USD 28.91 billion
Hydrogel Market Size, Share, and Growth Analysis
Hydrogel Market By Raw Material Type (Natural, Synthetic), By Composition (Polyacrylate, Polyacrylamide), By Form (Amorphous, Crystalline), By Application (Wound Care, Contact Lens), By Region - Industry Forecast 2025-2032
Report ID:
SQMIG35A2990 |
Region:
Global |
Published Date: January, 2025
Pages:
181
|Tables:
139
|Figures:
70
Format -
Hydrogel Market Insights
Hydrogel Market size was valued at USD 28.91 billion in 2023 and is poised to grow from USD 30.93 billion in 2024 to USD 53.15 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 7.0% during the forecast period (2025-2032).
The healthcare sector is a major driver of hydrogel demand, with applications extending from wound care dressings to tissue engineering. There is an increasing trend towards customizing hydrogel products, particularly in personal care and medical applications. Hydrogels have become increasingly popular in personal care hygiene due to their unique properties of high-water content, softness and elasticity, which greatly mimic natural tissue while over half of the world’s population requires some form of vision correction. The use of hydrogels in personal care and hygiene products is the key driver for the hydrogel market growth. The use of hydrogel in contact lenses to enhance comfort revives market growth. Hydrogels are widely used for wound care, drug delivery, tissue engineering, and as materials for pharmaceuticals such as wound care lenses and implants. Emerging knowledge in polymer chemistry and biological processes is leading to the rising use of hydrogels.
Key players in the hydrogel market are readily gathering funds to scale up the product and enhance its development. In March 2023, SolasCure announced that it had completed a series B investment round which can aid Aurase Wound Gel. The development and potential commercialization of this product suggests innovation in the field of wound care, potentially offering improved outcomes for patients with wounds.
High development and manufacturing costs may restrain the hydrogel industry. The process of researching, manufacturing and developing medical hydrogel products can be expensive, especially when advanced formulations, materials, and processes are involved. The cost of conducting research studies, obtaining regulatory approvals, and manufacturing scale up for market players, especially smaller ones. In addition to special raw materials that can present challenges for manufacturers, equipment requirements also contribute significantly to the overall cost burden. This high cost may make hydrogel-based materials more accessible and cheaper.
Market snapshot - 2025-2032
Global Market Size
Largest Segment
Polyacrylate
Fastest Growth
Polyacrylamide
Growth Rate
7.0% CAGR
Global Hydrogel Market ($ Bn)
Country Share for Asia Pacific Region (%)
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Hydrogel Market Segments Analysis
Global Hydrogel Market is segmented by Raw Material Type, Composition, Form, Application and region. Based on Raw Material Type, the market is segmented into Natural, Synthetic and Hybrid. Based on Composition, the market is segmented into Polyacrylate, Polyacrylamide, Silicon and Others. Based on Form, the market is segmented into Amorphous, Crystalline and Semi-crystalline. Based on Application, the market is segmented into Wound Care, Contact Lens, Drug Delivery, Agriculture, Personal Care & Hygiene and Others. Based on region, the market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America and Middle East & Africa.
Analysis by Component
As per the hydrogel market analysis, polyacrylate is dominating due to their superabsorbent properties. Polyacrylate-based hydrogels provide notable advantages including a high water-absorbing capacity, and the ability to maintain their structural integrity in physiological conditions. Moreover, the rising applications of hydrogels in drug delivery, including transdermal drug delivery systems, oral drug delivery and ophthalmic drug delivery. Their ability to absorb and retain water or aqueous solutions far beyond their own mass makes them invaluable in applications requiring moisture control. Polyacrylate hydrogels can be easily modified to meet specific needs, including varying their swelling capacity, mechanical strength, and other properties. This makes them adaptable for diverse applications such as personal care, medical, and agricultural uses. The polyacrylamide is expected to be the fastest growing segment in the coming years. Polyacrylamide hydrogels play a vital role in the water treatment processes. This property is essential for both industrial wastewater treatment and municipal water purification systems, contributing to environmental protection and public health. They are used as flocculants in wastewater treatment to aggregate and settle suspended particles, making it easier to remove contaminants from water. Polyacrylamide-based hydrogels are extensively used in sectors such as agriculture, personal care, healthcare, and industrial applications due to their ability to retain water and provide a gel-like consistency under various conditions.
Analysis by End User
As per the global hydrogel market outlook, the agriculture segment has a large market share. Hydrogels can increase the water supply capacity of the soil, net vegetation, and reduce the effect of drought on vegetation and increase soil fertility. Besides, population growth, climate change acceleration and decline in arable land have increased the demand for, and hence demand for, sustainable and highly productive agricultural practices hydrogels. Compressed hydrogels can also be designed to absorb and release nutrients in a controlled manner that allows for more efficient use of the fertilizers, reduced runoff and environmental impact by destroying the environment. The pharmaceutical and healthcare segments are expected to witness strong growth in the hydrogel market during the forecast period, owing to the unique characteristics of hydrogels and their compatibility with various therapeutic applications. Therapeutics are retained and have a slow release, which can be modified by changing the structure of the hydrogel. Hydrogels in wound care have become indispensable due to their water retention properties, which provide moist wounds. This not only speeds up the healing process but also reduces patient pain and discomfort. Their capacity to encapsulate drugs and release them in a controlled and sustained manner enhances the therapeutic efficacy while minimizing side effects. Hydrogels are widely used for controlled drug delivery systems.
Global Hydrogel Market By Component (%)
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Hydrogel Market Regional Insights
The Asia Pacific region is dominating in the market due to the rising disposable income, increasing demand for hygiene and personal care products. The country has a large and diverse domestic drug industry, comprising around 5,000 manufacturers and many small or medium-sized companies. In the global pharmaceuticals sector, India is a prominent and expanding player. The healthcare sector in the Asia Pacific is expanding rapidly with a large and ageing population in countries like China and Japan. Digestive and metabolic drugs account for around 14% of the total market of the country. Furthermore, the presence of major hydrogel manufacturers and ongoing advancements in hydrogel technologies contribute to the region's leadership in the market. North America holds a significant share in the hydrogel market due to the increasing use of hydrogels in agriculture, biotechnology, and healthcare, among others. The region is witnessing significant growth in the hydrogel market due to the increasing demand for hydrogels in various applications such as wound care, drug delivery, and hygiene products, among others. Availability of well-established healthcare infrastructure, increasing investment in R&D and increasing aging population are some of the major factors driving the demand for hydrogel in North America. Moreover, the region has a strong focus on technological advancements and product innovation, which is expected to further drive the growth of the hydrogel market in the coming years.
Global Hydrogel Market By Geography
- Largest
- Fastest
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Hydrogel Market Dynamics
Hydrogel Market Drivers
Novel Technological Advancements
- The increasing technological innovations such as the introduction of hydrogel electrolytes for producing safe and flexible batteries, are fueling the market. For instance, In September 2023, researchers at the Qingdao Institute of Bioenergy and Bioprocess Technology (QIBEBT), a part of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), created the innovative hydrogel electrolyte with an unusually high salt concentration. This development effectively mitigates water-induced side reactions, paving the way for extended and practical cycling capabilities in aqueous sodium-ion batteries.
Growing Personal Hygiene Concerns
- The growing utilization of hydrogels in sanitary products to make thinner pads with higher absorbency and increased selling pressure and suction power is positively influencing the market. The launch of various awareness programs, such as the Reproductive and Child Health Program, Eco Femme, My Pad, etc., by regulatory bodies to spread awareness about menstrual hygiene is augmenting the use of sanitary napkins, which, in turn, is stimulating the market.
Hydrogel Market Restraints
High Production Costs
- The production of hydrogels, especially advanced ones such as stimuli, degradation, and high absorbency, has high costs associated with raw materials, manufacturing processes and specialized equipment. These materials for end-use products are expensive, limiting their affordability for general consumption, especially in cost -sensitive industries such as agriculture and capital expenditure will close the need for R&D.
Limited Mechanical Strength and Durability
- Hydrogels generally lack the mechanical strength and durability required for certain applications despite their versatility. Hydrogels can withstand physiological stresses and long-term damage in areas such as tissue engineering, orthopedic implants, and industrial applications. This limitation poses a challenge for developers aiming to expand hydrogel applications to complex industrial or medical applications.
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Hydrogel Market Competitive Landscape
The hydrogel market is characterized by a dynamic and competitive environment, with well-established global players and emerging local companies. Companies such as Johnson & Johnson, 3M, Cardinal Health and BASF SE dominate the hydrogel market, especially in healthcare and personal care. These players invest heavily in the R&D to develop advanced hydrogels, such as stimulants and biodegradable hydrogels, to meet the evolving needs of the consumer sector.
Top Players in Hydrogel Market
- 3M Company (United States)
- Johnson & Johnson (United States)
- Cardinal Health (United States)
- Smith & Nephew (United Kingdom)
- Coloplast (Denmark)
- B. Braun Melsungen (Germany)
- Royal DSM (Netherlands)
- Ashland Global Holdings Inc. (United States)
- Essity Aktiebolag AB (Sweden)
- PAUL HARTMANN AG (Germany)
- Medline Industries, Inc. (United States)
- The Cooper Companies, Inc. (United States)
- Procyon Corporation (United States)
- Derma Sciences (United States)
- Dow Corning Corporation (United States)
- Evonik Industries (Germany)
- Momentive Performance Materials Inc. (United States)
- NEXGEL (United States)
- Roquette Freres SA (France)
Recent Developments
- In April 2024: Researchers at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) designed a sustainable hydrogel to remove microplastics from water.
- In March 2022: Cooper Vision announced that the supply of plastic neutral silicone hydrogel 1-day contact lenses in the United States. It helped the company to expand its leadership in reducing environmental impact.
- In March 2021: Johnson & Johnson Vision received approval from Japan's Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare (MHLW) to manufacture ACUVUE. This approach helped the company expand and grow.
Hydrogel Key Market Trends
- Growing Demand from the Microwaves Industry: The demand for the hydrogels in these industries is primarily driven by factors such as increasing demand for wound care products, growing use of hydrogels in agriculture and rising adoption of hydrogels in drug delivery systems. Hydrogels are highly absorbent polymers that are used in a variety of end-use industries which includes healthcare, personal care, and agriculture. Hydrogels are used in wound dressings, drug delivery systems, and tissue engineering applications.
- Rising Medical Applications: The expanding pharmaceutical industry across various regions is one of the primary factors propelling the market. According to the Director General of the Pharmaceutical Export Promotion Council of India, the country exported approximately US$ 24.62 Billion worth of pharmaceutical products, including drug intermediates. Besides this, the growing number of clinical trials related to hydrogel-based drug delivery systems are encouraging pharma companies to invest in targeted therapies, which is elevating the hydrogel market revenue.
Hydrogel Market SkyQuest Analysis
SkyQuest's ABIRAW (Advanced Business Intelligence, Research & Analysis Wing) is our Business Information Services team that Collects, Collates, Correlates, and Analyses the Data collected by means of Primary Exploratory Research backed by robust Secondary Desk research.
According to SkyQuest analysis, the hydrogel market is experiencing significant growth, driven by various applications in industries such as healthcare, agriculture, personal care, and industrial manufacturing. Hydrogels are highly absorbent, 3D polymer networks that can hold water more while maintaining their structure. These unique properties, along with their biocompatibility and flexibility, add up to make them important in a variety of industries. The ability to provide a humid environment, absorb secretions, and effectively deliver active drugs makes them desirable for biomedical applications. Hydrogels are widely used in healthcare for wound care products, drug delivery systems and contact lenses. Overall, the hydrogel market is poised for robust growth, with continuous innovations and expanding applications across various industries, ensuring its pivotal role in addressing global challenges.
| Report Metric | Details |
|---|---|
| Market size value in 2023 | USD 28.91 billion |
| Market size value in 2032 | USD 53.15 billion |
| Growth Rate | 7.0% |
| Base year | 2024 |
| Forecast period | 2025-2032 |
| Forecast Unit (Value) | USD Billion |
| Segments covered |
|
| Regions covered | North America (US, Canada), Europe (Germany, France, United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, Rest of Europe), Asia Pacific (China, India, Japan, Rest of Asia-Pacific), Latin America (Brazil, Rest of Latin America), Middle East & Africa (South Africa, GCC Countries, Rest of MEA) |
| Companies covered |
|
| Customization scope | Free report customization with purchase. Customization includes:-
|
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Table Of Content
Executive Summary
Market overview
- Exhibit: Executive Summary – Chart on Market Overview
- Exhibit: Executive Summary – Data Table on Market Overview
- Exhibit: Executive Summary – Chart on Hydrogel Market Characteristics
- Exhibit: Executive Summary – Chart on Market by Geography
- Exhibit: Executive Summary – Chart on Market Segmentation
- Exhibit: Executive Summary – Chart on Incremental Growth
- Exhibit: Executive Summary – Data Table on Incremental Growth
- Exhibit: Executive Summary – Chart on Vendor Market Positioning
Parent Market Analysis
Market overview
Market size
- Market Dynamics
- Exhibit: Impact analysis of DROC, 2021
- Drivers
- Opportunities
- Restraints
- Challenges
- Exhibit: Impact analysis of DROC, 2021
- SWOT Analysis
KEY MARKET INSIGHTS
- Technology Analysis
- (Exhibit: Data Table: Name of technology and details)
- Pricing Analysis
- (Exhibit: Data Table: Name of technology and pricing details)
- Supply Chain Analysis
- (Exhibit: Detailed Supply Chain Presentation)
- Value Chain Analysis
- (Exhibit: Detailed Value Chain Presentation)
- Ecosystem Of the Market
- Exhibit: Parent Market Ecosystem Market Analysis
- Exhibit: Market Characteristics of Parent Market
- IP Analysis
- (Exhibit: Data Table: Name of product/technology, patents filed, inventor/company name, acquiring firm)
- Trade Analysis
- (Exhibit: Data Table: Import and Export data details)
- Startup Analysis
- (Exhibit: Data Table: Emerging startups details)
- Raw Material Analysis
- (Exhibit: Data Table: Mapping of key raw materials)
- Innovation Matrix
- (Exhibit: Positioning Matrix: Mapping of new and existing technologies)
- Pipeline product Analysis
- (Exhibit: Data Table: Name of companies and pipeline products, regional mapping)
- Macroeconomic Indicators
COVID IMPACT
- Introduction
- Impact On Economy—scenario Assessment
- Exhibit: Data on GDP - Year-over-year growth 2016-2022 (%)
- Revised Market Size
- Exhibit: Data Table on Hydrogel Market size and forecast 2021-2027 ($ million)
- Impact Of COVID On Key Segments
- Exhibit: Data Table on Segment Market size and forecast 2021-2027 ($ million)
- COVID Strategies By Company
- Exhibit: Analysis on key strategies adopted by companies
MARKET DYNAMICS & OUTLOOK
- Market Dynamics
- Exhibit: Impact analysis of DROC, 2021
- Drivers
- Opportunities
- Restraints
- Challenges
- Exhibit: Impact analysis of DROC, 2021
- Regulatory Landscape
- Exhibit: Data Table on regulation from different region
- SWOT Analysis
- Porters Analysis
- Competitive rivalry
- Exhibit: Competitive rivalry Impact of key factors, 2021
- Threat of substitute products
- Exhibit: Threat of Substitute Products Impact of key factors, 2021
- Bargaining power of buyers
- Exhibit: buyers bargaining power Impact of key factors, 2021
- Threat of new entrants
- Exhibit: Threat of new entrants Impact of key factors, 2021
- Bargaining power of suppliers
- Exhibit: Threat of suppliers bargaining power Impact of key factors, 2021
- Competitive rivalry
- Skyquest special insights on future disruptions
- Political Impact
- Economic impact
- Social Impact
- Technical Impact
- Environmental Impact
- Legal Impact
Market Size by Region
- Chart on Market share by geography 2021-2027 (%)
- Data Table on Market share by geography 2021-2027(%)
- North America
- Chart on Market share by country 2021-2027 (%)
- Data Table on Market share by country 2021-2027(%)
- USA
- Exhibit: Chart on Market share 2021-2027 (%)
- Exhibit: Market size and forecast 2021-2027 ($ million)
- Canada
- Exhibit: Chart on Market share 2021-2027 (%)
- Exhibit: Market size and forecast 2021-2027 ($ million)
- Europe
- Chart on Market share by country 2021-2027 (%)
- Data Table on Market share by country 2021-2027(%)
- Germany
- Exhibit: Chart on Market share 2021-2027 (%)
- Exhibit: Market size and forecast 2021-2027 ($ million)
- Spain
- Exhibit: Chart on Market share 2021-2027 (%)
- Exhibit: Market size and forecast 2021-2027 ($ million)
- France
- Exhibit: Chart on Market share 2021-2027 (%)
- Exhibit: Market size and forecast 2021-2027 ($ million)
- UK
- Exhibit: Chart on Market share 2021-2027 (%)
- Exhibit: Market size and forecast 2021-2027 ($ million)
- Rest of Europe
- Exhibit: Chart on Market share 2021-2027 (%)
- Exhibit: Market size and forecast 2021-2027 ($ million)
- Asia Pacific
- Chart on Market share by country 2021-2027 (%)
- Data Table on Market share by country 2021-2027(%)
- China
- Exhibit: Chart on Market share 2021-2027 (%)
- Exhibit: Market size and forecast 2021-2027 ($ million)
- India
- Exhibit: Chart on Market share 2021-2027 (%)
- Exhibit: Market size and forecast 2021-2027 ($ million)
- Japan
- Exhibit: Chart on Market share 2021-2027 (%)
- Exhibit: Market size and forecast 2021-2027 ($ million)
- South Korea
- Exhibit: Chart on Market share 2021-2027 (%)
- Exhibit: Market size and forecast 2021-2027 ($ million)
- Rest of Asia Pacific
- Exhibit: Chart on Market share 2021-2027 (%)
- Exhibit: Market size and forecast 2021-2027 ($ million)
- Latin America
- Chart on Market share by country 2021-2027 (%)
- Data Table on Market share by country 2021-2027(%)
- Brazil
- Exhibit: Chart on Market share 2021-2027 (%)
- Exhibit: Market size and forecast 2021-2027 ($ million)
- Rest of South America
- Exhibit: Chart on Market share 2021-2027 (%)
- Exhibit: Market size and forecast 2021-2027 ($ million)
- Middle East & Africa (MEA)
- Chart on Market share by country 2021-2027 (%)
- Data Table on Market share by country 2021-2027(%)
- GCC Countries
- Exhibit: Chart on Market share 2021-2027 (%)
- Exhibit: Market size and forecast 2021-2027 ($ million)
- South Africa
- Exhibit: Chart on Market share 2021-2027 (%)
- Exhibit: Market size and forecast 2021-2027 ($ million)
- Rest of MEA
- Exhibit: Chart on Market share 2021-2027 (%)
- Exhibit: Market size and forecast 2021-2027 ($ million)
KEY COMPANY PROFILES
- Competitive Landscape
- Total number of companies covered
- Exhibit: companies covered in the report, 2021
- Top companies market positioning
- Exhibit: company positioning matrix, 2021
- Top companies market Share
- Exhibit: Pie chart analysis on company market share, 2021(%)
- Total number of companies covered
Methodology
For the Hydrogel Market, our research methodology involved a mixture of primary and secondary data sources. Key steps involved in the research process are listed below:
1. Information Procurement: This stage involved the procurement of Market data or related information via primary and secondary sources. The various secondary sources used included various company websites, annual reports, trade databases, and paid databases such as Hoover's, Bloomberg Business, Factiva, and Avention. Our team did 45 primary interactions Globally which included several stakeholders such as manufacturers, customers, key opinion leaders, etc. Overall, information procurement was one of the most extensive stages in our research process.
2. Information Analysis: This step involved triangulation of data through bottom-up and top-down approaches to estimate and validate the total size and future estimate of the Hydrogel Market.
3. Report Formulation: The final step entailed the placement of data points in appropriate Market spaces in an attempt to deduce viable conclusions.
4. Validation & Publishing: Validation is the most important step in the process. Validation & re-validation via an intricately designed process helped us finalize data points to be used for final calculations. The final Market estimates and forecasts were then aligned and sent to our panel of industry experts for validation of data. Once the validation was done the report was sent to our Quality Assurance team to ensure adherence to style guides, consistency & design.
Analyst Support
Customization Options
With the given market data, our dedicated team of analysts can offer you the following customization options are available for the Hydrogel Market:
Product Analysis: Product matrix, which offers a detailed comparison of the product portfolio of companies.
Regional Analysis: Further analysis of the Hydrogel Market for additional countries.
Competitive Analysis: Detailed analysis and profiling of additional Market players & comparative analysis of competitive products.
Go to Market Strategy: Find the high-growth channels to invest your marketing efforts and increase your customer base.
Innovation Mapping: Identify racial solutions and innovation, connected to deep ecosystems of innovators, start-ups, academics, and strategic partners.
Category Intelligence: Customized intelligence that is relevant to their supply Markets will enable them to make smarter sourcing decisions and improve their category management.
Public Company Transcript Analysis: To improve the investment performance by generating new alpha and making better-informed decisions.
Social Media Listening: To analyze the conversations and trends happening not just around your brand, but around your industry as a whole, and use those insights to make better Marketing decisions.
Hydrogel Market Report Snapshots
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