Top 10 Companies in the Hydroxyacetic Acid (Glycolic Acid) Industry (2025): Market Leaders Driving Sustainable Chemistry Innovation

In Business Insights
July 27, 2025

The Global Hydroxyacetic Acid Market was valued at USD 142.56 million in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 218.7 million by 2032, growing at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 7.34% during the forecast period (2024-2032). This growth is being driven by increasing demand for eco-friendly cleaning solutions, anti-aging skincare formulations, and biodegradable plastic applications across multiple industries.

As sustainability becomes a core focus globally, chemical manufacturers are revolutionizing production methods and expanding applications for this versatile alpha-hydroxy acid. In this analysis, we examine the Top 10 Companies in the Hydroxyacetic Acid Industry—the innovators and market leaders shaping this dynamic sector.


🔟 1. The Chemours Company

Headquarters: Wilmington, Delaware, USA
Key Offering: Pharmaceutical-grade glycolic acid (70% concentration)

Chemours leads the global hydroxyacetic acid market with approximately 46% market share. Their Glypure™ brand sets industry standards for cosmetic and pharmaceutical applications, recognized for exceptional purity and batch-to-batch consistency.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • First-mover in bio-based production technology
  • Zero-liquid discharge manufacturing processes
  • $200 million annual R&D investment in green chemistry

Download FREE Sample Report: Global and Regional Hydroxyacetic Acid (Glycolic Acid) (CAS 79-14-1) Industry Status and Prospects Professional Market – View in Detailed Research Report


9️⃣ 2. CABB Group

Headquarters: Gersthofen, Germany
Key Offering: Technical and industrial-grade glycolic acid solutions

This German chemical specialist holds 22% market share and dominates European supply. CABB operates fully integrated production facilities with advanced distillation capabilities.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • 95% water recycling rate in manufacturing
  • 40% reduced energy consumption through process optimization
  • Full REACH and EU Ecolabel compliance

8️⃣ 3. Water Chemical Co., Ltd.

Headquarters: Zibo, China
Key Offering: Cost-competitive glycolic acid for industrial use

As China’s production leader, Water Chemical commands 18% market share in Asia-Pacific. The company specializes in mid-purity products for cleaning and textile processing applications.

Growth Strategy:

  • New high-purity production line by Q2 2025
  • $50 million facility upgrade program
  • ASEAN market expansion initiative

7️⃣ 4. CrossChem Ltd.

Headquarters: Kansas City, USA
Key Offering: USP/EP monograph compliant glycolic acid

This niche player supplies over 80% of North America’s pharmaceutical-grade demand. Their certified production processes meet the most stringent quality standards.

Innovation Focus:

  • Proprietary medical-grade purification technology
  • FDA-approved manufacturing facilities
  • Dermatology R&D partnerships

Download FREE Sample Report: Global and Regional Hydroxyacetic Acid (Glycolic Acid) (CAS 79-14-1) Industry Status and Prospects Professional Market – View in Detailed Research Report


6️⃣ 5. Danhua Technology

Headquarters: Jiangsu, China
Key Offering: Industrial and cosmetic glycolic acid grades

China’s second-largest producer has achieved 15% annual capacity growth, recently completing a major plant expansion to serve domestic and international markets.

Market Expansion:

  • 20,000-ton production capacity increase
  • Strategic agreements with 5 major cosmetic brands
  • ISO 9001 and 14001 certified operations

5️⃣ 6. Sinopec Yangzi Petrochemical

Headquarters: Nanjing, China
Key Offering: Bulk glycolic acid for industrial applications

Leveraging Sinopec’s petrochemical infrastructure, this provider delivers cost-efficient products across Asia with integrated feedstock advantages.

Operational Advantages:

  • Direct formaldehyde supply chain
  • Economies of scale in production
  • Established regional logistics network

4️⃣ 7. PhibroChem

Headquarters: Teaneck, USA
Key Offering: Custom glycolic acid formulations

This specialty chemical company develops tailored solutions for niche industrial applications including oilfield services and metal treatment.

Specialization:

  • Application-specific chemical engineering
  • On-site technical consultation
  • Small-batch flexible production

3️⃣ 8. Avid Organics

Headquarters: Gujarat, India
Key Offering: Mid-grade glycolic acid for regional markets

India’s leading glycolic acid producer meets 70% of domestic demand, serving textile, leather, and cleaning chemical manufacturers with locally-adapted products.

Regional Leadership:

  • Domestic production cost advantage
  • Customized product specifications
  • Dense distribution coverage

2️⃣ 9. Hefei TNJ Chemical

Headquarters: Anhui, China
Key Offering: Value-priced glycolic acid

This growing Chinese manufacturer targets price-sensitive emerging markets with entry-level products for basic industrial applications.

Market Strategy:

  • Competitive pricing models
  • Developing market penetration
  • Standard industrial specifications

1️⃣ 10. Sigma-Aldrich (Merck)

Headquarters: Darmstadt, Germany
Key Offering: Ultra-high purity glycolic acid (99.9%+)

Merck’s life science division supplies analytical and electronic grade hydroxyacetic acid to research laboratories and high-tech applications worldwide.

Premium Positioning:

  • Laboratory-grade purity standards
  • Specialty analytical formulations
  • Global scientific distribution channels

Get Full Report Here: Global and Regional Hydroxyacetic Acid (Glycolic Acid) (CAS 79-14-1) Industry Status and Prospects Professional Market – View in Detailed Research Report

🌍 Outlook: Sustainable Chemistry Transformation

The hydroxyacetic acid market is undergoing a fundamental shift as producers respond to environmental demands and new application opportunities. Industry leaders are investing heavily in green production technologies and expanding into emerging bio-based markets.

📈 Key Industry Trends:

  • Transition to sugarcane and other bio-based feedstocks
  • Pharmaceutical and cosmetic purity standards escalation
  • Adoption in advanced biodegradable polymer formulations
  • Innovations in catalytic conversion and membrane purification

Get Full Report Here: Global and Regional Hydroxyacetic Acid (Glycolic Acid) (CAS 79-14-1) Industry Status and Prospects Professional Market – View in Detailed Research Report

These market leaders aren’t just meeting current demand—they’re developing the sustainable chemical solutions that will define multiple industries for decades to come.