Top 10 Companies in the Moisturizer Ingredients Industry (2025): Key Players Driving Skincare Innovation

In Business Insights
October 29, 2025

The Global Moisturizer Ingredients Market was valued at USD 3.52 Billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 4.79 Billion by 2030, growing at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 5.2% during the forecast period (2024–2030). This robust expansion is being propelled by increasing consumer awareness of skin health, rising disposable incomes in emerging markets, and the accelerating adoption of natural and sustainable formulations across prestige and mass-market cosmetic sectors.

As the beauty industry pivots toward clean, effective, and environmentally responsible products, the focus intensifies on the ingredient suppliers who are driving scientific innovation, formulation efficiency, and advanced dermatological pathways. In this analysis, we profile the Top 10 Companies in the Moisturizer Ingredients Industry—a sophisticated mix of chemical giants, specialty ingredient manufacturers, and natural extract pioneers defining the future of global skincare.


🔟 1. BASF SE

Headquarters: Ludwigshafen, Germany
Key Offering: Hyaluronic Acid, Glycerin, Natural Oil Esters, and Bio-based Emollients

BASF stands as a global powerhouse in cosmetic ingredients, offering a comprehensive portfolio that serves major beauty brands, contract manufacturers, and private label producers worldwide. Their care chemicals division develops cutting-edge humectants, occlusives, and emollients, with substantial R&D investment in microbiome-friendly and upcycled ingredients.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Committed to carbon-neutral growth by 2030
  • Expanding production of certified sustainable palm oil derivatives
  • Pioneering water-saving formulas for water-scarce regions
  • Target of 70% of sales from products with substantial sustainability contribution

9️⃣ 2. Givaudan Active Beauty

Headquarters: Vernier, Switzerland
Key Offering: Active moisturizing complexes, plant cell cultures, and biomimetic compounds

Givaudan Active Beauty operates across more than 80 countries and supplies ingredients for over 25,000 skincare formulations annually. The company represents a significant force in naturally-derived moisturizing agents and clinically-proven actives that enhance skin barrier function.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Carbon-neutral operations achieved in 2020
  • 100% renewable electricity across all sites since 2021
  • Ambitious biodiversity and renewable sourcing targets

8️⃣ 3. DSM Nutritional Products

Headquarters: Kaiseraugst, Switzerland
Key Offering: Peptides, Vitamins, and Advanced Lipid Systems

DSM’s personal care ingredients division is strengthening its natural and science-backed portfolio through strategic acquisitions and green chemistry innovations that support cosmetic efficacy and environmental stewardship.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Science-based targets aligned with 1.5°C climate pathway
  • Global partnerships for sustainable sourcing of shea butter and other botanicals

7️⃣ 4. Lubrizol Life Science

Headquarters: Wickliffe, Ohio, USA
Key Offering: Polymer-based moisturizers, natural emollients, and sensory enhancers

Lubrizol Life Science delivers sophisticated ingredient systems through its Carbopol and Novemer polymer technologies, serving over 2,000 personal care companies globally with advanced delivery systems and texture modifiers.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • EcoVadis Platinum rating for sustainability performance
  • Comprehensive portfolio of bio-based and biodegradable polymers
  • Water-soluble film technology reducing plastic packaging waste

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6️⃣ 5. Croda International Plc

Headquarters: Snaith, United Kingdom
Key Offering: Sustainable emollients, natural actives, and delivery systems

Croda’s personal care division provides intelligent ingredient solutions across more than 700 locations globally. The company offers certified natural and organic ingredients and is advancing green chemistry approaches across its entire production chain.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • 50% of raw materials from bio-based sources by 2030
  • 60% reduction in carbon footprint intensity across all operations
  • Water footprint reduction initiatives in manufacturing processes

5️⃣ 6. Evonik Industries AG

Headquarters: Essen, Germany
Key Offering: Specialty esters, natural oils, and sensory modifiers

Evonik operates one of the most advanced cosmetic ingredient research facilities globally, developing next-generation moisturizing technologies that combine efficacy with exceptional environmental profiles.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Systematic integration of sustainability into R&D and product development
  • Comprehensive product carbon footprint assessments for key ingredients

4️⃣ 7. Ashland Global Holdings Inc.

Headquarters: Wilmington, Delaware, USA
Key Offering: Natural thickeners, film formers, and moisturizing polymers

Ashland delivers sophisticated ingredient systems through its Natrulon and Aquaflow technologies, serving premium skincare brands with advanced delivery systems and sensory enhancers.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Water stewardship programs reducing consumption by 20% since 2018
  • Expanding portfolio of nature-derived and upcycled ingredients
  • Carbon reduction targets aligned with Paris Agreement goals

3️⃣ 8. Clariant AG

Headquarters: Muttenz, Switzerland
Key Offering: Natural emulsifiers, emollients, and botanical extracts

Clariant’s business unit for care chemicals provides specialized ingredients that enhance product performance while minimizing environmental impact.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • EcoTain label for products demonstrating exceptional sustainability
  • Strategic focus on bio-based and renewable raw materials
  • Circular economy initiatives for production waste valorization

2️⃣ 9. Inolex Inc.

Headquarters: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
Key Offering: Sustainable preservatives, conditioning agents, and natural emulsifiers

Inolex specializes in high-performance, naturally-derived ingredients for prestige skincare formulations, with growing investments in green chemistry and carbon-negative production processes.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Carbon-negative production through renewable energy and carbon capture
  • B Corp certification reflecting high standards of social and environmental performance

1️⃣ 10. Symrise AG

Headquarters: Holzminden, Germany
Key Offering: Natural actives, botanical extracts, and sensory modifiers

Symrise’s cosmetic ingredients division focuses on high-efficacy natural ingredients that deliver proven moisturizing benefits while supporting broader sustainability objectives in the personal care industry.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Climate-neutral production across all sites achieved in 2022
  • Ambitious biodiversity protection and restoration programs
  • Comprehensive life cycle assessment for all new product developments

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Moisturizer Ingredients Market – View in Detailed Research Report


🌍 Outlook: The Future of Moisturizer Ingredients is Smarter and More Sustainable

The moisturizer ingredients market is experiencing a fundamental transformation. While conventional ingredients still represent substantial market volume, the industry is channeling significant investment into biotechnology-derived alternatives, green extraction methods, and supply chain transparency.

📈 Key Trends Shaping the Market:

  • Rapid expansion of upcycled and side-stream ingredient production in North America and Europe
  • Regulatory momentum toward stricter ingredient transparency and environmental claims validation
  • Digital integration for traceability from source to finished product
  • Brand-ingredient supplier collaborations for carbon footprint reduction
  • Increasing consumer demand for microbiome-friendly and clinically-validated ingredients

Get Full Report Here:
Moisturizer Ingredients Market – View in Detailed Research Report

The companies profiled above are not only supplying the global beauty industry—they’re championing the responsible transformation of global skincare.