Silicone Oil Market

Silicone Oil Market Size and Share:

The global silicone oil market size was valued at USD 4.08 Billion in 2024. Looking forward, IMARC Group estimates the market to reach USD 6.76 Billion by 2033, exhibiting a CAGR of 5.49% from 2025-2033. Asia Pacific currently dominates the market, holding a market share of over 42.8% in 2024. The increasing demand from the automotive and electronics industries, rising adoption in personal care and healthcare applications, rapid industrialization in emerging economies, advancements in renewable energy projects, and the growing focus on sustainability and high-performance materials are some of the factors facilitating the expansion of silicone oil market share.

Silicone oil is an elastomer, which is a synthetic polymer with very high performance. It is widely known for thermal stability, low surface tension, and excellent hydrophobicity and lubrication properties. The properties have been very useful for its applications in many industrial, medical, and consumer product industries. Its considerable application in personal care products and cosmetics is driving the market today. The main advantage of silicone oil is its use in providing a smooth, silky feel to skin and hair and enhancing spreadability, as well as creating a protective barrier on the skin or hair. There has been significant growth in adoption of silicone oil in this sector with increasing demands for anti-aging and high-performance cosmetic formulations, coupled with growing understanding of personal grooming.

The United States has come out as the most prominent region in the market for silicone oil. The sector that consumes most of the silicone oil is personal care and cosmetics, as the substance is significantly valued for giving a smooth, nongreasy texture to the skincare, haircare, and makeup products. The US automotive industry relies very much on this silicone oil because of its ability to enhance performance and protection for critical vehicle components. Silicone oil is extensively used in lubricants, brake fluids, transmission fluids, and shock absorbers in automotive applications. The thermal stability and oxidation resistance of the compound make it highly suitable for high-temperature and high-stress applications such as internal combustion engines and hybrid vehicles. According to the predictions of the IMARC Group, the US lubricants market is likely to reach USD 41.9 million by 2033.

Silicone Oil Market Trends:

Growing Need in Cosmetics and Personal Care Industry

Since silicone oil is frequently used in skin care, hair care, and makeup products, the personal care and cosmetics sector is a significant driver of the silicone oil market. Because of their exceptional spreadability, smooth texture, and long-lasting effects, silicone oils like as dimethicone and cyclopentasiloxane are essential in formulations. For example, as demonstrated by almost 70 years of study and consumer use, silicones are among the safest and most mild substances known to man. They are found in the majority of cosmetic products. The worldwide cosmetics market is still expanding, thanks to rising disposable income and self-care awareness among consumers. Furthermore, silicone oil's capacity to produce thin, non-greasy formulas is consistent with consumers' increasing desire for long-wearing, water-resistant products, particularly in foundation and sunscreen. Demand is being further boosted by double-digit increases in cosmetics use in emerging nations like Brazil and India, as per reports. Moreover, as per an industry report, the global Beauty & Personal Care market is anticipated to generate a revenue of USD 673.70 Billion by 2025.

Expanding Applications in the Automotive Sector

Silicone oil's exceptional thermal stability and tolerance to high temperatures make it an essential component of lubricants, brake fluids, and polishes in the automotive industry. The demand for silicone-based materials to improve vehicle performance and longevity was fuelled by the nearly 85 million automobiles produced worldwide in 2022, as per the data by European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association. Additionally, the rising traction of EVs generates a strong demand for EV-specific lubricants and silicone oil in battery cooling systems. Nearly one in five automobiles sold in 2023 were electric, according to figures from the International Energy Agency. In comparison with 2018, which was only 5 years ago, this is more than 6 times greater. Moreo than 250,000 new registrations were created per week in the year 2023, which surpassed the yearly amount from 2013, a decade earlier. The use of silicone oil is anticipated to increase further as automakers place a higher priority on lightweight materials and cutting-edge thermal management technologies. The need for silicone oil in sensor protection and electronic components is also being driven by the trend towards connected and autonomous automobiles.

Increasing Utilization in the Medical and Healthcare Industry

The market for silicone oil is also significantly influenced by the medical and healthcare industry because of its use in ophthalmology, medicines, and medical equipment. When it comes to lubricating medical equipment, guaranteeing biocompatibility, and replacing vitreous in retinal detachment procedures, silicone oil is the substance of choice. The crucial significance silicone oil-based solutions play in ocular treatments is demonstrated by the fact that over a million retinal surgeries were performed worldwide in 2023, as per reports. Furthermore, silicone oil's chemical inertness and formulation stabilising properties make it a useful component of drug delivery systems, thereby driving the silicone oil market demand. Silicone oil is an essential component of new medical technologies, which are in high demand because of the growing ageing population and heightened prevalence of chronic diseases. Growing healthcare costs, which in 2023 exceeded USD 10 Trillion worldwide as per World Health Organization, highlight the growing use of silicone oil. 

Silicone Oil Industry Segmentation:

IMARC Group provides an analysis of the key trends in each segment of the global silicone oil market, along with forecast at the global, regional, and country levels from 2025-2033. The market has been categorized based on type, application, and end use industry.

Analysis by Type:

• Straight Silicone Oil
• Modified Silicone Oil

Modified silicone oil represents the largest segment. Modified silicone oils can maintain their performance and structure even under extreme heat, making them ideal for use in industries where thermal resistance is critical. For instance, in automotive applications, modified silicone oils are used in lubricants, transmission fluids, and heat transfer fluids, ensuring reliable operation in high-temperature environments, thereby offering a favorable silicone oil market outlook. This property also finds application in industrial processes and renewable energy systems, such as concentrated solar power plants, which require consistent thermal performance. Modified silicone oils are highly lubricating oils, and further chemical modification has enhanced their properties. These oils reduce friction and wear between surfaces, even when subjected to heavy loads or under harsh operating conditions. Additionally, modified silicone oils generally have enhanced surface adhesion and therefore longer lubrication. This is important for the automotive and machinery industries in terms of increased component life and reduced maintenance. Modified silicone oils are also used as lubricants in medical devices, where precision and reliability are critical.

Analysis by Application:

• Sealant
• Skin and Hair Care
• Textile Coating
• Chemical Intermediate
• Anti-foam Agent
• Release Agent
• Others

Skin and hair care have the largest market share. Silicon oil has found its acceptance in skincare and hair care formulations mainly because of its texture, performance, and efficacy-enhancing properties. A silky smooth, lightweight texture appeals to a user's sense as easy spreadability for lotions, creams, and serums on the skin. It is most valued in "slip" feel luxury high-end skincare products as improving user satisfaction without leaving the "greasy residue." Silicone oil acts as an occlusive agent, which creates a breathable defensive cover on the outer surface of the skin. This barrier helps prevent water loss while protecting the skin from environmental aggressors such as pollutants and harsh weather conditions. Unlike some occlusive agents, silicone oils are light and not comedogenic so they do not clog pores, thus more suitable for the sensitive and even acne-prone skin.

Analysis by End Use Industry:

• Chemical
• Construction
• Personal Care
• Textile
• Electronics
• Automotive
• Medical
• Others

Automotive holds 46.5% of the market share. Silicone oil is widely used as a lubricant and functional fluid in various automotive systems due to its ability to reduce friction, resist high temperatures, and maintain performance under extreme conditions. Silicone-based brake fluids (DOT 5) offer superior performance compared to traditional glycol-based fluids. They have excellent thermal stability, do not absorb moisture (non-hygroscopic), and resist corrosion, ensuring longer service life for braking systems. These characteristics make silicone oil-based brake fluids particularly suitable for high-performance and military vehicles. Silicone oil is playing an increasingly important role in the thermal management of electric and hybrid vehicles. Silicone oil is used to dissipate heat generated by lithium-ion batteries during discharging and charging cycles, which ensuring optimal longevity and battery performance.

Regional Analysis:

• North America
  • United States
  • Canada
• Asia-Pacific
  • China
  • Japan
  • India
  • South Korea
  • Australia
  • Indonesia
  • Others
• Europe
  • Germany
  • France
  • United Kingdom
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • Russia
  • Others
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Others
• Middle East and Africa

Asia Pacific holds 42.8% of the market share. Silicone oil, a versatile material known for its exceptional thermal stability, lubricating properties, and chemical resistance, has found widespread applications in various industries, including automotive, healthcare, personal care, construction, and electronics. The region’s growing population, coupled with rising demand for premium solutions, is catalyzing the demand for goods, advanced healthcare solutions, and innovative technologies, which in turn is impelling the silicone oil market growth. In the automotive sector, Asia-Pacific stands as a major producer of vehicles, particularly in countries like India, Japan, and South Korea. Silicone oil is extensively used in lubricants, transmission fluids, and thermal management systems for both traditional combustion engine vehicles and electric vehicles (EVs). With governments in the region pushing for the adoption of EVs through subsidies and policies aimed at reducing carbon emissions, the demand for silicone oil in battery cooling and other EV applications is set to grow exponentially. The IMARC Group predicts that the India industrial lubricants market is expected to reach USD 5.72 billion by 2032.

Key Regional Takeaways:

United States Silicone Oil Market Analysis

The United States market accounted 83.70% of the total North American market share. Silicone oil's wide range of uses in the healthcare, personal care, automotive, and electronics sectors are the main factors propelling the US market. Silicone oil is used in the U.S. healthcare industry, which spends more than USD 4.3 Trillion a year on medical devices as per American Medical Association, medication delivery systems, and ophthalmology procedures including vitreoretinal operations. The demand for silicone oil as a lubricant, heat transfer agent, and defoamer is driven by the thriving automobile industry, which sells over 15 million vehicles in 2023 as per reports. The use of silicone oil in moisturiser, serum, and conditioner formulations has increased in the personal care market due to consumers' growing preference for high-end skincare and haircare products. Silocalan oil is utilized as a heat insulator, too, as it is an inert dielectric fluid in the billion-dollar electronics industries. Inevitably, greater investments in alternative energy result in higher demand for silicon oil used both as a refrigerant in turbines and as solar panel manufacturer raw material. Improved technology, diversified manufacturing facilities and significant R and D inputs add to the comfort for the US markets.

Europe Silicone Oil Market Analysis

Strong healthcare systems, sustainability measures, and improvements in automotive technologies are driving the silicone oil market in Europe. Silicone oil is used in the region's automotive industry, which produces more than 17 million cars a year as per International Energy Agency, for anti-foaming, engine lubrication, and thermal management. The use of silicone oil in eco-friendly and energy-efficient applications is encouraged by the European Union's strict carbon emission reduction rules. With the help of ageing population, Germany, France, and UK are using silicone oil in the healthcare sector for ophthalmic treatments, medication compounds, and health implants. Increasing demand for alternate source of energy or solar electricity is driving the usage of silicone oil in photovoltaic systems. In the personal care industry, silicone oil is used in premium cosmetic formulations because European consumers prefer eco-friendly and skin-friendly products. The market is aided by manufacturers and research institutions working together to innovate and expand applications.

Asia Pacific Silicone Oil Market Analysis

Rapid urbanization, industrialization, and the growth of the middle class have made the Asia-Pacific region a significant driver of the global silicone oil market. The population of China and India together comprises more than 36% of the world's population, according to data by UN Habitat, which significantly increases demand. According to data by Fastener World Inc., more than 50 million cars are produced in the area in 2022, and the automotive sector uses silicone oil for lubrication, heat control, and corrosion prevention. Silicone oil is used in haircare and skincare products in the personal care industry of countries such as South Korea, India, and Japan due to the increasing disposable incomes and customer awareness. Healthcare also drives the demand; over 80 million surgeries are performed annually in China (as per reports), most of which use medical supplies based on silicone oil. Silicone oil is also used as a coolant and insulator in the rapidly growing electronics industry in countries such as Taiwan and South Korea. Regional government initiatives to support renewable energy further fuel the need for silicone oil in energy storage and gearbox applications.

Latin America Silicone Oil Market Analysis

Growth in the personal care and healthcare industries, as well as growing industrial applications, is driving the Latin American silicone oil market. Healthcare is at the forefront in Brazil and Mexico. According to a statistics, Brazil finished over 2.1 million cosmetic surgery procedures in 2023 and remains the Latin American nation with the most significant number of these treatments. There is also an increasing demand for silicone oil used in medical applications including lubricants and ophthalmic treatments. Another area driven by the usage of silicone oil in lubrication and thermal management is the expansion of the region's automotive industry. The personal care industry is witnessing growing popularity of silicone oil-based skincare and haircare products due to the growth in discretionary incomes. The food and beverage sector is using silicone oil as an antifoaming agent in industrial processes, further driving market expansion.

Middle East and Africa Silicone Oil Market Analysis

The Middle East and Africa silicone oil market is driven by the developments in healthcare, industry, and renewable energy projects. According to an industry report, Saudi Arabia performed more than 1.8 million surgeries in 2022, making the GCC nations, including the UAE and Saudi Arabia, the top users of silicone oil in medical applications. The region's growing emphasis on renewable energy, especially solar electricity, increases the usage of silicone oil in photovoltaic systems. Silicone oil as a lubricant and thermal insulator in manufacturing process is being backed by industrial growth along the African line, which gets boosted by higher foreign investments, and growing awareness among consumers boost the demand of silicone oil within the region mainly for cosmetics and personal care products.

Competitive Landscape:

One of the primary ways market players are improving their business is through significant investments in research and development (R&D) to develop advanced silicone oil products tailored to specific applications. Companies are focusing on creating modified silicone oils with enhanced properties such as improved thermal stability, chemical resistance, and lubrication. These innovations are critical to meeting the evolving demands of high-performance industries such as electronics, automotive, and healthcare. Sustainability has become a critical focus area for major silicone oil manufacturers, as industries and users increasingly prioritize environment friendly products. Key players are adopting sustainable production practices, such as reducing carbon emissions, minimizing waste, and improving energy efficiency in manufacturing processes. Additionally, some companies are focussing on partnerships to improve their operational efficiency. In 2024, PennWhite Limited, UK entered a prolonged agreement partnership with KRAHN UK Limited in order to distribute silicone oils in the UK and Ireland.

The report provides a comprehensive analysis of the competitive landscape in the silicone oil market with detailed profiles of all major companies, including:

• Aurolab (Aravind Eye Care System)
• BRB International B.V.
• China National Bluestar (Group) Co. Ltd. (China National Chemical Corporation)
• CHT Group
• Clearco Products Co. Inc.
• Dow Inc.
• Evonik Industries AG
• Iota Silicone Oil (Anhui) Co. Ltd.
• Merck KGaA
• Momentive Performance Materials Inc.
• Shin-Etsu Chemical Co. Ltd.
• Siltech Corporation
• Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc.
• Wacker Chemie AG.

Latest News and Developments:

• May 2024: Momentive Performance Materials Group has been fully acquired by KCC Corporation, Wonik QnC Corporation, and SJL Partners. The deal intends to increase KCC's global presence and strengthen its skills in silicones and speciality materials. This calculated action strengthens KCC's position in the markets for high-performance materials and is consistent with its growth goals.
• May 2024: Concerns about possible health risks have led the European Union to propose new rules for the use of specific silicone oils in cosmetics.
• December 2023: A novel medical gadget based on silicone oil has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration to treat glaucoma.

Silicone Oil Market Report Scope:

Key Benefits for Stakeholders:

• IMARC’s report offers a comprehensive quantitative analysis of various market segments, historical and current market trends, market forecasts, and dynamics of the silicone oil market from 2019-2033.
• The research study provides the latest information on the market drivers, challenges, and opportunities in the global silicone oil market.
• The study maps the leading, as well as the fastest-growing, regional markets. It further enables stakeholders to identify the key country-level markets within each region.
• Porter's Five Forces analysis assists stakeholders in assessing the impact of new entrants, competitive rivalry, supplier power, buyer power, and the threat of substitution. It helps stakeholders to analyze the level of competition within the silicone oil industry and its attractiveness.
• Competitive landscape allows stakeholders to understand their competitive environment and provides an insight into the current positions of key players in the market.