Glycerin Market Size & Share Analysis - Growth Trends & Forecasts (2025 - 2030)

The Glycerin Market Report Segments the Industry by Grade (Crude Glycerin and Refined Glycerin), Source (Biodiesel, Fatty Acids, Fatty Alcohols, and Other Sources), Application (Personal Care and Cosmetics, Pharmaceuticals, Food and Beverage, Polyether Polyols, and More), and Geography (Asia-Pacific, North America, Europe, South America, and Middle-East and Africa). The Market Forecasts are Provided in Terms of Volume (Tons).

Glycerin Market Size and Share

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Glycerin Market Analysis by Mordor Intelligence

The global Glycerin market stands at 4.78 million tons in 2025 and is projected to reach 5.95 million tons by 2030, expanding at a 4.5% CAGR between 2025 and 2030. Demand is lifted by pharmaceutical grade adoption, robust personal-care formulation pipelines, and tighter European rules that encourage bio-based chemistries. Vertical integration among biodiesel producers and oleochemical majors is helping stabilize feedstock availability, while advances in purification technology enable smaller firms to upgrade crude streams to refined specifications. Asia-Pacific retains pricing power thanks to its sizable manufacturing base, and sustained biodiesel investments in the United States create regional surpluses that flow into export channels. However, the Glycerin market remains vulnerable to sharp swings in crude glycerin prices that track biodiesel feedstock costs, compelling refiners to sign long-term offtake contracts that protect margins.

Key Report Takeaways

  • By grade, refined glycerin led with 68% of Glycerin market share in 2024; the grade is forecast to grow at a 4.9% CAGR through 2030.
  • By source, biodiesel contributed 60% of the Glycerin market in 2024, while vegetable-oil-derived glycerin is projected to advance at a 6.5% CAGR to 2030.
  • By application, personal care held a 32% revenue share in 2024 and is expected to record the fastest 5.2% CAGR over the same period.
  • By geography, Asia-Pacific captured 48% of the Glycerin market in 2024, and it is set to expand at a 5% CAGR to 2030.

Segment Analysis

By Grade: Refined Strengthens its Position amid Quality Demands

Refined grades commanded 68% of the Glycerin market in 2024, and segment volume is forecast to grow 4.9% annually to 2030. The upswing reflects regulatory emphasis on contaminant control and the surge in personal-care and pharmaceutical launches that require USP-compliant excipients. Higher purity enables consistent sensory profiles, making refined glycerin indispensable in serum, lotion, and injectable formulations. 

At the same time, crude glycerin is attracting interest as a biogas substrate and as a carbon feed in algae cultivation, diversifying downstream revenue. Purification costs are gradually falling as membrane filtration and ion-exchange technologies mature, narrowing the price gap between grades and inviting mid-tier producers to enter the refined arena. 

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Note: Segment shares of all individual segments available upon report purchase

By Source: Biodiesel Dominates while Vegetable Oil Accelerates

Biodiesel yielded 60% of the global glycerin supply in 2024 and remains the anchor feedstock for Glycerin. Strong policy support for renewable diesel in the United States and Europe will keep these volumes climbing, yet the fastest expansion will come from vegetable-oil routes that are forecast to post a 6.5% CAGR through 2030. Vegetable-oil-based glycerin enjoys preferential status in halal and vegan labeling, granting it premium placement in food and cosmetic channels. Variations in feedstock, from soybean to waste cooking oil, alter crude composition and dictate unique refining recipes, spurring technical service offerings that differentiate suppliers. 

By Application: Personal Care Leads while Pharmaceuticals Gain Speed

Personal care secured 32% of the Glycerin market in 2024 and is set to progress at a 4.8% CAGR through 2030, driven by consumer emphasis on skin hydration and clean-ingredient lists. Shifting regulatory expectations around ingredient disclosure encourage formulators to elevate glycerin levels, improving humectancy without synthetic additives. 

The pharmaceutical segment is accelerating as stringent monographs push drug manufacturers to demand 99.5%-plus purity and full traceability. Food and beverage remain steady adopters, leveraging glycerin’s anti-crystallization performance in icings and confectionery. Industrial uses, including polyether polyols and alkyd resins, are benefiting from VOC regulations that favor bio-based inputs. Emerging demand from e-cigarette liquids in East Asia provides an additional niche that rewards refined grades. Collectively, these trajectories underscore the broadening portfolio of end-uses that underpin the long-run health of the Glycerin market.

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Note: Segment shares of all individual segments available upon report purchase

Geography Analysis

Asia-Pacific led the Glycerin market with a 48% share in 2024 and is projected to register the fastest 5% CAGR to 2030. Thanks to extensive biodiesel build-outs and its sizable personal-care manufacturing hub, China anchors supply and demand. India’s oleochemical investments and Malaysia’s palm-based biodiesel capacity reinforce regional self-sufficiency. 

North America contributes significantly, backed by its mature biofuel policy framework and sophisticated pharmaceutical sector. The United States plans to boost biofuel output to 1.3 million boepd by 2035, ensuring abundant crude glycerin flow. 

Europe emphasizes sustainability leadership, with Germany, the United Kingdom, Italy, and France consuming refined glycerin in pharmaceuticals, coatings, and packaging. EU legislation limiting VOC emissions is spurring substitution of petro-resins by glycerin-based alkyds, and trials in volumetric additive manufacturing are expanding niche demand. 

Glycerin Market
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Competitive Landscape

High fragmentation defines the Glycerin market. Integrated agribusinesses such as Archer Daniels Midland, Cargill, and Wilmar International exploit control over oilseed crushing, biodiesel production, and glycerin refining, allowing them to secure feedstock and drive scale efficiencies. Technology partnerships are proliferating, with membrane suppliers and catalyst developers collaborating to lower energy intensity and boost yield. 

Glycerin Industry Leaders

  1. BASF

  2. Wilmar International Ltd.

  3. Cargill, Incorporated

  4. Dow

  5. KLK OLEO

  6. *Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order
Glycerin Market - Market Concentration
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Recent Industry Developments

  • December 2024: Louis Dreyfus Company (LDC) began construction of a new glycerin refining plant in Lampung, Indonesia, with an annual capacity of 55,000 metric tons, integrated with its palm oil refinery and biodiesel complex to meet rising cosmetic and pharmaceutical demand.
  • November 2023: Archer-Daniels-Midland Company (ADM) acquired a controlling stake in Buckminster Química, a Macatuba-based producer of refined glycerin.

Table of Contents for Glycerin Industry Report

1. Introduction

  • 1.1 Study Assumptions and Market Definition
  • 1.2 Scope of the Study

2. Research Methodology

3. Executive Summary

4. Market Landscape

  • 4.1 Market Overview
  • 4.2 Market Drivers
    • 4.2.1 Surging Demand for USP-grade Glycerin in Pharmaceutical industry in Asia and EU
    • 4.2.2 Increasing Use in the Personal Care and Cosmetics Industries
    • 4.2.3 Expansion of Biodiesel Production
    • 4.2.4 Regulatory Push for Low-VOC Alkyd Resins Boosting Glycerin Usage (EU)
    • 4.2.5 Rising Adoption of Vegetable-sourced Glycerin in Halal and Vegan Foods in MENA, ASEAN Region
  • 4.3 Market Restraints
    • 4.3.1 Volatile Crude Glycerin Prices Linked to Biodiesel Feedstock Swings
    • 4.3.2 Availability Of substitutes
    • 4.3.3 Stringent Pharmaceutical Monographs Limiting Technical-grade Uptake
  • 4.4 Value Chain Analysis
  • 4.5 Feedstock Analysis
  • 4.6 Pricing Analysis (Historical and Forecast)
  • 4.7 Porter's Five Forces
    • 4.7.1 Bargaining Power of Suppliers
    • 4.7.2 Bargaining Power of Buyers
    • 4.7.3 Threat of New Entrants
    • 4.7.4 Threat of Substitute Products
    • 4.7.5 Competitive Rivalry

5. Market Size and Growth Forecasts (Volume)

  • 5.1 By Grade
    • 5.1.1 Crude Glycerin
    • 5.1.2 Refined Glycerin
  • 5.2 By Source
    • 5.2.1 Biodiesel
    • 5.2.2 Fatty Acids
    • 5.2.3 Fatty Alcohols
    • 5.2.4 Other Sources
  • 5.3 By Application
    • 5.3.1 Personal Care and Cosmetics
    • 5.3.2 Pharmaceuticals
    • 5.3.3 Food and Beverage
    • 5.3.4 Polyether Polyols
    • 5.3.5 Alkyd Resins and Surface Coatings
    • 5.3.6 Tobacco Humectants
    • 5.3.7 Other Applications
  • 5.4 By Geography
    • 5.4.1 Asia-Pacific
    • 5.4.1.1 China
    • 5.4.1.2 India
    • 5.4.1.3 Japan
    • 5.4.1.4 South Korea
    • 5.4.1.5 Rest of Asia-Pacific
    • 5.4.2 North America
    • 5.4.2.1 United States
    • 5.4.2.2 Canada
    • 5.4.2.3 Mexico
    • 5.4.2.4 Caribbeans
    • 5.4.3 Europe
    • 5.4.3.1 Germany
    • 5.4.3.2 United Kingdom
    • 5.4.3.3 Italy
    • 5.4.3.4 France
    • 5.4.3.5 Rest of Europe
    • 5.4.4 South America
    • 5.4.4.1 Brazil
    • 5.4.4.2 Argentina
    • 5.4.4.3 Rest of South America
    • 5.4.5 Middle-East and Africa
    • 5.4.5.1 Saudi Arabia
    • 5.4.5.2 United Arab Emirates
    • 5.4.5.3 Turkey
    • 5.4.5.4 South Africa
    • 5.4.5.5 Egypt
    • 5.4.5.6 Rest of Middle-East and Africa

6. Competitive Landscape

  • 6.1 Market Concentration
  • 6.2 Strategic Moves (Mergers and Acquisitions, JVs, Partnerships)
  • 6.3 Market Share (%)/Ranking Analysis
  • 6.4 Company Profiles (includes Global overview, Market overview, Core segments, Financials, Strategic info, Market Rank/Share, Products and Services, Recent Developments)
    • 6.4.1 ADM
    • 6.4.2 Aemetis, Inc.
    • 6.4.3 BASF
    • 6.4.4 Biodex-SA
    • 6.4.5 Cargill, Incorporated
    • 6.4.6 Dow
    • 6.4.7 Emery Oleochemicals
    • 6.4.8 Godrej Industries Group
    • 6.4.9 IOI Corporation Berhad
    • 6.4.10 Kao Corporation
    • 6.4.11 KLK OLEO
    • 6.4.12 Louis Dreyfus Company
    • 6.4.13 Münzer Bioindustrie GmbH
    • 6.4.14 Musim Mas Group
    • 6.4.15 Oleon NV
    • 6.4.16 Procter & Gamble
    • 6.4.17 Renewable Biofuels
    • 6.4.18 Thai Glycerine Co.
    • 6.4.19 Vance Group Ltd.
    • 6.4.20 Vantage Specialty Chemicals, Inc.
    • 6.4.21 Wilmar International Ltd.

7. Market Opportunities and Future Outlook

  • 7.1 White-space and Unmet-need Assessment
  • 7.2 Rapid Uptake of Glycerin in E-cigarette Liquids in Asia and Middle-East
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Global Glycerin Market Report Scope

Glycerin is a polyol compound with a simple structure. It is a colorless, odorless, viscous liquid with a sweet flavor that is also non-toxic. The glycerol backbone is found in glycerides, lipids with a glycerol backbone. The glycerin market is segmented by grade, source, application, and geography. By grade, the market is segmented into crude and refined glycerin, By source, the market is segmented into biodiesels, fatty acids, fatty alcohols, and other sources. By application, the market is segmented into pharmaceuticals, food and beverage, alkyd resins, personal care and cosmetics, industrial chemicals, polyether polyols, tobacco humectants, and other applications. The report also covers the market size and forecast for the glycerin market in 16 countries across major regions. For each segment, the market sizing and forecast have been done based on volume (kiloton).

By Grade Crude Glycerin
Refined Glycerin
By Source Biodiesel
Fatty Acids
Fatty Alcohols
Other Sources
By Application Personal Care and Cosmetics
Pharmaceuticals
Food and Beverage
Polyether Polyols
Alkyd Resins and Surface Coatings
Tobacco Humectants
Other Applications
By Geography Asia-Pacific China
India
Japan
South Korea
Rest of Asia-Pacific
North America United States
Canada
Mexico
Caribbeans
Europe Germany
United Kingdom
Italy
France
Rest of Europe
South America Brazil
Argentina
Rest of South America
Middle-East and Africa Saudi Arabia
United Arab Emirates
Turkey
South Africa
Egypt
Rest of Middle-East and Africa
By Grade
Crude Glycerin
Refined Glycerin
By Source
Biodiesel
Fatty Acids
Fatty Alcohols
Other Sources
By Application
Personal Care and Cosmetics
Pharmaceuticals
Food and Beverage
Polyether Polyols
Alkyd Resins and Surface Coatings
Tobacco Humectants
Other Applications
By Geography
Asia-Pacific China
India
Japan
South Korea
Rest of Asia-Pacific
North America United States
Canada
Mexico
Caribbeans
Europe Germany
United Kingdom
Italy
France
Rest of Europe
South America Brazil
Argentina
Rest of South America
Middle-East and Africa Saudi Arabia
United Arab Emirates
Turkey
South Africa
Egypt
Rest of Middle-East and Africa
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Key Questions Answered in the Report

What is the current size of the Glycerin market?

The Glycerin market totals 4.78 million tons in 2024 and is projected to reach 5.96 million tons by 2030.

Which region leads global demand?

Asia-Pacific accounts for 48% of consumption owing to extensive biodiesel output and large personal-care manufacturing hubs.

How does biodiesel influence glycerin supply?

Rising biodiesel production yields additional crude glycerin, ensuring ample feedstock but also creating price volatility that refiners manage through long-term contracts.

Why is USP-grade glycerin seeing premium growth?

Stricter FDA and EU purity standards have boosted pharmaceutical demand for 99.5%-plus glycerin with full contaminant testing and traceability.

What market opportunities arise from VOC regulations?

EU limits on solvent emissions are driving adoption of glycerin-based alkyd resins and polyglycerol systems in paints and additive manufacturing, opening high-margin avenues.

Glycerin Market Report Snapshots

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