October 19, 2020

The global hand care market size is projected to reach a worth of $16.9 billion USD by 2025, and expand at a CAGR of 4.5%, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc.

The booming hand care market over the next five years can be linked to an increased consumer need to protect the skin barrier, the advent of skincare as body care, and a demand for hand treatments that can increase feelings of well-being.

The biggest driver behind the predicted surging sales in the hand care market? An increased, worldwide focus on the importance of hand washing.

Hand washing is critical to preventing the spread of germs, bacteria, viruses, and disease.  However, increased hand washing, especially with hot water, can dry out the skin and damage the skin barrier.

“Washing your hands is critical to slow the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19). However, frequent hand washing can cause dry skin that can flake, itch, crack, and even bleed without proper precautions. This can cause open wounds in your skin that can allow in bacteria and other germs and increase your risk for infection,” explains the American Academy of Dermatology Association.

In order to stay safe, many consumers are practicing good hand hygiene, but also seeking out options to repair and prevent dry skin on the hands. 

To that extent, experts predict products that can both moisturize and protect the skin barrier on the hands will remain hugely popular over the next five years.

Additionally, the rise of skincare as body care has also set the stage for a booming hand care market.

Today, savvy, skintellectual consumers want to direct the same time and attention they devote to facial skincare routines to new body care routines.

This often translates to a desire to cleanse, exfoliate, and moisturize the skin everywhere, including the hands.

“Body products are being marketed not just from a self-care angle, but from a skin-care point of view, touting performance-based ingredients and results. According to NPD Group, body serum sales grew 32% in the first quarter of 2020, and body oil grew by 10%. And as the pandemic took hold in the second quarter, body exfoliator sales increased 15%,” according to Liz Flora in Glossy.

With the hands one of the first areas to show signs of aging, many consumers are also seeking out solutions to practice preventative, anti-aging measures with their hand care routines.

The predicted hand care market growth is also linked to a swelling consumer demand for more hand care treatments, that can improve feelings of wellness and promote self-care.

In the future, intensive hand care treatments are expected to grow in popularity, as consumers attempt to protect their skin and de-stress at the same time.

Growing categories of hand care products are expected to be include:

• Hand masks 
• Intensive hand moisturizers 
• Hand oils
• Hybrid hand and nail care products

These types of protective leave-on hand care treatments can offer two key important benefits to consumers. First, these hand care products help to repair wear and tear to the skin on the hands. 

Additionally, hand care treatments can help to create and foster feelings of ritual, well-being, and self-care for consumers during stressful times.

“Self-care is the new mantra since Covid-19; more people look for multi-functional health and wellness benefits for the body and mind,” David Tyrrell, the associate director of global skin care at Mintel said. “The younger consumers [36% of the U.S. are Gen Z, ages 18-25] are spending more time on their personal care routines, which includes taking long baths and adding steps to skincare routines.”

Hand treatments that moisturize and soothe the skin on the hands are an easy and affordable option for consumers to practice self-care and hygiene at home.

As consumers continue to practice frequent hand washing, the hand care market will enjoy boosted sales and growth.

Hand care products that can help maintain the skin barrier, prevent visible signs of aging, and provide feelings of relaxation and ritual will be a hit amongst consumers ready to pamper and protect their hands.