Glycerin Market Report by Process, Sources, Application (Pharmaceuticals, Food and Beverages, Personal Care and Cosmetics) 2025 - 2033

The global Glycerin Market reached a valuation of USD 2.2 billion in 2024 and is projected to expand to USD 3.4 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 4.69% during the forecast period. This steady growth is fueled by rising demand for glycerin in personal care and cosmetics for its moisturizing properties, increasing preference for biobased and sustainable chemical feedstocks, and its versatile applications across pharmaceuticals, food & beverages, and industrial sectors. As industries pivot toward eco-friendly alternatives and consumers seek natural skincare solutions, glycerin continues to emerge as a critical ingredient driving innovation and sustainability worldwide.

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Study Assumption Years

• Base Year: 2024
• Historical Year: 2019-2024
• Forecast Year: 2025-2033

Glycerin Market Key Takeaways

• The global glycerin market was valued at USD 2.2 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 3.4 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 4.69%.
• Asia Pacific dominates the market, driven by rising demand in personal care, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals.
• Personal care and cosmetics represent a major application segment due to glycerin's hydrating properties.
• Biobased glycerin is gaining traction as industries shift toward sustainable, circular economy models.
• USP grade glycerin is preferred in high-purity applications like pharmaceuticals and food.
• Transesterification remains a key production process, linked closely to biodiesel output.
• Leading companies are investing in eco-friendly production facilities and innovative product formulations.

Market Growth Factors

1 - Rising Demand for Sustainable and Biobased Glycerin

The global transition toward sustainability is significantly boosting demand for biobased glycerin as a renewable alternative to petrochemical-derived products. Industries are increasingly adopting biobased glycerin to reduce carbon footprints and support circular economy initiatives, especially in chemical manufacturing. A landmark development occurred in October 2024 when Argent Energy launched Europe's largest biobased technical-grade glycerin facility at the Port of Amsterdam, capable of producing 50,000 tons annually of 99.7% pure glycerin. This shift not only aligns with environmental regulations but also meets consumer expectations for greener products, reinforcing glycerin's role as a cornerstone of sustainable industrial chemistry.

2 - Expanding Use in Skincare and Personal Care Products

Glycerin's exceptional moisturizing and skin-soothing properties have made it indispensable in the booming skincare industry. As global consumers prioritize skin health and natural ingredients, formulators are increasingly incorporating glycerin into serums, lotions, and foundations to enhance hydration and maintain the skin's moisture barrier. For example, in January 2024, Bubble Skincare introduced two new serums featuring glycerin as a core ingredient to reduce irritation and improve texture. Similarly, Shiseido's Maquillage line expanded in July 2024 with a cushion foundation enriched with glycerin. These innovations underscore glycerin's versatility and growing importance in beauty formulations, directly contributing to market expansion.

3 - Preference for Renewable Chemical Feedstocks Across Industries

Industries are actively replacing fossil fuel-based raw materials with renewable alternatives like glycerin to meet environmental goals and regulatory standards. Glycerin serves as a versatile, eco-friendly feedstock in pharmaceuticals, food processing, and industrial chemical synthesis. Its ability to function as a solvent, humectant, and preservative makes it valuable across sectors seeking cleaner production methods. With biodiesel production generating crude glycerin as a byproduct, refining this into high-purity glycerin creates a sustainable supply chain that supports multiple end-use industries. This synergy between biofuel expansion and glycerin valorization is accelerating adoption and positioning glycerin as a strategic component in the green chemical transition.

Market Segmentation

Breakup by Process

• Transesterification: Converts fats into biodiesel and glycerin as a co-product.
• Saponification: Produces soap and glycerin through the hydrolysis of fats with alkali.
• Fat Splitting: Separates fatty acids and glycerin using high-pressure steam.

Breakup by Grade

• USP Grade: High-purity glycerin meeting pharmacopeial standards for use in pharmaceuticals, food, and cosmetics.
• Technical Grade: Lower-purity glycerin used in industrial applications like antifreeze and chemical manufacturing.

Breakup by Source

• Biodiesels: Primary source of glycerin as a byproduct of biodiesel production via transesterification.
• Fatty Acids: Generated during fat splitting processes in oleochemical industries.
• Others: Includes minor or alternative sources contributing to glycerin supply.

Breakup by Application

• Pharmaceuticals: Used in syrups, suppositories, and topical formulations for its solvent and humectant properties.
• Food and Beverages: Acts as a sweetener, preservative, and texture enhancer in various products.
• Personal Care and Cosmetics: Key moisturizing agent in creams, lotions, serums, and makeup.
• Industrial Chemicals: Employed as a raw material or solvent in antifreeze, plastics, and resins.
• Others: Includes uses in textiles, tobacco, and other niche sectors.

Breakup by Region

• North America (the United States and Canada)
• Asia Pacific (China, Japan, India, South Korea, Australia, Indonesia, and others)
• Europe (Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, Russia, and others)
• Latin America (Brazil, Mexico, and others)
• Middle East and Africa

Regional Insights

Asia Pacific leads the global glycerin market, driven by surging demand in personal care, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical industries. Rising disposable incomes, growing health and wellness awareness, and rapid urbanization across countries like India and China are key catalysts. The region's expanding manufacturing base and increasing adoption of natural ingredients in consumer products further amplify glycerin consumption, positioning Asia Pacific as the fastest-growing and most dominant market through 2033.

Recent Developments & News

The glycerin market is witnessing significant momentum from sustainability-driven innovations. In October 2024, Argent Energy inaugurated Europe's largest biobased glycerin refinery in Amsterdam, producing 50,000 tons of high-purity glycerin annually. Meanwhile, skincare brands are doubling down on glycerin-infused formulations-Bubble Skincare launched hydrating serums in January 2024, and Shiseido's Maquillage line introduced a glycerin-enriched cushion foundation in July 2024. These developments highlight glycerin's dual role as both a functional cosmetic ingredient and a pillar of the green chemical economy.

Key Players

Archer-Daniels-Midland Company, Avril Group, BASF SE, Cargill Incorporated, Croda International PLC, Emery Oleochemicals (PTT Global Chemical Public Company Limited), Godrej Industries Limited, IOI Corporation Berhad, Kao Corporation, Kuala Lumpur Kepong Berhad, Louis Dreyfus Company B.V., The Procter & Gamble Company, Wilmar International Limited, etc.

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