What is the current and future outlook for the glycerin market?

The global glycerin market was valued at USD 2.2 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 3.4 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 4.69% from 2025 to 2033. This growth is driven by the increasing demand for glycerin in personal care products, pharmaceuticals, and the food industry. Its moisturizing properties and versatility in various applications are contributing to its widespread use across multiple sectors, enhancing market potential.

Study Assumption Years:

1. Base Year: 2024

2. Historical Year: 2019-2024

3. Forecast Year: 2025-2033

Glycerin Market Key Takeaways:

1. The glycerin market is projected to grow from USD 2.2 billion in 2024 to USD 3.4 billion by 2033, at a CAGR of 4.69%.

2. Glycerin is extensively used in the pharmaceutical, food and beverages, and personal care industries.

3. The rise in demand for biobased glycerin is propelling sustainable production methods.

4. The Asia-Pacific region leads the market due to increasing demand from emerging economies.

5. Technological advancements in glycerin production processes like transesterification are driving the market forward.

6. Increasing demand for moisturizing ingredients in skincare and cosmetics is boosting market growth.

7. Regulatory developments are fostering the production of high-purity glycerin for pharmaceutical and food-grade applications.

What are the key growth drivers for the glycerin market?

Technological Advancements in Glycerin Production

The glycerin market has seen big tech improvements, especially in how it's made, with methods like transesterification, saponification, and fat splitting. Transesterification changes fats into biodiesel and glycerin, making production more efficient. Plus, advances in fat splitting and saponification help increase glycerin yield and quality. Such tech cuts costs and the harm to the environment. It keeps the glycerin flowing to many industries. So, the market grows thanks to these better ways of making glycerin and a push for eco-friendliness.

Growing Demand in Personal Care and Cosmetics

The personal care and beauty industry is a big user of glycerin because it helps keep skin moist and makes it feel nice. Glycerin's a key part in moisturizers, lotions, and serums, and more folks are looking for skincare items, so the glycerin market's set to expand. The rising trend for natural and hydrating skincare stuff is making this need even bigger, making glycerin a must-have in many recipes. This is clear with the rise in glycerin-rich products from brands like Bubble Skincare and Shiseido.

Sustainability and Biobased Glycerin Production

The drive for sustainability is important in the glycerin market, as more focus shifts to natural glycerin. Many want green, renewable options instead of those made from oil, leading to this change. Different industries are using natural glycerin because it helps the planet, cuts carbon footprints, and supports a circular economy. Noteworthy examples are Argent Energy's facility in Amsterdam, which makes natural glycerin, showing the industry's dedication to being eco-friendly. This change not only secures a steadier supply but also meets the rising demand from consumers and rules for greener choices.

Market Segmentation:

1. Breakup by Process:

   1. Transesterification: Converts fats into biodiesel and glycerin, increasing the efficiency of glycerin production.

   2. Saponification: Used to produce soap and glycerin, a process critical for the personal care industry.

   3. Fat Splitting: Involves separating fatty acids and glycerin using high-pressure steam, ensuring a high yield of glycerin.

2. Breakup by Grade:

   1. USP Grade: High-purity glycerin used in pharmaceuticals, food, and personal care products.

   2. Technical Grade: Used for industrial and non-pharmaceutical applications, providing cost-effective alternatives for various sectors.

3. Breakup by Source:

   1. Biodiesels: Glycerin produced as a byproduct of biodiesel production, contributing to the renewable energy industry.

   2. Fatty Acids: Glycerin derived from fatty acids in oils, ensuring a diverse source for production.

   3. Others: Includes alternative sources and production methods, diversifying the glycerin supply chain.

4. Breakup by Application:

   1. Pharmaceuticals: Glycerin is used for medicine, capsules, and as a humectant in pharmaceutical formulations.

   2. Food and Beverages: Glycerin serves as a sweetener, preservative, and humectant in food products.

   3. Personal Care and Cosmetics: Key in moisturizing and skincare products, enhancing texture and hydration.

   4. Industrial Chemicals: Glycerin is used as a base for various chemical formulations.

   5. Others: Includes miscellaneous industrial and chemical applications where glycerin plays a supporting role.

5. Breakup by Region:

   1. North America (United States, Canada)

   2. Asia Pacific (China, Japan, India, South Korea, Australia, Indonesia, Others)

   3. Europe (Germany, France, United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, Russia, Others)

   4. Latin America (Brazil, Mexico, Others)

   5. Middle East and Africa

What regional insights influence the glycerin market?

The Asia Pacific region leads in the glycerin market because of its strong role in personal care, pharmaceuticals, and food. With the growing use of glycerin in skin products and meds in nations like China and India, this is a key growth factor. Also, the region's focus on sustainability speeds up the need for natural glycerin, boosting its market presence.

What are the latest developments in the glycerin market?

The glycerin market is seeing strong changes that emphasize being eco-friendly and innovative. For instance, Argent Energy’s new plant in Amsterdam for producing natural glycerin is a big move to cut reliance on glycerin made from oil. Similarly, in the personal care field, there's a rising demand for glycerin-rich goods, seen in new skincare serums from Bubble Skincare. These shifts highlight the ongoing changes in the glycerin market, driven by environmental worries and consumer demand for more natural options.

Who are the key players in the glycerin market?

1. Archer-Daniels-Midland Company

2. Avril Group

3. BASF SE

4. Cargill Incorporated

5. Croda International PLC

6. Emery Oleochemicals (PTT Global Chemical Public Company Limited)

7. Godrej Industries Limited

8. IOI Corporation Berhad

9. Kao Corporation

10. Kuala Lumpur Kepong Berhad

11. Louis Dreyfus Company B.V.

12. The Procter & Gamble Company

13. Wilmar International Limited

If you require any specific information that is not covered currently within the scope of the report, we will provide the same as a part of the customization.
About Us:
IMARC Group is a global management consulting firm that helps the world’s most changemakers to create a lasting ambitious impact. The company provides a comprehensive suite of market entry and expansion services. IMARC offerings include thorough market assessment, considerations studies, company incorporation assistance, factory setup support, regulatory approvals and licensing navigation, branding, marketing and sales strategies, competitive landscape and benchmarking analyses, pricing and cost research, and procurement research.