Global Lactic Acid Market Size By Raw Material (Sugarcane, Corn, Yeast Extract), By Form (Dry, Liquid), By Application (Polylactic Acid, Food & Beverages, Pharmaceutical, Cosmetics & Personal Care), By Geographic Scope And Forecast

Lactic Acid Market Size and Forecast

Lactic Acid Market size was valued at USD 4.78 Billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 12 Billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 12.2% from 2026 to 2032.

Lactic acid is a chemical compound that belongs to the carboxylic acid family. It is naturally created in muscles during anaerobic respiration when oxygen levels are low, especially during strenuous activity.

Lactic acid is also produced during the fermentation of carbohydrates by certain bacteria, such as Lactobacillus, which is widely employed in food manufacturing. This chemical is noted for its sour flavor and is found in a variety of dairy products such as yogurt and kefir, as well as pickled dishes.

Furthermore, lactic acid has a wide range of industrial applications. In the food industry, it acts as a preservative and flavoring ingredient, improving the taste of fermented foods. In cosmetics, it functions as both a moisturizer and an exfoliator, boosting skin health.

Global Lactic Acid Market Dynamics

The key market dynamics that are shaping the lactic acid market include:

Key Market Drivers

Growing Demand for Natural and Biodegradable Plastics: The growing awareness of environmental issues, as well as the transition to sustainable materials, are driving demand for biodegradable polymers, especially those derived from lactic acid. According to a European Bioplastics report, worldwide bioplastics production capacity is expected to rise from around 2.11 million tons in 2020 to around 2.87 million tons by 2025. Polylactic acid (PLA), generated from lactic acid, is likely to be a major driver of this expansion, with production capacity expected to rise by 60% by 2025.

Expanding Applications in the Food and Beverage Industry: Lactic acid's broad use as a food preservative and flavoring additive is driving market expansion. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the worldwide processed food market is predicted to reach USD 7.3 Trillion by 2025, with a CAGR of 4.5% between 2020 and 2025. This expansion is increasing the demand for food additives such as lactic acid.

Rising Adoption in Personal Care and Cosmetics Products: The rising use of lactic acid in personal care and cosmetics products, particularly anti-aging and skin-lightening formulations, is driving market expansion. According to Euromonitor International, the worldwide beauty and personal care industry is estimated to reach $784.6 billion by 2025, rising at a 3.7% CAGR between 2020 and 2025.

Key Challenges:

High Production Costs: Smaller and medium-sized businesses struggle to compete due to the significant upfront investment necessary for innovative technology and infrastructure. These high prices discourage new competitors from entering the market and limit current companies' capacity to expand operations or invest in novel manufacturing methods, stifling overall market growth.

Quality and Technology Concerns: Concerns about quality and technology are also important barriers to growth in the lactic acid market. In emerging economies, there is a shortage of process-specific technology for effectively using lactic acid, resulting in inconsistent product quality. Furthermore, regulatory inspection of the quality of lactic acid used in food and beverage applications raises barriers for manufacturers, complicates market dynamics, and limits growth potential.

Key Trends:

Increasing Demand for Biodegradable Polymers: The increased emphasis on sustainability and environmental preservation has resulted in a surge in demand for biodegradable polymers such as polylactic acid (PLA), which is predominantly made from lactic acid. PLA is utilized in a variety of applications, including food packaging, textiles, and automobile parts. As customers become more environmentally sensitive, the market for lactic acid-based bioplastics is likely to expand significantly in the coming years.

Rising Popularity of Lactic Acid in Personal Care Products: Lactic acid is used in the personal care business because it can heal dry skin, minimize acne, and improve skin texture. It is frequently used in skincare products such as face cleansers, moisturizers, and serums. The growing desire for natural and effective skincare treatments is propelling the use of lactic acid in the personal care industry.

Advancements in Lactic Acid Production Technology: Technological advancements in lactic acid production techniques have resulted in enhanced efficiency, reduced prices, and higher product quality. Companies are investing in R&D to create new technologies for producing lactic acid from a broader range of feedstocks, including agricultural waste and byproducts. These advances are projected to accelerate the expansion of the lactic acid market in the coming years.

Global Lactic Acid Market Regional Analysis

Here is a more detailed regional analysis of the lactic acid market:

North America:

According to Verified Market Research, North America is estimated to dominate in lactic acid market over the forecast period. Consumers in North America are increasingly demanding natural and clean-label food goods, which has led to the usage of lactic acid as a natural preservative. According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), 55% of U.S. consumers are more likely to purchase a product classified as "natural." According to the Clean Label Alliance, 75% of US customers check ingredient labels before purchasing food goods. This tendency is driving up demand for lactic acid in the food business, as it is seen as a natural alternative to synthetic preservatives.

Furthermore, the North American bioplastics industry is rapidly expanding, increasing demand for lactic acid as a critical raw material. According to the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), the biobased goods business contributed USD 470 Billion to the US economy in 2020. According to the analysis, the usage of biobased goods saves around 300 million gallons of petroleum per year in the United States, which is equivalent to taking 200,000 cars off the road. According to Verified Market Research, the manufacturing of polylactic acid (PLA), a biodegradable plastic derived from lactic acid, is predicted to increase at a 15% CAGR in North America between 2021 and 2028.

Asia Pacific:

The Asia Pacific region is estimated to exhibit the highest growth within the market during the forecast period. The Asia Pacific region's food and beverage industry is rapidly expanding, increasing demand for lactic acid as a preservative and flavoring agent. According to a Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) report, the Asia Pacific food and beverage market is expected to reach USD 3.23 Trillion by 2025, rising at a 7.2% CAGR from 2020-2025. According to the China Food Industry Association, the country's food additive market, which includes lactic acid, would grow by 22.7% in 2020 to 160 billion yuan (about USD 24.8 Billion USD).

Furthermore, the growing personal care and cosmetics sector in the Asia Pacific is driving up demand for lactic acid in skincare products. According to the Asia Cosmetic Market Guide 2021, the Asia Pacific beauty and personal care market is expected to develop at a 6.3% CAGR between 2020 and 2025, reaching USD 242 Billion by 2025. According to the report, the skincare category, which heavily relies on lactic acid, accounts for 46% of the region's entire beauty market. Despite the pandemic, Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry reports that cosmetics shipment value exceeded 1.52 trillion yen (about USD 13.9 Billion USD) in 2020.

Global Lactic Acid Market: Segmentation Analysis

The Lactic Acid Market is segmented based on Raw Material, Form, Application, and Geography.

Lactic Acid Market, By Raw Material

• Sugarcane
• Corn
• Yeast Extract
• Others

Based on Raw Material, the market is segmented into Sugarcane, Corn, Yeast Extract, and Others. The sugarcane segment is estimated to dominate the lactic acid market during the forecast period. Sugarcane is readily available and commonly employed in the manufacturing of lactic acid due to its low cost and large-scale availability. The corn segment is also predicted to expand significantly in the coming years as a more sustainable and cost-effective alternative to sugarcane. However, yeast extract, while a feasible alternative, is slightly more expensive than sugarcane and maize.

Lactic Acid Market, By Form

• Liquid
• Dry

Based on Form, the market is segmented into Liquid and Dry. The liquid segment is estimated to dominate the lactic acid market due to its broad use in a variety of applications, particularly in food and drinks. Liquid lactic acid is popular for its ease of inclusion into formulations, making it an ideal choice for food acidulants and preserves. Furthermore, the liquid form is required for the creation of biodegradable polymers, which contributes to its market domination. As industries seek more sustainable solutions, the need for liquid lactic acid is likely to increase.

Lactic Acid Market, By Application

• Polylactic Acid
• Food & Beverages
• Pharmaceutical
• Cosmetics & Personal Care
• Others

Based on Application, the market is divided into Polylactic Acid, Food & Beverages, Pharmaceuticals, Cosmetics & Personal Care, and Others. The polylactic acid segment is estimated to dominate the market over the forecast period, driven by rising demand for sustainable and biodegradable materials. As companies explore environmentally acceptable alternatives to standard plastics, polylactic acid, generated from lactic acid, has emerged as a top choice for packaging, textiles, and medical equipment. This trend is fueled by rising consumer awareness and regulatory support for ecologically friendly products, establishing polylactic acid as a key market driver.

Lactic Acid Market, By Geography

• North America
• Europe
• Asia Pacific
• Rest of the World

Based on Geography, the Lactic Acid Market is classified into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and the Rest of the World. North America is estimated to dominate the lactic acid market owing to its huge consumer base in a variety of industries, including food and drinks, personal care, and pharmaceuticals. The region's well-established infrastructure, as well as the presence of key firms such as Cargill and DuPont, all contribute to its dominant position. Furthermore, the growing demand for biodegradable plastics and sustainable products strengthens North America's position, ensuring continuous growth and market leadership during the forecast period.

Key Players

• The "Lactic Acid Market" study report will provide valuable insight emphasizing the global market. The major players in the market are BASF SE, Galactic, Musashino Chemical Co. Ltd., Futerro, Corbion, Dow, TEIJIN LIMITED, NatureWorks LLC, and Henan Jindan Lactic Acid Technology Co. Ltd.

Our market analysis also entails a section solely dedicated to such major players wherein our analysts provide an insight into the financial statements of all the major players, along with product benchmarking and SWOT analysis. The competitive landscape section also includes key development strategies, market share, and market ranking analysis of the above-mentioned players globally.

• Lactic Acid Market Recent Developments
• In August 2022, LG Chem and ADM formed a partnership to expand the production of lactic acid products in South Korea. The companies plan to annually produce about 150,000 tons of high-purity, corn-based lactic acid and 75,000 tons of polylactic acid, which are ideal for use in plant-based solutions.
• In June 2021, International Flavors and Fragrances (IFF) launched YO-MIX ViV, a lactic acid bacteria culture targeting the Asia-Pacific market, with a focus on China.
• In April 2021, Total Corbion PLA began the front-end engineering design stage for its new 100,000-ton-per-year polylactic acid (PLA) factory in Grandpuits, France. The facility will be the first of its kind in Europe and is set to open in 2024, positioning Total Corbion PLA as the global market leader in PLA to meet the increasing demand for Luminy PLA resins.