Head Lice Treatment Formulations Market

Head Lice Treatment Formulations Market Outlook (2023-2033)

The global head lice treatment formulations market is set to reach a valuation of US$ 424.9 million in 2023 and further expand at a CAGR of 3.8% to climb to US$ 712.2 million by the end of 2033.

Head lice infestation remains an irritating problem for children, household members, and caretakers. In the U.S., head lice infestations are endemic, mainly among preschool- and elementary-school-aged children. It affects millions of people around the world. However, children become infested more frequently than adults. Moreover, girls are more likely to suffer from head lice than boys.

Nowadays, youngsters are spending time together in group activities, which leads to more head and body contact, and this can increase the chances of lice infestation among them.

Constantly increasing demand for natural hair care products has pushed manufacturers to introduce plant-based formulations in the lice treatment market. Also, the side effects of chemical-based formulations further drive the demand for plant-based formulations. More consumers now look for naturally sourced lice treatment formulations due to increased health literacy toward the use of safe and effective products.

Report Attributes	Details
Head Lice Treatment Formulations Market Size (2022A)	US$ 403.8 Million
Estimated Market Value (2023E)	US$ 424.9 Million
Forecasted Market Value (2033F)	US$ 712.2 Million
Global Market Growth Rate (2023-2033)	5.3% CAGR
North America Market Share (2022)	~3.9%
China Market Value (2023-2033)	US $ 51.5 Million
United States Market Growth Rate (2023-2033)	~5.1% CAGR
Market Share of Top 5 Companies	~67%
Key Companies Profiled	Lice Lifters Terpene Tech Licefree Marico ParaPro

Historical Analysis (2018-2022) Vs. Future Market Analytics (2023-2033)

According to Fact.MR, a market research and competitive intelligence provider, the global market for head lice treatment formulations expanded at 3.8% CAGR from 2018 to 2022, reaching a valuation of US$ 403.8 million in 2022.

Lockdowns and physical distancing during the pandemic dramatically limited the proliferation of head lice among the population, which negatively affected the sales of head lice formulations globally. For instance, COVID-19 lockdowns reduced the circulation of lice due to the shutting of schools and institutions that limited socializing among people, thereby decelerating the sales of lice treatment formulations across the world.

However, the situation improved in mid-2021, and people started gathering at social events again, leading to a rise in head lice infestations, eventually causing an upswing in the demand for treatment solutions.

There’s been a consumer shift towards the adoption of nontoxic alternatives that provide protection against lice with less amount of side effects. Owing to this reason, manufacturers are keen on developing lice formulations according to end-user requirements.

Based on all the aforementioned trends, the global market for head lice treatment formulations is poised to reach US$ 424.9 million by 2033.

• Short-Term Outlook (2023 to 2026): Increase in lice removal service centers likely to boost market growth in the short term
• Medium-Term Prognosis (2026-2029): Increasing consumer awareness about the potential hazards associated with pesticides used in products, and their inclination towards more natural and non-toxic alternatives, will boost market growth.
• Long-Term Projection (2029-2033): Manufacturers will be keen to develop lice formulations according to end-user requirements.

What are the Major Dynamic Factors Affecting Market Growth?

“Rising Prevalence of Head Lice among Younger Generation”

Head lice infestation is one of the major conditions with both social and medical impacts. The increase in student enrolments in educational institutes is also a major factor for the rise in head lice infestations.

Poor knowledge of hygiene maintenance and personal space drives the spread of lice from one person to another. Owing to this, the demand for head lice treatment formulations has increased to treat head lice infestations among the younger population.

“Investments in R&D by Manufacturers”

Previously, head lice infestations were commonly treated with the use of toxic insecticides, which had potential consequences on end users such as exposure to hazardous chemicals, allergic reactions, accidental poisoning, etc. Frequent use of these chemical formulations created insecticide resistance, which has played a major factor in the increase in head lice infestations.

Manufacturers can introduce a new pediculicide that is neither harmful to the consumer nor the environment, only after thorough evidence-based evaluation of the formulations’ safety and efficacy. Investments by companies in research and development for the production of safe head lice treatment formulations will uplift the market.

“High Cost of Head Lice Removal Services”

Professional lice removal is an expensive treatment, mainly when several family members in the house are affected. Most people are cautious about these services owing to the high cost of treatment. The average cost for one head lice removal treatment is around US$ 120 to US$ 200. However, according to estimates, families are spending more than US$ 500 on head lice removal treatment to get rid of lice infestation. The average cost of lice removal services at a salon is around US$ 90 per hour.

Country-wise Insights

What is the Current Scenario in the U.S. for Head Lice Treatment Formulations?

Revenue from the U.S. head lice treatment formulations market is expected to reach US$ 170.9 million, expanding at a CAGR of 5.1% over the forecast period (2023-2033).

In the U.S., head lice infestations are endemic, mainly among preschool and elementary school children. It affects millions of people in the country. However, children become infested more frequently than adults and hold a major percentage of the infestations. Moreover, in the U.S., girls are more likely to become infested as compared to boys.

Which Other Regions Will Offer Lucrative Market Opportunities?

Europe follows the Americas closely and is driven by similar factors such as increased social gatherings, huge tourism and travel industry, and steadily increasing population. Well-developed healthcare infrastructure, rising product awareness, and rapidly expanding pharmaceutical sector in the region are boding well for market growth.

The APAC lice treatment market is anticipated to expand at the fastest CAGR over the forecast period. High contamination rate of lice and lack of awareness regarding personal hygiene have spurred the demand for lice treatment in the region. Increasing healthcare expenditure and rising penetration of market players in the region can be credited for the growth of the market.

Category-wise Insights

Why is There High Demand for Permethrin?

Permethrin has been a highly popular insecticide for head lice treatment for decades because of its early FDA approval, low cost, and safety parameters as compared to other insecticides.

However, Fact.MR suggests that the increasing resistance of head lice to permethrin will significantly impact its market growth. The approach towards overcoming this challenge will guide the commercial success of existing manufacturers over the coming years.

Which Purchase Type Can Be a Considerable Factor for This Market?

Initially, head lice formulations were administered to people only with a prescription. But nowadays, with the introduction of various processes by federal agencies, consumers can gain access to drugs that are safe and effective without a prescription.

One of the factors driving a significant shift towards OTC purchases over prescribed ones is consumer behavior change coupled with a busy lifestyle. The fact that OTC medications are less expensive than prescription medications is another important contributing element to their huge demand among the general population.

Manufacturers Analytical Dashboard

Key players in this market include Lice Lifters, Terpene Tech, Licefree, Marico, and ParaPro.

These market leaders are adopting organic as well as inorganic growth tactics such as acquisitions and expansions. Aligning with changing consumer preferences, such as shifting towards more natural and plant-based products, will determine the long-term success of players in the market.

Production improvisation and innovations of head lice treatment formulations can create lucrative short-term to mid-term returns in the market. Some mid-level manufacturers are providing private labelling for better product reach and generating higher revenue. Manufacturers are also bringing innovation in product types and packaging, such as the introduction of spray bottles into the market.

Fact.MR has provided detailed information about the price points of key manufacturers of head lice treatment formulations positioned across regions, sales growth, production capacity, and speculative technological expansion, in the recently published report.

Segmentation of Head Lice Treatment Formulations Industry Research

• By Product Type :

  • Prewash Solutions
  • Shampoo
  • Conditioners
  • Hair Oil
  • Oral Drugs

• By Ingredient Type :

  • Permethrin
  • Ivermectin
  • Pyrethrins Combined With Piperonyl Butoxide
  • Benzyl Alcohol Lotion
  • Melathion
  • Spinosad
  • Lindane
  • Dimethicone
  • Enzymes
  • Plant-based Ingredients

• By Purchase Type :

  • OTC
  • Prescribed

• By End User :

  • Infants & Kids
  • Adults

• By Region :

  • North America
  • Latin America
  • Europe
  • East Asia
  • South Asia & Oceania
  • MEA