Market Overview
Middle East and Africa Hand Sanitizers Gels Market was valued at USD 188.09 million in 2024 and is anticipated to reach USD 275.78 million by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 4.9% during the forecast period.
| REPORT ATTRIBUTE |
DETAILS |
| Historical Period |
2020-2023 |
| Base Year |
2024 |
| Forecast Period |
2025-2032 |
| Middle East and Africa Hand Sanitizers Gels Market Size 2024 |
USD 188.09 million |
| Middle East and Africa Hand Sanitizers Gels Market, CAGR |
4.9% |
| Middle East and Africa Hand Sanitizers Gels Market Size 2032 |
USD 275.78 million |
The Middle East and Africa hand sanitizers gels market is supported by major companies such as The Clorox Company, Procter & Gamble, Cleenol Group Limited, S.C. Johnson and Son, Inc., The Himalaya Drug Company, Henkel AG & Company KGaA, Reckitt Benckiser Group Plc., and 3M Company. These players strengthen market growth through broad product portfolios, strong retail distribution, and continued investment in skin-friendly and alcohol-based gel formulations. GCC countries led the market in 2024 with about 41% share, driven by high hygiene awareness, advanced healthcare systems, and sustained demand across public facilities, workplaces, and transport hubs.
Market Insights:
- The Middle East and Africa Hand Sanitizers Gels Market was valued at USD 188.09 million in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 275.78 million by 2032, expanding at a CAGR of 4.9%.
- Growing hygiene awareness across hospitals, schools, malls, and workplaces drives demand, with gel/liquid formats leading the product segment with about 63% share due to strong user trust and wide availability.
- Natural and skin-friendly formulations continue to trend upward as buyers prefer alcohol-based gels enriched with mild ingredients, while portable packs gain traction among commuters and office workers.
- Competition remains strong as major players expand product lines, strengthen pharmacy and retail networks, and introduce value-added packaging, although price sensitivity and uneven distribution restrain adoption in low-income regions.
- GCC countries dominated the regional landscape with nearly 41% share, supported by high public hygiene standards and tourism recovery, while North Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa show steady growth driven by expanding retail access and public-health campaigns.
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Market Segmentation Analysis:
By Product Type
Gel and liquid formats dominated the Middle East and Africa hand sanitizers gels market in 2024 with about 63% share. Buyers preferred these products because gel-based sanitizers offer easy spread, fast absorption, and stronger consumer trust built during pandemic years. Healthcare centers, schools, and public facilities continued to stock gel units due to simple dosing and wide brand availability. Spray formats grew in travel and office use, yet their share stayed lower because many buyers viewed gel packs as more effective for routine hygiene. Other product types held limited traction due to weak visibility and narrow distribution.
- For instance, according to the regional market report, gel and liquid formulations together accounted for 81.66 % of the total 2024 revenue in the Middle East & Africa hand-sanitizer market
By Age-Group
Adults held the dominant position in 2024 with nearly 78% share of the Middle East and Africa hand sanitizers gels market. Demand remained high as workplaces, transport hubs, and hospitals kept strict hygiene rules. Adults also purchased more gel units for offices, public travel, and household safety. Kids’ usage increased in schools and childcare centers, but the segment maintained a smaller share because parents continued to rely on adult-targeted products with higher alcohol content and broader availability. Rising school hygiene drives supported steady growth for kids’ sanitizing gels.
- For instance, the same regional report indicates that adults captured 89.51% of the hand sanitizer market share in 2024 across Middle East & Africa.
By Category
Conventional sanitizers led the category segment in 2024 with about 71% share across the Middle East and Africa hand sanitizers gels market. Users favored these products due to strong antimicrobial performance, affordable pricing, and wide distribution in pharmacies and retail chains. Public institutions, clinics, and transport bodies continued bulk purchases of conventional gels because they meet standard alcohol-level requirements. Natural and organic gels gained attention among sensitive-skin users, yet their share stayed smaller due to higher costs and fewer regional brands offering certified clean-label formulations.
Key Growth Drivers:
Growing Hygiene Awareness Across Public and Private Spaces
Rising hygiene awareness remained a major growth driver for the Middle East and Africa hand sanitizers gels market. Governments continued to promote hand-cleaning habits in hospitals, airports, schools, and public transport, which expanded steady product usage. Workplaces maintained sanitizing stations to reduce illness-related absenteeism and enhance safety compliance. Retail chains and hospitality businesses also adopted gel units as part of routine customer-facing hygiene. Public campaigns, especially in Gulf countries, strengthened long-term hand-care behavior. These initiatives kept demand stable even after the pandemic phase and encouraged repeat purchases among both individual buyers and institutional users.
- For instance, In airports and transport hubs in Gulf countries such as United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, public health advisories recommended regular hand-rub with alcohol-based sanitizers (70–90 % ethanol or isopropanol), aligning with WHO-backed protocols for effective hygiene in public spaces.
Expansion of Healthcare Infrastructure and Infection-Control Protocols
Growing healthcare investments supported consistent demand for hand sanitizers gels across the region. Hospitals, clinics, and diagnostic centers continued to follow strict infection-control protocols that required high-volume gel procurement. Nations in the Gulf expanded medical facilities, which increased usage among doctors, nurses, and visitors. Long-term care centers, dialysis units, and maternity clinics also relied on gel-based sanitizers for regular patient interactions. Rising focus on hospital-acquired infection control encouraged larger tenders for alcohol-based gels. This healthcare growth provided a stable institutional demand base and strengthened the market’s long-term consumption pattern.
- For instance, a 2023–2024 systematic review of hand-hygiene compliance across the Eastern Mediterranean region revealed that before recent interventions, only roughly 32% of healthcare workers adhered consistently to hand hygiene guidelines illustrating both the challenge and the scope for improved sanitization practices.
Rise in Travel, Retail, and Commercial Activities
Travel and commercial activity growth created another strong driver for the Middle East and Africa hand sanitizers gels market. Airports, malls, hotels, and corporate offices continued to maintain sanitizing points to support safe movement. Tourism rebound in Gulf states increased demand for portable gel packs among travelers and hospitality operators. Retail stores placed sanitizing units at entry points, which increased everyday product visibility. Events, exhibitions, and sports gatherings further boosted bulk purchases. This rise in mobility and commercial engagement ensured steady gel usage across public-facing sectors and expanded opportunities for branded consumer packs.
Key Trends & Opportunities:
Shift Toward Natural, Mild, and Skin-Friendly Formulations
One key trend in the Middle East and Africa hand sanitizers gels market is rising interest in natural and skin-friendly formulations. Buyers with sensitive skin prefer alcohol-based gels enriched with aloe vera, glycerin, or plant-derived agents. Brands are launching paraben-free and fragrance-free variants to meet this demand. Premium retailers highlight gentle-care sanitizers as lifestyle products rather than emergency hygiene tools. This shift creates an opportunity for companies offering dermatologically tested, organic, or halal-certified gel lines. The trend is especially strong among urban consumers and parents seeking mild formulas for kids.
- For instance, a regional analysis notes that “natural and skin-friendly” sanitizer variants those combining alcohol disinfection with moisturizing components like aloe vera, glycerin, or vitamin E have become a distinct sub-segment within the MEA market.
Growth of Portable and Value-Added Packaging Formats
Another trend shaping the market is rapid growth of portable and value-added packaging formats. Brands are introducing pocket-size tubes, clip-on packs, refill pouches, and multi-pack bundles to support daily mobility. These variants appeal to office workers, students, and travelers who prefer quick and easy access to gel units. Packaging innovations also help companies differentiate in a saturated segment and improve retail shelf visibility. Refillable dispensers offer an opportunity for institutional buyers seeking cost-efficient hygiene solutions. This evolution in packaging supports higher usage frequency and expands brand penetration across diverse retail channels.
- For instance, Manufacturers are responding by introducing refill pouches and smaller bottle/pocket sizes, which make it easier for offices, travel-heavy consumers, and institutions to restock efficiently
Key Challenges:
Rising Price Sensitivity and Limited Affordability in Select Regions
Price sensitivity remains a key challenge across several Middle East and Africa markets. In low-income regions, buyers often prioritize cost over brand quality, which limits adoption of premium sanitizing gels. Currency fluctuations and import dependence also raise production and retail prices. Many hospitals and clinics choose low-priced bulk packs, reducing margins for manufacturers. Smaller brands struggle to compete with low-cost imports, leading to market fragmentation. This price pressure can hinder expansion of advanced or natural-ingredient gels and restrict product upgrades in cost-constrained markets.
Supply Chain Gaps and Uneven Retail Distribution
Uneven distribution remains another challenge in the Middle East and Africa hand sanitizers gels market. Remote areas face weaker retail networks, supply delays, and inconsistent product availability. Local manufacturers often depend on imported raw materials, which creates vulnerability to disruptions. Cross-border logistics issues and regulatory differences add further delays. Pharmacies and modern stores in urban areas benefit from better stocking, but rural outlets remain underserved. These gaps limit market penetration and reduce brand visibility. Companies must strengthen local partnerships and distribution routes to overcome these constraints.
Regional Analysis:
GCC Countries
GCC countries held the largest share in the Middle East and Africa hand sanitizers gels market in 2024 with about 41%. Strong healthcare spending, strict hygiene rules, and high product awareness supported steady demand across hospitals, malls, offices, and airports. UAE and Saudi Arabia maintained widespread sanitizing stations in public locations, which kept gel-based formats in constant use. Tourism recovery and higher workplace mobility further increased consumption. Premium and natural gel varieties gained visibility as urban buyers shifted toward mild and skin-friendly options, while bulk institutional orders ensured stable year-round usage.
Rest of Middle East
The rest of the Middle East accounted for nearly 26% share in 2024, driven by rising hygiene awareness in schools, transport facilities, and government offices. Countries such as Jordan, Iraq, and Lebanon saw higher adoption through public-health campaigns that promoted routine hand cleaning. Retail pharmacies and supermarkets expanded gel offerings, boosting accessibility for urban buyers. Healthcare centers continued large-volume procurement to maintain infection-control standards. Growth remained moderate due to economic pressures, yet improving supply chains and partnerships with local distributors strengthened market presence across key cities.
South Africa
South Africa captured about 19% share in the 2024 market, supported by growing demand in Egypt, Morocco, and Algeria. Public institutions, hospitals, and clinics increased purchases to follow stricter hygiene rules introduced during pandemic years. Rising urbanization and expanding retail outlets improved access to affordable gel packs. Youth and working professionals used travel-size gels for daily commuting, which maintained steady consumer-level demand. However, price sensitivity in some areas slowed premium product sales. Local production expansion and private-label sanitizers helped offset import costs and improved availability across major urban centers.
Market Segmentations:
By Product Type
- Gel/Liquid
- Spray
- Other Product Types
By Age-Group
By Category
- Conventional
- Natural and Organic
By Geography
- GCC Countries
- South Africa
- Rest of the Middle East and Africa
Competitive Landscape:
The competitive landscape of the Middle East and Africa hand sanitizers gels market features a mix of global brands and regional manufacturers that compete through product quality, distribution strength, and formulation innovation. Companies such as The Clorox Company, Procter & Gamble, Cleenol Group Limited, S.C. Johnson and Son, Inc., The Himalaya Drug Company, Henkel AG & Company KGaA, Reckitt Benckiser Group Plc., and 3M Company maintain strong visibility across pharmacies, supermarkets, and institutional supply chains. These players focus on alcohol-based gels with reliable antimicrobial performance, skin-friendly additives, and varied packaging sizes to meet consumer and commercial needs. Many brands invest in dermatologically tested formulas and natural ingredient blends to address rising demand for gentle-care sanitizers. Regional manufacturers strengthen their presence through cost-effective offerings and expanding retail partnerships. Competitive strategies also include promotional campaigns, localized marketing, and broader e-commerce penetration to capture urban and suburban customers across key markets.
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Key Player Analysis:
- The Clorox Company
- Procter & Gamble
- Cleenol Group Limited
- C. Johnson and Son, Inc.
- The Himalaya Drug Company
- Henkel AG & Company, KGaA
- Reckitt Benckiser Group Plc.
- 3M Company
Recent Developments:
- In September 2025, Clorox launched CloroxPro Screen+ Sanitizing … (implicitly including sanitizing solutions) as per its corporate news updates.
- In February 2024, Cleenol opened its first factory outside the UK located in the Gulf region as part of its international expansion, indicating direct manufacturing presence closer to MEA markets
- In November 2023, Henkel AG & Company, KGaA launched its “Ecodetergent” hand sanitizer gel. The gel uses plant-based alcohol and biodegradable ingredients to target sustainable hygiene demand, including in Middle East and Africa channels where Henkel is a listed hand sanitizer player
Report Coverage:
The research report offers an in-depth analysis based on Product Type, Age- Group, Category and Geography. It details leading market players, providing an overview of their business, product offerings, investments, revenue streams, and key applications. Additionally, the report includes insights into the competitive environment, SWOT analysis, current market trends, as well as the primary drivers and constraints. Furthermore, it discusses various factors that have driven market expansion in recent years. The report also explores market dynamics, regulatory scenarios, and technological advancements that are shaping the industry. It assesses the impact of external factors and global economic changes on market growth. Lastly, it provides strategic recommendations for new entrants and established companies to navigate the complexities of the market.
Future Outlook:
- Demand will stay stable as hygiene habits remain part of daily routines.
- Institutional buyers will continue bulk purchasing for hospitals, offices, and schools.
- Natural and gentle-care gel formulations will gain wider acceptance among adults and kids.
- Brands will expand portable and refillable packaging options for mobile users.
- E-commerce sales will grow as consumers shift to convenient online buying.
- Local manufacturers will increase production to reduce import dependence.
- Price competition will intensify as value-focused products enter the market.
- Public-health programs will strengthen awareness in underserved regions.
- Premium gel variants will see gradual growth in urban and high-income areas.
- Regional distribution networks will improve, supporting deeper market penetration.
