Top 10 Companies in the Europe Glycolic Acid Industry (2025): Market Leaders Powering Cosmetic & Industrial Applications

In Business Insights
June 08, 2025

The Europe Glycolic Acid Market was valued at US$ 156.8 million in 2024 and is projected to reach US$ 219.9 million by 2030, growing at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 5.8% during the forecast period (2024–2030). This growth is driven by expanding applications in skincare formulations, industrial cleaning solutions, and pharmaceutical manufacturing across Germany, France, and other major European markets.

As the personal care industry shifts toward high-performance exfoliants and anti-aging solutions, glycolic acid continues to be an essential bioactive ingredient. This report examines the Top 10 Companies in the Europe Glycolic Acid Industry—from chemical manufacturers to specialized formulators who are redefining alpha-hydroxy acid applications.


🔟 1. CABB Group GmbH

Headquarters: Kerpen, Germany
Key Offering: Pharmaceutical & Cosmetic Grade Glycolic Acid (70%-99% purity)

CABB operates Europe’s most advanced glycolic acid production facility, supplying GMP-certified products to dermatological and cosmetic manufacturers. The company’s closed-loop manufacturing process minimizes environmental impact while ensuring pharmaceutical-grade consistency.

Key Differentiators:

  • Electrochemical synthesis technology for superior purity
  • Custom concentration blending for cosmetic applications
  • REACH and Cosmos-certified organic production lines

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


9️⃣ 2. CrossChem LP

Headquarters: Regina, Canada (Strategic EU Presence)
Key Offering: Industrial & Technical Grade Solutions

CrossChem serves European markets through established distribution partnerships, specializing in large-volume glycolic acid supply for manufacturers of cleaning products and chemical intermediates.

Operational Strengths:

  • 2,800 metric ton annual production capacity
  • Dedicated quality control for industrial applications

8️⃣ 3. Chemoxy International Ltd

Headquarters: Middlesbrough, UK
Key Offering: Specialty Glycolic Acid Derivatives

This UK manufacturer produces ester derivatives of glycolic acid for niche applications in cosmetics and industrial formulations. Their R&D focuses on enhancing bioavailability and stability in end products.

Technical Expertise:

  • Patent-pending esterification processes
  • Tailored solutions for pH-sensitive applications

7️⃣ 4. Merck KGaA

Headquarters: Darmstadt, Germany
Key Offering: Ultra-Pure Glycolic Acid (99.9%)

Merck’s Life Science division provides laboratory and pharmaceutical-grade glycolic acid with rigorous quality controls. The company supplies clinical research organizations and premium skincare brands across Europe.

Quality Assurance:

  • ISO 9001 and cGMP-certified production
  • Batch-specific analytical documentation

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


6️⃣ 5. PhibroChem

Headquarters: Ridgefield Park, NJ (EU Hub in Antwerp)
Key Offering: Multi-Purpose Glycolic Acid Solutions

PhibroChem blends glycolic acid with complementary active ingredients for enhanced performance in skincare and industrial applications. Their European distribution network serves formulators across multiple industries.

Application Focus:

  • Peel solution systems with pH stabilizers
  • Industrial descaling formulations

5️⃣ 6. Zhonglan Industry Co., Ltd

Headquarters: Nanjing, China
Key Offering: Cost-Effective Bulk Glycolic Acid

As Asia’s largest glycolic acid producer, Zhonglan supplies European manufacturers through established trade channels. The company provides competitive pricing for industrial-scale buyers with full regulatory documentation.

Market Strategy:

  • 45,000-ton annual production capability
  • REACH-compliant technical dossiers

4️⃣ 7. Avid Organics

Headquarters: Vadodara, India
Key Offering: Plant-Extracted Glycolic Acid

Avid combines glycolic acid with botanical extracts for natural cosmetic brands. Their certified organic production process appeals to clean beauty formulators across Europe.

Sustainability Features:

  • Sugarcane-derived glycolic acid production
  • ECOCERT and COSMOS certifications

3️⃣ 8. Water Chemical Co., Ltd

Headquarters: Hangzhou, China
Key Offering: Industrial-Grade Solutions

Specializing in textile and metal treatment applications, Water Chemical supplies consistent-quality glycolic acid to European industrial processors through JIT delivery systems.

Industrial Solutions:

  • pH regulation systems for textile finishing
  • Metal surface preparation formulations

2️⃣ 9. Hefei TNJ Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.

Headquarters: Hefei, China
Key Offering: Cleaning-Grade Glycolic Acid

Hefei TNJ focuses on supplying European manufacturers of household and industrial cleaning products, offering cost-optimized formulations for private label brands.

Cleaning Sector Expertise:

  • Hard surface disinfectant systems
  • Scale removal solutions

1️⃣ 10. Parchem – fine & specialty chemicals

Headquarters: New Rochelle, NY (EU Distribution Network)
Key Offering: Formulation Support Services

Parchem provides technical expertise to European brands developing glycolic acid-based products, from initial formulation to regulatory compliance.

Value-Added Services:

  • Application-specific concentration testing
  • Regulatory documentation support

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


🌍 Market Outlook: Glycolic Acid Innovations (2025-2030)

The European glycolic acid sector is entering a transformative phase, with manufacturers developing sustainable production methods and novel applications beyond traditional skincare.

📈 Growth Accelerators:

  • 6.8% annual expansion in dermatological applications
  • France maintaining 32% market share in cosmetic formulations
  • Emerging pharmaceutical uses in controlled-release drug delivery
  • Bio-based production processes reducing carbon footprint

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

The companies profiled represent the core innovators and suppliers driving Europe’s glycolic acid market forward—supporting both beauty and industrial advancements through advanced chemical solutions.