The Europe Hydroxyacetic Acid (Glycolic Acid) Market was valued at US$ 162.4 million in 2024 and is projected to reach US$ 228.6 million by 2030, growing at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 5.9% during the forecast period (2024–2030). This expansion is fueled by rising skincare demand (53% market share), industrial cleaning applications (growing at 6.2% annually), and France’s dominant 32% regional position as cosmetic formulation hub.

As European regulators enact stricter chemical safety standards and consumers prioritize sustainable ingredients, glycolic acid has become a versatile solution for formulations ranging from anti-aging products to eco-friendly industrial cleaners. This analysis profiles the Top 10 Companies Powering Europe’s Hydroxyacetic Acid Market – blending specialty chemical innovators, global distributors, and sustainable solution providers.

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🔟 1. Phibro Animal Health Corporation

Headquarters: Teaneck, New Jersey, USA
Key Offering: Pharmaceutical/industrial grade glycolic acid

This diversified chemical manufacturer operates significant hydroxyacetic acid production capacity supplying European pharmaceutical companies and industrial users. Their technical-grade products serve applications from metal cleaning to chemical synthesis.

Market Leadership Attributes:

• GMP-certified manufacturing facilities
• Strategic supply agreements with EU distributors
• Investment in high-purity pharmaceutical formulations

Download FREE Sample Report: Europe Hydroxyacetic Acid (Glycolic Acid) Market – View in Detailed Research Report

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9️⃣ 2. Zhonglan Industry Co., Ltd.

Headquarters: Qingdao, China
Key Offering: Cosmetic & technical grade glycolic acid

As China’s leading glycolic acid exporter to Europe, Zhonglan supplies cost-competitive hydroxyacetic acid to personal care brands and industrial formulators. Their vertically integrated production ensures stable supply chains amidst growing EU demand.

Market Leadership Attributes:

• 120,000 metric ton annual capacity
• REACH compliance certification

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8️⃣ 3. CrossChem

Headquarters: Dublin, Ireland
Key Offering: Specialty glycolic acid formulations

This chemical solutions provider develops customized hydroxyacetic acid blends for water treatment and industrial cleaning applications across Britain and Scandinavia. Their technical expertise helps clients optimize glycolic acid performance.

Market Leadership Attributes:

• Application-specific product development
• Strong Nordic market penetration

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7️⃣ 4. Merck KGaA

Headquarters: Darmstadt, Germany
Key Offering: Ultra-pure pharmaceutical grade glycolic acid

The German science giant supplies >99% purity hydroxyacetic acid to European research institutions and cosmetic manufacturers. Their products meet exacting EU pharmacological standards for sensitive applications.

Market Leadership Attributes:

• ISO 13485 certified facilities
• Patented glycolic acid stabilization technology

Download FREE Sample Report: Europe Hydroxyacetic Acid (Glycolic Acid) Market – View in Detailed Research Report

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6️⃣ 5. Clariant

Headquarters: Muttenz, Switzerland
Key Offering: Sustainable glycolic acid solutions

Clariant’s bio-based hydroxyacetic acid derivatives help personal care brands meet tightening EU environmental regulations. Their ECO line features reduced carbon footprint glycolic acid for green formulations.

Market Leadership Attributes:

• Renewable feedstock sourcing
• Strategic partnerships with L’Oréal, Beiersdorf

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5️⃣ 6. Sigma-Aldrich Corporation

Headquarters: St. Louis, Missouri, USA
Key Offering: Laboratory/research grade glycolic acid

As part of MilliporeSigma, this supplier provides HPLC-grade hydroxyacetic acid to European pharmaceutical R&D centers and testing laboratories requiring ultra-pure reference standards.

Market Leadership Attributes:

• 99.9% purity analytical standards
• Comprehensive technical data packages

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4️⃣ 7. Airedale Chemical

Headquarters: West Yorkshire, UK
Key Offering: Industrial glycolic acid solutions

This British specialty chemical company formulates hydroxyacetic acid blends for oilfield, metal treatment and brewery cleaning applications across European industrial markets.

Market Leadership Attributes:

• Sector-specific formulations
• Strong UK manufacturing client base

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3️⃣ 8. Jacoh

Headquarters: Changzhou, China
Key Offering: Cost-effective technical grade glycolic acid

Jacoh imports competitively priced hydroxyacetic acid to European industrial users, particularly in textile processing and machinery cleaning applications where price sensitivity is high.

Market Leadership Attributes:

• Large-scale production economics
• REACH-compliant product lines

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2️⃣ 9. Azo Materials

Headquarters: Manchester, UK
Key Offering: Specialty chemical distribution

This distributor sources hydroxyacetic acid from global producers to serve diverse European industrial sectors, providing just-in-time delivery and technical procurement support.

Market Leadership Attributes:

• Multi-region sourcing expertise
• Quality assurance programs

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1️⃣ 10. Cremer Oleo GmbH & Co. KG

Headquarters: Hamburg, Germany
Key Offering: Bio-based glycolic acid derivatives

This German specialty manufacturer develops plant-derived hydroxyacetic acid solutions for premium skincare brands seeking natural alternatives to conventional glycolic acid.

Market Leadership Attributes:

• Sustainable production processes
• Patented cosmetic-grade innovations

Get Full Report Here: Europe Hydroxyacetic Acid (Glycolic Acid) Market – View in Detailed Research Report

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🧠 Market Outlook: Glycolic Acid’s Evolving Role in Europe

The European hydroxyacetic acid landscape is undergoing significant transformation as sustainability requirements tighten and formulation science advances. Industry evolution focuses on bio-based production methods, purity enhancements, and application-specific innovation.

📌 Key Industry Developments:

• Shift toward natural skincare boosting cosmetic glycolic acid demand
• Industrial users replacing harsher acids with glycolic alternatives
• New pharmaceutical applications for dermatological treatments
• Investments in sustainable fermentation-based production

Get Full Report Here: Europe Hydroxyacetic Acid (Glycolic Acid) Market – View in Detailed Research Report

The profiled companies are actively shaping Europe’s glycolic acid future – balancing growing demand with advancing sustainable chemistry and application innovation.