Thioglycolic Acid Market Size & Share, by Type (PPO Resin, Modified Polyphenylene Oxide (MPPO)); Application - Global Supply & Demand Analysis, Growth Forecasts, Statistics Report 2025-2037

Growth Drivers

• Increased applications in various industries: In dermatology, thioglycolic acid is used for chemical peeling procedures. It functions as a keratolytic agent, encouraging cell turnover and exfoliating the skin's outermost layer. Thioglycolic acid-containing chemical peels treat skin issues like fine wrinkles, acne, and hyperpigmentation. Also, metals are extracted using thioglycolic acid, especially in the mining sector. It helps separate and recover different metals from ores by forming compounds with them.
  
  Copper, cobalt, and nickel are among the metals that can be extracted with thioglycolic acid. According to the U.S. Geological Survey in 2020, the world's copper reserves reached 870 million tons, while the annual demand for copper is 28 million tons. Moreover, thioglycolic acid is used as a starting point for the synthesis of different substances. Esters, thioglycolate salts, and various derivatives are made with it. These compounds are used as metal complexing agents, textile colors, and medicines.
• Growing use in targeted drug delivery systems and treatment of hormonal imbalance conditions: HIV and vaginal infections are two serious gynecological conditions that are becoming more common globally. In 2023, there were 39.9 million HIV-positive individuals worldwide. Of these, 1.4 million were children under the age of 15, and 38.6 million were adults over the age of 15. Moreover, women and girls made up 53%. Recent research focused on improving vaginal drug delivery systems through thiolation, specifically using thioglycolic acid (TGA) on starch-graft-poly (acrylic acid) (WS-g-PAA) to enhance mucoadhesion by forming disulfide bonds with mucus glycoproteins. The study showed that thiolated WS-g-PAA exhibited significantly greater mucoadhesion, potentially increasing the efficacy of vaginal drug delivery.
  
  Additionally, a 2021 NIH study explored a mucoadhesive gel made from TGA-immobilized chitosan and di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) as a hormone therapy for menopausal syndrome. This gel demonstrated non-cytotoxicity in vitro and superior mucoadhesive properties, and in vivo studies on ovariectomized rats indicated that its intravaginal administration improved menopausal symptoms. The study concluded that the combination of sustained-release DEHP and mucoadhesive TGA-immobilized chitosan gel can relieve menopausal syndrome symptoms at DEHP concentrations within the safety levels of tolerable intake.

Challenges

• Severe side effects and health hazards: When thioglycolic acid comes into contact with the skin, eyes, digestive system, or respiratory system, it can result in serious burns and chemical harm. It can cause systemic toxicity and is caustic. Thioglycolic acid can cause irritation or damage to the skin, mucous membranes, and eyes. It is known to harm the eyes and inflict serious burns on the skin. Therefore, the thioglycolic acid market expansion is anticipated to be constrained by the numerous adverse effects and health risks linked to the use of thioglycolic acid.
• Stringent regulations and laws: As a chemical substance, thioglycolate is regulated and has safety concerns. Manufacturers face challenges in adhering to strict regulations controlling the use of particular chemicals in cosmetic formulations. To meet safety requirements, compliance with these rules usually calls for constant monitoring and formulation of changes. Due to growing skin sensitivity, Health Canada added thioglycolic acid esters to the list of substances that are restricted in Canada in July 2023. Thioglycolic acid esters are governed by Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009, which is found in Annex III (prohibited compounds), entry 2b. Furthermore, thioglycolic acid (TGA) is prohibited in many nations, including China.