Glycerol Market Size, Share & Industry Analysis, By Source (Biodiesel, Fatty Alcohols, Fatty Acids), By Application (Personal Care & Pharmaceuticals, Foods & Beverages, Tobacco Humectants, Polyether Polyol, Alkyd Resins, Others) and Regional Forecast, 2024-2032

Glycerol is a polyol compound that is available in the form of viscous, sweet, colorless, and non-toxic liquid. It is also known as glycerine or glycerin. Naturally, it is available in the form of triglycerides in several plant and animal resources such as soybeans, palm, and tallow. Whereas, synthetically it is obtained from biodiesel, using production processes such as transesterification, hydrolysis, and saponification, which further produces a renewable and clean-burning fuel that can be utilized for industrial purposes. Glycerol is used in various industries such as food & beverages, personal care, pharmaceuticals, and tobacco. The rapidly growing cosmetics industry has led to the increased demand for glycerol market.  

The growth is attributed to its properties such as humectants and solvents, which further increase its demand in gels and ointments. Glycerol acts as an effective moisturizer in cosmetic products and maintains the skin from dryness and dull patches. Humectants help to absorb water in the skin and maintains water balance on an intercellular level, keeps the skin well-nourished and hydrated. Hence, increasing demand for cosmetics products will raise the demand for glycerol.

The higher raw material cost of synthetic glycerol, due to increasing demand from pharmaceuticals and food application is anticipated to restrain the glycerol market growth.

Market Segmentation:

Based on source, the glycerol industry is segmented into biodiesel, fatty alcohols, and fatty acids. Based on application, the market is segmented into personal care & pharmaceuticals, foods & beverages, tobacco humectants, polyether polyol, alkyd resins, and others. From a geographical standpoint, the market is categorized into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East and Africa.

Key Players Covered:

Some of the key players in the glycerol market includes-

• Cognis Corporation (U.S.)


• Sofiprotéol Group (France)


• Wilmar International (Singapore)


• Procter & Gamble Chemicals (U.S.)


• Solvay SA (Belgium)


• Kuala Lumpur Kepong Berhad (Malaysia)


• Godrej Industries Ltd. (India)


• Dow Chemical Company (U.S.)


• IOI Oleochemical Industries Berhad (Malaysia)


• Archer Daniel Midland (U.S.)


• Croda International Plc. (UK)


• United Coconut Chemicals, Inc. (Philippines)


• Pacific Oleochemicals Sdn Bhd (Malaysia)


• Pt Flora Sawita Chemindo (Indonesia)


• Sakamoto Yakuhin Kogyo Company Ltd. (Japan)


• Others

Key Insights

• Key Emerging Trends – For Major Countries


• Key Developments: Mergers, Acquisition, Partnership, etc.


• Latest Technological Advancement


• Insights on Regulatory Scenarios of glycerol market 


• Porters Five Forces Analysis

Regional Analysis:

The glycerol market has been segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa. AsiaPacific accounted for highest revenue share during the forecast period. In which, China and India are the leading contributors, due to increasing use of glycerol in various applicationssuch as tobacco humectants, pharmaceuticals, and foodproducts. Europe is the second-highest contributor in the glycerol market. The growth is due to rising personal care and cosmetics industry. The UK, Italy and France are the leading contributors in this region. In Latin America, the growth is attributed to increasing pharmaceuticals industry. North America is anticipated to witness a substainable growth during the review period, due to rising food & beverages products.

Glycerol Market Segmentation

Glycerol Industry Developments

• In March 2020, ArcticZymes AS introduced dsDNase Triton FREE. This new product will help the company to expand its product portfolio.


• In April 2019, Merz Pharma introduced Belotero Revive, which contains glycerol and hyaluronic acid. The product is designed to make skincare products, which protect the skin from dryness, and provide aesthetic solutions.


• In October 2018, EVONIK introduced VISIOMER GLYFOMA, a label-free alternative to methyl methacrylate and styrene. The launch will help the company to strengthen their customer base.