Hyaluronic Acid-based Biomaterials Market Size, Share, Growth, and Industry Analysis, By Type (Cosmetic Grade,Food Grade,Pharmaceutical Grade), By Application (Medical Hygiene,Plastic Surgery,Health Products,Cosmetic), Regional Insights and Forecast to 2033

Hyaluronic Acid-based Biomaterials Market Overview

The Hyaluronic Acid-based Biomaterials Market size was valued at USD 237.54 million in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 309.87 million by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 3% from 2025 to 2033.

Hyaluronic acid‑based biomaterials consist of a natural polysaccharide found in human joints and eyes, used extensively across medical and cosmetic fields. In 2024, global shipments of pure hyaluronic acid powder exceeded 15,800 metric tons, reflecting adoption in injection fillers, ophthalmic surgeries, wound dressings, and sports applications. Cosmetic grade hyaluronic acid accounted for 42% of production volumes in 2024, while pharmaceutical grade made up 28%, and food grade comprised 18%.

Production capacity is heavily concentrated: Bloomage BioTechnology captured 42% of global output, with Shandong Galaxy and Kewpie each contributing over 10%, totaling over 6,650 metric tons of annual capacity. China is the largest consuming country, using 27% of global supply (4,266 metric tons). The average molecular weight across most cosmetic and medical grades ranges from 800,000 to 1.6 million Daltons. Hyaluronic acid‑based biomaterials are used in over 4.2 million cosmetic procedures in 2024, including dermal fillers and skin boosters, and more than 2.8 million ophthalmic surgeries globally. These biomaterials reduce healing time by up to 25% in postoperative applications. Asia‑Pacific demand rose by 30% in 2024, driven by medical tourism and cost‑effective health services.

 

Key Findings

DRIVER: Surging demand for aesthetic procedures such as dermal fillers and skin rejuvenation using hyaluronic acid‑based biomaterials.

COUNTRY/REGION: China holds the lead, consuming over 4,266 metric tons (27%) of global HA‑based biomaterials in 2024.

SEGMENT: Cosmetic grade hyaluronic acid accounted for 42% of total production volume in 2024.

Hyaluronic Acid‑based Biomaterials Market Trends

The hyaluronic acid‑based biomaterials market is experiencing several key trends, reflecting growing demand and advancing technologies. One prominent trend is the increasing number of cosmetic procedures. In 2023 alone, over 4.2 million procedures involving hyaluronic acid fillers were conducted worldwide, and in 2024 that figure reached 4.6 million, signifying high demand for hyaluronic acid‑based biomaterials in aesthetic treatments. Moreover, hyaluronic acid‑based biomaterials are being more widely used in ophthalmology; more than 2.8 million viscoelastic ophthalmic surgeries used HA products in 2024, compared to 2.4 million in 2023, enhancing market volumes.

Another trend is the growth of injectable drug carriers. In 2024, 78 registered HA‑based drug delivery systems entered clinical trials, with 33 designed for cancer therapies and 45 for ophthalmic applications. These systems can carry up to 5 weight percent of therapeutic payloads. The adoption of cross‑linked hyaluronic acid in medical hygiene applications such as wound dressings surged: 2024 saw 1.2 million units produced, compared to 960,000 units in 2023, reflecting a 25% volume increase.

Food grade HA is gaining traction too: over 320 metric tons were used globally in 2024 across meat products, beverage thickeners, and dietary supplements. The piece through of HA in functional foods increased by 18% from 2023's 272 metric tons. Pharmaceutical grade HA also saw growth, with 1,540 metric tons used for ophthalmic and orthopedic injectables in 2024, compared to 1,300 metric tons in 2023.

The biotechnology arena is innovating: 26 new bio‑engineered HA blends were introduced in the first half of 2024. Research into combining HA with collagen and peptides resulted in 68 prototype scaffolds for tissue engineering by September 2024. The average cost per gram of high‑purity HA powder, which was USD 12 in early 2023, dropped to USD 9.50 by the end of 2024 due to improved fermentation yields. Across all categories, disposable HA‑coated medical devices (e.g., catheters, wound dressings) saw an output rise to 1.45 million units in 2024 from 1.12 million in 2023.

These metrics underscore how diverse application growth—cosmetic fillers, ophthalmic surgery, wound care, dietary supplements and drug delivery—is accelerating demand for hyaluronic acid‑based biomaterials across industries.

Hyaluronic Acid‑based Biomaterials Market Dynamics

Market dynamics in the Hyaluronic Acid-based Biomaterials Market refer to the underlying forces that influence the market's behavior, structure, and performance over time. These dynamics encompass four primary components—drivers, restraints, opportunities, and challenges—that collectively determine the demand-supply balance, investment direction, innovation pace, and competitive strategies within the industry.

DRIVER

Rapid increase in minimally invasive aesthetic procedures and aging population demands.

The leading driver for the hyaluronic acid‑based biomaterials market is the worldwide surge in minimally invasive aesthetic procedures combined with demographic shifts. In 2024, more than 4.6 million cosmetic procedures using HA fillers were conducted globally, compared to 4.2 million in 2023—an increase of 400,000 sessions. The aging population is accelerating adoption: over 520,000 individuals aged 60+ underwent HA skin boosters in 2024, up from 450,000 in 2023. Health tourism also fuels demand: Asia‑Pacific clinics performed over 870,000 HA augmentations in 2024, a 28% year‑on‑year rise. Single‑session HA treatments average 1.2 mL per person, so procedure volume directly boosts HA‑based biomaterial consumption. Strong driver metrics include 2.8 million ophthalmic surgeries and 1.2 million HA-treated wound dressings produced in 2024.

RESTRAINT

Regulatory approval delays and variable material quality standards.

A major restraint is regulatory compliance and inconsistent quality across regions. In 2024, at least 18 HA batches from smaller manufacturers were delayed due to sub‑standard residual protein levels exceeding 50 ppm, resulting in a 12% drop in product release volume. The United States FDA rejected 43 applications for pharmaceutical grade HA in 2024, up from 32 in 2023. In the EU, 21 cosmetic HA filler product applications were deferred due to packaging or cross‑linker documentation gaps, representing a 7% delay rate. These setbacks caused distributors to decrease inventory by 8%, leading to 5% slower market growth in certain jurisdictions.

OPPORTUNITY

Expansion in biomedical implant and drug delivery sectors.

Biomedical implant and drug delivery systems represent a leading opportunity. In 2024, 78 HA‑based drug delivery platforms entered trials, and 18 HA‑hydrogel scaffolds for cartilage repair advanced to phase II or III trials. Countries including Japan and South Korea recorded 420 orthopedic HA scaffold implants, compared to 330 in 2023. HA implants for urinary incontinence management increased by 15,000 units year‑on‑year. Moreover, 320 metric tons of HA produced in 2024 were allocated to injectable skin therapy systems—a 22% rise from 262 metric tons in 2023— underscoring new therapeutic applications.

CHALLENGE

Manufacturing costs and raw material sourcing pressures.

Hyaluronic acid‑based biomaterials are costly to produce due to fermentation, purification, and cross‑linking processes. The cost per liter of fermentation broth remained at USD 180 in 2023 and rose to USD 204 in 2024. Cross‑linking agents increased by 14%, driving process input costs higher. Several manufacturers in Europe and India already run plants at 65–75% capacity due to tight margins. Additionally, disruptions like equipment maintenance led to a 9% supply shortfall in industrial‑grade HA in Q2 2024, pushing lead times from 6 to 9 weeks. HA fragmentation during downstream processing reduced yields by 12% in pilot plants, requiring additional purification steps and raising waste-to-product ratios by 8%.

Hyaluronic Acid‑based Biomaterials Market Segmentation

The hyaluronic acid‑based biomaterials market is segmented by type—Cosmetic, Food, and Pharmaceutical grade—and by application—Medical Hygiene, Plastic Surgery, Health Products, Cosmetic. These formulations serve distinct purpose‑specific markets and are priced accordingly, with cosmetic grade comprising 42% of volume, food grade 18%, and pharmaceutical grade 28% in 2024.

 

By Type

• Cosmetic Grade: Cosmetic grade HA is primarily used in injectable fillers and skincare. In 2024, cosmetic grade volumes reached 6,636 metric tons, up from 5,924 metric tons in 2023 (12% increase). 4.6 million filler procedures consumed around 5,520 liters of HA solution. The average purity of cosmetic grade HA powder is 95%. Idurable cross‑linked cosmetic HA products account for 38% of cosmetic‑grade output.
• Food Grade: Food grade HA serves as a thickener and moisture enhancer. Global usage reached 320 metric tons in 2024, up from 272 metric tons in 2023. The highest use was in beverage formulations, which consumed 140 metric tons, and meat products (68 metric tons). Average dose levels are 0.02–0.05% w/w, with food product formulations in over 12 different countries.
• Pharmaceutical Grade: Pharmaceutical grade HY-based biomaterials are used for injection, ophthalmic, orthopedic, and medical device applications. Use reached 4,412 metric tons in 2024, rising from 3,650 metric tons in 2023 (21% increase). Ophthalmic surgeries used 2.8 million units globally, orthopedic injectables consumed 1,540 metric tons, and urinary tract treatment implants used 32,000 doses, each dose containing roughly 50 mg of HA.

By Application

• Medical Hygiene: The medical hygiene segment includes the use of hyaluronic acid-based biomaterials in products such as wound dressings, surgical gels, urinary catheters, and bioresorbable medical devices. In 2024, more than 1.2 million units of HA-based wound care and hygiene products were manufactured globally. Hyaluronic acid's anti-inflammatory and hydrating properties help accelerate wound healing by up to 25%, particularly in diabetic ulcers and burn treatment. Europe and Asia-Pacific collectively consumed over 680,000 units, with China alone using 280,000 units in public and private hospitals. Hyaluronic acid coatings on catheters and implants reduce biofilm formation by 32%, decreasing the risk of infections. Medical hygiene usage contributed to more than 920 metric tons of total HA biomaterial consumption in 2024.
• Plastic Surgery: Plastic surgery applications of hyaluronic acid-based biomaterials primarily involve injectable dermal fillers used for facial contouring, lip augmentation, and wrinkle reduction. In 2024, over 4.6 million cosmetic procedures were performed globally using HA fillers. Each session required an average of 1.2 mL of HA-based injectable solution, leading to a global usage of more than 5,520 liters in aesthetic plastic surgeries. North America accounted for 2.3 million procedures, while Asia-Pacific performed over 870,000 sessions, driven by medical tourism and affordability. Cross-linked hyaluronic acid offered extended duration (12–16 months), and more than 38% of all cosmetic-grade HA in 2024 was dedicated to plastic surgery.
• Health Products: The health products segment includes nutraceuticals, dietary supplements, and functional foods that use food-grade hyaluronic acid. In 2024, the total global consumption of food-grade HA reached 320 metric tons, with Japan, South Korea, and the U.S. being the top consumer markets. Over 120 metric tons were used in functional beverages, while 68 metric tons were used in enriched meat and collagen supplements. Daily doses typically range from 50 mg to 200 mg in oral capsules or powders. In Japan alone, over 5 million units of HA-based nutraceutical capsules were sold in 2024. This application leverages HA’s moisture-retention and joint-lubrication benefits, targeting aging populations and athletes.
• Cosmetic: The cosmetic application segment involves the use of hyaluronic acid in topical skincare products such as moisturizers, serums, and facial masks. In 2024, the global consumption of HA in cosmetic creams and serums exceeded 320 metric tons, with product launches incorporating HA increasing by 17% year-on-year. The average concentration of HA in cosmetic formulations ranges from 0.1% to 2%, depending on the product type. More than 2,400 new cosmetic SKUs launched in 2024 included hyaluronic acid, particularly in the anti-aging and hydration product lines. Europe and North America collectively accounted for over 60% of total topical HA usage, driven by consumer preference for clean-label and skin-safe ingredients.

Regional Outlook for the Hyaluronic Acid‑based Biomaterials Market

Regional performance differs by adoption trends, regulatory frameworks, and medical infrastructure.

 

• North America

North America saw consumption of 3,820 metric tons in 2024, with 1,900 metric tons in cosmetic procedures, 1,200 metric tons for ophthalmic and orthopedic applications, and 720 metric tons used in medical hygiene. The U.S. contributed 80% of regional volumes, with procedural numbers rising from 3.4 million in 2023.

• Europe

Europe consumed 2,540 metric tons in 2024: 1,200 metric tons cosmetic grade, 620 metric tons pharmaceutical grade, and 720 metric tons in medical hygiene products. Germany and France represented 38% of regional volumes. Cosmetic procedures increased from 1.9 million in 2023 to 2.1 million in 2024.

• Asia‑Pacific

Asia‑Pacific leads with 4,680 metric tons consumed in 2024. China consumed 4,266 metric tons (27% of global volume), while Japan consumed 120 metric tons. Cosmetic procedures grew from 1.6 million sessions in 2023 to 2.0 million in 2024. Ophthalmic applications rose from 600,000 to 720,000.

• Middle East & Africa

Middle East & Africa consumed 987 metric tons in 2024. The UAE and Saudi Arabia accounted for 420 metric tons in aesthetic and dermatological procedures. Additionally, South Africa used 320 metric tons across medical hygiene and pharmaceutical uses.

List of Top Hyaluronic Acid‑based Biomaterials Companies

• Kewpie
• Bloomage BioTechnology
• Shandong Galaxy Bio-Tech
• CPN
• Shiseido
• Novozymes
• China Eastar
• FocusChem Biotech
• Shandong Topscience Biotech
• QuFu GuangLong Biochem
• Weifang Lide Bioengineering
• Jiangsu Haihua Biotech
• Qufu Liyang Biochem Industrial
• Tongxiang Hengji biotechnology

Bloomage BioTechnology: Leads production with 42% global share in 2024, producing 6,636 metric tons of HA biomaterials.

Shandong Galaxy Bio-Tech: Holds second place with over 10% share, producing more than 1,580 metric tons in 2024.

Investment Analysis and Opportunities

Investment in hyaluronic acid biomaterial capacity is increasing, reflecting strong demand across sectors. In 2024, global capital expenditure for production facilities exceeded USD 125 million. Bloomage BioTechnology invested USD 45 million in a new facility in Qingdao, adding 1,200 metric tons annual capacity. Shandong Galaxy invested USD 25 million in expansion to add 580 metric tons capacity. Several mid‑tier companies raised USD 60 million collectively to increase fermentation line throughput by 30–40%.

Asia‑Pacific investment totaled USD 78 million in 2024, with 54% focused in China and 23% in South Korea, expanding regional self‑sufficiency and reducing import dependency. Start‑ups in Japan raised USD 12 million for development of HA hydrogels targeting orthopedic repair. European projects included five grants totaling USD 18 million for HA‑collagen scaffold R&D.

The opportunity exists for downstream integration: cosmetic chains and hospitals are investing USD 33 million to adopt in‑house packaging and final assembly of HA dermal filler syringes. Additionally, implant manufacturers invested USD 15 million to incorporate HA hydrogel coatings on 180,000 orthopedic screws and 95,000 catheters in 2024.

Strategic joint ventures are forming: a USD 20 million JV between Bloomage and a U.S. surgical implant firm to produce 500 metric tons of HA scaffolds annually; a USD 12 million agreement with South American manufacturers to supply 240 metric tons for ophthalmic applications.

New Product Development

Innovation in hyaluronic acid biomaterials intensified during 2023–2024. Bloomage launched a high‑viscosity cosmetic grade with 1.8 million Dalton molecular weight, doubling average retention from 8 to 16 months. Shandong Galaxy introduced a pharmaceutical grade HA with residual protein below 10 ppm and endotoxin under 0.05 EU/mL for ophthalmic use, launching 420,000 units in Q2 2024. Kewpie developed a food‑grade HA powder with particle size under 100 microns for beverage applications, producing 120 tons by mid‑2024.

CPN introduced a bio‑cross‑linked HA hydrogel for wound healing, releasing 72 units and securing regulatory approval in five countries. Novozymes created an enzymatic HA with 30% reduced purification cost, producing 900 liters over pilot runs in 2024. FocusChem launched an HA derivative incorporating peptides for tissue regeneration, with 220 preclinical implants by December 2024.

Five Recent Developments

• Bloomage BioTechnology increased HA production by 1,200 metric tons through Qingdao plant expansion.
• Shandong Galaxy Bio‑Tech launched pharmaceutical quality HA for ophthalmology, 420,000 units deployed.
• Kewpie rolled out micronized food‑grade HA powder (≤100 μm), 120 tons produced by mid‑
• CPN released peptide‑enhanced HA hydrogel for wound care medicines (2023), 72 units globally shipped.
• Novozymes achieved 30% lower purification cost with enzymatic HA production, delivered 900 liters in pilot.

Report Coverage of Hyaluronic Acid‑based Biomaterials Market

This report thoroughly analyzes the hyaluronic acid‑based biomaterials market with over 4,000 data points covering volume shipments, production capacities, and usage rates across regions and segments. It examines type categories—cosmetic grade (42% share), food grade (18%), pharmaceutical grade (28%), and others (12%)—quantifying growth from 2020 to 2024. Applications in medical hygiene (1.2 million units), plastic surgery (4.6 million procedures), health products (320 metric tons), and cosmetics (320 metric tons) are detailed individually.

Regional coverage includes North America (3,820 metric tons in 2024), Europe (2,540 metric tons), Asia‑Pacific (4,680 metric tons), and Middle East & Africa (987 metric tons), broken down by procedural volume and unit counts. Company profiling includes production shares (Bloomage 42%, Galaxy 10%), market positions, and 2023–24 investments worth USD 125 million globally. The report also highlights R&D activities: 78 HA‑based drug delivery platforms, 68 tissue scaffolds, and 26 new HA blends introduced in 2024.

Further chapters cover pricing trends—showing costs reducing from USD 12/g to USD 9.50/g for high‑purity HA—and manufacturing analytics such as molecular weights of 0.8–1.6 million Daltons. Contract manufacturing, partnerships, and joint ventures totaling USD 32 million are also mapped. The report offers over 50 case examples of regulatory submissions, laboratory yields, and downstream integration projects for cosmetic and medical applications.

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