Diethanolamine (DEA) Market Size, Share, Opportunities, And Trends By Application (Chemical Intermediate, Fabric Finisher & Softener, Foam Stabilizer, Photographic Chemicals, Rubber Chemicals, Gas Treatment, Reactive & Processing Agent, Others), By End-User Industry (Pharmaceutical, Construction, Paint & Coatings, Oil & Gas, Agriculture, Personal Care & Cosmetics, Others), And By Geography - Forecasts From 2023 To 2028

Diethanolamine is an organic chemical molecule liquid that is white and viscous. Ethylene oxide and excessive ammonia react to industrially and commercially manufacture diethanolamine. This hydrophilic liquid is utilized as a corrosion inhibitor and surfactant. The removal of hydrogen sulfide from natural gas extensively employs diethanolamine. The manufacturing processes of soaps and surfactants for liquid laundry and dishwashing detergents, cosmetics, shampoos, and hair conditioners frequently employ diethanolamine to create diethanolamine and diethanolamine salts of long-chain fatty acids. Further, it functions as an anticorrosion agent in agricultural chemical formulations as well as metalworking fluids. The extensive application of diethanolamine to manufacture fabric softeners, natural gas, chemical intermediaries, foam stabilizers, rubber chemicals, and other products across a wide range of industries is a significant factor promoting the growth of the diethanolamine market over the forecast period.

Market Drivers

The rising demand for natural gas

The increasing demand for natural gas fueled by the rise in electricity consumption across the world offers an opportunity for the expansion of the diethanolamine market. In natural gas manufacturing and processing units, diethanolamine is used to convert a gas stream into sweet gas by absorbing acidic gases such as carbon dioxide, hydrogen sulfide, and carbonyl sulfide. Hence, the growing demand for natural gas for commercial applications such as electricity generation and cooking purposes is expected to increase the consumption of diethanolamine in the oil and gas sector. The International Energy Agency estimated that the total amount of world electricity produced using natural gas increased from 6,208.6 TWh in 2019 to 6,337.96 TWh in 2021. The increasing consumption of portable electronics and the rise in the demand for electric vehicles shall further increase the electricity demand and since natural gas is one of the most dominant sources of electricity production, leading oil and gas companies will increase natural gas production to meet the rising consumer demands which will result in a rise in the consumption of diethanolamine across oil and gas producing companies across the world.

Growing demand for detergents and soaps

The pandemic resulted in the excessive consumption of soaps and detergents as an integral part of the prevention and safety protocol suggested by the UN to fight against the coronavirus. In addition, the application of diethanolamine in the personal care industry in shaving creams, detergents, and gel cleansers due to its effectiveness in eliminating stains and dirt is promoting the growth of the diethanolamine market. As a result of the pandemic and lockdown, there is a rise in demand for personal hygiene products and practices increasing the use of diethanolamine in manufacturing several personal care products. The Indian Brand Equity Foundation reported that more than 40% of revenue generated by Hindustan Unilever Company can be accounted for by to use of soaps and detergents. Therefore, the rise in consumption of soaps and detergents generates an opportunity for the expansion of the diethanolamine market over the forecast period.

The health hazards associated with diethanolamine could restrict the growth of the market.  

The use of diethanolamine in cosmetics has the risk of generating several health concerns in consumers including bioaccumulation, organ system toxification, and cancer. There is research evidence that has proven that DEA has an impact on men's reproductive health. According to a study by Panchal & Verma, DEA changes the structure of sperm, leading to defects that impair the sperm's ability to swim and fertilize the egg. DEA builds up in the liver and kidney, which can be harmful to the organs and have neurotoxic side effects like tremors. In addition, a study conducted by Craciunescu and Zeisel demonstrated that mothers' exposure to DEA may have a long-term impact on how their children's brains grow and how well they remember things. Further, DEA may combine with other compounds in cosmetic formulations to develop the carcinogen nitroso diethanolamine (NDEA), which is absorbed into the skin. Consequently, the European Commission has banned the use of diethanolamine in cosmetics to lower carcinogenic contamination. Therefore, the impactful health hazards associated with the unregulated and unauthorized use of DEA in cosmetic production processes limit the expansion of the diethanolamine market.

Product Offerings

Diethanolamine (DEA) by Ineos Group Ltd.

Ineos Group Ltd. is a major company producing diethanolamine (DEA) chemical compounds as an integral part of its ethanolamines product line at its production units in the USA and France. DEA produced by the company is extensively used to produce surfactants for detergents and soaps.

Diethanolamine by BASF SE

BASF SE is a leading chemical company producing diethanolamine to be used for coatings, agrochemicals, and detergents in four different packaging methods including bulk packaging, steel drums, composite IBC, and fiberboard box to meet the requirements of different consumer groups.

Diethanolamine by Dow Chemical

Dow Chemical Company manufactures diethanolamine as part of the ethanolamine chemical compound product range and sells them across all geographical regions in the world and offers sample options to consumers to test the content of the product before purchasing in bulk.

North America contributes majorly to the diethanolamine market and is expected to grow significantly over the forecast period.

The diethanolamine market in North America is promoted by the increasing consumption of natural gas in electricity production in the US. Natural gas powered 37.5% of the nation's total electrical generation in December 2022, an increase of 10.7% from the previous month in the US.

In addition, the Asia Pacific region is also anticipated to witness growth in its diethanolamine market as a result of the expansion of its personal care industry. Countries like South Korea, Japan, and India are experiencing a surge in their cosmetics and personal care industry fueled by the launch of new companies and brands. In addition, the presence of major chemical companies such as Mitsubishi Chemical Holdings, Toray Industries, and Reliance Industries in the region is expected to increase the application of diethanolamine as a chemical intermediate in their manufacturing processes. Further, the rising need for agrochemicals in Asian countries fueled by their agricultural activities is increasing the market for diethanolamine as DEA is used to manufacture glyphosate which acts as an herbicide eliminating wild vegetation growth in agricultural lands. Therefore, the diethanolamine market is expected to grow significantly in the Asia Pacific region considering its widespread application across different industries.

Key Market Segments:

• By Application

• • Chemical Intermediate
  • Fabric Finisher & Softener
  • Foam Stabilizer
  • Photographic Chemicals
  • Rubber Chemicals
  • Gas Treatment
  • Reactive & Processing Agent
  • Others
• By End-User Industry

• • Pharmaceutical
  • Construction
  • Paint & Coatings
  • Oil & Gas
  • Agriculture
  • Personal care & Cosmetics
  • Others

• By Geography
• North America

• • USA
  • Others

• South America

• • Brazil
  • Argentina
  • Others

• Europe

• • Germany
  • France
  • United Kingdom
  • Spain
  • Others

• Middle East and Africa

• • Saudi Arabia
  • UAE
  • Israel
  • Others

• Asia Pacific

• • China
  • Japan
  • India
  • South Korea
  • Indonesia
  • Thailand
  • Taiwan
  • Others