Glycolipid Market Report 2026

The glycolipid market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $2.85 billion in 2025 to $3.04 billion in 2026 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.8%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to cell membrane research expansion, food emulsifier adoption, cosmetic ingredient innovation, academic biochemical studies, availability of natural lipid sources.

The glycolipid market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $3.92 billion in 2030 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.5%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to biotechnology commercialization growth, clean label food demand, pharmaceutical drug delivery innovation, sustainable surfactant development, synthetic biology advancements. Major trends in the forecast period include rising use of bio-based functional ingredients, growing adoption in pharmaceutical formulations, expansion of natural emulsifiers in food products, increased demand from cosmetic and personal care, advancements in microbial glycolipid production.

The increasing awareness of natural and organic products is expected to drive the growth of the glycolipids market in the coming years. Natural and organic products are defined as goods produced using ingredients derived from natural sources, without the use of synthetic chemicals, pesticides, or artificial additives. The growing awareness of natural and organic products stems from heightened consumer concerns regarding health and safety, as consumers increasingly favor cleaner and chemical-free options for personal care and overall well-being. Glycolipids support natural and organic products by offering biodegradable and environmentally friendly ingredients, making them well suited for sustainable formulations. They enhance product performance by delivering mild yet effective cleansing and moisturizing properties, thereby improving overall product quality. For instance, in May 2024, according to a report released by the Organic Trade Association (OTA), a U.S.-based non-profit trade organization, U.S. sales of certified organic products reached a record level of $69.7 billion in 2023, reflecting a 3.4 percent increase compared to the previous year. Therefore, the growing awareness of natural and organic products is fueling the expansion of the glycolipids market.

Major companies operating in the glycolipids market are concentrating on the development of innovative products, such as glycolipid emulsifiers, to improve performance and sustainability in environmentally friendly applications. Glycolipid emulsifiers are advanced bio-based surfactants engineered to deliver enhanced emulsification, stability, and biodegradability for sustainable formulations across the cosmetics, food, and pharmaceutical industries. For instance, in September 2023, Ruby Bio Inc., a US-based biotechnology company, introduced Ruby GL-EM1. It is a natural glycolipid emulsifier that provides superior suspension stability, thermal stability, and enhanced spreadability for mineral sunscreens and personal care formulations. Its key advantages include ready biodegradability, non-foaming characteristics, and ease of use as a direct replacement for conventional emulsifiers.

In June 2025, Novonesis, a US-based biotechnology company, acquired full ownership of the Feed Enzymes Alliance from DSM-Firmenich for $1.5 billion. Through this acquisition, Novonesis aims to strengthen its global presence in animal nutrition and expand its portfolio of enzyme-based solutions to enhance feed efficiency and sustainability for livestock producers. DSM-Firmenich AG is a US-based biotechnology company that focuses on developing enzyme solutions for animal feed to improve digestion, performance, and overall livestock health.

Major companies operating in the glycolipid market are BASF SE, Cargill Incorporated, Evonik Industries AG, Mitsubishi Chemical Group, Kao Corporation, Stepan Company, Seppic S.A., Saraya Co., Ltd., Jeneil Biotech Inc., Holiferm Limited, Locus Performance Ingredients, GlycoSurf LLC, AGAE Technologies, Larodan AB, BIOSYNTH AG, Shaanxi Deguan Biotechnology Co. Ltd., Biotensidon GmbH, Allied Carbon Solutions Co. Ltd., GlycoBioSciences Inc., Sophorolipid Technologies Inc.

North America was the largest region in the glycolipids market in 2025. The regions covered in the glycolipid market report are Asia-Pacific, South East Asia, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa. The countries covered in the glycolipid market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Taiwan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.

The glycolipids market consists of sales of cerebrosides, gangliosides, globosides, sulfatides, and other complex glycolipids. Values in this market are ‘factory gate’ values, that is, the value of goods sold by the manufacturers or creators of the goods, whether to other entities (including downstream manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, and retailers) or directly to end customers. The value of goods in this market includes related services sold by the creators of the goods.

The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD unless otherwise specified).

The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.

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