Corn is playing an increasingly important role in soap manufacturing as consumer demand for sustainable, plant-based cleaning products continues to rise.
Traditionally, soaps and cleansers have relied heavily on synthetic and petroleum-derived chemicals. But manufacturers are increasingly incorporating corn-based ingredients into formulations for their biodegradability, mildness and renewable sourcing.
The shift aligns with broader market trends. About 78% of consumers now prefer sustainable cleaning products, driving major consumer goods companies such as Procter & Gamble, Unilever and Colgate-Palmolive to expand sustainability initiatives and reformulate products with bio-based ingredients.
Among the fastest-growing segments is alkyl polyglucoside, or APG, a surfactant derived in part from corn. The APG market was valued at $1.77 billion in 2026 and is projected to grow to $3.9 billion by 2036. APGs are used in baby soaps, facial cleansers and hand soaps because they provide foaming properties while remaining biodegradable and gentle on skin.
Corn’s role in soap production extends beyond specialty surfactants. Common ingredients such as cornstarch, citric acid and ethanol are also used in a wide range of personal care and household cleaning products.
Corn oil can serve as a base oil in the saponification process, helping create soap with a thick lather. Manufacturers often blend it with harder oils, such as coconut oil, to improve firmness and durability.
Cornmeal is used as a natural exfoliant in bar soaps, while cornstarch acts as a binding agent and moisture absorber in soaps and laundry detergents. Corn silk also can be incorporated by steeping it in lye water, where it dissolves and contributes to a smoother texture.
Citric acid, often produced through corn fermentation, is another major component. It is used to adjust pH levels and soften hard water, improving soap performance. Corn-based citric acid accounted for 54% of the market in 2024, representing a market value of $860 million.
Ethanol derived from corn starch is also used in liquid soaps as a solvent and sanitizing agent.
The growing use of corn in soap production reflects several advantages. Corn-derived additives are biodegradable and break down in waterways without leaving toxic residues. They also provide a gentler lather, making them suitable for sensitive skin and baby care products.
For manufacturers, corn offers a renewable alternative to petroleum-based surfactants and preservatives, while helping reduce greenhouse gas emissions and aquatic toxicity. Some corn-based surfactants can degrade by as much as 70% within 28 days, further strengthening their appeal in the expanding bio-based cleaning market.
Source: IL Corn, "From Fields to Foam: How Corn Shows Up in Your Soap"