Lice Treatment Market Size & Share Analysis - Growth Trends & Forecasts (2025 - 2030)

The Lice Treatment Market Report Segments the Industry Into by Product Type (OTC Medication, Prescription Medication), by Distribution Channel (Hospitals and Clinics, Retail Pharmacies, Other Distribution Channels), and Geography (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Middle-East and Africa, South America). Get Five Years of Historical Data Alongside Five-Year Market Forecasts.

Lice Treatment Market Size and Share

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Compare market size and growth of Lice Treatment Market with other markets in Healthcare Industry

Lice Treatment Market Analysis by Mordor Intelligence

The lice treatment market size stands at USD 1.04 billion in 2025 and is forecast to reach USD 1.39 billion by 2030, advancing at a 5.97% CAGR over the period. Demand rises as pyrethroid-resistant “super lice” undercut legacy products, prompting a pivot toward novel actives, systemic dosage forms and digitally enabled buying models. Prescription therapies featuring ivermectin and spinosad are gaining momentum, while oral tablets post the highest growth among dosage forms [1]U.S. Food and Drug Administration, “21 CFR 358.610—Pediculicide active ingredients,” ecfr.gov . Online pharmacies accelerate access and discretion, reinforcing e-commerce penetration. Regionally, North America retains leadership on spending strength, yet Asia-Pacific delivers the fastest growth on expanding healthcare access and hygiene investment. Competitive intensity is shaped by fragmented players racing to commercialize next-generation formulations and professional clinic services.

Key Report Takeaways

  • By treatment type, OTC medications led with 70.29% of lice treatment market share in 2024; prescription drugs are projected to expand at a 6.45% CAGR through 2030.  
  • By dosage form, shampoos accounted for a 42.44% share of the lice treatment market size in 2024, while oral tablets are set to grow at 6.53% CAGR to 2030.  
  • By distribution channel, retail pharmacies held 46.49% of the lice treatment market size in 2024; online pharmacies record the highest projected CAGR at 6.87% through 2030.  
  • By route of administration, topical products commanded 80.13% lice treatment market share in 2024 and oral routes are forecast to advance at 6.93% CAGR to 2030.  
  • By geography, North America commanded 38.21% lice treatment market share in 2024 and Asia-Pacific are forecast to advance at 6.98% CAGR to 2030.  

Segment Analysis

By Treatment Type: Prescription Gains Ground Despite OTC Dominance

OTC formulations retained 70.29% lice treatment market share in 2024, anchored by shelf visibility and consumer habit. Permethrin and pyrethrin products continue to move volume, yet resistance has eroded cure rates under real-world conditions. Healthcare providers now escalate quickly to ivermectin, spinosad or malathion when first-line therapy fails, propelling prescription sales.  

Prescription drugs post a 6.45% CAGR to 2030, reshaping the lice treatment market as insurance coverage widens and single-dose convenience resonates with time-pressed families. FDA reclassification of ivermectin lotion to OTC sparks category blurring, enabling aggressive DTC marketing campaigns that could siphon share from entrenched pyrethroids [2]U.S. Food and Drug Administration, "Pediatric Postmarketing Pharmacovigilance Review," fda.gov.

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By Dosage Form: Oral Tablets Challenge Traditional Topical Dominance

Shampoos led with 42.44% of the lice treatment market size in 2024 due to ease of pediatric use and existing retail planogram placement. Lotions and sprays remain alternatives for fragrance-sensitive users, while foams and gels populate the “others” bucket now targeted by natural-ingredient startups.  

Oral tablets expand at 6.53% CAGR as caregivers seek systemic options that bypass combing fatigue and ensure uniform drug exposure. Comparative studies reveal faster symptom relief, fostering prescriber confidence. This systemic shift signals a profound change in the lice treatment market trajectory, opening space for extended-release formats that could achieve single-tablet eradication.

By Distribution Channel: Digital Transformation Accelerates Online Growth

Retail pharmacies controlled 46.49% of the lice treatment market size in 2024 and continue to anchor impulse OTC purchases. Planogram managers optimize shelf facings for new actives, but footfall grows slowly. Hospital pharmacies remain essential for prescription fulfillment, particularly immediately after pediatric consultations.  

Online pharmacies grow at 6.87% CAGR, driven by discreet purchasing, search engine marketing and bundled virtual care [3]Walgreens Boots Alliance Inc., "Form 10-K for Walgreens Boots Alliance," investor.walgreensbootsalliance.com. Conversion funnels layer symptom checkers, clinician chat and auto-ship refills, embedding stickiness into the lice treatment market’s digital channel. Retail chains respond with click-and-collect models to capture omnichannel shoppers.

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Note: Segment shares of all individual segments available upon report purchase

By Route of Administration: Systemic Treatments Gain Momentum

Topical agents held an 80.13% lice treatment market share in 2024, benefiting from long-standing safety perceptions among parents. Reformulated silicones and enzyme-based gels aim to match consumer expectations for low odor and simple rinsing.  

Oral products outpace with 6.93% CAGR thanks to rising recognition of systemic efficacy against resistant strains. Prescribers value simplified dosing schedules, and caregivers welcome the absence of messy scalp applications. As pediatric taste-masking technology evolves, the lice treatment market anticipates broader age-band approvals, particularly for children under six.

Geography Analysis

North America generated 38.21% of global revenue in 2024, underpinned by high per-capita spend, insurance coverage and widespread professional clinic adoption. FDA clarity on active ingredient monographs provides regulatory certainty, stimulating brand lifecycle extensions. Ongoing resistance trends raise patient revisit rates, fueling incremental sales across both prescription and service categories.  

Europe mirrors North American resistance dynamics yet demonstrates a stronger consumer tilt toward plant-based formulations. Pharmacies leverage pharmacist-led consultations to encourage proper combing techniques, sustaining repeat visits. Regulatory restraints on neuro-toxic ingredients encourage investment in physical-mode treatments, broadening the lice treatment market portfolio and aligning with the region’s natural-product ethos.  

Asia-Pacific records the fastest CAGR at 6.98% through 2030, propelled by escalating hygiene awareness and e-commerce adoption. Urban middle-class households shift to branded solutions, while rural uptake benefits from smartphone ordering and rapidly improving last-mile logistics. Domestic manufacturers introduce sachet pack sizes priced for daily-wage budgets, widening inclusivity in the lice treatment market across population tiers.

Lice Treatment Market CAGR (%), Growth Rate by Region
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Competitive Landscape

The lice treatment market remains moderately fragmented; the top five players do not exceed a combined 30% share, creating ample room for challenger brands. Perrigo, Johnson & Johnson (Kenvue) and Bayer continue to leverage omnipresent retail distribution but face erosion from rising natural-product labels and clinic chains.  

Strategic activity centers on non-pyrethroid R&D, with spinosad formulations undergoing line extensions into sprays and gel caps. Patent filings reveal interest in nano-emulsion delivery to navigate cuticular barriers, signaling technology-heavy competition ahead.  

Service-based models such as Lice Clinics of America expand internationally using franchise playbooks, affirming professional removal as a stable revenue vertical. Device makers secure FDA 510(k) clearance for heat applicators, creating hardware subscriptions that complement product sales and deepen customer lifetime value within the lice treatment market.

Lice Treatment Industry Leaders

  1. Alliance Pharmaceuticals Ltd.

  2. Prestige Consumer Healthcare Inc.

  3. GlaxoSmithKline plc

  4. Oystershell Consumer Health, Inc.

  5. Perrigo Company plc

  6. *Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order
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Recent Industry Developments

  • April 2025: FreezeNit announced the exclusive licensing of a naturally derived OTC gel aimed at pesticide-free relief.
  • July 2024: LiceDoctors extended its all-natural treatment line globally, reinforcing its evidence-backed positioning.
  • May 2024: FDA completed the pediatric safety review of Natroba (spinosad) with no serious adverse events noted, supporting continued pediatric use
  • February 2024: NitNOT’s eco-friendly treatment became available in select Tesco stores across the UK.

Table of Contents for Lice Treatment Industry Report

1. Introduction

  • 1.1 Study Assumptions & Market Definition
  • 1.2 Scope of the Study

2. Research Methodology

3. Executive Summary

4. Market Landscape

  • 4.1 Market Overview
  • 4.2 Market Drivers
    • 4.2.1 Increasing prevalence of head-lice infestation
    • 4.2.2 Easy availability of OTC products in retail & e-commerce
    • 4.2.3 Rising hygiene & healthcare spending in emerging markets
    • 4.2.4 Growing penetration of e-commerce distribution
    • 4.2.5 Surge in pyrethroid-resistant super-lice driving novel therapies
    • 4.2.6 Expansion of professional salon/clinic lice-removal services
  • 4.3 Market Restraints
    • 4.3.1 Low awareness & low disposable income in developing nations
    • 4.3.2 Declining efficacy of legacy pyrethrin and permethrin products
    • 4.3.3 Regulatory curbs on neuro-toxic pesticides
    • 4.3.4 Popularity of DIY home-remedy alternatives
  • 4.4 Value / Supply-Chain Analysis
  • 4.5 Regulatory Landscape
  • 4.6 Porters Five Forces Analysis
    • 4.6.1 Threat of New Entrants
    • 4.6.2 Bargaining Power of Buyers/Consumers
    • 4.6.3 Bargaining Power of Suppliers
    • 4.6.4 Threat of Substitute Products
    • 4.6.5 Intensity of Competitive Rivalry

5. Market Size & Growth Forecasts (Value, USD)

  • 5.1 By Treatment Type
    • 5.1.1 OTC Medication
    • 5.1.1.1 Permethrin-based
    • 5.1.1.2 Pyrethrin-based
    • 5.1.1.3 Others
    • 5.1.2 Prescription Medication
    • 5.1.2.1 Ivermectin
    • 5.1.2.2 Spinosad
    • 5.1.2.3 Malathion
    • 5.1.2.4 Others
  • 5.2 By Dosage Form
    • 5.2.1 Shampoo
    • 5.2.2 Lotion
    • 5.2.3 Spray
    • 5.2.4 Oral Tablet
    • 5.2.5 Others
  • 5.3 By Distribution Channel
    • 5.3.1 Hospital Pharmacies
    • 5.3.2 Retail Pharmacies
    • 5.3.3 Online Pharmacies
  • 5.4 By Route of Administration
    • 5.4.1 Oral
    • 5.4.2 Topical
  • 5.5 By Geography
    • 5.5.1 North America
    • 5.5.1.1 United States
    • 5.5.1.2 Canada
    • 5.5.1.3 Mexico
    • 5.5.2 Europe
    • 5.5.2.1 Germany
    • 5.5.2.2 United Kingdom
    • 5.5.2.3 France
    • 5.5.2.4 Italy
    • 5.5.2.5 Spain
    • 5.5.2.6 Rest of Europe
    • 5.5.3 Asia-Pacific
    • 5.5.3.1 China
    • 5.5.3.2 Japan
    • 5.5.3.3 India
    • 5.5.3.4 Australia
    • 5.5.3.5 South Korea
    • 5.5.3.6 Rest of Asia-Pacific
    • 5.5.4 Middle East and Africa
    • 5.5.4.1 GCC
    • 5.5.4.2 South Africa
    • 5.5.4.3 Rest of Middle East and Africa
    • 5.5.5 South America
    • 5.5.5.1 Brazil
    • 5.5.5.2 Argentina
    • 5.5.5.3 Rest of South America

6. Competitive Landscape

  • 6.1 Market Concentration
  • 6.2 Market Share Analysis
  • 6.3 Company Profiles (includes Global level Overview, Market level overview, Core Segments, Financials as available, Strategic Information, Market Rank/Share for key companies, Products & Services, and Recent Developments)
    • 6.3.1 Prestige Consumer Healthcare Inc.
    • 6.3.2 Perrigo Company plc
    • 6.3.3 Bayer - Oystershell Consumer Health
    • 6.3.4 Alliance Pharmaceuticals Ltd (Vamousse)
    • 6.3.5 Johnson & Johnson Services, Inc.
    • 6.3.6 GlaxoSmithKline plc
    • 6.3.7 Arbor / Azurity Pharmaceuticals
    • 6.3.8 Parapro Pharmaceuticals
    • 6.3.9 Fleming Medical Ltd
    • 6.3.10 Lice Clinics of America (Larada Sciences)
    • 6.3.11 TyraTech Inc.
    • 6.3.12 Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd
    • 6.3.13 Sanofi SA
    • 6.3.14 Dr. Reddy's Laboratories
    • 6.3.15 Shionogi & Co., Ltd.
    • 6.3.16 Sandoz (Novartis division)
    • 6.3.17 Taro Pharmaceutical Industries
    • 6.3.18 Reckitt Benckiser Group plc
    • 6.3.19 Procter & Gamble Co.
    • 6.3.20 Thor International (Licener)

7. Market Opportunities & Future Outlook

  • 7.1 White-space & Unmet-Need Assessment
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Global Lice Treatment Market Report Scope

As per the scope of this report, lice are tiny, wingless, parasitic insects that feed on blood. People can have good personal hygiene and still get lice. Unless treated properly, this condition can become a recurring problem. The market is segmented by Product Type (OTC Medication (Permethrin, Pyrethrin, and Other Product Types) and Prescription Medication (Ivermectin, Spinosad, Malathion, and Other Prescription Medications)), Distribution Channel (Hospitals and Clinics, Retail Pharmacies and Other Distribution Channels), and Geography (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Middle-East and Africa, and South America). The market report also covers the estimated market sizes and trends for 17 different countries across major regions globally. The report offers the value (in USD million) for the above segments.

By Treatment Type OTC Medication Permethrin-based
Pyrethrin-based
Others
Prescription Medication Ivermectin
Spinosad
Malathion
Others
By Dosage Form Shampoo
Lotion
Spray
Oral Tablet
Others
By Distribution Channel Hospital Pharmacies
Retail Pharmacies
Online Pharmacies
By Route of Administration Oral
Topical
By Geography North America United States
Canada
Mexico
Europe Germany
United Kingdom
France
Italy
Spain
Rest of Europe
Asia-Pacific China
Japan
India
Australia
South Korea
Rest of Asia-Pacific
Middle East and Africa GCC
South Africa
Rest of Middle East and Africa
South America Brazil
Argentina
Rest of South America
By Treatment Type
OTC Medication Permethrin-based
Pyrethrin-based
Others
Prescription Medication Ivermectin
Spinosad
Malathion
Others
By Dosage Form
Shampoo
Lotion
Spray
Oral Tablet
Others
By Distribution Channel
Hospital Pharmacies
Retail Pharmacies
Online Pharmacies
By Route of Administration
Oral
Topical
By Geography
North America United States
Canada
Mexico
Europe Germany
United Kingdom
France
Italy
Spain
Rest of Europe
Asia-Pacific China
Japan
India
Australia
South Korea
Rest of Asia-Pacific
Middle East and Africa GCC
South Africa
Rest of Middle East and Africa
South America Brazil
Argentina
Rest of South America
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Key Questions Answered in the Report

What is the current size of the lice treatment market?

The lice treatment market size is USD 1.04 billion in 2025.

How fast is the lice treatment market expected to grow?

The market is forecast to expand at a 5.97% CAGR between 2025 and 2030.

Which treatment segment is growing the quickest?

Prescription medications are the fastest-growing segment with a 6.45% CAGR through 2030.

Why are oral tablets gaining popularity?

Oral tablets offer systemic action that overcomes resistance challenges and simplify dosing, leading to a 6.53% CAGR.

Which region shows the highest growth potential?

Asia-Pacific posts the fastest regional growth with a projected 6.98% CAGR due to rising hygiene awareness and e-commerce access.

Page last updated on: November 19, 2024

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