Growing demand from personal care market expected to drive global glycerine market

In the personal care category glycerin is used mainly as a means of improving smoothness, providing lubrication and as a humectant, found mainly in soaps, toothpastes, mouthwashes, hair care products and skin care products.

Glycerin soap can be used to prevent skin dryness due to its moisturising properties, as it draws moisture up through skin layers and slows excessive drying and evaporation.

Growing demand​

According to new research by Global Industry Analysts (GIA), the report entitled ‘Glycerin: A Global Strategic Business Report’, various novel applications such as propylene glycol and growing demand from the personal care, as well as pharmaceuticals and food & beverage sectors, will drive this demand.

Further, GIA states that plummeting glycerin prices and improved standard of living in Asian countries are all good indications for the market's long term growth.

As well as the demand being affected by a wide range of applications, GIA explains that “as glycerin turns less expensive than other humectants, it stands to be the preferred choice among oleochemicals.”​

Mirrored the global economy​

The global glycerin market witnessed a decline in demand in recent years, shadowing the slump in economy worldwide. The crude glycerin market was largely depressed in comparison to refined glycerin, due to the inability to transform crude glycerin into refined products.

However the feeling is that the market has bottomed out of the recession and is beginning to show signs of recovery, with the emergence of new applications and new derivatives for glycerin, expected to aid this revival.

According to GIA, Asia-Pacific constitutes the largest regional market, as increased applications of glycerin in various sectors such as pharmaceuticals, personal care and food & beverages, coupled with lower import duties in the Chinese market is expected to boost demand.