Udeesha Tomar
AVP - Strategy and Solutions
Leading procurement research solutions across chemicals, materials, and food & beverages, with expertise in price forecasting and market analytics.
Glycolic Acid Price Trend Analysis 2026: Market Insights, Latest News, Historical Prices, Supply Demand Analysis & Price Drivers
Written ByUdeesha Tomar
Glycolic Acid Price Trend Q1 2025
Asia
During the first quarter of 2025, prices of glycolic acid in Asia trended between stable to lower ranges, in line with the fluctuations in prices of its main feedstock, monochloroacetic acid. Upstream dynamics were largely stable with feedstock availability and production outputs. The absence of significant production disruptions helped keep prices steady. Export flows to regional customers, particularly in Southeast Asia, continued without major hindrance.
However, market sentiment remained cautious due to weak offtake in key industrial segments. The cost relief from upstream feedstocks, combined with subdued demand across several downstream markets, exerted downward pressure on prices during the quarter. Although seasonal factors provided limited short-term support, the broader market trend remained soft, with any gains constrained by surplus supply and modest consumer interest across the region.
Europe
Glycolic acid prices in Europe followed a sustained weakening trend through the first quarter, mainly influenced by declines in upstream market prices. Production operations in the region remained stable, with no major supply-side disruptions. Price movements were restrained due to soft demand from various processing industries. Market participants adopted a cautious approach to inventory management, and downstream activity did not offer much support. Feedstock prices stayed low, and while there was brief optimism for a post-winter rebound, glycolic acid valuations remained subdued. The quarter ended with a supply-heavy environment, limited transaction volumes, and low trade confidence.
North America
In Q1 2025, glycolic acid prices in North America declined in line with trends in Asia and Europe, reflecting a general drop in upstream monochloroacetic acid prices. Local producers maintained steady production volumes, adjusting output in response to sluggish market activity. Feedstock prices, particularly for acetic acid derivatives, softened during the quarter, allowing for more competitive pricing. Despite this, downstream demand remained lackluster. Business sentiment in cosmetics and related industrial sectors stayed cautious. As a result, glycolic acid prices declined steadily through the quarter, driven by weak market fundamentals and reduced upstream support.
Analyst Insight
According to Procurement Resource, the glycolic acid price curve is expected to display similar movements in the near future primarily influenced by the stable demand from cosmetics and specialty chemicals.
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About Glycolic Acid
Glycolic acid is a key industrial chemical widely used in cosmetics, textiles, and biodegradable polymers. Produced primarily from chemical feedstocks like chloroacetic acid or formaldehyde, it also has emerging bio-based routes using sugars or glycerol. Its small molecular size and high solubility make it effective in formulations for cleaning agents, leather processing, and chemical peels. Industrial interest is growing due to its biodegradability and performance, driving research into greener, cost-effective production methods for sustainable manufacturing.
Glycolic Acid Product Detail
HS Code
29181990
Chemical Formula
C2H4O3
CAS Number
79-14-1
Molecular Weight
76.05 g/mol
Synonyms
2-Hydroxyacetic acid, hydroxyacetic acid, Hydroxyethanoic acid
Supplier Database
China Petrochemical Corporation (Sinopec Corp.), (China), The Chemours Company (U.S.), CABB Group (Germany), Saanvi Corp (India), Parchem Fine & Specialty Chemicals (U.S.), Water Chemical Co., Ltd (China)
Regional Coverage
Asia Pacific
China, India, Indonesia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Japan, Philippines, Vietnam, Iran, Thailand, South Korea, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, Nepal, Taiwan, Sri Lanka, UAE, Israel, Hongkong, Singapore, Oman, Kuwait, Qatar, Australia, and New Zealand
Europe
Germany, France, United Kingdom, Italy,Spain, Russia, Turkey, Netherlands, Poland, Sweden, Belgium, Austria, Ireland Switzerland, Norway, Denmark, Romania, Finland, Czech Republic, Portugal and Greece
North America
United States and Canada
Latin America
Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Columbia, Chile, Ecuador, and Peru
Africa
South Africa, Nigeria, Egypt, Algeria, Morocco
CurrencyUS$ (Data can also be provided in local currency)
Supplier Database AvailabilityYes
Customization ScopeThe report can be customized as per the requirements of the customer
Post-Sale Analyst Support360-degree analyst support after report delivery
Note: Our supplier search experts can assist your procurement teams in compiling and validating a list of suppliers indicating they have products, services, and capabilities that meet your company's needs.
Glycolic Acid Production Process
- Glycolic Acid Production by Hydrolysis: The production process of glycolic acid is initiated by the hydrolysis of monochloroacetic acid with sodium hydroxide. The production is initiated with the hydrolysis of monochloroacetic acid with sodium hydroxide. The chemical reaction between the two compounds is carried out at a controlled temperature that ranges between 90-130 °C. The reaction results in the formation of a mixture containing glycolic acid and sodium chloride. The salt formed is processed and removed by evaporation concentration, followed by acid extraction in the presence of acetone, which results in the production of glycolic acid as the end product.
Glycolic Acid Industrial Uses
Glycolic acid has diverse industrial applications across multiple sectors. In textiles, it improves dyeing and finishing processes. In metal treatment, it acts as a descaler and rust remover. The oil and gas industry uses it in well stimulation fluids. In leather processing, it aids in tanning and dye penetration. In skincare and cosmetics, it is valued for exfoliation and anti-aging effects. In the pharmaceutical industry, glycolic acid is used in drug formulations and as a monomer in bioresorbable polymers.
Frequently Asked Questions
The current glycolic acid outlook points to broadly soft price conditions continuing, shaped by the interplay of surplus supply and subdued downstream demand across key regions. Stable demand from cosmetics and specialty chemicals provides the main floor for prices, while movements in monochloroacetic acid feedstock costs tend to drive near-term direction. A meaningful price recovery would require a tightening of supply or a sustained rebound in industrial offtake.
Glycolic acid prices are shaped primarily by upstream feedstock movements, particularly declines in monochloroacetic acid costs across key regions that directly reduce production costs and pull valuations lower. In North America, softer acetic acid derivative prices can further enable competitive pricing. Stable production with no supply disruptions tends to limit supply-side support, while weak offtake from industrial and cosmetics segments across Asia, Europe and North America can suppress buying interest. Surplus supply in Asia and a supply-heavy environment in Europe can add further downward pressure as excess inventory competes for limited buyers.
The major producing countries in the glycolic acid market are China, the United States, Germany, and India. China hosts Water Chemical Co., Ltd, Nanjing Chemical Material Corp., and Sinopec Corp.; the U.S. is home to Chemours Company (spun off from DuPont, producer of Glypure® cosmetic grade) and Parchem Fine & Specialty Chemicals; Germany's CABB Group and India's Triveni Chemicals, AVID Organics, and Saanvi Corp are also key producers. Production is concentrated among a small number of established players, carrying supply security implications for buyers.
Glycolic acid is produced primarily via hydrolysis of monochloroacetic acid (MCA) with sodium hydroxide at a controlled temperature. MCA itself is derived from acetic acid through direct chlorination. The finished acid is then supplied to downstream industries: personal care and cosmetics (the dominant use at roughly 40% of market share, in peels, serums, and creams), industrial cleaning, textile dyeing and finishing, pharmaceutical API synthesis, food processing, and agricultural applications as a plant growth regulator and pesticide intermediate.
Glycolic acid demand is driven primarily by the cosmetics and skincare industry for use in face serums, moisturizers, lotions, and exfoliating products due to its anti-aging and exfoliating properties. The pharmaceutical sector also supports demand through alpha hydroxy acid skincare treatments, while chemical, textile, and leather industries consume it in dyeing compounds and processing. Weak offtake across these downstream segments can exert downward price pressure across Asia, Europe, and North America, particularly when subdued consumer interest and surplus supply outweigh seasonal support.
Procurement Resource assesses glycolic acid prices through a structured, data-driven methodology combining primary engagement with producers, suppliers and traders, secondary market data, continuous monitoring of feedstock and input costs, trade-flow and inventory tracking, and exchange or spot benchmarks. These inputs are validated and translated into a transparent price assessment and outlook. The detailed methodology is available on the Procurement Resource website.
Our Price Analysis Methodology
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