Glycerol Market By Product Type (Crude, Refined), By Source (Biodiesel, Fatty Acids, Fatty Alcohols, Soap, Synthetic), By Grade (USP Grade, Food Grade, and Technical Grade), and By End-User (Healthcare and Pharmaceuticals, Food and Beverages, Personal Care and Cosmetics, Chemical Industry, Paints and Coatings), Global Market Size, Segmental analysis, Regional Overview, Company share analysis, Leading Company Profiles And Market Forecast, 2025 – 2035

Industry Outlook

The Glycerol market accounted for USD 4.95 Billion in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 8.25 Billion by 2035, growing at a CAGR of around 4.75% between 2025 and 2035. Glycerol, also called glycerine, is a clear, colorless liquid with no smell but has a sweet taste and is hygroscopic. This is a colorless, viscous oleaginous liquid, which is a polyhydric alcohol with three carbon atoms, each of which is attached to a hydroxyl (-OH) group. Glycerol is an organic compound that is often obtained from vegetable oils fats, and animal tissues and is employed in the food processing industry, medicines, and cosmetics due to its capacity to retain moisture and act as soluble. Besides, it is also a co-product in biodiesel manufacture, thus boosting its industrial application value.

Report Scope:

Market Dynamics 

Increasing demand for glycerol in food applications

There is a steady rise in the utilization of glycerol in food products because of its functionality, which forms a customer demand within the food industry. Glycerol is widely used in food production as a sweetener, an adhesive, and a preserving agent in confectionery products, bakery products, and drinks. They work effectively in retaining moisture to enhance its texture, increase shelf life, as well as enhance its quality. Due to the grey substance being non-toxic, it was widely used in low-calorie and sugar-substitute products. Also, increased consumption of processed and convenience foods and an evolving tendency within the population towards the use of natural additives stimulate the application of the substance in the food industry. The constant market growth of the chemical can be attributed to its use in food processing, especially in food-producing areas, as food production increases.

Rising use in the personal care and cosmetics industry

An increase in the application of glycerol in the personal care and cosmetics industry has been induced by its excellent moisturizer and humectant properties. Glycerol removes moisture from the skin and locks it into place, which makes it a great addition to creams, lotions, and serums to improve skin texture. It also benefits in making the skin softer and smoother, hence recommended for dry and sensitive skin products. Glycerol is an ingenuity in hair products like shampooing and conditioning agents because of its moisture-preserving capacity against the damaging effects of dryness. It is safe for use and does not cause skin irritation, hence, it is ideal for use by people with sensitive skin and products. Hailed as natural and organic that have less or no harm to the environment and its resources, the consumers’ demand for green beauty products also raises the usage of glycerol since its production comes from renewable raw materials such as plant oils. The above trend associated with glycerol underlines its prospective applicability in cosmetics as well as personal care products internationally.

Competition from synthetic glycerol and alternatives

The significant challenge problem for the natural glycerol market is the opposition from synthetic glycerol and similar product substitutes. Petrochem synthetic glycerin is more popular in the market because of its uniform superior quality, high purity, and consistency in supply as compared to the biosynthetic glycerin, and this makes it preferred in sectors that can only allow standard inputs, such as the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and food industries. Synthetic substitutes like sorbitol, propylene glycol, and other polyols perform similar roles at a considerably lower price than glycerol, making the manufacturers select these instead of natural glycerol. These alternatives may also exhibit specific advantages, for example, better stability or other properties from the point of view of certain formulations, which would contribute to greater competition. In addition, natural glycerol, in many cases, is derived as a byproduct from biodiesel production and, as a result, can be both expensive and readily available due to fluctuations in the biodiesel market. This variability could reduce occasions in which industries are forced to use naturally sourced glycerol, hence restraining the market growth of synthetic glycerol.

Expansion in emerging markets for diverse applications

These opportunities for growth in emerging markets offer a massive growth pathway for the glycerol market in various applications. Industrialization and urbanization in Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and Africa are opening new markets for glycerol in food and beverages, personal care, pharmaceuticals, and chemical industries markets. With the development of these growing new economies, there is much demand for processed foods, and personal, pharmaceutical products, for which glycerol is an important humectant, solvent, stabilizer, etc. Also, with the increase of biodiesel production across emerging markets and the new focus on renewable energy, the overall offering of glycerol as a by-product of biodiesel production is expected to further increase, contributing to the availability of glycerol for industrial applications. The concern for natural and eco-friendly ingredients in these areas is also in tandem with the general trend of adamant demand for sustainable products and, therefore desire for glycerol. With the manufactories seeking new uses and adjusting to local end users, glycerol is in a favorable position to invest in these growing markets.

Sustainability trends enhancing demand for renewable glycerol sources

The trends toward sustainability are accelerating demand for renewable glycerol sources, with the industry now more than ever on the quest for eco-friendly and biodegradable ingredients. Given consumer's and manufacturers' increasing awareness of environmental issues, there is a growing demand for natural alternatives to crude oil-derived products. Glycerol, especially when derived from renewable resources such as vegetable oils and generated as a byproduct from biodiesel production, fits these sustainability objectives very well. The shift is particularly concerned with industries such as personal care, food, and pharmaceuticals, where natural or sustainable formulations are becoming the norm. In addition, the potential circular economy principles are providing considerable impetus to the use of glycerol in the production of bio-based chemicals and polymers, thus broadening its market reach. As sustainability-related regulations tighten around the world, it is expected that the demand for renewable glycerol sources will increase, hence offering vast opportunities in glycerol markets for manufacturers and suppliers alike.

Industry Experts Opinion

“Glycerin is a humectant, that allows the skin to hold onto water, and one of the most effective ones. Often called a “hydration hero,” glycerin, which also lends a buttery-like consistency to products, is one ingredient to incorporate into your skincare routine.”

• Dan Belkin, a board-certified dermatologist in New York

“Glycerin helps shield the skin from dehydration induced by environmental aggressors. With glycerin-based products, the skin stays hydrated longer even after use. For example, a glycerin-based chemical exfoliant is top-tier, in my opinion, because you get the benefit of exfoliation while the skin remains hydrated.”

• Shereene Idriss, a board-certified dermatologist in New York and the founder of the PillowtalkDerm skincare line

Segment Analysis

Based on the product type, the market of Glycerol has been classified into crude and refined glycerol with different applications and industries. Crude glycerol is mainly manufactured as a by-product of biodiesel production with varying impurities and can be undertaken for industrial applications where high purity is not required. In opposition, refined glycerol gains high purity after the refining process and is, therefore, used for sensitive applications in medicine, food, and cosmetics. Glycerol use as a humectant, solvent, and preservative is especially crucial in formulations requiring stringent quality controls, and the increasing consumer concern over product safety in the market further drives the demand for refined glycerol.

Based on the End-User Segment, the market of Glycerol has been classified into, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and food, which come along with their respective dynamics of growth. The healthcare and pharmaceuticals segment encapsulates the utilization of glycerol as an excipient, solvent, and stabilizer in the formulation of syrups and topical products. Factors include low toxicity along with moisturizing characteristically fitting the pharmaceutical industry, with an equally great longing for advanced drug delivery systems adding to its utilization. The food and beverages segment provides glycerol's diversified functional nature like sugar, humectant, and preservative in foodstuffs that retain moisture and improve texture, such as candies and baked items. In the segment, in both realms, glycerol continues to hold importance, as the rising customer preference towards low-calorie-through-sugar-free and natural-based ingredients increases the demand for glycerol.

Regional Analysis

Asia-Pacific is currently the dominant glycerol market owing to its robust industrial development complemented by high demand from several sectors. Urbanizing and the rise in spending are the underlying rationale for the demand for glycerol in China and India. These countries are also among the leaders owing to the furthering of urbanization and rising consumer spending, contributing to the demand for glycerol in foods, pharmaceuticals, and personal care products. Besides, biodiesel production over the vast area provides a consistent supply of crude glycerol for the market. Coupled with the supportive government policies on renewable energy and sustainable practices provide very positive aid for glycerol in this region.

The Glycerol Market is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the Latin America region because of the increased production of biodiesel and increased preference for natural and sustainable products. Brazil and Argentina are expanding their output of biodiesel, resulting in more supplies of glycerol, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. In addition, because the consciousness regarding environmental conservation is on the rise among consumers, there is a demand for organic and biodegradable glycerol across multiple uses. Glycerol has lower demand volatility than other biofuels, and as the region increases its focus on sustainable practices and green technologies, the glycerol market in this area is expected to grow rapidly and present considerable opportunities for manufacturers and suppliers.

Competitive Landscape

The Glycerol market is highly competitive having major participants such as BASF SE, Cargill, Incorporated, Procter & Gamble, Oleon NV, Dow; KLK OLEO, and Wilmar International Ltd. Each company is known for large-scale production capacities, efficient supply chains, and diversified product mixes. BASF SE prides itself on its innovative and sustainable production, using sophisticated technology for its bio-based chemicals. Cargill draws on its agricultural roots to assure itself of the by-product glycerol from its biodiesel production. Procter & Gamble leads the personal care segment and includes glycerol in its mass-scale product offerings about customer safety and environmental concerns. Oleon NV is involved in oleochemical production its particularly focused on sourcing glycerol from renewable sources as part of a current trend of sustainability. Dow delivers an impressive lineup of industrial and pharmaceutical products, while KLK OLEO and Wilmar International command significant parts of the oleochemical industry, supplying glycerol across various sectors in extended supply chains that focus on sustainability and expansion of market penetration. It is these companies that are well poised to reap the rewards from growth opportunities afforded by a global increase in glycerol demand. 

Glycerol Market, Company Shares Analysis, 2024

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Recent Developments:

• In July 2023, Louis Dreyfus Company announced its expansion of refining capacity in Indonesia. This plan includes the addition of a new glycerine refining capacity in the country.
• In December 2022, the Care Chemicals division of BASF introduced Euperlan NL Pearl, the first wax-based pearlizer to meet the COSMOS standard. The innovation is made with natural ingredients, such as cocamidopropyl betaine and glycerol oleate

Report Coverage:

By Product Type

• Crude
• Refined

By Source

• Biodiesel
• Fatty Acids
• Fatty Alcohols
• Soap
• Synthetic

By Grade

• USP Grade
• Food Grade
• Technical Grade

End User

• Healthcare and Pharmaceuticals
• Food and Beverages
• Personal Care and Cosmetics
• Chemical Industry
• Paints and Coatings

By Region

North America

• U.S.
• Canada

Europe

• U.K.
• France
• Germany
• Italy
• Spain
• Rest of Europe

Asia Pacific

• China
• Japan
• India
• Australia
• South Korea
• Singapore
• Rest of Asia Pacific

Latin America

• Brazil
• Argentina
• Mexico
• Rest of Latin America

Middle East & Africa

• GCC Countries
• South Africa
• Rest of the Middle East & Africa

List of Companies:

• BASF SE
• Cargill, Incorporated
• Kao Corporation
• Wilmar International Ltd.
• Dow
• ADM
• Procter & Gamble
• Oleon NV
• Emery Oleochemicals
• Aemetis, Inc.
• Fine Chemicals & Scientific Co.
• Monarch Chemicals Ltd
• CREMER OLEO GmbH & Co. KG
• Sakamoto Yakuhin Kogyo Co. Ltd.
• KLK OLEO
• Godrej Industries Limited

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)