Demand for Soft-Skin Adhesives Increases

Because they offer solutions for wound care, wearable medical devices, and scar therapy, demand for soft-skin adhesives is expected to grow.

By Yash Pathak, Client Partner, Fact.MR, Pune, India

Demand for Medical Adhesives Increases

Because they offer solutions for wound care, wearable medical devices, and scar therapy, demand for soft skin adhesives is expected to grow.

Soft-skin adhesives are becoming increasingly popular for medical, pharmaceutical, and personal care applications. These adhesive products are designed to provide an effective, long-lasting bond that can be easily removed without causing discomfort or damage to the skin.

Soft-skin adhesives have been around since the 1900s when they were first used to affix bandages and other medical items to the skin. In recent years, their popularity has skyrocketed, becoming a go-to solution for skin attachments in various industries.

These soft-skin adhesives are generally made of materials such as silicone, acrylic, and urethane. From medical patches to industrial sensors, soft-skin adhesives are increasingly seen as a reliable and practical way to keep items secured to the skin. These adhesives are a popular choice for medical procedures and wound care due to their flexibility, durability, reliability, non-invasive nature, and minimal disruption.

Growing usage in applications such as skin therapies, wound dressing, and wearable medical devices will bolster soft-skin adhesive sales during the upcoming decade. As the demand for wearable medical devices accelerates, so does the demand for scar-skin adhesives, particularly silicon-based skin adhesives. They are often used as a base for these products.

The use of soft-skin adhesives is expanding beyond medical applications, with new products being developed to offer a convenient and effective alternative to traditional adhesives. Several companies are now introducing innovative soft-skin adhesive products, such as tape, liquid, and patch versions, to meet the needs of the consumer. Advances in material science are opening up new possibilities for manufacturers, who are looking to create efficient and cost-effective solutions. This will create new revenue-generation opportunities for soft-skin adhesive manufacturers.

As per Fact.MR, the global soft-skin adhesives market size will reach $1,866.9 million by 2033. Over the next 10 years, soft-skin adhesive demand is likely to increase at 8.3% compound annual growth rate (CAGR). In 2023, global soft-skin adhesive sales revenue totaled $841.1 million.

Minimally Invasive Medical Procedures

Soft-skin adhesives are increasingly being used during minimally invasive medical procedures. This is due to features that include flexibility and softness. They also find application in non-invasive medical devices to provide mild and non-irritating skin contact. For example, they are used to attach medical devices such as EKG electrodes and blood pressure cuffs to a patient. With the rising popularity of minimally invasive treatments and the high usage of non-invasive medical devices, demand for soft-skin adhesives is expected rise at a robust pace.

Innovative Wound Care

Soft-skin adhesives have become increasingly popular as wound-care products due to their convenience, non-invasive nature, and effectiveness. The need for wound-care products has increased in recent years due to the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases. This, in turn, is elevating the demand for soft-skin adhesives, as they are seen as an efficient and cost-effective way to treat wounds.

Soft-skin adhesives are used to seal wounds and provide a barrier to germs and bacteria, allowing the body to heal quickly and efficiently. They can also be used to secure wound dressings, provide temporary support, or hold medical devices in place.

Rising demand for palliative care across the world will further elevate the demand for soft-skin adhesives. As soft-skin adhesives are gentle and non-irritating, they are being increasingly used in palliative care. These adhesives also provide promising results in patients with severe acute radiation sickness. Products such as silicone adhesive dressings can be used for the prevention of acute radiodermatitis.

Wearable Medical Devices

Wearable medical devices are becoming increasingly popular because of their ability to provide continuous monitoring of vital signs and medical conditions. Wearable technology is particularly attractive for individuals living with chronic illnesses. This is because it allows patients to monitor their health and receive real-time medical advice from healthcare professionals. Development of smartwatches and other smart wearables has made these devices more accessible, leading to a surge in demand for wearable medical devices. The use of soft-skin adhesives is becoming increasingly popular, as they allow for comfortable and secure placement of the devices on the body.

Silicon-Based Adhesives

Silicon-based soft-skin adhesives are witnessing high demand due to their superior adhesive strength and flexibility. These adhesives are especially useful in medical and healthcare applications, as they can help to reduce the risk of infection and provide a secure bond for long-term wear. The excellent biocompatibility of silicone adhesives makes them safe and non-irritating to the skin. They are non-toxic and offer great performance in extreme temperature ranges. Thanks to these benefits, it is expected that sales of silicone-based soft-skin adhesives will outpace other types.

Scar Therapy

Scar therapy has become increasingly popular in recent years, and the trend is likely to continue. This is because it provides an effective and non-invasive treatment for scarring caused by injury, surgery, or disease. Soft-skin adhesives are becoming crucial products in scar therapy as they can be used to quickly and easily cover up scars, reducing their visibility and improving the overall appearance of the skin. Sof- skin adhesives can be used on a variety of skin types and offer excellent results. This makes them a popular choice for those looking to reduce the appearance of their scars. Rising popularity of silicone gel sheeting (SGS) in scar therapy will also fuel soft-skin adhesive sales.

Continued Dominance in North America

North America is likely to hold a significant share of the global soft-skin adhesives industry through 2033. This is mainly due to rising demand for better wound care products and increasing cosmetic procedures. Demand for soft-skin adhesives in the North American market is also driven by the increasing adoption of wearable medical devices, as well as scar therapies. With the rise in demand for these products, North America is expected to continue to dominate the soft-skin adhesive industry.

Non-Invasive and Biocompatible Options

The future of soft-skin adhesives is looking very promising, with manufacturers looking to capitalize on their increasing popularity. With their potential for non-invasive medical procedures, wound care, and wearable medical devices, soft-skin adhesives will remain a prominent market in the coming years. To capitalize on the emerging opportunities, key manufacturers are introducing novel products. For instance, in January 2023, H.B. Fuller introduced the first biocompatible adhesive called, Swift^®melt 1515-I. This new adhesive is compliant in India, the Middle East, and Africa. Similarly, in April 2022, a new long-wear adhesive was developed by 3M. This adhesive can be used to keep medical equipment fastened to the skin of a patient for as long as 21 days.

Manufacturers are investing in research and development to develop new technologies and materials that will help them create better products and meet customer demands. They are also forming alliances and partnerships to increase their market share and expand into new regions. This will allow them to access new resources, technologies, and markets that can help them achieve success the industry.