Drivers

• Growing demand for specialty silicone oils
• Advantages of silicone oil properties
• Increasing use in medical and healthcare applications

Market Restraints

• Volatility in raw material prices
• Stringent regulations and environmental concerns

Market Opportunities

• Increasing demand for silicone oil in emerging economies
• Technological advancements and product innovations
• Growing demand for sustainable and eco-friendly products

Silicone Oil Market Report Coverage

Silicone Oil Market Insights

The use of silicone oil has increased compared to mineral oil due to its physical and chemical properties like high thermal stability. The wide usage of silicone oil is seen in various applications, especially in vitreoretinal surgeries. Also, silicone oil lubricants find widespread application in industrial processing like textile finishing, polymer production, etc. hence escalating the market demand. However, the high cost of manufacturing and granuloma formation during vitreoretinal surgeries due to the use of silicone oil restricts the market growth. Silicone oil is immensely used in personal care and cosmetic products owing to its biocompatibility, conditioning benefits, and pressure-sensitive properties among others Growing demand for personal care products among the geriatric population due to anti-aging properties is expected to propel the growth of silicone oil in the coming years. The medical and healthcare sectors are also expected to drive silicone oil demand. Silicone oil has numerous applications in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and healthcare formulations, and the increasing use of silicone-based medical products is expected to drive up demand for silicone oil in this industry.

Silicone Oil Market, By Segmentation

The worldwide market for silicone oil is split based on viscosity, application, end-use industry, and geography.

Silicone Oil Viscosities

• Low Viscosity Silicone Oil
• Medium Viscosity Silicone Oil
• High Viscosity Silicone Oil

According to silicone oil industry analysis, the silicone oil market is dominated by low viscosity silicone oil. The viscosity of low viscosity silicone oil, also known as thin or low-viscosity silicone oil, typically ranges from 5 to 100 centistokes (cSt). It is frequently used in applications that require rapid and easy flow, such as lubrication, damping, and heat transfer. Because of its excellent spreadability and smooth texture, low viscosity silicone oil is also commonly used in personal care and cosmetic products such as hair care, skin care, and antiperspirant products.

With a viscosity range of 100 to 1,000 cSt, medium viscosity silicone oil is used in a variety of applications, including automotive, aerospace, electronics, and medical devices. It provides a good balance of flow characteristics and stability, making it suitable for a variety of applications requiring moderate viscosity.

High viscosity silicone oil, also known as thick or high-viscosity silicone oil, has a viscosity of 1,000 cSt or higher. It is used in applications requiring higher viscosity for improved lubrication, insulation, or damping. Silicone oil with a high viscosity is commonly used in automotive and industrial applications such as shock absorbers, hydraulic systems, and electrical insulations.

Silicone Oil Applications

• Sealant
• Skin & Hair Care
• Textile Coating
• Detergent
• Chemical Intermediate
• Anti-foam Agent
• Release Agent
• Others

Silicone oil is commonly used as an ingredient in sealants owing to its excellent properties, such as water repellency, high lubricity, and resistance to extreme temperatures. Sealants are widely used to seal gaps, joints, and seams in a variety of industries, including construction, automotive, aerospace, and electronics. Because of its desirable properties, such as smoothness, softness, and non-greasy feel, silicone oil is commonly used in the formulation of skincare and hair care products. Silicone oil is used as a coating agent in the textile industry to provide properties such as water repellency, softness, and smoothness to fabrics. Silicone oil is used in detergent formulation, particularly in laundry detergents, to improve anti-foaming properties and detergent stability.

Silicone Oil End-Use Industries

• Chemical
• Construction
• Personal Care
• Textile
• Electronics
• Automotive
• Medical
• Others

According to the silicone oil market forecast, silicone oils dominated its use in personal care and cosmetic products due to their unique properties such as excellent spreadability, smooth texture, and moisturising effects. Silicone oils are found in a wide range of personal care and cosmetic products, including shampoos, conditioners, and hair serums, skin care products (such as moisturisers, lotions, and creams), and cosmetic products (such as foundations, primers, and lipsticks). The personal care and cosmetics industry is a major consumer of silicone oils, which are highly sought after for their multifunctional properties and sensory benefits.

In addition, silicone oils are widely used in medical and healthcare applications, where they can be found in a variety of products such as medical devices, implants, and pharmaceuticals. Silicone oils are used in medical applications such as cataract surgery intraocular lenses (IOLs), breast implants, drug delivery systems, and wound dressings. Furthermore, due to their excellent thermal stability, lubricity, and resistance to harsh environmental conditions, silicone oils are used in a variety of automotive and transportation applications. Silicone oils are found in engine oils, transmission fluids, and greases, as well as suspension systems, brakes, and electrical connectors.

Silicone Oil Market Regional Outlook

North America

• U.S.
• Canada

Europe

• U.K.
• Germany
• France
• Spain
• Rest of Europe

Asia-Pacific

• India
• Japan
• China
• Australia
• South Korea
• Rest of Asia-Pacific

Latin America

• Brazil
• Mexico
• Rest of Latin America

The Middle East & Africa

• South Africa
• GCC Countries
• Rest of the Middle East & Africa (ME&A)

Silicone Oil Market Regional Analysis

In the global silicone oil market, Asia-Pacific is expected to have the largest market share. Rapid industrialization, urbanization, and rising disposable incomes in countries such as China, Japan, South Korea, and India are driving Asia-Pacific demand for silicone oil. Furthermore, the region's growing automotive and transportation industries, as well as the expanding personal care and cosmetics sectors, are driving up demand for silicone oil.

Furthermore, the Asia-Pacific region is seeing significant investment in a variety of end-use industries, including automotive, electronics, and healthcare, all of which are major consumers of silicone oil. The region's dominance in the global silicone oil market is also due to the presence of a large population base and growing awareness about the benefits of silicone oil in various applications.

Silicone Oil Market Players

Some of the top silicone oil companies offered in the professional report Dow Corning Corporation (now part of Dow Inc.), Momentive Performance Materials Inc., Wacker Chemie AG, Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd., Elkem Silicones, NuSil Technology LLC (now part of Avantor), ACC Silicones Ltd., KCC Corporation, Bluestar Silicones International, Evonik Industries AG, Siltech Corporation, Clearco Products Co., Inc., Iota Silicone Oil (Anhui) Co., Ltd., XIAMETER Corporation (a brand of Dow Inc.), and Hubei Xinsihai Chemical Engineering Co., Ltd.