The Global Glycolic Acid Market Size was estimated at USD 194.65 million in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 260.85 million by 2029, exhibiting a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 5.00% during the forecast period. This robust growth is being driven by surging demand from the personal care and cosmetics industry, increasing applications in household cleaning products, and the rising adoption of glycolic acid in the production of biodegradable plastics.

As industries worldwide pivot towards more effective and sustainable chemical solutions, glycolic acid has emerged as a critical ingredient. Its small molecular size allows for superior penetration in skincare, while its chelating properties make it invaluable in industrial cleaners. In this blog, we profile the Top 10 Companies in the Global Glycolic Acid Industry—a group of chemical giants and specialized manufacturers shaping the supply and innovation landscape for this versatile alpha-hydroxy acid.

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🔟 1. The Chemours Company

Headquarters: Wilmington, Delaware, USA
Key Offering: High-purity Glycolic Acid, Glycolic Acid Solutions

Chemours is a global leader in titanium technologies and specialty chemicals, with a significant presence in the glycolic acid market. The company produces high-purity glycolic acid that is widely used in premium skincare formulations, industrial descaling agents, and oilfield chemicals. Their Glyclean™ series is recognized for its consistent quality.

Innovation and Sustainability Initiatives:

• Investment in sustainable production processes to minimize environmental impact.
• Development of glycolic acid-based solutions for green cleaning applications.
• Focus on supply chain resilience to meet global demand fluctuations.

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9️⃣ 2. CrossChem Group

Headquarters: Paramus, New Jersey, USA
Key Offering: Glycolic Acid (Technical and Cosmetic Grades)

CrossChem is a key North American supplier and distributor of specialty chemicals, including glycolic acid. They serve a diverse client base across the cosmetics, pharmaceutical, and industrial sectors, providing both standard and custom-formulated glycolic acid solutions tailored to specific application requirements.

Innovation and Sustainability Initiatives:

• Strategic partnerships with manufacturers to ensure a reliable supply chain.
• Providing technical support for formulators in developing new glycolic acid-based products.

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8️⃣ 3. CABB GmbH

Headquarters: Gersthofen, Germany
Key Offering: Glycolic Acid, Methyl Glycolate, Sodium Glycolate

CABB, a subsidiary of the Italian group ICC, is a leading European producer of monochloroacetic acid and its derivatives, including glycolic acid. Their state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Germany produces high-quality glycolic acid that meets stringent European standards for purity and safety.

Innovation and Sustainability Initiatives:

• Implementation of closed-loop manufacturing processes to reduce waste.
• Research into new derivatives of glycolic acid for advanced industrial applications.

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7️⃣ 4. Water Chemical Co., Ltd.

Headquarters: Jiangsu, China
Key Offering: Various concentrations of Glycolic Acid Solution

Water Chemical is a prominent Chinese manufacturer specializing in fine chemicals, with glycolic acid being a core product. The company has built a strong reputation for supplying cost-effective glycolic acid solutions to both domestic and international markets, particularly for industrial cleaning and textile processing applications.

Innovation and Sustainability Initiatives:

• Capacity expansion to capitalize on growing Asian market demand.
• Focus on improving production efficiency to maintain competitive pricing.

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Global Glycolic Acid Market – View in Detailed Research Report

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6️⃣ 5. Zhejiang Jiangshan Danhua Technology Co., Ltd.

Headquarters: Quzhou, Zhejiang, China
Key Offering: Glycolic Acid, Glyoxylic Acid

Danhua Technology is a significant player in the Chinese chemical industry, with integrated production capabilities for glyoxylic acid and its downstream products, including glycolic acid. The company leverages its vertical integration to offer competitive products for the agrochemical, pharmaceutical, and personal care sectors.

Innovation and Sustainability Initiatives:

• Vertical integration strategy for cost control and supply security.
• Exploration of glycolic acid applications in new, high-growth markets.

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5️⃣ 6. Sinopec Yangzi Petrochemical Co., Ltd.

Headquarters: Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
Key Offering: Petrochemicals, including Glycolic Acid intermediates

As a subsidiary of the state-owned Sinopec Group, one of the world’s largest petroleum and chemical corporations, Sinopec Yangzi Petrochemical has the scale and resources to be a major influencer in the chemical intermediates market. Their operations support the production chain for glycolic acid.

Innovation and Sustainability Initiatives:

• Large-scale R&D investments in petrochemical derivative pathways.
• Commitment to national energy and chemical industry development goals.

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4️⃣ 7. Guang’an Chengxin Chemical Co., Ltd.

Headquarters: Guang’an, Sichuan, China
Key Offering: Monochloroacetic Acid, Glycolic Acid

Chengxin Chemical specializes in the production of monochloroacetic acid (MCAA) and its derivatives. Glycolic acid is a key product in their portfolio, supplied to various industries. The company’s strategic location in Western China provides advantages in accessing regional markets and raw materials.

Innovation and Sustainability Initiatives:

• Optimization of production technology for higher yield and purity.
• Expansion of derivative product lines to increase value-added offerings.

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3️⃣ 8. Shandong Xinhua Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.

Headquarters: Zibo, Shandong, China
Key Offering: Pharmaceutical intermediates, Glycolic Acid

Shandong Xinhua Pharma is a leading pharmaceutical manufacturer that also produces chemical intermediates like glycolic acid. The company’s expertise in pharmaceutical-grade manufacturing ensures that its glycolic acid meets high standards of purity, making it suitable for sensitive applications in cosmetics and healthcare.

Innovation and Sustainability Initiatives:

• Application of pharmaceutical GMP standards to fine chemical production.
• Strong focus on R&D for new chemical synthesis methods.

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2️⃣ 9. Zhonglan Industry Co., Ltd.

Headquarters: Taizhou, Jiangsu, China
Key Offering: Glycolic Acid, Sodium Glycolate

Zhonglan Industry is a specialized manufacturer of glycolic acid and its salts. The company has carved out a niche by focusing on the specific needs of the personal care and detergent industries, offering tailored products that enhance formulation performance.

Innovation and Sustainability Initiatives:

• Development of customized glycolic acid blends for specific customer applications.
• Investment in environmentally friendly production technologies.

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1️⃣ 10. Hangzhou Xinfu Pharma & Biotech Co., Ltd.

Headquarters: Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
Key Offering: Pharmaceutical APIs, Glycolic Acid

Hangzhou Xinfu Pharma is an emerging player with a focus on biotechnology and pharmaceutical ingredients. Their production of glycolic acid benefits from their expertise in high-purity chemical synthesis, catering to the demanding specifications of the cosmetics and pharmaceutical industries.

Innovation and Sustainability Initiatives:

• Leveraging biotech R&D for innovative production pathways.
• Emphasis on producing high-purity, specialty-grade glycolic acid.

Get Full Report Here:
Global Glycolic Acid Market – View in Detailed Research Report

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🌍 Outlook: The Future of Glycolic Acid Is Multifaceted and Expanding

The glycolic acid market is experiencing a significant transformation, moving beyond its traditional stronghold in cosmetics into a broader spectrum of industrial and consumer applications. While personal care remains the dominant driver, the industry is witnessing increased investment in bio-based production methods and innovative applications that promise sustained long-term growth.

📈 Key Trends Shaping the Market:

• Rising consumer preference for natural and effective skincare ingredients boosting demand in cosmetics.
• Growth in green chemistry, with glycolic acid being used as a biodegradable alternative in plastics and cleaners.
• Technological advancements in production processes leading to higher purity and lower costs.
• Expansion of application scope into new sectors such as agrochemicals and metal cleaning.

Get Full Report Here:
Global Glycolic Acid Market – View in Detailed Research Report

The companies listed above are not only supplying a crucial chemical building block—they are actively enabling innovation across multiple industries, from enhancing personal beauty to promoting environmental sustainability.