젖산 시장 : 규모, 점유율, 성장, 업계 분석, 유형별, 용도별, 지역별 인사이트, 예측(2026-2034년)

Growth Factors of lactic acid Market

The global lactic acid market was valued at USD 9.82 billion in 2025 and is projected to grow to USD 11.61 billion in 2026, ultimately reaching USD 44.13 billion by 2034, reflecting a robust CAGR of 18.0% during the forecast period (2026-2034). North America dominated the market in 2025 with a 40.30% share, driven by strong demand from pharmaceutical, cosmetics, and food & beverage industries. The U.S. market is projected to reach USD 6.67 billion by 2032, propelled by growth in Polylactic acid (PLA) applications and pharmaceutical production.

Lactic acid, also known as 2-Hydroxypropanoic acid, is a naturally occurring organic acid produced from renewable resources using sugar fermentation. It finds extensive application in chemicals, food, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and medical sectors. PLA, a biodegradable and compostable thermoplastic polymer derived from lactic acid, is gaining prominence in packaging, 3D printing, and consumer goods. Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are also widely used in probiotics, enhancing digestive health and nutritional value. While the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted supply chains, affecting adoption in cosmetics and food sectors, the market has since rebounded with increasing industrial demand.

Market Trends

A key trend driving market growth is the environmental sustainability of PLA, which significantly reduces the carbon footprint. For example, Corbion's Luminy PLA reduces carbon emissions by up to 75% compared to conventional fossil-based plastics. PLA is produced from renewable crops like sugarcane, sugar beet, corn, and cassava, which are GMO-free and biodegradable. Recent innovations, such as heat-resistant PLA solutions by Total Corbion PLA, further expand its applications in packaging, consumer goods, and durable products, boosting market adoption.

Market Growth Factors

1. Cosmetics & Personal Care Industry: Lactic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) widely used in skincare and hair care for pH adjustment, exfoliation, and conditioning. Rising consumer awareness, increasing disposable incomes, and the influence of social media and e-commerce platforms like Amazon and Alibaba are driving growth. Brands such as L'Oreal reported a 47.2% increase in e-commerce sales in Q1 FY2021, reflecting growing product adoption.

2. Food & Beverage Industry: Lactic acid acts as a preservative, flavoring agent, and pH regulator in fermented foods like yogurt, pickles, cheese, meat products, and beverages. Its ability to enhance shelf life, prevent discoloration, and serve as a gelling agent contributes to high adoption in the global food sector.

Restraining Factors

Market growth is constrained by fluctuating raw material prices. Lactic acid production relies on sugar from sugarcane, sugar beet, or dextrose from corn and cassava. Variability in climate, soil conditions, and feedstock availability leads to price fluctuations, affecting production costs and demand.

Market Segmentation

By Raw Material: The market is segmented into sugarcane, corn, yeast extract, and others. Sugarcane leads with a 35.92% share in 2026, due to abundant biomass availability and adoption in bioplastics. Yeast extract is growing rapidly for industrial applications, supporting efficient lactic acid production.

By Form: The market is classified into liquid and dry forms. Liquid lactic acid held 71.92% market share in 2026, primarily driven by the food and pharmaceutical industries, while dry forms are used in baking powders, beverage powders, and textile applications.

By Application: Polylactic acid (PLA) is the largest application segment, accounting for 31.87% share in 2026, used in biodegradable packaging, automotive parts, textiles, and consumer goods. Food & beverages constitute the second-largest segment, leveraging lactic acid for natural fermentation, preservation, and flavor enhancement. Pharmaceuticals and personal care products also contribute significantly to market adoption.

Regional Insights

• North America: Market size was USD 3.95 billion in 2025, projected to reach USD 4.69 billion in 2026, with the U.S. at USD 2.34 billion by 2026. Growth is driven by pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and PLA adoption.
• Europe: Valued at USD 2.55 billion in 2025, expected to reach USD 3.02 billion in 2026, supported by bioplastics adoption and eco-friendly packaging initiatives. The UK and Germany markets are projected at USD 0.64 billion and USD 0.82 billion by 2026, respectively.
• Asia Pacific: Market size was USD 1.89 billion in 2025, expected to grow to USD 2.23 billion in 2026, fueled by food processing, disposable income growth, and rising PLA applications. China, India, and Japan are projected at USD 0.89 billion, USD 0.44 billion, and USD 0.29 billion, respectively, by 2026.
• Latin America & Middle East & Africa: Latin America contributed USD 0.79 billion in 2025, reaching USD 0.92 billion in 2026, while Middle East & Africa rose from USD 0.64 billion to USD 0.75 billion, supported by personal care and ready-to-eat food industries.

Key Companies

Major players focus on R&D, sustainable production, capacity expansion, and new product launches. Key companies include:

• BASF SE (Germany)
• Corbion (Netherlands)
• NatureWorks LLC (U.S.)
• CELLULAC (U.K.)
• Galactic (Belgium)
• Sulzer Ltd (Switzerland)
• GODAVARI BIOREFINERIES LTD. (India)
• Cargill, Incorporated (U.S.)

Industry Developments:

• June 2021: IFF launched YO-MIX ViV LAB culture in China.
• March 2021: Sandoz introduced AmLactin cream with 15% lactic acid.
• January 2021: Corbion expanded lactic acid capacity in North America by 40%.
• September 2020: NatureWorks LLC increased PLA biopolymer capacity in Nebraska.

Conclusion

The global lactic acid market is set for exponential growth, from USD 9.82 billion in 2025 to USD 44.13 billion by 2034, driven by PLA applications, rising demand in food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals, and a global shift toward biodegradable and sustainable solutions. North America and Asia Pacific are key growth regions, supported by industrial expansion, environmental sustainability initiatives, and technological innovations in lactic acid production.

CAGR (2024-2032) CAGR of 18.0% from 2026-2034

Segmentation By Raw Material

• Sugarcane
• Corn
• Yeast Extract
• Others

By Form

• Liquid
• Dry

By Application

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

By Region

• North America (By Raw Material, Form, Application, and Country)
  • U.S. (By Application)
  • Canada (By Application)
  • Mexico (By Application)
• Europe (By Raw Material, Form, Application, and Country)
  • Germany (By Application)
  • U.K. (By Application)
  • France (By Application)
  • Italy (By Application)
  • Spain (By Application)
  • Rest of Europe (By Application)
• Asia Pacific (By Raw Material, Form, Application, and Country)
  • China (By Application)
  • India (By Application)
  • Japan (By Application)
  • South Korea (By Application)
  • Rest of Asia Pacific (By Application)
• South America (By Raw Material, Form, Application, and Country)
  • Brazil (By Application)
  • Rest of Latin America (By Application)
• Middle East & Africa (By Raw Material, Form, Application, and Country)
  • South Africa (By Application)
  • Saudi Arabia (By Application)
  • Rest of Middle East & Africa (By Application)

Table of Content

1. Introduction

• 1.1. Research Scope
• 1.2. Market Segmentation
• 1.3. Research Methodology
• 1.4. Definitions and Assumptions

2. Executive Summary

3. Market Dynamics

• 3.1. Market Drivers
• 3.2. Market Restraints
• 3.3. Market Opportunities

4. Key Insights

• 4.1. Key Emerging Trends - For Major Regions
• 4.2. Key Developments: Capacity Expansions, Acquisitions, Partnerships, etc.
• 4.3. Latest Technological Advancement
• 4.4. Insights on Sustainability
• 4.5. Porters Five Forces Analysis
• 4.6. Impact of Covid-19

5. Global Lactic Acid Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2021-2034

• 5.1. Key Findings / Summary
• 5.2. By Raw Material (Value and Volume)
  • 5.2.1. Sugarcane
  • 5.2.2. Corn
  • 5.2.3. Yeast Extract
  • 5.2.4. Others
• 5.3. By Form (Value and Volume)
  • 5.3.1. Liquid
  • 5.3.2. Dry
• 5.4. By Application (Value and Volume)
  • 5.4.1. Polylactic Acid
  • 5.4.2. Food & Beverages
  • 5.4.3. Pharmaceutical
  • 5.4.4. Cosmetics & Personal Care
  • 5.4.5. Others
• 5.5. By Region (Value and Volume)
  • 5.5.1. North America
  • 5.5.2. Europe
  • 5.5.3. Asia Pacific
  • 5.5.4. South America
  • 5.5.5. Middle East & Africa

6. North America Lactic Acid Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2021-2034

• 6.1. Key Findings / Summary
• 6.2. By Raw Material (Value and Volume)
  • 6.2.1. Sugarcane
  • 6.2.2. Corn
  • 6.2.3. Yeast Extract
  • 6.2.4. Others
• 6.3. By Form (Value and Volume)
  • 6.3.1. Liquid
  • 6.3.2. Dry
• 6.4. By Application (Value and Volume)
  • 6.4.1. Polylactic Acid
  • 6.4.2. Food & Beverages
  • 6.4.3. Pharmaceutical
  • 6.4.4. Cosmetics & Personal Care
  • 6.4.5. Others
• 6.5. By Country (Value and Volume)
  • 6.5.1. U.S
    • 6.5.1.1. By Application (Value and Volume)
      • 6.5.1.1.1. Polylactic Acid
      • 6.5.1.1.2. Food & Beverages
      • 6.5.1.1.3. Pharmaceutical
      • 6.5.1.1.4. Cosmetics & Personal Care
      • 6.5.1.1.5. Others
  • 6.5.2. Canada
    • 6.5.2.1. By Application (Value and Volume)
      • 6.5.2.1.1. Polylactic Acid
      • 6.5.2.1.2. Food & Beverages
      • 6.5.2.1.3. Pharmaceutical
      • 6.5.2.1.4. Cosmetics & Personal Care
      • 6.5.2.1.5. Others
  • 6.5.3. Mexico
    • 6.5.3.1. By Application (Value and Volume)
      • 6.5.3.1.1. Polylactic Acid
      • 6.5.3.1.2. Food & Beverages
      • 6.5.3.1.3. Pharmaceutical
      • 6.5.3.1.4. Cosmetics & Personal Care
      • 6.5.3.1.5. Others

7. Europe Lactic Acid Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2021-2034

• 7.1. Key Findings / Summary
• 7.2. By Raw Material (Value and Volume)
  • 7.2.1. Sugarcane
  • 7.2.2. Corn
  • 7.2.3. Yeast Extract
  • 7.2.4. Others
• 7.3. By Form (Value and Volume)
  • 7.3.1. Liquid
  • 7.3.2. Dry
• 7.4. By Application (Value and Volume)
  • 7.4.1. Polylactic Acid
  • 7.4.2. Food & Beverages
  • 7.4.3. Pharmaceutical
  • 7.4.4. Cosmetics & Personal Care
  • 7.4.5. Others
• 7.5. By Country (Value and Volume)
  • 7.5.1. Germany
    • 7.5.1.1. By Application (Value and Volume)
      • 7.5.1.1.1. Polylactic Acid
      • 7.5.1.1.2. Food & Beverages
      • 7.5.1.1.3. Pharmaceutical
      • 7.5.1.1.4. Cosmetics & Personal Care
      • 7.5.1.1.5. Others
  • 7.5.2. U.K.
    • 7.5.2.1. By Application (Value and Volume)
      • 7.5.2.1.1. Polylactic Acid
      • 7.5.2.1.2. Food & Beverages
      • 7.5.2.1.3. Pharmaceutical
      • 7.5.2.1.4. Cosmetics & Personal Care
      • 7.5.2.1.5. Others
  • 7.5.3. France
    • 7.5.3.1. By Application (Value and Volume)
      • 7.5.3.1.1. Polylactic Acid
      • 7.5.3.1.2. Food & Beverages
      • 7.5.3.1.3. Pharmaceutical
      • 7.5.3.1.4. Cosmetics & Personal Care
      • 7.5.3.1.5. Others
  • 7.5.4. Italy
    • 7.5.4.1. By Application (Value and Volume)
      • 7.5.4.1.1. Polylactic Acid
      • 7.5.4.1.2. Food & Beverages
      • 7.5.4.1.3. Pharmaceutical
      • 7.5.4.1.4. Cosmetics & Personal Care
      • 7.5.4.1.5. Others
  • 7.5.5. Spain
    • 7.5.5.1. By Application (Value and Volume)
      • 7.5.5.1.1. Polylactic Acid
      • 7.5.5.1.2. Food & Beverages
      • 7.5.5.1.3. Pharmaceutical
      • 7.5.5.1.4. Cosmetics & Personal Care
      • 7.5.5.1.5. Others
  • 7.5.6. Rest of Europe
    • 7.5.6.1. By Application (Value and Volume)
      • 7.5.6.1.1. Polylactic Acid
      • 7.5.6.1.2. Food & Beverages
      • 7.5.6.1.3. Pharmaceutical
      • 7.5.6.1.4. Cosmetics & Personal Care
      • 7.5.6.1.5. Others

8. Asia-Pacific Lactic Acid Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2021-2034

• 8.1. Key Findings / Summary
• 8.2. By Raw Material (Value and Volume)
  • 8.2.1. Sugarcane
  • 8.2.2. Corn
  • 8.2.3. Yeast Extract
  • 8.2.4. Others
• 8.3. By form (Value and Volume)
  • 8.3.1. Liquid
  • 8.3.2. Dry
• 8.4. By Application (Value and Volume)
  • 8.4.1. Polylactic Acid
  • 8.4.2. Food & Beverages
  • 8.4.3. Pharmaceutical
  • 8.4.4. Cosmetics & Personal Care
  • 8.4.5. Others
• 8.5. By Country (Value and Volume)
  • 8.5.1. China
    • 8.5.1.1. By Application (Value and Volume)
      • 8.5.1.1.1. Polylactic Acid
      • 8.5.1.1.2. Food & Beverages
      • 8.5.1.1.3. Pharmaceutical
      • 8.5.1.1.4. Cosmetics & Personal Care
      • 8.5.1.1.5. Others
  • 8.5.2. India
    • 8.5.2.1. By Application (Value and Volume)
      • 8.5.2.1.1. Polylactic Acid
      • 8.5.2.1.2. Food & Beverages
      • 8.5.2.1.3. Pharmaceutical
      • 8.5.2.1.4. Cosmetics & Personal Care
      • 8.5.2.1.5. Others
  • 8.5.3. Japan
    • 8.5.3.1. By Application (Value and Volume)
      • 8.5.3.1.1. Polylactic Acid
      • 8.5.3.1.2. Food & Beverages
      • 8.5.3.1.3. Pharmaceutical
      • 8.5.3.1.4. Cosmetics & Personal Care
      • 8.5.3.1.5. Others
  • 8.5.4. South Korea
    • 8.5.4.1. By Application (Value and Volume)
      • 8.5.4.1.1. Polylactic Acid
      • 8.5.4.1.2. Food & Beverages
      • 8.5.4.1.3. Pharmaceutical
      • 8.5.4.1.4. Cosmetics & Personal Care
      • 8.5.4.1.5. Others
  • 8.5.5. Rest of Asia Pacific
    • 8.5.5.1. By Application (Value and Volume)
      • 8.5.5.1.1. Polylactic Acid
      • 8.5.5.1.2. Food & Beverages
      • 8.5.5.1.3. Pharmaceutical
      • 8.5.5.1.4. Cosmetics & Personal Care
      • 8.5.5.1.5. Others

9. South America Lactic Acid Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2021-2034

• 9.1. Key Findings / Summary
• 9.2. By Raw Material (Value and Volume)
  • 9.2.1. Sugarcane
  • 9.2.2. Corn
  • 9.2.3. Yeast Extract
  • 9.2.4. Others
• 9.3. By Form (Value and Volume)
  • 9.3.1. Liquid
  • 9.3.2. Dry
• 9.4. By Application (Value and Volume)
  • 9.4.1. Polylactic Acid
  • 9.4.2. Food & Beverages
  • 9.4.3. Pharmaceutical
  • 9.4.4. Cosmetics & Personal Care
  • 9.4.5. Others
• 9.5. By Country (Value and Volume)
  • 9.5.1. Brazil
    • 9.5.1.1. By Application (Value and Volume)
      • 9.5.1.1.1. Polylactic Acid
      • 9.5.1.1.2. Food & Beverages
      • 9.5.1.1.3. Pharmaceutical
      • 9.5.1.1.4. Cosmetics & Personal Care
      • 9.5.1.1.5. Others
  • 9.5.2. Rest of South America
    • 9.5.2.1. By Application (Value and Volume)
      • 9.5.2.1.1. Polylactic Acid
      • 9.5.2.1.2. Food & Beverages
      • 9.5.2.1.3. Pharmaceutical
      • 9.5.2.1.4. Cosmetics & Personal Care
      • 9.5.2.1.5. Others

10. Middle East & Africa Lactic Acid Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2021-2034

• 10.1. Key Findings / Summary
• 10.2. By Raw Material (Value and Volume)
  • 10.2.1. Sugarcane
  • 10.2.2. Corn
  • 10.2.3. Yeast Extract
  • 10.2.4. Others
• 10.3. By Form (Value and Volume)
  • 10.3.1. Liquid
  • 10.3.2. Dry
• 10.4. By Application (Value and Volume)
  • 10.4.1. Polylactic Acid
  • 10.4.2. Food & Beverages
  • 10.4.3. Pharmaceutical
  • 10.4.4. Cosmetics & Personal Care
  • 10.4.5. Others
• 10.5. By Country (Value and Volume)
  • 10.5.1. South Africa
    • 10.5.1.1. By Application (Value and Volume)
      • 10.5.1.1.1. Polylactic Acid
      • 10.5.1.1.2. Food & Beverages
      • 10.5.1.1.3. Pharmaceutical
      • 10.5.1.1.4. Cosmetics & Personal Care
      • 10.5.1.1.5. Others
  • 10.5.2. Saudi Arabia
    • 10.5.2.1. By Application (Value and Volume)
      • 10.5.2.1.1. Polylactic Acid
      • 10.5.2.1.2. Food & Beverages
      • 10.5.2.1.3. Pharmaceutical
      • 10.5.2.1.4. Cosmetics & Personal Care
      • 10.5.2.1.5. Others
  • 10.5.3. Rest of Middle East & Africa
    • 10.5.3.1. By Application (Value and Volume)
      • 10.5.3.1.1. Polylactic Acid
      • 10.5.3.1.2. Food & Beverages
      • 10.5.3.1.3. Pharmaceutical
      • 10.5.3.1.4. Cosmetics & Personal Care
      • 10.5.3.1.5. Others

11. Competitive Landscape

• 11.1. Company Market Share/Ranking Analysis, 2025
• 11.2. Company Profiles
  • 11.2.1. BASF SE
    • 11.2.1.1. Overview
    • 11.2.1.2. Description
    • 11.2.1.3. Product Portfolio
    • 11.2.1.4. Financials (Data as available in public domain and/or on paid databases)
    • 11.2.1.5. Recent Developments
  • 11.2.2. Corbion
    • 11.2.2.1. Overview
    • 11.2.2.2. Description
    • 11.2.2.3. Product Portfolio
    • 11.2.2.4. Financials (Data as available in public domain and/or on paid databases)
    • 11.2.2.5. Recent Developments
  • 11.2.3. NatureWorks LLC
    • 11.2.3.1. Overview
    • 11.2.3.2. Description
    • 11.2.3.3. Product Portfolio
    • 11.2.3.4. Financials (Data as available in public domain and/or on paid databases)
    • 11.2.3.5. Recent Developments
  • 11.2.4. CELLULAC
    • 11.2.4.1. Overview
    • 11.2.4.2. Description
    • 11.2.4.3. Product Portfolio
    • 11.2.4.4. Financials (Data as available in public domain and/or on paid databases)
    • 11.2.4.5. Recent Developments
  • 11.2.5. Galactic
    • 11.2.5.1. Overview
    • 11.2.5.2. Description
    • 11.2.5.3. Product Portfolio
    • 11.2.5.4. Financials (Data as available in public domain and/or on paid databases)
    • 11.2.5.5. Recent Developments
  • 11.2.6. Sulzer Ltd
    • 11.2.6.1. Overview
    • 11.2.6.2. Description
    • 11.2.6.3. Product Portfolio
    • 11.2.6.4. Financials (Data as available in public domain and/or on paid databases)
    • 11.2.6.5. Recent Developments
  • 11.2.7. GODAVARI BIOREFINERIES LTD.
    • 11.2.7.1. Overview
    • 11.2.7.2. Description
    • 11.2.7.3. Product Portfolio
    • 11.2.7.4. Financials (Data as available in public domain and/or on paid databases)
    • 11.2.7.5. Recent Developments
  • 11.2.8. Cargill, Incorporated
    • 11.2.8.1. Overview
    • 11.2.8.2. Description
    • 11.2.8.3. Product Portfolio
    • 11.2.8.4. Financials (Data as available in public domain and/or on paid databases)
    • 11.2.8.5. Recent Developments
  • 11.2.9. Kemin Industries, Inc.
    • 11.2.9.1. Overview
    • 11.2.9.2. Description
    • 11.2.9.3. Product Portfolio
    • 11.2.9.4. Financials (Data as available in public domain and/or on paid databases)
    • 11.2.9.5. Recent Developments
  • 11.2.10. Henan Jindan Lactic Acid Technology Co. Ltd
    • 11.2.10.1. Overview
    • 11.2.10.2. Description
    • 11.2.10.3. Product Portfolio
    • 11.2.10.4. Financials (Data as available in public domain and/or on paid databases)
    • 11.2.10.5. Recent Developments

12. Strategic Recommendations