Glycerol Market

Non-Toxic Nature of Glycerol Considered as GRAS by FDA

The Glycerol Market is valued at USD 3.4 Bn in 2026 and is projected to reach USD 4.2 Bn,  growing at a CAGR of 3% by 2033.Use of glycerol across a variety of applications due to its nontoxic nature continues to drive its demand across industries. Its use in the food industry as a humectants and sweetener is likely to influence its demand in the coming years. Moreover, its use in preparing low fat food and in liqueurs as thickening agent is expected to further boost the growth of the glycerol market. Food grade glycerol can be used as humectant, sweetener or solvent to confectionary products, processed fruits, dairy canned foods, fondants, and energy bars. Glycerol used as a food additive is considered Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) by the US Food and Drug Administration which has removed consumption barriers from consumer’s mind, making it a key component in the food industry.

Easy Availability and Low Cost of Bio-Based Bi-Product of Biodiesel to Influence Global Glycerol Market

Biodiesel production continues to witness a significant boost on the back of increasing adoption of biofuels in transportation. Booming production of biodiesel has translated into an overwhelming supply of glycerol, its bio-based bi-product. Moreover, biodiesel has replaced traditional diesel on account of its low cost, renewable characteristics, biodegradable properties, less GHG emissions and non-toxic nature. This has resulted in an increased availability of glycerol, making it a low cost, non-toxic solution that can be used to synthesize plethora of polymers and chemicals through its hydroxyl groups, which continues to influence growth of the global glycerol market.

Glycerol in Polyphenol Extraction – New Growth Opportunities in the Offing

Glycerol based DES (Deep Eutectic Solvents), being researched upon since past few years, have shown promising results in the extraction of various bioactive substances such as alkaloids and terpeniods. The significance of glycerol as a HBD (Hydrogen Bond Donor) and glycerol-based DES as high performance agent has fuelled its use largely in solvent extraction and in end product formulations. By virtue of glycerol’s high availability, low price, non-toxicity, zero volatility and inflammability, glycerol-based DES and glycerol have been favorable candidates for extraction of polyphenol, which is used in various applications such as improving brain function and digestion, maintaining blood sugar levels and protection against heart diseases, certain cancer types and blood clots. Use of glycerol in such solvent extraction processes are bound to provide new growth opportunities in the coming years.

Glycerol’s Skin Health Promoting Property to Play a Major Role in Defeating Psoriasis

Increasing prevalence of psoriasis has been a topic of concern among healthcare professionals who are mulling on finding optimum lotions to cure the disease. The spread has been significant on the global front, which has given an edge to pharmaceutical companies. According to World Psoriasis Day consortium, 125 million individuals globally are affected by psoriasis. In addition, around 30% people affected by psoriasis suffer from psoriasis arthritis, which is considered as a sever condition in everyday life. This factor has propelled use of glycerol in skin lotions to treat psoriasis as it facilitates mature growth of skin cells. Moreover, glycerol not only has an emollient and soothing effect, but it gets converted into fat or lipid phosphatidylglycerol that regulates functioning of keratinocytes, a type of skin cell, in turn suppressing cell inflammation in skin layers. Skin health promoting property of glycerol combined with its low cost is proving vital for production of psoriasis battling lotions and creams, which is expected to significantly contribute to the growth of the global glycerol market in the years to follow.

Asia Pacific to Showcase High Growth Potential for Use of Glycerol

Asia Pacific has always been a manufacturing hub for various industries, especially, food, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and chemicals. Changing lifestyle has promoted awareness regarding consumption of healthy low fat food products, which is likely to influence adoption of humectants such as sorbitol and glycerol. Moreover, demand for glycerol from the pharmaceutical and personal care sector is likely to foster significant gains in the coming years. Use of glycerol in cosmetic products such as shaving creams, moisturizers, and soaps due to moisture retaining ability is expected to fuel its demand, consequently contributing to the growth of glycerol market.

Overall, the scenario in the global glycerol market looks promising and companies involved in manufacturing of glycerol can expect a steady stream of opportunities into the future. Few of the key players in the global glycerol market are 

• Wilmar International Limited
• Emery Oleochemicals Group
• Cargill, Incorporated
• Archer Daniels Midland Company (ADM)
• Godrej Industries Limited
• IOI Oleochemical Industries (IOI Group)
• Procter & Gamble Chemicals
• Oleon NV
• KLK Oleo Sdn. Bhd.
• CREMER OLEO GmbH & Co. KG
• The Dow Chemical Company
• BASF SE
• Croda International Plc
• PT Musim Mas
• Vantage Specialty Chemicals, Inc.

Global Glycerol Market Segmentation  is Listed Below:

By Source
• Biodiesel
• Fatty Alcohols
• Fatty Acids

By Application
• Personal Care & Pharmaceuticals
• Foods & Beverages
• Tobacco Humectants
• Polyether Polyol
• Alkyd Resins
• Others

By Geography
• North America
• Europe
• Asia Pacific
• Latin America
• Middle East & Africa