Glycolic Acid Market Outlook:
Glycolic Acid Market size was valued at USD 476.64 million in 2025 and is expected to reach USD 973.27 million by 2035, registering around 7.4% CAGR during the forecast period i.e., between 2026-2035. In the year 2026, the industry size of glycolic acid is evaluated at USD 508.38 million.
The growth of the market can be attributed to the increasing demand for glycolic acid from various end-use industries. Further, the growing use and demand for emulsion polymers are also expected to contribute to the growth of the market in the forecast period. For instance, worldwide emulsion polymer consumption is 410 thousand metric tonnes. The increased demand from the cosmetic industry is another factor that is predicted to keep growing in the coming years.
In addition to these, factors that are believed to fuel the market growth of glycolic acid include the rise in skincare products. In 2021, approximately 40 % of the world glycolic acid market will be made up of products for skin care. The main drivers for the entire growth of the cosmetics industry have been emerging as internet businesses, social networking activities, a higher per capita disposable income, and consumers' interest in new, more premium, or differentiated products. Additionally, the growing production of chemicals with glycolic acid as an intermediate is predicted to present the potential for market expansion over the projected period.
Key Glycolic Acid Market Insights Summary:
Regional Highlights:
- The Asia Pacific glycolic acid market is forecasted to hold a 38% share by 2035, driven by expansion in cosmetics and textile sectors.
- The North America market is expected to secure a 24% share by 2035, attributed to increasing pharmaceutical applications and demand in food sectors.
Segment Insights:
- The personal care & dermatology segment in the glycolic acid market is anticipated to hold a 40% share by 2035, fueled by rising demand for skincare and personal care products leveraging glycolic acid's anti-aging and skin-healing properties.
- The cosmetic grade segment in the glycolic acid market is anticipated to capture a significant share by 2035, driven by the grade’s effectiveness in anti-aging and antipollution skin treatments.
Key Growth Trends:
- Increasing Demand for Glycolic Acid in the Cosmetic Industry
- Growing Demand for Biodegradable Polymers
Major Challenges:
- Side effects of glycolic acid on environment and health
- Stringent regulations regarding glycolic acid
Key Players: China Petrochemical Corporation, The Chemours Company, CABB Group, Saanvi Corp, Parchem Fine & Specialty Chemicals, Water Chemical Co., Ltd, Shandong Xinhua Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Mehul Dye Chem Industries, Avid Organics, Zhonglan Industry Co., Ltd., Eastman Chemical Company.
Global Glycolic Acid Market Forecast and Regional Outlook:
Market Size & Growth Projections:
- 2025 Market Size: USD 476.64 million
- 2026 Market Size: USD 508.38 million
- Projected Market Size: USD 973.27 million by 2035
- Growth Forecasts: 7.4% CAGR (2026-2035)
Key Regional Dynamics:
- Largest Region: Asia Pacific (38% Share by 2035)
- Fastest Growing Region: Asia Pacific
- Dominating Countries: United States, China, Germany, Japan, India
- Emerging Countries: China, India, Brazil, Mexico, South Korea
Last updated on : 11 September, 2025
Glycolic Acid Market Growth Drivers and Challenges:
Growth Drivers
- Increasing Demand for Glycolic Acid in the Cosmetic Industry – In 2021, the market for cosmetics was growing by about 5.5%. In 2021, around 40% of the global market for glycolic acid was made up of skin care products. The growing popularity of cosmetic shopping online, which could be a driving force for growth in the glycolic acid market, has made it possible for most producers and manufacturers to establish an extensive sales network.
- Growing Demand for Biodegradable Polymers – Biodegradable polymers are used in order to provide temporary support for a body that is on the verge of a breakdown in a limited period. The most commonly used biodegradable polymers in the medical industry are polyglycolic acid, manufactured by ring polymerization with glycolide, which is a diester of glycolic acid. A number of key factors contribute to making this a highly biodegradable polymer suitable for use in biomedical equipment and tissue engineering applications, such as its good degradation behavior and minimal toxicity. Chemours Company introduced its new glycolic acid under the Glypure brand, which is a major player in the glycolic acid market, and has also responded to consumer demand for biodegradable polymers.
- Rise in Demand for Personal Care & Cosmetics – According to the most recent data, global beauty and personal care spending has grown over the past 20 years, and is worth USD 75 Billion. It is predicted that this boom would continue over the forecast period.
- Rising E-Commerce Sector &Growth of Social Media – It is expected that the growing e-commerce sector and social media contribute to the growth of online websites with cosmetics and products. This is estimated to drive customer demand for high and novel cosmetics and to drive market growth. The global cosmetics industry is estimated to be worth USD 93 Billion in the year 2022, with the skincare segment as the leading category.
Challenges
- Side effects of glycolic acid on environment and health - There is a growing trend to use glycolic acid in cosmetics and skin care products, which could lead to an undesirable effect on the skin. It can irritate your eyes, and produce swelling, itchiness, and inflammation in the skin while you are using it too much. Inhalation can also affect the liver, thymus, and respiratory system if it is present. Phosgene gas, which has some adverse environmental effects, is released into the atmosphere by glycolic acid production.
- Stringent regulations regarding glycolic acid
- Increasing consumer inclination towards organic products
Glycolic Acid Market Size and Forecast:
| Report Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
|
Base Year |
2025 |
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Forecast Period |
2026-2035 |
|
CAGR |
7.4% |
|
Base Year Market Size (2025) |
USD 476.64 million |
|
Forecast Year Market Size (2035) |
USD 973.27 million |
|
Regional Scope |
|
Glycolic Acid Market Segmentation:
Application Segment Analysis
The global glycolic acid market is segmented and analyzed for demand and supply by application into personal care & dermatology, tanning & dyeing, agriculture, medical, and food. Out of the three types of glycolic acid, the personal care & dermatology segment is estimated to gain the largest market share of about 40% in the year 2035. The growth of the segment can be attributed to the increasing number of cosmetic and personal care products in the market and spending. For instance, in Europe, the market value of skin care products made up to one-fifth of the entire cosmetic industry. Glycolic acid also known as hydroxyacetic acid is used as a key ingredient for the manufacture of antiaging creams, lipsticks, shampoos, hair treatment sprays, moisturizers, cleansers, deodorants, fragrances, and body wash products due to improving and healing skin, and anti-aging properties. There will be an increasing demand for these products from the cosmetics sector, thus leading to an increase in the demand for glycolic acid market, which will further support market growth. These factors are estimated to contribute to the market growth in the forecast period.
Grade Segment Analysis
The global glycolic acid market is also segmented and analyzed for demand and supply by grade into cosmetic grade, technical grade, pharmaceutical grade, and industrial grade. Amongst these four segments, the cosmetic grade segment is expected to garner a significant share in the year 2035. Amorphous PET is used for the manufacture of containers and packaging because it has a high transparency that's similar to glass. An aqueous solution or crystalline powder with a concentration ranging from 10 to 99 % purity is the cosmetic grade glycolic acid. Due to its unparalleled and exceptional performance in combating aging and antipollution skin treatments, it is a very popular and favored grade of glycogenic acid. This, as a result, is anticipated to create numerous opportunities for the growth of the segment in the coming years.
Our in-depth analysis of the global market includes the following segments:
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By Purity Level |
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By Grade |
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By Application |
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Vishnu Nair
Head - Global Business DevelopmentCustomize this report to your requirements — connect with our consultant for personalized insights and options.
Glycolic Acid Market Regional Analysis:
APAC Market Insights
The market share of glycolic acid in Asia Pacific, amongst the market in all the other regions, is projected to be the largest with a share of about 38% by the end of 2035. The growth of the market can be attributed majorly to the increasing textile and cosmetic industries in the region. China is a major customer because of the large presence of the cosmetics sector, in order to meet increasing consumer demand. For instance, China is the leading market for cosmetics, fragrances, and personal care products, with a net worth of USD 80 Billion. Further, rising consumer spending on beauty products, as well as high demand for quality and innovation in the fields of skincare and haircare is also estimated to contribute to the growth of the market in the forecast period. There is a huge consumption of glycolic acid in anti-aging products owing to the growing old age population in China, Japan, South Korea, and other countries will positively impact the market. In addition, the region's expanding e-commerce sector and rising commercialization of cosmetic products are also anticipated to boost market growth during the forecast period.
North American Market Insights
The North American glycolic acid market is estimated to be the second largest, registering a share of about 24% by the end of 2035. The growth of the market can be attributed majorly to the increasing demand from the pharmaceutical industries in the region. As glycolic acid is used to produce bioabsorbable suture material without any harm, the pharmaceutical industry in the U.S. is a major user of glycolic acid. Technological developments in the field of medicine have led to improved quality medical instruments which are expected to support market growth. In the case of glycolic acid as a food preservative and flavoring agent, growing consumer awareness about packaged foodstuffs and beverages has led to its use. All these factors are estimated to contribute to the growth of the market growth during the forecast period.
Europe Market Insights
Europe region is set to witness significant growth till 2035. The growth of the market can be attributed majorly to the increasing demand from the textile industry. High-quality fabrics are required by the fashion industry, which is dominant in the region, to transform them into different types of clothing. In order to do so, companies are engaged in innovative product development with the introduction of advanced technology that could contribute to market growth across the region.
Glycolic Acid Market Players:
- China Petrochemical Corporation
- Company Overview
- Business Strategy
- Key Product Offerings
- Financial Performance
- Key Performance Indicators
- Risk Analysis
- Recent Development
- Regional Presence
- SWOT Analysis
- The Chemours Company
- CABB Group
- Saanvi Corp
- Parchem Fine & Specialty Chemicals
- Water Chemical Co., Ltd
- Shandong Xinhua Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.
- Mehul Dye Chem Industries
- Avid Organics
- Zhonglan Industry Co., Ltd.
- Eastman Chemical Company
Recent Developments
- A new glycolic acid product, Glyclean D, has been launched by the Chemours Company, which is used in various household and institutional cleaning applications.
- The French government has provided US$ 10.12 million for the production of this product. glycolic acid (GA) was received by METabolic EXplorer (METEX).
- A glycolic acid cream, Glycolic 10 Renew was launched by Skinceuticals. Overnight that improves skin glow by 36% while also maintaining tolerability. The cream's efficient in targeting dullness, fine lines, and uneven texture of the skin. In order to produce an enhanced tone, texture, and clearer skin, it stimulates cell regeneration.
- Report ID: 4911
- Published Date: Sep 11, 2025
- Report Format: PDF, PPT
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