Technological advances in wearable adhesives have transformed numerous sectors in the past few years. From diabetic patients to individuals who want to quit smoking, wearable adhesives have the potential to improve human health by connecting technology to the skin. Besides healthcare, wearable adhesives have applications in the fitness and beauty sectors as well.
Wearable skin adhesives provide healthcare professionals and individuals with greater insight into health by tracking, monitoring, and more. An aging population and increasing lifestyle-related ailments due to poor eating habits are expected to drive the demand for wearable skin adhesives, thereby impacting the wearable skin adhesives market growth.
What are Wearable Skin Adhesives?
Simply put, wearable skin adhesives are adhesives used to attach wearable devices to the skin. Unlike other adhesive types, wearable adhesives are specifically designed to be used on human skin. These adhesives are used for applications that need short to long-term wear. Besides, they can withstand exposure to factors such as sweat, moisture, and UV light.
Wearable skin adhesives are created to support easy application and removal. Also, they ensure individual comfort across all age groups, ranging from infants to older people.
Growing Usage of Disease Tracking Apps Drives the Market
The wearable skin adhesives market demand is likely to be propelled by escalating illnesses among people in APAC and the growing prevalence of smartphone apps to monitor and track diseases in major economies such as India and China. Besides, an increase in the number of ailments among the elderly population and rising consumption of unhealthy food items is anticipated to impact the market favorably.
Wireless technology is another factor influencing the growth of the industry. Using modern technologies, healthcare professionals and patients can check their blood pressure and other vitals from the comfort of their homes. This, in turn, boosts the market sales for wearable skin adhesives.
How Are Wearable Adhesives Selected?
Choosing the right wearable adhesive needs the consideration of several factors, including:
- Age and activity level of the wearer
- The time period for which the device must stay attached to the skin
- Whether the device or tape will get exposed to factors like water, sweat, and moisture
- The specific location where the device must be attached to the body
- Component materials
- Shape of the wearable device
- End-use/application
Silicon-Based Segment Held the Largest Market Share
By product wearable skin adhesives market segmentation, the silicon-based segment accounted for the highest market share in 2021. This is because silicon-based skin adhesives go well with all skin types, from delicate to sensitive. Also, they can easily be applied and removed without the skin. Furthermore, silicon-based adhesives are strong and intact and can be applied to wounds as well.
Applications of Wearable Skin Adhesives
Wearable skin adhesives find applications in several industries and products. They include:
Healthcare: Medical-grade wearable skin adhesives are widely used in diagnostic devices, monitoring devices, and drug development devices, adhering to components of medical devices.
Beauty and fitness: In the beauty and fitness sector, wearable skin adhesives are used in diagnostic beauty masks and skincare monitoring devices to connect them with wearable devices and fitness trackers.
Additives: Wearable skin adhesives are used in soft and flexible nicotine and aromatherapy transdermal patches.
North America is Anticipated to Witness the Fastest Growth
North America is projected to account for the fastest growth in the wearable skin adhesives market. This can largely be attributed to the growing awareness about maintaining a healthy lifestyle across all age groups. Besides, an increase in the obese population has escalated the demand for monitoring devices in North America. Furthermore, the presence of significant key players in the region is expected to boost the market demand in the upcoming years.
To Sum It Up
The wearable skin adhesives market was valued at USD 375.88 million in 2021 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 13.6%, generating an estimated revenue of USD 1,117.57 million by 2030. The convenience of wearable skin devices and the introduction of new wireless mobile technologies are some of the major factors driving the market growth.