Top 10 Companies in the Film-Forming Agent in Personal Care Industry (2025): Market Leaders Redefining Cosmetic Formulations

In Business Insights
June 01, 2025

The Global Film-Forming Agent in Personal Care Market was valued at USD 2.27 Billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 4.42 Billion by 2032, growing at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 7.7% during the forecast period (2023-2032). This expansion is driven by increasing demand for premium skincare and haircare products, rising consumer preference for long-lasting formulations, and technological advancements in polymer science.

As cosmetic formulations evolve to meet performance and sustainability demands, the role of film-forming agents has become pivotal in product differentiation. In this analysis, we examine the Top 10 Companies Leading the Film-Forming Agent Market—a blend of chemical innovators, specialty ingredient suppliers, and sustainability pioneers transforming personal care formulations.


🔟 1. Dow Chemical Company

Headquarters: Midland, Michigan, USA
Key Offering: ACULYN™ rheology modifiers, ECOFAST™ Pure sustainable treatments

Dow leads the market with its advanced polymer technologies that create durable, flexible films across skincare and haircare applications. Their proprietary technologies enable moisture retention and improved product performance in leave-on formulations.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • 50% reduction in net annual carbon emissions by 2030

  • Circular economy programs for polymer production

  • Water-based film-forming technologies reducing VOC emissions

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Film-Forming Agent in Personal Care Market – View in Detailed Research Report


9️⃣ 2. Eastman Chemical Company

Headquarters: Kingsport, Tennessee, USA
Key Offering: Eastman AQ™ polymers, cellulose-based film formers

Eastman specializes in premium cellulose-based film formers that deliver exceptional sensory characteristics. Their technologies are particularly valued in high-end skincare and color cosmetics for their smooth application and longevity benefits.

Innovation Focus:

  • Bio-based material development

  • Molecular design for multi-functional performance


8️⃣ 3. Covestro AG

7·4. Ashland Global Holdings

Headquarters: Wilmington, Delaware, USA
Key Offering: Aqua SF polymer blends, Natureplex™ bio-based films

Ashland combines technical performance with botanical innovation, offering both synthetic and natural-origin film formers. Their expertise spans from hair styling to skin care barrier films.

Technical Advantages:

  • pH-stable polymer blends

  • Enhanced compatibility with active ingredients

Download FREE Sample Report:
Film-Forming Agent in Personal Care Market – View in Detailed Research Report


6️⃣ 5. BASF SE

Headquarters: Ludwigshafen, Germany
Key Offering: Luviquat® conditioning films, Rheocare® texturizers

BASF’s film formers are renowned for their multifunctionality, providing not just film formation but also conditioning, UV protection, and enhanced spreadability in formulations.

Market Position:

  • Top supplier to European luxury brands

  • Pioneer in silicone-hybrid film technologies


5️⃣ 6. Lubrizol Corporation

Headquarters: Wickliffe, Ohio, USA
Key Offering: Carbopol® polymers, Fixate™ styling films

Lubrizol dominates the styling product segment with its high-performance film formers that balance hold with easy washability. Their technologies are essential for modern hair care formulations.

Technology Leadership:

  • Temperature-responsive polymers

  • Humidity-resistant formulations


4️⃣ 7. Wacker Chemie AG

Headquarters: Munich, Germany
Key Offering: Belsil® silicone resins, VINNEX® bio-based binders

Wacker combines silicone technology with novel bio-based chemistry to create next-generation film formers that deliver both performance and sustainability.

Innovation Focus:

  • Silicone-organic hybrids

  • Plant-derived film-forming polymers


3️⃣ 8. Croda International

Headquarters: Snaith, United Kingdom
Key Offering: Incroquat® conditioning films, Eco Film plant-based polymers

Croda leads in natural-origin film formers, with a strong focus on sustainable sourcing and biodegradable formulations for eco-conscious brands.

Sustainability Leadership:

  • 100% renewable carbon commitment by 2030

  • Marine-biodegradable polymer development


2️⃣ 9. AkzoNobel Specialty Chemicals

Headquarters: Amsterdam, Netherlands
Key Offering: Bermocoll® ethyl cellulose films, Aqualon™ rheology modifiers

AkzoNobel’s cellulose derivatives set industry standards for natural polymer performance in color cosmetics and treatment products, offering superior pigment binding and transfer resistance.

Technical Superiority:

  • Enhanced moisture resistance

  • Improved formulation stability


1️⃣ 10. Solvay SA

Headquarters: Brussels, Belgium
Key Offering: Jaguar® natural polymers, Solef® PVDF film formers

Solvay combines performance polymers with plant-derived technologies to create film formers that meet strict regulatory requirements while delivering premium product performance.

Regulatory Expertise:

  • Global compliance management

  • Clean beauty formulation support

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Film-Forming Agent in Personal Care Market – View in Detailed Research Report


🔬 Outlook: The Future of Film-Forming Agents in Personal Care

The film-forming agent market is undergoing significant transformation as formulators demand multifunctional ingredients that combine performance, sensory appeal, and sustainability. While synthetic polymers still dominate market volume, bio-based alternatives are gaining rapid adoption in all major markets.

🧪 Key Trends Transforming the Industry:

  • Bio-based and biodegradable polymer development accelerating

  • Multifunctional film formers combining moisturization, SPF boost, and antioxidant properties

  • Microplastic-free formulations driving polymer innovation

  • Smart films with temperature or pH-responsive characteristics

Get Full Report Here:
Film-Forming Agent in Personal Care Market – View in Detailed Research Report

The companies profiled above are not just supplying ingredients—they’re enabling the next generation of high-performance, sustainable personal care formulations that consumers demand.