Black Ointment Market

The market for Black Ointment was estimated at $275 million in 2025; it is anticipated to increase to $358 million by 2030, with projections indicating growth to around $466 million by 2035.

Report ID:DS1806034

Author:Debadatta Patel - Senior Consultant

Published Date:February 2025

Datatree

Life Science

Other Healthcare

Black Ointment

Customization Available

Black Ointment - 2025-2035

Market Outlook
Market Key Insights
Growth Opportunity
Market Dynamics
Application
Recent Development
Impact Analysis

Report Summary

Market Data

Methodology

Table of Contents

Report Summary

Market Data

Methodology

Table of Contents

Global Black Ointment Market Outlook

Revenue, 2025

$275M

Forecast, 2035

$465M

CAGR, 2026 - 2035

5.4%

The Black Ointment industry revenue is expected to be around $275.3 million in 2026 and expected to showcase growth with 5.4% CAGR between 2026 and 2035. A trend of expansion by Black Ointment is seen in the global wound care industry and the market for skin infections which are treated with ointments. This trend is due to its use in antiseptic and skin protecting ointments that offer good skin healing and infection control. Growing demand for antiseptic products is largely driven by the rise in chronic wounds, increased awareness of skin infection management in its early stages and by consumer preference for treatments that are easily accessible over the counter. The cornerstone of the product mix is the Zinc Oxide category which is expected to generate sales of about $160.22 million in the year 2025. This sales figure reflects the strong clinical approval and the wide inclusion of the products in the formularies. In total 76% of black ointment use is attributed to wound care and skin infections, signifying how deeply this product is embedded in the care and treatment of wounds and skin infections. This occurs within a clinical setting, at home or in hospitals and clinics.

The product known as Black ointment is a medicinal substance applied to the skin for the aid of skin repair. This is carried out through the use of skin soothing and antimicrobial components. Ingredients include zinc oxide and a moisturising base which protects damaged skin by acting as a skin seal. Characteristics of this particular dressing include its compatibility with various secondary dressings and adherence to moist wound environments. This product is appropriate for use on superficial burns, minor cuts, uncomplicated skin infections and minor abrasions. It can be easily applied. The uses of this product are extensive, including use in wound care, skin care after procedures, first aid, and community health settings where individuals depend on it as a skin cleanser and protector which helps with healing. Increased focus in the market has led to a demand for more eco friendly formulations for medical excipients, as well as improved wound treatments combining modern dressings with established therapies. A larger selection of Black Ointment products has been tailored for people caring for wounds at home, while recent advances in the treatment of infections and in wound dressings are also increasing the products profile.

Black Ointment market outlook with forecast trends, drivers, opportunities, supply chain, and competition 2025-2035 — Black Ointment Market Outlook

Market Key Insights

The Black Ointment market is projected to grow from $275.3 million in 2025 to $466 million in 2035. This represents a CAGR of 5.4%, reflecting rising demand across Wound Care, Skin Infections, and Boils & Abscesses.
In this market the large company Ichthyol Gesellschaft Cordes and Hermanni & Co. GmbH each hold a big market share.
The Black Ointment market is likely to see strong demand in both the US and China, which are the sectors largest markets. It is predicted that within the timeframe of 2025 to 2030, the annual growth rate of these markets will range from 3.5% to 5.2%.
The highest growth rates, with compound annual growth rates ranging from 6.2% to 7.5%, are predicted for emerging markets such as Nigeria, Indonesia and Chile.
Consumer driven companies in the wound care sector have been adopting similar trends, such as the increased use of natural ingredients. This shift towards natural ingredients in wound care is expected to increase the black ointment market by $11 million from 2025 to 2030.
Between 2025 and 2035, the Black Ointment industry will be growing by $191 million. The major contributor to this growth will be the Skin Infections and Boils and Abscesses application. It will capture a larger share of the market.
With
growing preference for natural and traditional topical remedies coupled with rising skin injury incidences, and
Expansion of E‑Commerce Platforms Enabling Wider Access to Black Ointment Products, Black Ointment market to expand 69% between 2025 and 2035.

Black Ointment - Country Share Analysis

Opportunities in the Black Ointment

Countries in the Asia Pacific region which are rapidly industrialising are concentrating on reducing antibiotic use and improving animal health in the dairy, poultry and livestock industries. There are very few topical remedies available that specifically address minor skin cuts, hoof sores, and bites through the use of traditional herbal Black Drawing Salve ingredients. Veterinary schools, feed companies and ag supply distributors can partner to tailor formulations to meet the species specific needs and regulatory standards, taking into account residues present. The strongest regional growth is also expected from OTC Black Ointment for veterinary use in both farm and companion animals. This is due to its natural profile and the cost effectiveness of preventive care.

Growth Opportunities in North America and Europe

The US and Canada Black Ointment industry has been led by the wound care sector, where there has been a considerable demand for the product to use in minor cuts, abrasions and skin lesions. Black ointment is often used as an over the counter first aid treatment and as a hospital grade topical antiseptic. This market also offers opportunities to premiumise Black Ointment by producing variants which are free from perfume and suitable for sensitive skin, and by expanding into the home health and telemedicine sectors. It also seems as though the ageing and diabetic populations could be targeted through specialists recommendations. With first aid creams, petroleum jelly and natural drawing salve market leaders firmly established, differentiation should concentrate on proven clinical effectiveness, faster visible results and improved skin barrier repair abilities, supported by pharmacist led educational initiatives. The main drivers in this region include consumer confidence in traditional treatments for wounds, an increase in sales of herbal ointments, and larger retailers now stocking the product which gives Black ointment wider availability and increased profile in the treatment of wounds and skin abscesses.

The Black Ointment, historically speaking, is traditionally used in dermatology within Europe. It is applied to skin conditions, notably where it supports the work of doctors. This results in an alternative to the conventional treatments for the affected region. The Black Ointment focuses on antibiotics applied directly to the skin. The major opportunities arise from placing black ointment in a pharmacy self care region for skin complaints and small boils. To this end different versions are developed for those with sensitive skin or skin allergies, and branding which evokes the products heritage is to be used to advertise the product to customers seeking tried treatments backed by recent quality control measures. The competitive dynamics of the antiseptic cream market involve a variety of well established pharmacy brands, generic creams and ichthyol based products. In light of this a focus on the segmentation of benefits and standardising the formulation, along with endorsement from pharmacists should be adopted as a strategy. The regions growth is being driven by a preference for topical products inspired by nature, strict policies governing antibiotic use, a well developed pharmacy network and an ongoing incidence of skin complaints. This creates a suitable environment for Black Ointment products which can sit between pharmaceutical and natural products.

Market Dynamics and Supply Chain

Driver: Growing Preference for Natural and Traditional Topical Remedies Coupled with Rising Skin Injury Incidences

A major driver for the black ointment market is also the increasing consumer preference for natural, traditional topical remedies alongside a rising incidence of minor skin injuries and dermatological conditions. Many black ointments like ichthammol‑based drawing salves and calendula formulations are also rooted in traditional medicine and appeal to patients seeking gentler, plant‑derived alternatives to synthetic antibiotics or steroids. This trend is also especially strong among millennials and wellness‑oriented consumers who prioritize “clean” labels and natural ingredients in wound care and infection management products. Separately, the global rise in incidences of cuts, scrapes, boils and superficial infections due to active lifestyles, industrial occupational exposure, and increasing skin sensitivity prevalence has also expanded demand for accessible over‑the‑counter topical solutions. Black ointments are also commonly used in first‑aid kits and retail pharmacies, valued for their perceived soothing, drawing and anti‑inflammatory properties. Together, these forces are also expanding retail penetration, driving product innovation in herbal formulations, and motivating distribution expansion into mass‑market channels and e‑commerce, reinforcing the role of black ointments in daily wound care and minor skin infection management.

The rapid growth of e‑commerce platforms and online pharmacies is also another key driver for the black ointment market. As consumers increasingly research and purchase health and wellness products online, niche topical ointments that were also once limited to specialty herbal shops are also now accessible globally. This trend allows small and regional brands to reach broader audiences and compete with established OTC manufacturers. Enhanced online product information, user reviews, and targeted digital marketing further boost visibility and consumer confidence, accelerating adoption of black ointment products for wound care, skin irritation, and abscess support.

Restraint: Regulatory Scrutiny and Variability in Product Standards Restrict Market Growth

Black ointments often contain traditional or herbal ingredients like ichthammol and botanicals that face uneven regulatory standards across regions, limiting market expansion. In some countries strict health claims and safety testing are required, increasing time and cost to register products. This discourages smaller manufacturers and slows entry into regulated retail channels. As a result, revenue growth is constrained and some consumers avoid products lacking consistent quality certification, reducing overall demand.

Opportunity: Adoption of prescription-strength Black Ointment in diabetic ulcer management within European outpatient wound clinics and Rising demand for natural OTC drawing salves among North American home-based minor wound caregivers

The prevalence of diabetes in Europe, combined with an ageing population, is leading to an increase in the number of diabetic foot ulcers presenting to out patient clinics. In the clinical setting, there is a resultant need for the prescription strength version of Black Ointment that has been optimised for controlling exudate, reducing the risk of infection and promoting debridement. Cooperation with clinical researchers, hospital groups and the relevant authorities that handle payments can make the distinction between products with a basis in evidence and unapproved traditional creams. The market for prescription black ointments used in the treatment of chronic wounds and ulcers is expected to rise through to 2030, at a rate greater than the market as a whole.

There is growing interest in natural remedies that come from plants, causing an increase in North America in the use of Black Drawing Ointment for superficial skin irritations such as splinters, bites from insects and minor cuts. Traditional drawing salves are seeing a resurgence in popularity due to online social networking and e commerce. However the products remain unbranded and are fragmented in terms of offerings. Collaborating with telehealth first aid services, outdoor retailers and influencers in the clean beauty movement could help standardised, dermatologically tested skincare formulations to be seen as a safer, more convenient alternative. The OTC black ointment for home first aid applications will be the fastest growing region of the global market.

Challenge: Perception of Limited Clinical Evidence Weakens Healthcare Professional Endorsement

Many black ointments are perceived as traditional remedies with limited clinical evidence, which restrains recommendation by healthcare professionals. Physicians and dermatologists may prefer products backed by robust trials, especially for serious skin infections or wounds, leading pharmacies to prioritize clinically validated brands. This affects shelf placement and reduces formulary inclusion, suppressing broader adoption and slowing market penetration in hospital and clinical settings, ultimately impacting manufacturer revenue and brand credibility.

Supply Chain Landscape

Ingredient Sourcing

Ichthyol‑Gesellschaft CordesHermanni & Co. GmbHTrifecta Pharmaceuticals USA LLC

Black Ointment Manufacturing

Trifecta Pharmaceuticals USA LLCChristopher'sEquis

Herbal Salve Distribution

Trifecta Pharmaceuticals USA LLCEquis

Topical Ointment Use

Dermatology ClinicsPharmacy RetailVeterinary Wound Care

Ingredient Sourcing

Ichthyol‑Gesellschaft CordesHermanni & Co. GmbHTrifecta Pharmaceuticals USA LLC

Black Ointment Manufacturing

Trifecta Pharmaceuticals USA LLCChristopher'sEquis

Herbal Salve Distribution

Trifecta Pharmaceuticals USA LLCEquis

Topical Ointment Use

Dermatology ClinicsPharmacy RetailVeterinary Wound Care

Black Ointment - Supply Chain

Use Cases of Black Ointment in Wound Care & Boils & Abscesses

Wound Care : In wound care, black ointment formulations such as ichthammol‑based drawing salves are applied topically to minor cuts, scrapes, burns and abrasions to soothe the skin, reduce localized inflammation and support natural tissue repair. Ichthammol ointment has mild antiseptic and anti‑inflammatory properties that help prevent superficial infection and promote drainage of fluid from slow‑healing wounds, making it a choice for outpatient and home care settings in hospitals and clinics. Manufacturers and brands focusing on herbal and bituminosulfonate ointments, which combine traditional ingredients like calendula and comfrey with modern quality controls, are gaining consumer trust due to their perceived gentleness and support for skin regeneration.

Skin Infections : For skin infections including dermatitis, eczema and superficial bacterial irritation, herbal black ointments with calendula, camphor and other plant extracts are used for their soothing and antiseptic effects. These ointments help calm redness, itching and swelling while creating a protective layer over the irritated area, which can reduce the risk of secondary infection and support the healing process. The rise in preference for natural and chemical‑free topical agents reflects consumer demand for gentle skin treatment options in retail pharmacies and online marketplaces.

Boils & Abscesses : Black ointments containing ichthammol are commonly used as "drawing salves" for boils and skin abscesses, where they are believed to soften the skin and encourage pus drainage while easing discomfort. Ichthammol’s mild antibacterial and anti‑inflammatory activity supports management of localized infection and swelling when applied as directed, typically under bandage or gauze in wound care routines. End‑users include dermatology clinics, community healthcare providers and home‑use consumers seeking relief from painful, inflamed bumps.

Recent Developments

Recent developments in the black ointment market show strong growth in e‑commerce distribution, digital marketing strategies, and natural topical product innovation. A key trend is the rising consumer preference for herbal and traditional wound care salves and anti‑inflammatory skin treatments, which is driving increased online visibility and direct‑to‑consumer sales. Brands are expanding product lines with plant‑based ingredients, improving packaging and labeling standards to meet regulatory expectations, and leveraging social media health trends to boost engagement and market penetration.

July 2024 : Ichthyol‑Gesellschaft began a gradual portfolio redesign of its Ichthyol products, modernizing packaging and expanding formulations during 2022–2023, making its classic Ichtholan ointments more recognizable and market‑ready in retail pharmacies and dermatological clinics. This reflects active product management and branding evolution.

June 2025 : The company highlighted its Ichthyol® Pale raw material for broader cosmetic applications, including dandruff control and sensitive skin formulations, expanding the use of ichthammol derivatives beyond traditional black ointments. This development points to diversification into adjacent skin care segments.

August 2024 : Johnson & Johnson saw an increase in their market presence thanks, to their groundbreaking Black ointment product specifically created for treating burn wounds.

Impact of Industry Transitions on the Black Ointment Market

As a core segment of the Other Healthcare industry, the Black Ointment market develops in line with broader industry shifts. Over recent years, transitions such as Embrace of Natural Ingredients and Digital Transformation have redefined priorities across the Other Healthcare sector, influencing how the Black Ointment market evolves in terms of demand, applications and competitive dynamics. These transitions highlight the structural changes shaping long-term growth opportunities.

Embrace of Natural Ingredients

Among the products found in the Black Ointment market, a rapid move towards natural ingredients is turning the sector into an region for more evidence based, clean label wound treatment products. This is especially true for businesses who buy the products for their professional use. With the shift by hospitals and clinics to natural remedies such as herbal black ointment towards alignment with consumer demand for organic products and natural skincare, the importance of ingredient listings and standard manufacturing methods has increased. This change in strategy will result in an increase of USD 11 million in the market value of Black Ointment by 2030. The plant based formulation will become a key driver of growth, with manufacturers shifting their product lines to focus on natural black ointments. This shift will lead to new branding, regulatory and product development strategies by the companies.

Digital Transformation

Technological advancements and digital transformation have significantly impacted the black ointment market, reshaping how products are marketed, sold, and accessed. Online shopping platforms and social media advertising have expanded global reach, allowing smaller and regional brands to connect directly with consumers. This digital shift has also influenced pharmaceutical manufacturing, retail pharmacy operations, and wellness e‑commerce, as companies invest in online marketing, product information portals, and virtual consultation tools. Brands like Himalaya, Dabur, and local herbal ointment producers leverage these channels to boost visibility, educate consumers, and drive direct sales. The trend has also enhanced supply chain efficiency, with real-time inventory tracking and doorstep delivery, increasing convenience for consumers while expanding revenue opportunities for manufacturers and distributors across emerging and mature markets.