Top Glow: Leading Highlighter Brands to Illuminate Your Look

Highlighters have become an essential tool for makeup enthusiasts, whether you're aiming for a subtle glow or a striking shimmer that catches the eye. With a plethora of brands on the market, finding the perfect highlighter can be a daunting task. However, some brands consistently stand out for their quality, range of shades, and durability. Exploring these top highlighter brands might just help you find your next favorite addition to your beauty routine. Below, we delve into the best brands that have gained a loyal following for their exceptional highlighters.

Illustration of highlighter

Best brands of highlighter in 2025

Stabilo

Stabilo is a leading producer of highlighters, having achieved significant growth and market dominance. In 2018, the STABILO subgroup increased sales by 4.9% to 193.4 million euros, despite a stagnating writing instruments market, and by 2022/23, the STABILO pens division maintained its position with sales of EUR 217.9 million. Stabilo is now the number one brand in Germany and holds the second place in Europe for its relevant product categories, with one in every two highlighters sold in Europe bearing the STABILO brand name. The brand has seen high demand for markers in soft pastel shades, almost doubling production in this segment. Stabilo's success is attributed to its innovative products and strong market presence. For more detailed insights, visit their financial results page.

Sharpie

Sharpie is a leading brand in the highlighter market, known for its high-quality and versatile writing instruments. Sharpie highlighters are popular among students, professionals, and artists due to their quick-drying, odorless ink and variety of tip types, including chisel, bullet, and fine tips. The brand is part of the broader marker pen market, which is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.6% from 2024 to 2032, with key players like Sharpie holding a significant market share of 8-12% in 2023. Sharpie's products are designed for precision and performance, making them a dependable choice for various applications. The brand's commitment to innovation and quality has solidified its position in the market.

Zebra

Zebra Pen Corporation is a leading player in the fluorescent highlighters market, known for its high-quality and innovative products. The company offers a wide range of highlighters, including classic chisel tip, fine tip, and liquid highlighters, which are valued for their vibrant colors and smooth highlighting performance. Zebra Pen's strong brand recognition and extensive distribution network have positioned it as a key player, with the fluorescent highlighters market anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 4.2% from 2024 to 2033. The market was valued at approximately USD 1.2 billion in 2023, with Asia-Pacific holding the largest share due to high demand from the education and office supply sectors. Zebra's focus on product development and marketing strategies has helped it maintain a competitive edge. For an in-depth analysis, explore the fluorescent highlighters market report.

BIC

BIC is a leading brand in the stationery market, including highlighters, with a strong global presence and significant market share. As of 2022, BIC holds a #2 position in the total stationery market with an 8% market share in value, and it is the #1 brand in ball pens, correction products, and mechanical pencils. BIC's products are trusted in over 160 countries, with 28 million BIC products sold daily, driven by their value and strong brand reputation. The company's human expression segment, which includes writing instruments like highlighters, saw a 10.2% growth at constant currency in 2023. BIC's commitment to quality, safety, and affordability has solidified its position as a top choice for consumers worldwide.

PILOT

Pilot is renowned as one of the best producers of highlighters, offering a diverse range of products that cater to various user needs. Their FriXion Light Erasable Highlighters, for instance, are highly popular for their erasable ink and versatile use in highlighting text and creating artistic designs. The highlighters market, which includes Pilot's products, is projected to grow from USD 2.3 billion in 2023 to approximately USD 3.1 billion by 2033, at a CAGR of 3.0%. Pilot's highlighters, such as the FriXion series, come in multiple colors and tip types, including chisel and fine tips, making them a favorite among students, professionals, and artists. The brand's commitment to innovation and quality has solidified its position in the market.

Swingline

Swingline, although primarily known for its stapling products, does not specialize in highlighters. However, the brand is renowned for its high-quality office supplies, including staples that reduce the risk of jams by 75% and are precision-engineered for effortless piercing of papers. Each box of Swingline S.F. 4 Premium Staples contains 5,000 staples, and a 5-pack provides a total of 25,000 staples. These staples are designed to fit full-size standard staplers, such as the Swingline 747. The brand's focus on innovation and performance makes it a trusted name in the office supply industry.

Moooi

Moooi is not a producer of highlighters; it is a Dutch company specializing in modern design for furniture, interior, and lighting, founded in 2001 by Marcel Wanders and Casper Vissers. Moooi is known for its innovative and unconventional designs, with products available in 82 countries through various distribution channels, including their own brand stores and website. The company has collaborated with prominent designers and photographers, such as Erwin Olaf, to present their collections. Moooi's flagship showroom in Amsterdam's Jordaan neighborhood showcases their exclusive designs. The company has undergone significant ownership changes, including a period where B&B Italia held a 50% share from 2006 to 2012.

Faber-Castell

Faber-Castell is a leading brand in the highlighter market, known for its high-quality and innovative products. The company, part of the broader writing instruments market valued at USD 17.73 billion in 2023, contributes significantly to the segment's growth. Faber-Castell's highlighters, such as those in the Pitt Highlighter series, are popular for their vibrant colors and ergonomic designs, catering to both students and professionals. The brand's commitment to sustainability is also evident, with a focus on eco-friendly and refillable highlighter systems. With a strong presence in regions like North America and Europe, Faber-Castell continues to drive market trends and innovation. More information can be found on their official website.

Staedtler

Staedtler, a renowned brand in the writing instruments industry, is a leading producer of high-quality highlighters, contributing significantly to the global highlighters market expected to grow at a CAGR of 3.0% from 2024 to 2033. With a rich history dating back to the 19th century, Staedtler has innovated products like the Mars Lumograph and Noris pencils, and their highlighters are valued for their vibrant colors and durability. The company's commitment to sustainability is evident in their eco-friendly products made from upcycled wood. Staedtler's highlighters are widely used by students, professionals, and artists, and the brand is particularly strong in regions like Europe and North America. Their products are available through various distribution channels, including stationery stores, supermarkets, and online retail.

Arteza

Arteza is a prominent brand in the art supply industry, renowned for its high-quality highlighter pens and other art supplies. Founded in 2015 and based in Miami, Florida, Arteza has raised a total of $59 million in funding, including a $35 million Series B round. The company's products, such as highlighter pens, are popular for their vibrant colors and durability, contributing to the global highlighter pen market's growth. Arteza's focus on innovation and customer satisfaction has made it a key player in the market, which is expected to grow at a significant CAGR in the coming years. With a strong presence in the e-commerce sector, Arteza continues to expand its product portfolio and market reach.