Market Overview:
The glycerol market is experiencing rapid growth, driven by rising demand in personal care and cosmetics, expansion of biodiesel production, and growing applications in the food and beverage industry. According to IMARC Group's latest research publication, "Glycerol Market Report by Source (Biodiesel, Fatty Alcohol, Fatty Acids, and Others), Type (Crude, Refined), End Use Industry (Food and Beverages, Pharmaceuticals, Personal Care and Cosmetics, Chemical Intermediates, and Others), and Region 2025-2033, the global glycerol market size reached USD 5.1 Billion in 2024. Looking forward, IMARC Group expects the market to reach USD 7.1 Billion by 2033, exhibiting a growth rate (CAGR) of 3.5% during 2025-2033.
This detailed analysis primarily encompasses industry size, business trends, market share, key growth factors, and regional forecasts. The report offers a comprehensive overview and integrates research findings, market assessments, and data from different sources. It also includes pivotal market dynamics like drivers and challenges, while also highlighting growth opportunities, financial insights, technological improvements, emerging trends, and innovations. Besides this, the report provides regional market evaluation, along with a competitive landscape analysis.
Download a sample PDF of this report: https://www.imarcgroup.com/glycerol-market/requestsample
Our report includes:
Market Dynamics Market Trends And Market Outlook Competitive Analysis Industry Segmentation Strategic Recommendations
Growth Factors in the Glycerol Market
Rising Demand in Personal Care and Cosmetics
The glycerol market is experiencing tremendous growth in the overall world due to its common use in personal care and cosmetic products. Glycerol is a humectant that can retain its moisture level and it is an ingredient in skincare products like lotions, creams, soaps, toothpaste, and also hair products like shampoo and conditioner. The global growth of consumer awareness of skincare in specific and a favorable consumer alignment towards natural/sustainable ingredients and formulations are driving the increased demand for glycerol. For example, some of the brand leaders like L'Oreal and Unilever make glycerol-based products in their sustainable product line to meet the desires of the eco-friendly consumer demographic. In addition, the boom that K-beauty brands have placed emphasis on hydration in their products has led to a boost in glycerol use in innovative formulations.
Expansion of Biodiesel Production
The production of biodiesel is a major driver for the glycerol market, as glycerol is a byproduct of biodiesel manufacturing. With governments worldwide promoting renewable energy to combat climate change, biodiesel production has surged, particularly in countries like Brazil and Indonesia, which are rich in palm oil resources. This increase directly correlates with higher glycerol output, creating a steady supply for various industries. For example, European biodiesel plants have scaled up operations to meet EU renewable energy targets, flooding the market with glycerol. This surplus has encouraged manufacturers to explore new applications, such as in pharmaceuticals and food processing, further fueling market growth.
Growing Applications in Food and Beverage Industry
Glycerol has another growth factor as an increasingly multifaceted food additive. Glycerol has been used as a humectant, sweetener, and preservative and is found in numerous products like baked goods, sugar-coated fruits and vegetables, beverages, and confectionery. The growth in the demand for processed and convenience foods has increased glycerol consumption, especially in urban locations in developing markets such as India and China. For example, food conglomerates like Nestlé have thrilled consumers by effectively using glycerol as a humectant to keep their products from drying out (chocolate bars, cakes, etc.). Furthermore, with the development of low-calorie and sugar-free products, consumers turned to glycerol due to its applications as a sugar substitute. Glycerol aligns better with consumer health preferences and is continuing to drive growth in the market.
Key Trends in the Glycerol Market
Shift Toward Sustainable and Bio-Based Glycerol
Sustainability is transforming the glycerol market and there is an increasing choice for bio-based glycerol rather than synthetic glycerol. Consumer and industrial preference for sustainability and green materials is causing large manufactures to switch their glycerol source towards renewable feedstocks such as vegetable oils. Manufacturers such as Cargill have made significant investments for a sustainable glycerol production process to keep up with consumer demands for green chemicals. This trend is currently the strongest in Europe, where development of chemically-based synthetic products and by-products are tightly regulated and influenced by billing to consumers. "With the growth of circular economies, where glycerol is derived from biodiesel and repurposed, the appeal of glycerol continues to rise promoting additional environmental benefits."
Innovation in Pharmaceutical Applications
The pharmaceutical sector is witnessing a trend of innovative glycerol applications, driving market growth. Glycerol’s role as a solvent, stabilizer, and excipient in drug formulations is expanding, particularly in liquid medicines and topical treatments. The development of advanced drug delivery systems, such as glycerol-based gels for transdermal patches, exemplifies this trend. For example, pharmaceutical companies like Pfizer are exploring glycerol’s potential in vaccine stabilization, leveraging its non-toxic properties. The increasing prevalence of chronic diseases and the need for patient-friendly formulations are accelerating research into glycerol’s pharmaceutical uses, positioning it as a vital component in healthcare innovation.
Adoption of Glycerol in Industrial Chemicals
The trend of using glycerol in industrial chemicals is growing due to its effective pricing and versatility. Glycerol's effective pricing is leading to a broader use in epoxy resins, antifreeze and other specialty chemicals. This trend is triggered by the desire for sustainable alternatives to petroleum-based chemicals. Glycerol is inherently renewable. For example, chemical manufacturers, such as BASF, are using glycerol to manufacture green antifreeze for motors. Glycerol has the potential to grow with the expansion of industrial output in Asia-Pacific, most significantly being in China, the construction and vehicles segment has seen demand for glycerol rise rapidly, fuelling opportunities and innovations in the industry.
We explore the factors propelling the glycerol market growth, including technological advancements, consumer behaviors, and regulatory changes.
Leading Companies Operating in the Global Glycerol Industry:
ADM Aemetis Inc. BASF SE Cargill Incorporated CREMER OLEO GmbH & Co. KG Dow Inc. Emery Oleochemicals Fine Chemicals & Scientific Co. Godrej Industries Limited Kao Corporation. KLK OLEO KPL International Limited P&G Chemicals
Glycerol Market Report Segmentation:
By Source:
Biodiesel Fatty Alcohol Fatty Acids Others
Biodiesel dominates the glycerol market due to its abundant and cost-effective supply as a byproduct, driven by the global shift towards sustainable resources and stricter environmental regulations.
By Type:
Crude Refined
Refined glycerol holds the largest market share, favored for its high purity and essential role in pharmaceuticals and food industries due to its non-toxic nature and compliance with safety standards.
By End Use Industry:
Food and Beverages Pharmaceuticals Personal Care and Cosmetics Chemical Intermediates Others
The personal care and cosmetics sector leads the market, fueled by the rising demand for glycerol's moisturizing properties and the clean beauty movement emphasizing natural ingredients.
Regional Insights:
North America (United States, Canada) Asia Pacific (China, Japan, India, South Korea, Australia, Indonesia, Others) Europe (Germany, France, United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, Russia, Others) Latin America (Brazil, Mexico, Others) Middle East and Africa
Asia Pacific is the largest regional market for glycerol, outpacing other regions such as North America, Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East and Africa.
Note: If you require specific details, data, or insights that are not currently included in the scope of this report, we are happy to accommodate your request. As part of our customization service, we will gather and provide the additional information you need, tailored to your specific requirements. Please let us know your exact needs, and we will ensure the report is updated accordingly to meet your expectations.
About Us:
IMARC Group is a global management consulting firm that helps the world’s most ambitious changemakers to create a lasting impact. The company provide a comprehensive suite of market entry and expansion services. IMARC offerings include thorough market assessment, feasibility 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.
Contact Us:
IMARC Group
134 N 4th St. Brooklyn, NY 11249, USA
Email: sales@imarcgroup.com
Tel No:(D) +91 120 433 0800
United States: +1-201971-6302