South Korea Hand Sanitaizer Market Research Report, 2030

The hand sanitizer market in South Korea has experienced substantial growth in recent years, especially following the COVID-19 pandemic. The sudden surge in awareness about hygiene, combined with government and public health campaigns urging the use of hand sanitizers, propelled demand across various sectors. South Korea, known for its strong focus on cleanliness and personal hygiene, quickly adapted to incorporating hand sanitizers into daily routines. The market initially saw a high preference for alcohol-based hand sanitizers due to their proven effectiveness in killing viruses and bacteria. However, with growing concerns about skin dryness and irritation caused by alcohol content, South Korean consumers also began seeking alcohol-free alternatives, which have gained popularity due to their gentle formulation. These alcohol-free hand sanitizers, often containing soothing ingredients such as aloe vera, green tea, and other natural extracts, appeal to the skincare-conscious population that is an integral part of the country’s beauty and personal care culture. The strong emphasis on skincare and beauty in South Korea has driven innovation within the hand sanitizer market, with many products offering dual benefits—effective hygiene along with moisturizing and nourishing properties. The variety of hand sanitizers available has expanded significantly, with different formulations designed to cater to the unique needs of consumers, including gel, spray, and foam types. Furthermore, South Korea’s high level of urbanization, along with a tech-savvy and health-conscious population, has contributed to the rapid adoption of hand sanitizers in public places, transportation, and educational institutions, solidifying the product’s place in daily life. According to the research report, "South Korea Hand Sanitizer Market Research Report, 2030," published by Actual Market Research, the South Korea Hand Sanitizer market is expected to reach a market size of more than USD 480 Million by 2030. South Korea's hand sanitizer market is highly competitive, with both domestic and international brands vying for market share. Major global companies like Procter & Gamble, Unilever, and Reckitt Benckiser have a strong presence in the South Korean market, offering well-established brands of hand sanitizers. These international players have focused on tailoring their products to meet the unique preferences of Korean consumers, particularly by incorporating natural and soothing ingredients in their formulations. At the same time, local brands such as LG Household & Health Care and Amorepacific have capitalized on the country’s strong demand for high-quality, skin-friendly products. Korean consumers, who are known for their discerning taste and preference for premium products, have made it clear that they value not only the effectiveness of a hand sanitizer but also its skin care benefits and aesthetic appeal. Consequently, local brands have been able to differentiate themselves by offering premium, multifunctional hand sanitizers that align with the country’s beauty-focused culture. Retail distribution of hand sanitizers in South Korea is diverse, with a combination of traditional retail stores, pharmacies, and e-commerce platforms. Online shopping has become an increasingly popular channel for purchasing hand sanitizers, with platforms such as Coupang, Gmarket, and 11Street facilitating the easy access to a wide variety of brands and formulations. This online trend has been amplified by the pandemic, which led consumers to turn to e-commerce for convenience and safety. In addition to personal use, institutional demand for hand sanitizers remains strong, particularly in sectors such as healthcare, education, and public transport. As a result, demand for bulk-sized sanitizers and refills has also increased, providing a more cost-effective solution for businesses and organizations. Furthermore, sustainability has become a significant focus for South Korean consumers, leading to the demand for eco-friendly packaging and formulations. This trend has encouraged companies to introduce sustainable packaging options, including biodegradable bottles and refillable containers. As hygiene becomes an entrenched part of daily life in South Korea, the hand sanitizer market is expected to continue growing, with innovations in formulation, packaging, and consumer experiences playing a crucial role in shaping the market’s future.

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The hand sanitizer market in South Korea has witnessed substantial growth in recent years, particularly driven by increased awareness of hygiene practices due to the COVID-19 pandemic. South Koreans have long valued cleanliness, and the pandemic only accelerated the adoption of hand sanitizers as a daily hygiene essential. Gel-based hand sanitizers dominate the market due to their convenient, easy-to-apply nature and effective sanitizing properties. These gel sanitizers, often available in compact, portable bottles, are favored for their ability to cover hands evenly and dry without leaving residue. In South Korea, gel-based sanitizers are commonly found in public places like schools, office buildings, public transportation hubs, and healthcare settings, where hygiene is a priority. They are also used by consumers at home for daily sanitization routines. The demand for liquid-based hand sanitizers is growing in South Korea, particularly among consumers who prefer a faster-drying solution or those in need of larger quantities for commercial purposes. These liquid sanitizers are available in various packaging formats, from small bottles for personal use to large containers designed for businesses or institutions. Additionally, foam-based hand sanitizers are gaining traction, especially in environments where rapid application and quick absorption are crucial. Foam sanitizers are popular in public restrooms, offices, and hospitals due to their airy texture and the convenience of hands-free dispensing. In addition to gel, liquid, and foam sanitizers, the “Other” category, which includes wipes and sprays, is increasingly being used by South Korean consumers for their on-the-go lifestyle. These products are portable, easy to use, and particularly useful for quick sanitization in outdoor or crowded environments. The distribution channels for hand sanitizers in South Korea have evolved to meet the increasing demand for hygiene products. Pharmacy stores have long been a primary source for hand sanitizers in South Korea, with major pharmacy chains like CJ Healthcare, Hanmi Pharm, and LG Chem offering a wide range of sanitizing products to customers. These stores are trusted sources for consumers seeking high-quality, effective hand sanitizers, and they are particularly popular for those looking for medical-grade or highly reliable options. In addition to traditional pharmacies, supermarkets and hypermarkets play a significant role in the retail distribution of hand sanitizers. Chains such as E-Mart, Lotte Mart, and Homeplus offer customers a wide selection of hand sanitizing products, from popular global brands to local options, at competitive prices. These retail outlets are convenient for bulk purchases and are strategically located in urban centers, making it easy for consumers to access hand sanitizers. Online retail channels have also seen rapid growth in South Korea, particularly with the rise of e-commerce platforms like Coupang, Gmarket, and 11st. These platforms allow consumers to browse and compare various hand sanitizers, read product reviews, and place orders from the comfort of their homes. The convenience of home delivery and the wide range of products available online have made e-commerce an attractive option for South Korean shoppers. In addition, many South Koreans purchase hand sanitizers through their smartphones, taking advantage of mobile apps and digital payment systems to make seamless transactions. Smaller retail outlets, such as convenience stores and departmental stores, also contribute to the distribution network, ensuring that hand sanitizers are easily accessible to consumers on the go. Convenience stores like GS25 and CU have become key players in providing on-demand hand sanitization solutions, with hand sanitizers often placed at the entrance for quick and easy access. These diverse distribution channels reflect the growing demand for hand sanitizers in South Korea and cater to the country’s tech-savvy, health-conscious consumer base. Considered in the report • Estimated year: 2025 • Base year: 2024 • Historical year: 2019 • Forecasted year: 2030

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Nikita Jabrela

Business Development Manager

Aspects covered in the report • Market Size by Value for the period (2019-2030F) • Market Share by Type • Market Share by Content • Market Share by Distribution Channel • Market Share by Country • Market Share by Company By Type • Gel • Liquid • Foam • Other By Distribution Channel • Pharmacy Stores • Supermarket/Hypermarkets • Online Retail Channels • Others (Departmental Stores, Grocery Stores)

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The approach of the report: We keep an eye on evolving markets and try to evaluate the potential of the products and services. If we find the market interesting, we start working on it and create the desired table of content, considering all aspects of the business. We start by creating separate questionnaires for C-level executives, national/regional sales personnel, company owners, dealers, distributors, and end-users. Once the questionnaires have been finalized, we start collecting the primary data (mostly through phone calls) and try to understand the market dynamics regionally or tier-wise. This process gives us in-depth details of the market, including all present companies, the top-performing products with reasons why they dominate; we get the details of new players and their innovative approaches; market trends; dynamics; and all the small details of the market. Intended Audience This report can be useful to industry consultants, manufacturers, suppliers, associations & organizations related to the consumer goods and services industry, government bodies, and other stakeholders to align their market-centric strategies. In addition to marketing & presentations, it will also increase competitive knowledge about the industry.