Mordor Intelligence has published a new report on the “Glycerin Market” offering a comprehensive analysis of Size, Share, Trends, Growth Drivers & Future Projections.

Introduction

Global Glycerin Market is set to see steady growth in the coming years. According to Mordor Intelligence, the market volume is projected to increase from 4.78 million tons in 2025 to 5.95 million tons by 2030, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of around 4.5% over that period. Glycerin’s expanding role-especially in personal care, pharmaceuticals, and bio-based chemicals-is helping maintain solid demand, even as the sector remains sensitive to cost fluctuations tied to biodiesel feedstocks.

Key Trends

  • Refined Glycerin Holds Firm Ground
    In 2024, refined glycerin accounted for 68% of total market share. Its purity and traceability make it a preferred choice in applications that demand consistent quality, such as pharmaceuticals and cosmetics. Growth in this segment is projected at a 4.9% CAGR through 2030.
  • Biodiesel Still Dominates as Source
    Around 60% of glycerin in 2024 came from biodiesel processes. Yet, glycerin from vegetable-oil sources is expected to grow faster, with a 6.5% CAGR leading to 2030.
  • Personal Care Opens New Avenues
    Personal care applications accounted for 32% of revenue in 2024 and are expected to grow at a 5.2% CAGR through 2030. Glycerin’s moisturizing and skin‑conditioning properties keep it in steady demand.
  • Pharmaceutical Demand Strengthens
    Tighter purity standards-for example, USP grade requirements-are driving pharmaceutical uptake. Glycerin needs to measure less than 0.10% for certain contaminants, leading buyers to lock in supply from integrated refiners offering certificate-backed product.
  • Asia‑Pacific Leads the Market
    This region accounted for 48% of the global glycerin market in 2024, and is expected to grow at a 5% CAGR through 2030. Large biodiesel capacities and strong personal care and pharma manufacturing bases in countries like China and India support this trend.
  • Price Volatility Remains a Challenge
    Glycerin prices fluctuate with movements in feedstock markets-like soybean or waste oils-adding uncertainty to profit margins. To manage this, refiners are exploring long-term contracts and diversifying sources.

Market Segmentation

  • By Grade
    • Refined Glycerin: Dominates with 68% share (2024); expected to grow at 4.9% CAGR.
    • Crude Glycerin: Used in industrial and bio-related applications, such as biogas or algae cultivation.
  • By Source
    • Biodiesel: Accounted for 60% of supply (2024), remains primary.
    • Vegetable‑oil Derived: Growing faster with 6.5% CAGR, preferred for halal/vegan labeling or clean‑label cosmetics.
  • By Application
    • Personal Care & Cosmetics: 32% share, fastest rise at 5.2% CAGR.
    • Pharmaceuticals: Gaining ground as high‑purity excipients.
    • Others: Includes food & beverage, polyether polyols, alkyd resins, tobacco humectants-these add variety and stabilize demand
  • By Region
    • Asia‑Pacific: 48% in 2024, fastest growth at 5% CAGR.
    • North America & Europe: Strong demand in pharma, coatings, and sustainable applications like low‑VOC resins.

Top Key Players

  • Global agribusinesses like Archer Daniels Midland (ADM), Cargill, and Wilmar International leverage control over feedstocks and refining capacity to drive scale and stability.
  • Other notable players include BASF, Dow, KLK Oleo, and Procter & Gamble, bringing technological and market depth to the supply chain

At Mordor Intelligence, we do more than deliver numbers — we provide clarity into the forces transforming global industries. Our research goes beyond surface trends, revealing the real drivers behind market evolution, technological disruption, and shifting consumer and industrial priorities.

Our coverage of the Glycerin Market delivers actionable intelligence to help businesses move forward with confidence. From tracking innovation and competitive strategies to analyzing supply chain and policy impacts, we empower decision-makers to anticipate shifts, capitalize on growth opportunities, and build stronger market strategies in an ever-changing environment.

Conclusion

Refined glycerin remains central to growth-especially in personal care, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals-while vegetable-derived glycerin is emerging as a fast-growing alternative. Asia-Pacific continues to lead, backed by biodiesel capacity and manufacturing demand.