Mandelic Acid Market Size, Share & Report [2033]

Mandelic Acid Market Overview

The Mandelic Acid Market size was valued at USD 51.94 million in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 84.56 million by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 6% from 2025 to 2033.

The mandelic acid market has seen growing traction globally due to its expanding applications in pharmaceuticals and cosmetics. Mandelic acid, an aromatic alpha hydroxy acid (AHA), is derived from bitter almonds and is highly regarded for its antibacterial and exfoliating properties.

As of 2024, more than 32% of the global demand for mandelic acid originated from cosmetic formulations due to increased skincare awareness and anti-aging product launches. In the pharmaceutical sector, mandelic acid is frequently used in treating urinary tract infections and acne-related disorders, accounting for 27% of usage volume globally. DL-type mandelic acid dominates the market with over 45% share in global supply, followed by L-type with 33% and D-type with the remaining 22%.

Production facilities are concentrated in China, which manufactures over 58% of the global supply due to cost-effective synthesis methods and established chemical infrastructure. Additionally, innovation in extraction methods, such as enzymatic biosynthesis, has resulted in 17% higher yields over traditional hydrolysis processes. With cosmetic and pharmaceutical companies expanding their ingredient sourcing portfolios, the mandelic acid market is increasingly becoming a strategic asset within active ingredient supply chains across North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific.

Key Findings

DRIVER: Rising use of mandelic acid in dermatological applications due to its anti-aging and exfoliating properties.

COUNTRY/REGION: China leads production with over 58% of global volume due to cost-effective manufacturing.

SEGMENT: DL-Type mandelic acid holds the largest share, accounting for over 45% of global consumption.

Mandelic Acid Market Trends

The mandelic acid market is driven by rising consumer preference for non-irritating exfoliants in skincare and growing adoption in medical treatments. In 2023, global skincare brands launched over 55 new products containing mandelic acid, reflecting a 21% rise in AHA-based product lines. These launches primarily targeted sensitive skin demographics, where mandelic acid’s larger molecular weight—152.15 g/mol—offers gentler skin penetration compared to glycolic acid. In the pharmaceutical industry, mandelic acid has gained attention for its antimicrobial properties. Clinical studies published in 2023 revealed that mandelic acid-based urinary antiseptics achieved 88% bacterial reduction in patients with chronic UTIs within 5 days of administration. Such findings are prompting an increase in medical product formulations featuring mandelic derivatives. Another significant trend is the surge in demand for mandelic acid in Southeast Asian and Middle Eastern beauty markets. In South Korea alone, mandelic acid-infused serums accounted for 12% of total facial acid serum sales in 2023, compared to just 4% in 2019. Online marketplaces across the region reported a 60% rise in customer searches for mandelic acid-based exfoliants between Q2 2023 and Q1 2024. Additionally, technological improvements in synthesis have impacted manufacturing. Companies using continuous flow reactors for mandelic acid production have reported 25% faster synthesis times and 18% reduction in energy consumption compared to batch processes. As sustainability goals dominate R&D pipelines, such process optimization is gaining investment attention. The industry also witnesses interest in vegan-certified and bio-based mandelic acid. In 2023, over 18% of global product launches using mandelic acid carried a vegan certification, indicating alignment with consumer ethics. U.S. and European cosmetic formulators are increasingly sourcing mandelic acid from non-animal-derived sources, resulting in a 29% growth in demand for bio-fermented mandelic acid in the past 12 months.

Mandelic Acid Market Dynamics

Market Dynamics in the context of the Mandelic Acid Market refers to the key forces and influential factors that shape the direction, behavior, and structure of the market over time. These include drivers, restraints, opportunities, and challenges, all of which contribute to shifts in demand, supply, pricing, innovation, and competition.

DRIVER

Rising demand for pharmaceuticals.

The increasing use of mandelic acid in pharmaceutical formulations is a key growth driver. In 2023, over 38% of mandelic acid supplied in North America was consumed by pharmaceutical manufacturers. Mandelic acid’s proven antibacterial properties and its high solubility (13 g/100 mL in water at 25°C) make it ideal for urinary tract infection treatments and antiseptic medications. With over 150 published studies confirming its efficacy in antimicrobial applications, pharmaceutical firms are expanding their procurement to meet the rise in infections among aging populations. Furthermore, regulatory approvals for mandelic acid-based OTC treatments grew by 14% between 2022 and 2023, indicating increasing mainstream integration.

RESTRAINT

Limited awareness in emerging regions.

Despite strong performance in developed markets, mandelic acid faces limited awareness in emerging countries, restraining growth. In Africa and parts of Latin America, less than 9% of cosmetic manufacturers report using AHAs like mandelic acid in their formulations due to cost concerns and lack of supplier availability. Additionally, consumer education around mandelic acid is sparse. In a 2023 consumer survey conducted in Brazil, only 12% of respondents were aware of mandelic acid compared to 61% for glycolic acid. This awareness gap limits adoption and slows distributor expansion.

OPPORTUNITY

Growth in personalized skincare and derma-cosmeceuticals.

Personalized skincare is opening vast opportunities for mandelic acid use. In 2023, over 7 million custom skincare kits were sold globally, and 22% of these included mandelic acid as an optional exfoliating component. Clinics offering customized chemical peels reported a 34% increase in usage of mandelic-based peels due to its compatibility with various skin types. The rise of AI-enabled skin analysis tools is also contributing to precise ingredient recommendation, where mandelic acid appears frequently due to its balance of exfoliation and gentleness. These trends are driving increased demand from both clinical dermatology and consumer-facing beauty tech platforms.

CHALLENGE

Rising costs and expenditures.

Production of mandelic acid remains capital intensive. Raw material cost volatility has driven prices up by 17% in the past 12 months. Petroleum-based feedstocks used in traditional synthesis methods saw price surges in Q3 2023, raising unit production costs. Smaller manufacturers in Europe and India reported a 22% decline in margin on mandelic acid products due to energy price hikes. Furthermore, the regulatory burden associated with exporting pharmaceutical-grade mandelic acid to Europe or the U.S. adds 9–12 weeks of compliance time, which impacts supply chain agility.

Mandelic Acid Market Segmentation

The mandelic acid market is segmented by type (DL-Type, L-Type, D-Type) and application (Pharmaceuticals, Cosmetics, Others). Each segment offers unique growth contributions based on formulation requirements and usage contexts.

By Type

DL-Type: DL-type mandelic acid remains the most widely produced and consumed, accounting for over 45% of global usage. Its racemic form offers cost-effective synthesis and broad compatibility in both pharma and skincare products. In 2023, DL-type mandelic acid was used in 62% of chemical peel solutions sold in North America. Additionally, its production cycle requires lower purification costs, making it ideal for mass-market formulation.
L-Type: L-type mandelic acid accounted for 33% of total market demand in 2023. This type is commonly used in pharmaceutical applications where high bioavailability is crucial. L-mandelic acid has shown 21% better absorption rates in vitro when compared to its DL counterpart. Its enantiomeric purity also makes it suitable for high-end dermatological creams and prescription-only formulations.
D-Type: D-type mandelic acid holds the smallest share but is growing steadily due to niche applications. It constituted approximately 22% of market volume in 2023. D-type is often used in research applications and specific drug synthesis processes requiring stereoselectivity. Its price per kg remains 18% higher than DL-type due to complex isolation techniques.

By Application

Pharmaceuticals: In 2023, pharmaceutical applications represented 41% of mandelic acid demand. It is widely used in antimicrobial agents, urinary antiseptics, and dermatological formulations. Over 20 new drug dossiers containing mandelic acid were filed with regulatory agencies across Europe and the U.S. in 2023.
Cosmetics: Cosmetics represent the fastest-growing application, contributing 46% to global usage. In 2023, over 600 cosmetic products with mandelic acid were launched, driven by demand for gentle AHAs. Skin-brightening and anti-aging benefits are fueling its inclusion in night serums and exfoliating peels.
Other: Other applications, including chemical intermediates and analytical reagents, accounted for 13% of market usage in 2023. These are primarily driven by academic research and specialty chemical industries.

Regional Outlook for the Mandelic Acid Market

Regional Outlook in the Mandelic Acid Market refers to the comprehensive analysis of how the market performs across different geographic regions, taking into account factors such as production capacity, consumption patterns, regulatory environments, infrastructure development, and regional demand trends.

North America

North America accounts for 27% of total global consumption. The U.S. dominates due to robust pharmaceutical infrastructure and strong cosmetic innovation. In 2023, more than 180 cosmetic products featuring mandelic acid were launched in the U.S. alone. Additionally, FDA-compliant mandelic acid facilities have doubled since 2020, boosting local supply.

Europe

Europe holds 24% of global demand, led by Germany, France, and the U.K. In 2023, over 40% of European skincare brands used AHAs, with mandelic acid featuring in 30% of those products. EU regulatory harmonization has also enabled smoother cross-border trade of cosmetic-grade mandelic acid.

Asia-Pacific

Asia-Pacific dominates with 38% of total production and 32% of global consumption. China leads manufacturing with 58% of output, while South Korea and Japan represent key demand centers due to their advanced beauty product sectors. South Korea saw a 44% rise in mandelic acid imports between 2022 and 2023.

Middle East & Africa

Middle East & Africa constitute 9% of the market. The UAE and South Africa lead regional demand, primarily in luxury skincare. However, penetration remains low due to limited local production. In 2023, only 12 local manufacturers in the region were certified for mandelic acid synthesis.

List of Top Mandelic Acid Companies

BASF
Jiangxi Keyuan Biopharm
RL Chemical
Shijiazhuang Hanhong Chemical
Evonik
Shandong Chengxu Chemical
Hanhong Scientific

BASF: BASF leads the global mandelic acid supply, accounting for an estimated 19% of total industrial volume in 2023. The company has expanded its cosmetic-grade AHA line and supplies over 75 countries.

Jiangxi Keyuan Biopharm: Jiangxi Keyuan holds 14% of global market share. Their proprietary fermentation technology delivers 22% higher purity at lower costs, and they expanded their annual capacity to 2,500 metric tons in 2023.

Investment Analysis and Opportunities

The mandelic acid market is witnessing increasing investor interest due to the compound’s versatility across pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and specialty chemicals. In 2023, over $65 million in private equity funding was allocated toward mandelic acid-focused R&D and manufacturing expansions across China, Germany, and the U.S. More than 12 new manufacturing units commenced operations in 2023 alone, each with annual production capacities exceeding 1,000 metric tons. One significant investment opportunity lies in sustainable production. Companies investing in green chemistry-based mandelic acid synthesis using enzymatic or microbial processes have reported 28% cost savings and 33% reduction in waste generation. BASF and Evonik have announced plans to shift over 50% of their mandelic acid production to bio-based methods by 2026. These developments indicate growing institutional support for sustainability-led investment strategies. Another major area for opportunity is in personalized skincare. The global personalized beauty market surpassed 65 million units sold in 2023, with mandelic acid featuring in 22% of all customized AHA formulas. Investors targeting startups offering personalized exfoliation serums using AI diagnostics stand to benefit from high-margin returns. In 2024, a Singapore-based startup received $5 million in Series A funding to integrate mandelic acid into its AI-based skin analysis kits. Geographically, Asia-Pacific presents the strongest ROI due to low production costs and high export potential. Chinese manufacturers reported a 35% rise in export volume in 2023 compared to 2021, driven by demand spikes in South Korea, India, and Australia. Meanwhile, countries like Vietnam and Indonesia are emerging as new hubs for cosmetic manufacturing, offering investment prospects in formulation units using mandelic acid.

New Product Development

Innovation in the mandelic acid market is accelerating across formulation types, product categories, and manufacturing technologies. In 2023, more than 65 new skincare products incorporating mandelic acid were introduced globally. Of these, 34% focused on combination actives, blending mandelic acid with niacinamide, salicylic acid, or hyaluronic acid for enhanced results. One of the most notable product introductions came from a South Korean cosmeceutical firm that launched a dual-phase exfoliant containing 10% mandelic acid and 1% salicylic acid, targeting acne-prone users. Clinical trials conducted on 1,200 participants showed a 52% reduction in acne lesions over 30 days without any reported irritation—a significant differentiator compared to glycolic acid-based formulations. In the pharmaceutical space, mandelic acid has seen innovation in extended-release oral formulations. A European pharmaceutical company began human trials on a delayed-release mandelic acid tablet in 2023, intended for treating recurring UTIs. The new formulation achieved a 19% longer bioavailability profile than standard doses, allowing for lower frequency dosing and improved patient compliance. New developments are also seen in production technology. Shijiazhuang Hanhong Chemical introduced a proprietary solvent-free synthesis technique for mandelic acid in 2023, resulting in a 22% increase in yield and 15% reduction in manufacturing time. The process aligns with global green chemistry guidelines and is expected to influence industry-wide synthesis norms in the coming years. In cosmetic applications, time-release encapsulated mandelic acid serums have gained traction. These allow active ingredient delivery over 6 to 8 hours, reducing chances of skin irritation. A major beauty brand in the U.S. reported that such a serum contributed to 18% of their facial care revenue in Q4 2023. The encapsulation technology, supported by nanocarrier systems, increased skin absorption efficiency by 29% compared to traditional formulations.

Five Recent Developments

BASF launched a new mandelic acid line for dermatological creams in February 2024 with 98.5% purity and shelf life exceeding 24 months.
Jiangxi Keyuan Biopharm expanded production by 800 metric tons/year in Q3 2023, making it one of the highest capacity facilities in Asia.
Evonik announced a $15 million investment into sustainable mandelic acid synthesis using biocatalysts in April 2024.
Shijiazhuang Hanhong Chemical filed a patent for solvent-free synthesis technology for mandelic acid in late 2023.
Hanhong Scientific began clinical trials for a new topical gel with 15% mandelic acid concentration aimed at treating hormonal acne, starting in January 2024.

Report Coverage of Mandelic Acid Market

This report offers comprehensive analysis of the mandelic acid market across types, applications, geographies, and strategic initiatives. It covers a detailed segmentation by DL-Type, L-Type, and D-Type mandelic acids with insights into individual demand volumes and production trends. The report examines the leading application areas—pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and other industrial uses—with quantifiable data on global consumption patterns and usage dynamics. The regional breakdown spans North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the Middle East & Africa, presenting a comparative analysis of manufacturing capacities, consumer demand, and regulatory landscapes. Key focus is placed on Asia-Pacific due to its dominant role in both production and export. The report includes verified data on regional trade volumes, production facility counts, and key import/export hubs relevant to mandelic acid. It identifies top-performing companies in the mandelic acid ecosystem, spotlighting industry leaders such as BASF and Jiangxi Keyuan Biopharm for their technological advancements and market share. The analysis provides competitive profiling, strategic initiatives, patent activity, and recent expansions that shape the global competitive landscape. The investment and opportunities section maps emerging business potential by tracking capital flows, innovation hotspots, and commercial applications in emerging markets. Detailed evaluation of R&D pipelines, especially in pharmaceutical and derma-cosmetic domains, reveals new market frontiers for stakeholders. The report further integrates data on innovations, including novel formulations, encapsulation technologies, and solvent-free manufacturing techniques. These developments, supported by clinical efficacy and safety metrics, highlight the value proposition of mandelic acid across dermatological and therapeutic spaces.