Europe Hand Sanitizer Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Product (Gel, Foam, Wipes, Spray), By Distribution Channel (Hypermarket & Supermarket, Convenience Store), By Country, And Segment Forecast, 2024 - 2030

Europe Hand Sanitizer Market Size & Trends

The Europe hand sanitizer market size was estimated at USD 1.8 billion in 2023 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.5% from 2024 to 2030. The market growth is attributed to the increasing need for personal hygiene and growing awareness about sanitization. Furthermore, product launches have played a crucial role in the growth of the market in Europe.

Europe hand sanitizer market accounted for a share of 23.9% of the global hand sanitizer market in 2023. This product is predominantly formulated using vegetable-derived bactericides and foaming agents. It is considered ideal for use on entering hatcheries, farms, food production areas, or before handling food. This product is food-safe and has a lesser drying effect on the skin than alcohol-based products.

Over the past few years, consumers across Europe have adopted healthier lifestyles by shifting their preferences. Hand sanitizers can now be found at the entrances to nursing homes and hospitals and in many public washrooms. Hand sanitizers kept in classrooms can reduce student absenteeism due to illness by 20.0%.

Product Insights

The gel-based hand sanitizer segment held the largest market share of 47.9% in 2023. Gel hand sanitizer is easier to carry and dispense for households. It is also a convenient on-the-go option as it is easier to squeeze the gel sanitizer from the container without dripping. During the outbreak of coronavirus (COVID-19) in Europe, there was a high demand for human hygiene products in the market. The European Union imported a large number of products from this category.

The form-based hand sanitizer is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.8% over the forecast period. The foam clings to hands and does not slide off easily like gel or liquid sanitizers. In addition to being less messy, foam-based sanitizers are a more cost-effective option for large organizations as they dispense less amount of product per pump. Therefore, several commercial and public facilities such as schools, colleges, universities, and hotels use this form of sanitizer. Facilities with waxed floors most often use foam sanitizers as drops of liquid or gel can leave stains on the floors.

Distribution Channel Insights

The hypermarket & supermarket segment accounted for the largest share of 38.0% in 2023. Many consumers prefer buying hand sanitizers at hypermarkets & supermarkets as they can verify/test the product before buying it, ensuring the products’ suitability based on their needs. Some of the largest hypermarkets selling the product across Europe include E. Leclerc; Edeka Group; Group Auchan SA; REWE Group; Ahold Delhaize; Aldi; Metro Group; Lidl; Carrefour; and Tesco PLC.

Sales of hand sanitizer through online channels are expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.7% over the forecast period. The spike in demand prompted some online sellers, including Amazon and eBay, to increase the prices of hand sanitizers sold on their platforms. For instance, Defendol’s antibacterial hand gel, which usually retails at USD 4.46 in physical stores, was being sold for USD 120.24 on Amazon in the U.K. In Italy, Amazon was selling four 3-ounce bottles of sanitizers at USD 66.77, while 10-ounce bottles of Purell were being retailed for USD 87.55 on eBay.

Country Insights

UK Hand Sanitizer Market Trends

The UK hand sanitizer market accounted for a revenue share of 69.6% in 2023. Hand hygiene is one of the most important hygiene practices and sanitizers play an important role in ensuring it. This factor is expected to drive the demand for hand sanitizers in the UK. Several companies that have not been participants in the sanitizer market have also started producing sanitizers as a response to the shortage of the product.

Germany Hand Sanitizer Market Trends

The hand sanitizer market in Germany is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.3% in 2023. The growth is attributed to the rising awareness about hygiene among consumers. Therefore, innovative and various types of personal care and hygiene products are available in the market keeping in mind consumer requirements and convenience.

Key Europe Hand Sanitizer Company Insights

Some of the key players in the market are Unilever, Henkel AG & Co, and Sanofi

• Henkel AG & Co. is a multinational chemical and consumer goods company that has three operating business units: laundry & home care, beauty care, and adhesive technologies.

• Unilever is a consumer goods transnational company that focuses on the production, retail, and marketing of food, energy drinks, ice creams, teas, cleaning agents, beauty products, and personal care products.

Recent Developments

• In April 2020, Unilever began adapting its existing production lines to meet the unprecedented demand for hand sanitizers during the COVID-19 outbreak. The Leeds factory in the UK, for instance, manufactures deodorants for the company. However, the company were producing much-needed supplies of hand sanitizers for the NHS at this factory over the past month.

Europe Hand Sanitizer Market Report Scope

Europe Hand Sanitizer Market Report Segmentation

This report forecasts revenue growth at regional & country levels and provides an analysis of the latest industry trends and opportunities in each of the sub-segments from 2018 to 2030. For this study, Grand View Research has segmented the Europe hand sanitizer market report based on product, distribution channel, and country:

• Product Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Gel

  • Foam

  • Liquid

  • Spray

  • Wipes

  • Others

• Distribution Channel Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Hypermarket & Supermarket

  • Pharmacy & Drugstore

  • Convenience Store

  • Online

  • Others

• Country Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • UK

  • Germany

  • Italy

  • France

  • Spain