United States Glycolic Acid Market

United States Glycolic Acid Market Size and Share:

 The United States glycolic acid market size was valued at USD 139.7 Million in 2024. Looking forward, IMARC Group estimates the market to reach USD 300.9 Million by 2033, exhibiting a CAGR of 8.7% from 2025-2033.  The market is experiencing significant growth, driven by its expanding applications in personal care, industrial cleaning, pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and textiles, continual technological advancements, increasing need to address issues like uneven skin tone, fine lines, and acne, and rising preferences for natural and organic skincare products.

The market is experiencing significant growth, primarily due to the expanding textile industry, as glycolic acid is being used to enhance dyeing processes, color consistency, and minimize chemical waste.  In line with this, the growing number of sustainability initiatives in the sector is providing an impetus to the marker. Additionally, the shifting preference towards at-home skincare solutions is driven by convenience, cost-effectiveness, and the availability of professional-grade products. In August 2024, Era Organics launched a new glycolic acid chemical peel for women aged 25 to 70, offering a professional skincare experience at home. The peel addresses wrinkles, clogged pores, blemishes, and signs of aging, featuring an age-defying enzyme mask with natural ingredients. It provides deep hydration, exfoliation, and pore minimization, suitable for sensitive skin.         

Moreover, the versatile applications of glycolic acid across industries such as cosmetics, electronics, and industrial sectors are further supporting the growth of the market. For example, On June 1, 2023, Chemours announced the completion of its glycolic acid business sale to PureTech Scientific, supported by Iron Path Capital. The divestiture aligns with Chemours’ strategic focus on core businesses, enabling PureTech to leverage glycolic acid applications across high-growth industries, including cosmetics, electronics, and industrial markets. Apart from this, continued investments in research and development are tailoring glycolic acid for specialized applications, such as in bio-based solvents and advanced coatings, which further enhances its appeal across many markets.

United States Glycolic Acid Market Trends:

Rising Consumer Demand for Affordable Premium Skincare Solutions                                   

The introduction of premium skincare line reflects a growing trend in consumer preferences for high-quality skincare products at accessible price points. Individuals are seeking advanced formulations such as glycolic acid cleansers, which combine cleansing, exfoliation, and hydration in one product. For example, on September 5, 2024, Walgreens introduced a premium skincare line offering high-quality products at accessible prices. The collection includes a glycolic acid purifying cleanser, combining gentle cleansing with exfoliation and hydration to condition and soften skin while smoothing texture. This initiative addresses consumer demand for affordable, high-quality skincare solutions.  The growing demand for products that deliver professional-grade results without premium pricing is contributing to the growth of the market. This trend has a broader awareness of benefits to skincare and a drive towards effective yet budget-friendly solutions.   

Growing Demand for Glycolic Acid in Agrochemicals      

The agrochemical industry is witnessing growing demand for glycolic acid due to its role as an effective chelating agent in fertilizers and pesticides. It plays an important role in nutrient uptake by plants and stability of formulations, which is becoming the need for agricultural productivity. These attributes have placed glycolic acid at the forefront as individuals move toward sustainable agricultural practices. This is further propelling the application of glycolic acid in novel agricultural inputs in relation to the emphasis on increasing crop yields in an eco-friendly manner. The diversification of the agriculture sector toward sustainable growth has only made the versatility and efficiency of glycolic acid in supporting such growth further entrenched in the agrochemical market.

Increasing Demands for Eco-Friendly, Biodegradable Cleaning Agents                          

With increasing attention towards sustainability, demand for green, biodegradable cleaning products in various sectors is on the rise. Consumers and industries alike are looking for solutions that have a reduced negative impact on the environment without being any less effective. Formulas with biodegradable content are increasingly in vogue, especially in the health care, industrial, and residential sectors where strict hygiene levels are maintained.  The growing demand for eco-friendly, biodegradable cleaning agents is also driven by the increasing awareness of the harmful effects of chemical cleaners on both human health and the environment. These green cleaning solutions are gaining traction due to their ability to break down naturally, reducing long-term environmental harm. Moreover, they are being adopted in a variety of industries, including hospitality and food services, where sustainability is becoming a priority.

United States Glycolic Acid Industry Segmentation:  

IMARC Group provides an analysis of the key trends in each segment of the United States glycolic acid market, along with forecasts at the country and regional levels from 2025-2033. The market has been categorized based on source, purity level, and application.

Analysis by Source: 

• Synthetic 
• Natural
   

Synthetic glycolic acid holds a significant share in the U.S. market due to its controlled production processes, ensuring consistent quality and performance. Electronic and textile industries heavily use glycolic acid in very accurate applications, such as cleaning and dyeing. Being adaptable to various industrial preparations for mass production makes synthetic glycolic acid the sought-after chemical in several performance-driven industries.      

Natural glycolic acid, sourced from plant-based feedstocks such as sugarcane, is on the rise in the U.S. market, particularly in cosmetics and personal care. The natural variant offers an eco-friendly and skin-safe profile, which matches the growing consumer demand for sustainable and clean beauty products. The natural variant meets the growing demand for organic ingredients, thus increasing its usage in high-demand applications like anti-aging skincare and chemical peels.

Analysis by Purity Level:  

• 99% Purity
• 70% Purity
• 60% Purity
• 30% Purity
• Others
   

Glycolic acid with 99% purity is an essential segment in the U.S. market, particularly in pharmaceutical and electronic applications requiring the highest quality standards. Its superior purity allows its use in medical-grade products, specialty chemicals, and high-precision electronics manufacture.

70% purity dominates the use in cosmetics and personal care applications in the United States due to its 70% purity grade, providing an ideal balance of efficacy and safety. It is often found in chemical peels, exfoliators, and anti-aging formulations for delivering performance without excessive concentration. This grade is also appropriate for the development of professional-grade skincare products that address the demand for both effectiveness and minimal skin irritation, leading to widespread application in the beauty industry.            

Glycolic acid of 60% purity is mainly used in industrial cleaning and agricultural industries, as the concentration here is less, and performance is adequate. The cost-effectiveness and suitability of this product for applications, such as descaling, rust removal, and pH adjustment are highly valued. The balance between performance and affordability makes 60% purity glycolic acid a preferred choice for large-scale industrial processes and practical maintenance solutions.

Analysis by Application:     

• Personal Care and Cosmetics
• Household
• Textile
• Food Processing
• Pharmaceuticals
• Others
   

The personal care and cosmetics sector plays a pivotal role in the United States glycolic acid market. Since glycolic acid easily penetrates the skin, can stimulate the production of collagen, it is extensively applied in all sorts of skincare products, which include chemical peels, exfoliators, anti-aging creams, among others.  

In the household sector, the compound is valued for its excellent cleaning properties, making it an active ingredient in cleaners and disinfectants. It also has a biodegradable profile, which is rising according to the demand for clean green solutions. It successfully removes tough stains, limescale, and soap scum, hence further increasing its adoption into multi-purpose household cleaners.   

The textile industry uses glycolic acid as it is efficient in dyeing and finishing processes, hence improving the quality and durability of fabrics. Its role in pH regulation and as a neutralizing agent makes it essential in textile processing. With the U.S. textile market changing toward sustainability, glycolic acid's eco-friendly properties fortify its importance for both industrial and environmental considerations.

Regional Analysis:   

• Northeast
• Midwest
• South
• West
   

The Northeast region plays the most significant role in the United States glycolic market, as the base of pharmaceutical and personal care industries is supporting the market. With a high number of research facilities and cosmetic manufacturers concentrated in this region, they are the leaders in adoption of glycolic acid into skincare products and medical formulation.

The glycolic acid market importance is based on the robust industrial and agricultural sectors in the Midwest. This region uses glycolic acid for metal cleaning, rust removal, and agrochemical formulations. Since industries are looking for environment-friendly practices, the need for biodegradable and efficient cleaning agents is increasing, which makes the Midwest a prime contributor to the growth of glycolic acid applications in industrial markets.    

The South is also emerging as an important market player in glycolic acid, with its cosmetics and personal care manufacturing base growing. Moreover, the region's growing electronics industry requires glycolic acid for precision cleaning applications. Favorable business environment and rising consumer demand for premium skincare products make the South a significant driver for market growth.    

The West region plays an important role in the glycolic acid market as a result of its leading high-tech hubs and environmental conscious consumers. The adoption of glycolic acid is highly correlated with innovative, high-tech industries and thus the electronics, cosmetic, and environmentally friendly cleaning product lines.

Competitive Landscape:

The market in United States is highly competitive with several key players developing high-quality, eco-friendly glycolic acid solutions to cater to diverse industries such as personal care, pharmaceuticals, electronics, and industrial manufacturing. In the personal care sector, manufacturers are creating advanced formulations that leverage glycolic acid’s exfoliating and anti-aging properties, meeting the rising demand for premium skincare products. Furthermore, businesses are expanding their global footprint through collaborations, acquisitions, and partnerships, ensuring the availability of glycolic acid across key markets. By addressing consumer demands for sustainability, efficacy, and innovation, these companies are significantly contributing to the growth and diversification of the glycolic acid market across various high-growth sectors.  

The report provides a comprehensive analysis of the competitive landscape in the United States glycolic acid market with detailed profiles of all major companies.  

Latest News and Developments:

• On April 22, 2024, PureTech Scientific, a US-based company specializing in glycolic acid synthesis and technology, announced that its Glyclean Broad Spectrum Disinfectant and Cleaner formulation has received EPA approval as a hospital-grade disinfectant for hard surfaces. The formula is a safer, biodegradable, and cost-effective alternative to traditional quat or bleach-based cleaners. Glyclean BSD is now available for sub-registration and commercial development.

• On April 10, 2024, The Inkey List expanded into body care with two exfoliating products: the Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Body Stick and the PHA Exfoliating and hydrating water cream. The glycolic acid exfoliating body stick contains 7% glycolic acid to exfoliate the skin, addressing concerns like keratosis pilaris, ingrown hairs, rough skin, and body breakouts.

United States Glycolic Acid Market Report Scope:

Key Benefits for Stakeholders:

• IMARC’s report offers a comprehensive quantitative analysis of various market segments, historical and current market trends, market forecasts, and dynamics of the United States glycolic acid market from 2019-2033.
• The research study provides the latest information on the market drivers, challenges, and opportunities in the United States glycolic acid market.
• Porter's Five Forces analysis assists stakeholders in assessing the impact of new entrants, competitive rivalry, supplier power, buyer power, and the threat of substitution. It helps stakeholders to analyze the level of competition within the United States glycolic acid industry and its attractiveness.
• Competitive landscape allows stakeholders to understand their competitive environment and provides an insight into the current positions of key players in the market.