Worldwide marketplace for diethanolamine (DEA) is forecasted to grow at a stable rate for the duration of the forecast period of 2025 to 2035,credited to its flexible uses across personal care, agriculture, textile, oil & gas industries.
Diethanolamine is a versatile compound used broadly in the cosmetic/personal care and cleaning industries to produce surfactants, emulsifiers, and corrosion inhibitors, which are used in shampoos, detergents, herbicides, metalworking fluids, and gas treating applications.These qualities have made the compound an essential raw material for consumer and industrial formulations alike.
Manufacturers are feeling the pressure to enhance processing efficiency and implement safer production practices due to environmental regulations and raw material volatility. Yet rising demand from the agrochemical and cosmetic industries, particularly in Olathe and East Africa, remains a major growth factor.
The world diethanolamine industry anticipates attaining a price of USD 31,080.6 Million by 2035 growing at a CAGR of 4.8% throughout the estimated time frame of 2025 to 2035 from USD 19,448.1 Million in 2025 alongside capacity extensions and pivotal sourcing expected in fundamental chemical-creating regions.
Key Market Metrics
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Market Size in 2025 | USD 19,448.1 Million |
| Projected Market Size in 2035 | USD 31,080.6 Million |
| CAGR (2025 to 2035) | 4.8% |
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Demand for DEA is concentrated on North America, due to the presence of large agrochemical manufacturers and personal care brands. The United States is ahead, with ongoing use in herbicide formulations and surfactant production. That being said, more stringent EPA standards and increasing concerns surrounding DEA-related compounds found in cosmetics could result in a trend toward either safer or more alternative chemicals within consumer products.
As part of the EU, Europe’s diethanolamine market is influenced by strict REACH regulations as well as the impetus to innovate alternatives to DEA and process it more sustainably. Aluminium oxide find use in metal treatment, textile finishing and gas purification. Thus, countries like Germany, the Netherlands, and Belgium balance performance criteria with environmental safety parameters by developing advanced formulations containing the DEA derivatives.
India and China are registering the highest rates of growth in demand for agrochemicals, behind which Asia-Pacific is boosting global demand because of rapid industrialization and increased chemical manufacturing capacity. DEA consumption is also substantial in the cosmetic and detergent manufacturing sectors, which are major consumers in the region. The combination makes the region an ideal future growth center with its cost-effective production and strong export dynamics.
Challenges
Health concerns and regulatory scrutiny limit usage in personal care and consumer goods.
Potential carcinogenicity of diethanolamine (DEA) compounds, as well as the increasing requirements on nitrosamine formation in personal care formulations, are driving new limits in the diethanolamine market segmentation. International regulatory agencies namely the EU’s REACH and USA FDA have issued warnings or restrictions on DEA in cosmetics and toiletries. This regulatory pressure is forcing manufacturers to change formulas or use safer alternatives to DEA.
In addition, the DEA production economics are affected by the variations in raw material rates, mainly ethylene oxide, and ammonia. Traders have to deal with trade uncertainty and supply issues there, particularly in a region reliant on petrochemical imports. Environmental groups and public health advocates are focusing more and more attention on DEA-based products, a shift that is influencing consumer sentiment and brand reputations.
Opportunities
Industrial versatility and demand in high-growth sectors provide expansion pathways.
Regulatory barriers exist for consumer products, but DEA retains dominance over industrial processes. There are certain long-term growth tendencies in the form of rising demand for ethanolamine-based lubricant formulations, corrosion inhibitors, cognizance toward agrochemical formulations. In developing countries that have recently begun investing heavily in infrastructure upgrades, there is a growing dependence on DEA for removal of CO₂ and H₂S in water treatment plants and natural gas processing facilities.
Moreover, manufacturers now look for bio-based production alternatives and green chemistry routes to develop DEA with lower toxicity and environmental compatibility. Improvements in process efficiency, closed-loop production systems and downstream integration reduce operational costs and can help meet regulatory compliance. There are also opportunities in developing markets, where industrialization and agricultural intensification drives continuous demand for emulsifiers and additives based on DEA.
From 2020 through 2024, demand for DEA experienced a moderate effect stemming from disruptions to processes associated with the pandemic that affected the manufacturing of various products, especially cosmetics and textiles. But steady demand from agrochemicals, industrial cleaning and gas treatment products served to stabilize the market. This was compounded by scrutiny from regulatory bodies over the inclusion of DEA in personal care products leading to reformulation of some products by many FMCG majors.
The future of the DEA market is in larger, more stable and controlled grow operations. Next-gen manufacturing will be characterized by emission development of low-nitrosamine DEA formulations, recycling of process waste, and process intensification. Demand will come from high-performance industrial applications, with Asia-Pacific expanding capacity and North America focusing on safe and compliant product innovation.
Market Shifts: A Comparative Analysis 2020 to 2024 vs. 2025 to 2035
| Market Shift | 2020 to 2024 Trends |
|---|---|
| Regulatory Landscape | Rising scrutiny over cosmetic use and emissions |
| Consumer Trends | Shift toward DEA-free personal care labels |
| Industry Adoption | Strong in agrochemicals and detergents |
| Supply Chain and Sourcing | Dependence on petrochemical derivatives |
| Market Competition | Dominated by established chemical companies |
| Market Growth Drivers | Herbicide demand and surfactant versatility |
| Sustainability and Impact | Limited circularity, basic process controls |
| Smart Technology Integration | Minimal automation in processing |
| Sensorial Innovation | Not applicable |
| Market Shift | 2025 to 2035 Projections |
|---|---|
| Regulatory Landscape | Clearer global compliance standards, promotion of low-toxicity formulations |
| Consumer Trends | Controlled usage in B2B products, replacement in mass-market cosmetics |
| Industry Adoption | Expansion into gas treatment, metal cleaning, and water treatment |
| Supply Chain and Sourcing | Rise of alternative feedstocks and closed-loop manufacturing systems |
| Market Competition | Entry of green chemistry firms and bio-based surfactant innovators |
| Market Growth Drivers | Industrial gas treatment, oil refining, and eco-formulation demands |
| Sustainability and Impact | Focus on emissions reduction, sustainable solvents, and wastewater recovery |
| Smart Technology Integration | Adoption of AI for batch optimization and chemical safety tracking |
| Sensorial Innovation | Emphasis on reducing residue and odor in end-use formulations |
There is a high demand for surfactants in agrochemicals and personal care product manufacturers, which drives the USA diethanolamine market. Commercially, the chemical is used extensively in herbicide formulations, particularly in glyphosate production, and thus, the agriculture sector is a significant driver.
Regulatory focus on emissions and chemical handling from industry has driven many manufacturers to invest in cleaner production technologies. Industrial centers throughout Texas and Louisiana are boosting capacity with an emphasis on export-ready diethanolamine grades. Moreover, the escalating requirement of water treatment chemicals and oilfield emulsifiers is bolstering the long-run market growth.
| Country | CAGR (2025 to 2035) |
|---|---|
| United States | 5.1% |
In the UK, the demand for diethanolamine is gradually growing in the cosmetics and personal care due to the growing consumer needs for multifunctional formulations. DEA is being incorporated into pH stabilizers and emulsifiers by domestic manufacturers for lotions and shampoos.
A UI copy would better show how the country’s move toward REACH-compliant formulations is driving innovation of eco-safe blends and bio-based chemical alternatives. Demand from agriculture for herbicide adjuvants and corrosion inhibitors in HVAC and metalworking sectors also supports growth. Gadot and Ganapia are developing sustainable methods of sourcing DEA from ethanolamine derivatives.
| Country | CAGR (2025 to 2035) |
|---|---|
| United Kingdom | 4.6% |
In European Union (EU) countries, the diethanolamine market is other than moderate growth as it has extensive industrial applicability in lubricants, textile finishing, and cement additives. Germany, France and Italy all have skin in the game, with ambitions in improving production efficiency and minimizing waste of byproducts.
Rigorous chemical safety rules are driving the move to employ DEA in low-toxicity surfactant formulations and biodegradable solvents. Investments in green chemistry are prompting democratic plant-based ethanolamine routes. Regional demand is also buttressed by steady exports to Eastern Europe and North Africa.
| Country | CAGR (2025 to 2035) |
|---|---|
| European Union | 4.8% |
The growth of the diethanolamine market in Japan can be attributed to the steady demand in industrial water treatment processes, metalworking fluids and pharmaceutical intermediates. However, manufacturers are moving towards high-purity DEA variants in order to address electronics-grade applications as well as specialty cleaning agents.
In Japan, much of the country’s industrial activity in Kansai and Kanto regions are installing automated handling systems to meet worker safety regulations. DEA still finds itself used vigorously in the detergent manufacturing processes due to its emulsifying and foaming properties. Furthermore, R&D institutions are investigating new DEA derivatives for polymer modification.
| Country | CAGR (2025 to 2035) |
|---|---|
| Japan | 4.5% |
With increased demand from paints & coatings, cement, and agricultural industry, South Korea's market is growing. DEA is increasingly being utilized as a concrete admixture for improving performance in large infrastructure projects. Chemical manufacturers are scaling up production of surfactants based on this ingredient in drugstore cosmetic and hygiene products.
Government environmental regulations are driving industry stakeholders to adopt safer storage, transportation and blending practices. Sustainable DEA production methods through bio-catalysis and waste stream conversion are being explored by R&D labs based in Seoul.
| Country | CAGR (2025 to 2035) |
|---|---|
| South Korea | 5.0% |
These markets for diethanolamine (DEA) maintain solid growth and growth prospects from industrial, pharmaceutical, and personal treatment needs. DEA an organic molecule containing amine and alcohol functional groups used as an important ingredient in the preparation of surfactants, corrosion inhibitors, and textile processing aids.
The role of chemical intermediates and the use of textiles end-use sector in chemical intermediates are already in the largest market share among its major applications, with its versatility in synthesis and fiber softening and emulsification capabilities. Coupled with segments like these, they ensure the strong adoption of the products within surfactant manufacturing and fabric conditioning processes across global geography.
As performance chemistry and process efficiency become more prominent topics, DEA is a key enabler of multifunctional benefits in a wide range of consumer and industrial products.
Chemical intermediate gains traction due to formulation versatility, pH control, and downstream synthesis
| Application | Market Share (2025) |
|---|---|
| Chemical Intermediate | 65.8% |
Use of diethanolamine as chemical intermediate was the application that led the consumption and market of diethanolamine considering that DEA is used as a building block in the development of surfactants, emulsifiers and corrosion inhibitors. It is widely utilized in the manufacture of diethanolamides, and the diethanolamine salts of fatty acids, important components in detergents, shampoos, and metalworking fluids.
Manufacturers appreciate DEA’s chemical reactivity and its potential to behave as both a weak base and a hydrophilic agent. This is great for pH balancing and emulsion stabilization even in complex formulations.It is also used as a compound in the gas treatment business to eliminate acidic gases such as CO₂ and H₂S in refineries and natural gas processes.
Moreover, its use in agro-chemical and personal care products also boosts its high demand in various intermediate applications.DEA is also a fabric softener and finisher, but its essential role in upstream chemical preparation is a powerful argument that fuels its market share.
Textile industry drives market use through fabric softening, antistatic treatment, and surfactant blending
| End-Use Industry | Market Share (2025) |
|---|---|
| Textile | 60.6% |
On the basis of end-use, the diethanolamine market for textile industry will be the most considerable due to usage of fibre finishing agents, dyeing auxiliaries, antistatic agents, etc. DEA is used in softening agents to enhance the feel of fabrics and reduce static generation and improve fabric wettability during the processing.
Textile manufacturers use DEA for its emulsification and thickening properties especially in uniform finishing baths and surface treatment formulations. It is particularly useful in producing cotton, polyester and blended fabrics used in clothing, home furnishings and technical textiles.
DEA also acts as coupling agents in textile lubricants and spin finishes, optimizing process efficiency during fiber extrusion and weaving. Due to the chemical’s compatibility with surfactants, it is an important ingredient in detergent and scouring formulations used during pre-treatment and post-processing.
The diethanolamine (DEA) market is anticipated to grow at a significant pace in the foreseeable future with its increasing application in surfactants, agricultural chemicals, gas treatment and personal care formulations. Industrial sectors continue to migrate toward biodegradable ingredients and more sustainable amine technologies, so manufacturers are concentrating on process efficiency, ethanolamine recovery systems, and the incorporation of DEA into multipurpose formulations.
With growing scrutiny of DEA use in cosmetics amid potential toxicities, major players are pivoting to pharmaceutical-grade purity and regulatory-compliant ingredients. In this increasingly competitive market, factors such as packaging flexibility, purity standards and supply chain reliability continue to differentiate product.
Market Share Analysis by Key Players & Diethanolamine Producers
| Company Name | Estimated Market Share (%) |
|---|---|
| Dow Inc. | 15-18% |
| BASF SE | 13-16% |
| Huntsman Corporation | 10-13% |
| Ineos Oxide | 7-10% |
| SABIC | 6-9% |
| Other Providers | 34-42% |
| Company Name | Key Offerings/Activities |
|---|---|
| Dow Inc. | In 2024 , scaled up biobased ethanolamine feedstock for DEA; in 2025 , introduced pharma-grade DEA for regulated cosmetic applications. |
| BASF SE | In 2024 , developed ultra-low-nitrosamine DEA for agrochemicals; in 2025 , launched packaging upgrades for safer bulk handling in emerging markets. |
| Huntsman Corporation | In 2024 , expanded gas treatment-grade DEA for natural gas sweetening; in 2025 , upgraded its USA facilities to reduce by-product formation. |
| Ineos Oxide | In 2024 , introduced cost-effective DEA grades for textile softeners; in 2025 , expanded distribution in Asia-Pacific with toll manufacturing. |
| SABIC | In 2024 , integrated DEA into multifunctional surfactant systems; in 2025 , developed low-color DEA grades for premium personal care. |
Key Market Insights
Dow Inc. (15-18%)
Dow leads the global DEA market with a diversified portfolio and strong focus on sustainable chemistry. In 2024, the company scaled up biobased ethanolamine feedstocks for DEA synthesis, positioning itself for future regulatory shifts in personal care and agrochemical markets. By 2025, Dow launched pharmaceutical-grade DEA targeting highly regulated formulations, especially in EU and North America. Dow also supports closed-loop delivery systems to minimize handling risks and boost circularity for high-volume industrial buyers.
BASF SE (13-16%)
BASF remains a major supplier of specialty-grade DEA across agriculture, coatings, and chemical intermediates. In 2024, it launched ultra-low nitrosamine DEA variants designed to meet strict safety thresholds in herbicide formulations. In 2025, the company revamped its packaging systems in emerging markets, deploying reusable IBCs and lined drums for safer bulk transportation. BASF’s global distribution strength, combined with its process innovation in nitrosamine control, solidifies its leadership in compliance-focused sectors.
Huntsman Corporation (10-13%)
Huntsman maintains a stronghold in the gas treatment segment with DEA tailored for acid gas removal. In 2024, it boosted production of refinery-grade DEA suited for natural gas sweetening applications. In 2025, the company modernized its USA production lines to reduce by-product formation and improve environmental performance. Huntsman continues to prioritize stable, high-purity supply for large-scale downstream processors and has entered into long-term contracts with energy sector partners.
Ineos Oxide (7-10%)
Ineos Oxide is gaining share through cost-effective DEA solutions and geographic reach. In 2024, it introduced a DEA variant optimized for textile softeners and emulsifiers in industrial fabric care. By 2025, Ineos expanded its presence across Asia-Pacific through toll manufacturing agreements and regional warehousing infrastructure. The company also emphasizes real-time logistics tracking and ISO-certified product quality, catering to mid-tier customers across detergents, metalworking fluids, and water treatment.
SABIC (6-9%)
SABIC integrates DEA into high-performance surfactant systems and downstream formulations. In 2024, it introduced DEA-enhanced surfactants for oilfield and industrial cleaning applications. In 2025, it launched low-color, low-odor DEA grades targeting premium personal care formulations and emulsified concentrates. SABIC’s vertical integration and cost competitiveness help it cater to both regional and multinational compounders. The firm is also collaborating with end users to co-develop multifunctional blends using DEA as a base ingredient.
Other Key Players (34-42% Combined)
A wide range of chemical producers and regional suppliers contribute to DEA market diversity. These include:
The overall market size for the diethanolamine market was USD 19,448.1 Million in 2025.
The diethanolamine market is expected to reach USD 31,080.6 Million in 2035.
The demand for diethanolamine is rising due to its widespread use as a chemical intermediate in the production of surfactants, emulsifiers, and personal care products. The growing demand from the textile industry for softening agents and wetting agents is also contributing to market growth.
The top 5 countries driving the development of the diethanolamine market are the USA, China, India, Germany, and Japan.
Which segment in the application and end-use category is expected to lead in the diethanolamine market?
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