Glycolic acid is a naturally occurring alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) derived from sugar cane, widely used for its exfoliating and chemical properties in personal care, textile, electronics, and surface cleaning applications. Its small molecular size enables deep penetration, making it a preferred ingredient in cosmetics and industrial processes. The glycolic acid market is a niche segment within the specialty chemicals industry, characterized by high purity requirements, a concentrated production base, and growing demand for sustainable and bio-based ingredients. The market is projected to reach USD 100-200 million by 2025, with a CAGR of 3.2%-5.2% through 2030, driven by rising consumer interest in skincare, industrial applications, and eco-friendly formulations.
Key producers like Water Chemical Co. Ltd. and HeBei ChengXin, each with 10,000-ton capacities, and TongLiao GEM Chemical with 5,000 tons, underscore China’s production dominance. The 2023 sale of Chemours’ glycolic acid business to PureTech Scientific highlights market consolidation and investment in innovation. The industry is shaped by trends in clean beauty, sustainable textiles, and advanced electronics, with regulatory compliance and consumer preferences driving product development.
This product will be delivered within 1-3 business days.
Key producers like Water Chemical Co. Ltd. and HeBei ChengXin, each with 10,000-ton capacities, and TongLiao GEM Chemical with 5,000 tons, underscore China’s production dominance. The 2023 sale of Chemours’ glycolic acid business to PureTech Scientific highlights market consolidation and investment in innovation. The industry is shaped by trends in clean beauty, sustainable textiles, and advanced electronics, with regulatory compliance and consumer preferences driving product development.
Market Size and Growth Forecast
The Glycolic Acid Market is expected to achieve a valuation of USD 100-200 million by 2025, with a CAGR of 3.2%-5.2% through 2030. This growth is propelled by increasing demand for skincare products, textile dyeing aids, and electronics applications, supported by urbanization and sustainability trends. The market benefits from innovations in bio-based glycolic acid, but expansion is constrained by high production costs and regulatory scrutiny. The forecast reflects a dynamic market with steady growth tied to consumer and industrial demands.Regional Analysis
The market varies regionally, driven by application demands.- Asia Pacific: Growth is estimated at 3.5%-5.5%. China dominates production, with trends in skincare and textile industries.
- North America: Growth ranges from 3.0%-4.8%. The United States leads in cosmetics, with trends in clean beauty.
- Europe: Growth is projected at 3.2%-5.0%. Germany and France drive demand, with trends in sustainable textiles.
- Rest of the World: Growth is estimated at 2.8%-4.5%. Latin America shows potential, with trends in industrial applications.
Application Analysis
Glycolic acid serves multiple applications.- Personal Care: Growth is estimated at 3.5%-5.5%. Used in skincare for exfoliation, demand rises with clean beauty trends.
- Textile Dyeing Aid: Growth ranges from 3.2%-5.0%. Enhances dyeing efficiency, with steady demand in Asia.
- Electronics: Growth is projected at 3.0%-4.8%. Used in semiconductor cleaning, with trends in precision applications.
- Surface Cleaner: Growth ranges from 2.8%-4.5%. Supports industrial cleaning, with modest growth.
- Others: Growth is estimated at 2.5%-4.0%. Niche uses maintain demand, with trends in bio-based formulations.
Type Analysis
Glycolic acid is divided into two types.- Cosmetic Grade: Growth is estimated at 3.5%-5.5%. High-purity for skincare, with trends in clean beauty.
- Technical Grade: Growth ranges from 3.0%-4.8%. Used in industrial applications, with steady demand.
Key Market Players
The market is driven by key producers.- PureTech Scientific: A new entrant via Chemours’ acquisition, focusing on cosmetic-grade glycolic acid.
- CrossChem Limited: Supplies glycolic acid for industrial uses, emphasizing quality.
- HeBei ChengXin: A major Chinese producer with 10,000-ton capacity, serving diverse applications.
- Water Chemical Co. Ltd: With 10,000-ton capacity, it supports regional demand.
Porter’s Five Forces Analysis
The competitive landscape is assessed using Porter’s Five Forces.- Threat of New Entrants: Low to Moderate. High technical barriers limit entry, though niche players could emerge.
- Bargaining Power of Suppliers: Moderate. Raw material suppliers influence costs, but producers mitigate this through scale.
- Bargaining Power of Buyers: Moderate. Buyers demand high-purity products, but supplier concentration limits leverage.
- Threat of Substitutes: Moderate. Other AHAs compete, but glycolic acid’s efficacy sustains demand.
- Industry Rivalry: Moderate. Competition focuses on quality and capacity, with limited price-based rivalry.
Market Opportunities and Challenges
Opportunities
- Rising demand for clean beauty products drives cosmetic-grade glycolic acid.
- Asia Pacific’s production capacity supports industrial growth.
- Innovations in bio-based glycolic acid align with sustainability trends.
Challenges
- High production costs and regulatory scrutiny limit scalability.
- Competition from alternative AHAs threatens market share.
- Supply chain disruptions impact raw material availability.
This product will be delivered within 1-3 business days.
Table of Contents
Chapter 1 Executive SummaryChapter 2 Abbreviation and Acronyms
Chapter 3 Preface
Chapter 4 Market Landscape
Chapter 5 Market Trend Analysis
Chapter 6 Industry Chain Analysis
Chapter 7 Latest Market Dynamics
Chapter 8 Trading Analysis
Chapter 9 Historical and Forecast Glycolic Acid Market in North America (2020-2030)
Chapter 10 Historical and Forecast Glycolic Acid Market in South America (2020-2030)
Chapter 11 Historical and Forecast Glycolic Acid Market in Asia & Pacific (2020-2030)
Chapter 12 Historical and Forecast Glycolic Acid Market in Europe (2020-2030)
Chapter 13 Historical and Forecast Glycolic Acid Market in MEA (2020-2030)
Chapter 14 Summary For Global Glycolic Acid Market (2020-2025)
Chapter 15 Global Glycolic Acid Market Forecast (2025-2030)
Chapter 16 Analysis of Global Key Vendors
List of Tables and Figures
Companies Mentioned
- PureTech Scientific
- CrossChem Limited
- HeBei ChengXin
- TongLiao GEM Chemical
- Water Chemical Co. Ltd
