Vitamin C Market Size, Share, and Analysis By Source (Natural and Synthetic), By Form (Powder, Capsules, Gummies, and Liquid), By Application (Food & Beverages, Dietary Supplements, Pharmaceuticals, Cosmetics & Personal Care, and Animal Feed), and Regional Forecast, 2025-2032

The global vitamin C market is witnessing significant growth due to the increasing demand for supplement usage and the rising inflow of industrial investments in technological advancements. Consuming vitamin C increases the level of antioxidants in the blood by 30%, reducing the risk of chronic diseases. For instance, in March 2021, the National Institute of Health (NIH) highlighted that the daily vitamin C intake potentially reduces the risk of cancer by 63% and decreases the threat of heart stroke by 42% in adults.

The outbreak of COVID-19 led to an increase in the adoption of preventive strategies, mitigation interventions, and utilization of potential therapeutics to aid in the management and prevention of the disease. Several clinical investigations reported that vitamin C usage has a potential intervention against the coronavirus. As a result, the demand for vitamin C supplements remarkably increased during the pandemic period.

Vitamin C Market Driver

Increasing Demand from Functional Food & Beverages to Boost the Market

Consumers are increasingly seeking nutrient-enhanced products containing various nutrient benefits such as vitamins, minerals, and protein, which help to achieve long-term health and wellness. Vitamin C is widely used to enhance the nutritional value of a variety of food options, such as beverages, snacks, breakfast cereals, and others. Additionally, the increasing innovations in the functional food sector will drive the growth of the market. For instance, in February 2024, OZiva, a manufacturer of nutritional food and health supplements, launched OZiva Bioactive Gluta Fizzy. The product has been formulated by combining vitamin C, glutathione, collagen, lycopene, astaxanthin, and hyaluronic acid to provide solutions to skin issues.

Vitamin C Market Restraint

Availability of Substitute Products at Affordable Prices to Hamper the Market Growth

Vitamin C is naturally found in a wide range of sources, such as fruits, vegetables, and legumes. Consumers are incorporating fruits and vegetables into their daily diets to help them gain proper nutrition and maintain an active lifestyle. Therefore, the shift in consumer preference for natural alternatives is one of the major challenging factors restricting market growth.

Vitamin C Market Opportunity

Growing Popularity of Vitamin-C-infused Personal Care Products along with Companies Partnership to Fuel the Demand

The growing trend of beauty and wellness has emphasized the role of nutrition supplements in promoting skin health and appearance among consumers. Vitamin C is one of the popular supplements that support skin health and overall general health. Therefore, the adoption of the product is becoming more popular across personal care and cosmetics sectors.

Furthermore, manufacturers are involved in partnerships and collaboration strategies to meet consumer demand. For instance, in November 2021, T.C. Pharmaceutical Industries Company Limited, a leading manufacturer of energy drinks, signed a partnership with DHC Corporation, the Japan-based producer of cosmetics and food supplements, to address the growing demand for vitamin C-based beverages in Thailand.

Segmentation

Key Insights

The report covers the following key insights:

• Overview of the Global Vitamin C Market


• Supply Chain Analysis


• Regulatory Analysis


• Industry SWOT Analysis


• Key Industry Developments


• Qualitative Analysis Related to COVID-19

Analysis by Source

Based on source, the market is subdivided into natural and synthetic.

The synthetic segment holds the largest share of the market. The segment growth is attributed to its cost-effective production and large-scale applications in various end-use industries. The usage of synthetic vitamin C in pharmaceuticals, food and beverages, and cosmetics products is primarily driving the segment’s global revenue generation.

The natural segment is anticipated to grow significantly over the upcoming years owing to the increasing demand for minimally processed and clean-labeled products. Manufacturers are producing products featuring natural and plant-based sources in line with the growing popularity of natural alternatives in the market. Rising technological advancements and increasing consumer awareness are some key factors set to drive the segment’s sales over the forecast period.

Analysis by Form

By form, the market is segmented into powder, capsules, gummies, and liquid.

The powder segment holds the largest market share. Powdered products tend to have a longer shelf life and are available at lower prices. The products are increasingly utilized in a wide range of end-use industries due to their high-water solubility, stability, and ease of incorporation into different products and formulations, which makes its application convenient.

The capsule segment is anticipated to expand at a considerable growth rate during the forecast period. Emerging demand for personalized nutrition products among adults further propels the demand for the capsule form of vitamin C worldwide. Furthermore, companies are developing new products in capsule form to meet the growing demand for personalized nutrition among millennials and Gen-Z consumers. For instance, in April 2024, leading producer of health supplements Vitamyna introduced its Personalized Daily Vitamin Pack Builder, which includes zinc, vitamin C, vitamin D3, and other supplements. This feature allows customers to create custom daily vitamin packs with chosen supplements, providing consumers with personalized health solutions.

Analysis by Application

Based on application, the market is divided into food & beverages, dietary supplements, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics & personal care, and animal feed.

The pharmaceuticals segment is expected to hold the largest share of the market. Vitamin C is one of the key ingredients in the pharmaceutical industry. It is essentially used for collagen synthesis, repairing tissues, enhancing the absorption of iron, and boosting the immune system. The increasing demand for medicated products with vitamin C to treat weakness, anemia, bleeding gums, certain infections, and skin disorders is projected to accelerate the segment growth.

The cosmetics and personal care segment is anticipated to grow at a promising CAGR during the forecast period, with increasing demand for vitamin C-infused beauty and skincare products globally, including Asia Pacific. Vitamin C is one of the vital elements utilized in the manufacturing of creams, lotions, face wash, serums, and many other skincare products. Consumers are opting for these products to help reduce hyperpigmentation, boost collagen, wound healing, skin hydration, and others.

Regional Analysis

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Based on region, the market has been studied across North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, South America, and the Middle East & Africa.

North America is expected to account for the largest market share during the forecast period. The regional growth is attributed to the significant demand for dietary supplements and health awareness among consumers. The rising prevalence of lifestyle disorders, growing geriatric populations, and increasing demand from the pharmaceutical industry are some of the major factors contributing to the growth of the market in the region.

The Asia Pacific is anticipated to grow at a significant CAGR over the forecast period owing to the increasing utilization of vitamin C across functional foods, beverages, supplements, personal care, and the pharmaceutical industry. Cost-effective manufacturing facilities and the presence of a number of small-scale manufacturers influenced the market growth. Rising disposable income and growing economic development is further witnessing the growth of the market in the region.

Key Players Covered

The global vitamin C market is highly dynamic, with the presence of a large number of global players. Companies are actively involved in launching new products, adopting innovative technologies, developing strategic marketing and branding activities, and making research & development investments to expand their market share.

The report provides the profiles of the following key players:

• Merck & Co., Inc. (U.S.)


• CSPC Pharmaceutical Group Limited. (China)


• DSM Nutritional Products AG (Netherlands)


• Pfizer Inc. (U.S.)


• Shandong Luwei Pharmaceutical Co Ltd. (China)


• Glanbia plc (Ireland)


• Global Calcium. (India)


• Foodchem International Corporation (China)


• Northeast Pharmaceutical Group Co., Ltd (NEPG) (China)


• Superior Supplement Manufacturing (U.S.)

Key Industry Developments

• In May 2023, Vidya Herbs Pvt. Ltd., an herbal extracts manufacturing company, launched Fiber Interlaced Liposomal (FIL)​ technology to optimize vitamin C by reducing degradation, sustaining the release, and enhancing the product's absorption properties.


• In October 2022, Noble Panacea, a manufacturer of personal care products, launched a Vitamin C skincare product that delivers 20% pure L-Ascorbic Acid. The product is concentrated with myrciaria dubia, acerola, and kakadu plum to protect the skin against free radical damage.