Glutathione Market by Form (Reduced Glutathione and Oxidized Glutathione), by Source (Natural Sources and Synthetic Sources), and by Application (Pharmaceutical, Personal Care and Cosmetic, Food & Beverage, Nutraceutical, and Others)– Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast 2024-2030

Market Definition

The global Glutathione Market size was valued at USD 411.58 million in 2023 and is predicted to reach USD 690.32 million by 2030 with a CAGR of 7.7% from 2024-2030. Glutathione is a tripeptide molecule composed of three amino acids including glutamine, cysteine, and glycine. It is produced naturally in the human body and plays a crucial role in various biological processes.

Glutathione acts as an antioxidant, which means it helps neutralize free radicals and prevent cellular damage caused by oxidative stress. While glutathione is naturally produced by the body, factors such as aging, stress, poor diet, and environmental toxins can deplete its levels, leading to increased susceptibility to oxidative damage. Supplementing with glutathione or consuming foods rich in its components, such as sulfur-containing amino acids helps maintain optimal levels and support overall health. 

Market Dynamics and Trends

The global glutathione market is experiencing significant growth, largely propelled by its widespread application in skincare products. GSH is increasingly valued for its skin-lightening properties, which diminish dark spots and hyperpigmentation, along with its antioxidant effects in combating premature aging. This surge in demand for glutathione-infused skincare products is prompting companies to innovate and introduce new offerings to cater to consumer needs.

For instance, in March 2024, E'clat Superior, a leader in skincare technology introduced the Ultimate Brightening Complex Glutathione Face Cream. This cream is backed by clinical research and uniquely blends glutathione with other beneficial ingredients such as Niacinamide, Vitamin C, Alpha Arbutin, Licorice Extract, and Lactic Acid.

These components address various skin concerns, offering not only antioxidant protection but also reducing pigmentation and promoting a radiant complexion. Such contribute to the expansion of the market as glutathione-based skincare solutions gain prominence worldwide.

Moreover, the global glutathione market is experiencing significant growth, largely attributed to its use in mitigating the adverse effects of chemotherapy drugs. As chemotherapy remains a primary treatment for various cancers, the increased utilization of glutathione to alleviate its side effects drives market expansion.

With a notable rise in cancer cases worldwide, chemotherapy is on the rise, leading to a higher demand for glutathione. According to data from the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) in 2022, there were 20 million new cancer cases and 9.7 million deaths globally, with lung and breast cancer being the most prevalent. This underscores the critical role of glutathione in reducing the side effects of chemotherapy and consequently propelling the growth of the glutathione market.

However, the production of glutathione, particularly in its reduced form, is often expensive along with intricate manufacturing procedures that require specialized expertise. These high production costs impact the affordability of glutathione-based products, thereby constraining their market expansion, especially in price-sensitive markets.

On the contrary, the development of formulations including liposomal glutathione, that enhance stability, absorption, and targeted delivery of glutathione within the body creates opportunities for the market in the coming years. This advancement is expected to unlock new therapeutic applications in treating liver detoxification and broaden the glutathione market scope by addressing existing limitations related to stability and efficacy.

Market Segmentations and Scope of the Study

The glutathione market share is segmented based on form, source, application, and region. Based on form, the market is classified into reduced glutathione and oxidized glutathione. Based on source, the market is categorized into natural sources and synthetic sources. The natural sources is further divided into plant and animal.

Based on the application, the market is divided into pharmaceuticals, personal care and cosmetics, food & beverage, nutraceuticals, and others. The regional breakdown includes regions such as North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the Rest of the World (RoW).

Geographical Analysis

Asia Pacific holds the dominant share of the global glutathione market and is expected to continue its dominance during the forecast period. This is attributed to the widespread use of glutathione within the nutraceutical industry as a dietary supplement, popular among individuals facing heightened oxidative stress or toxin exposure. As the nutraceutical industry continues to expand across countries including China and India, the demand for glutathione supplements to combat health conditions rises in tandem.

As per the data provided by the International Trade Administration, the nutraceutical industry in China experienced significant growth, reaching approximately USD 40 billion in 2023 with a remarkable 14% year-on-year increase. This growth trend further underscores the increasing adoption of glutathione in the region's nutraceutical industry, driving market growth in the region.

Moreover, the rising geriatric population in the Asia-Pacific region, which holds the largest old-age population globally is significantly driving the expansion of the glutathione market in the region. As people age, conditions including hypertension and chronic inflammation can reduce the body's ability to produce glutathione naturally. 

This creates a heightened demand for glutathione products tailored to address these specific age-related health concerns. With Japan alone estimated to have 36.23 million individuals aged over 65, as per 2023 data from the World Economic Forum, there's significant market potential for glutathione products tailored to meet the unique requirements of the aging demographic in the region.

On the other hand, the North American region witnessed steady growth in the glutathione market driven by its increasing adoption within the food and beverage industry in this region. As consumers increasingly prioritize health and wellness in this region, demand for functional ingredients including glutathione, known for its antioxidant properties, is escalating.

With the continuous expansion of the North American food and beverage sector, the demand for glutathione is on the rise. According to data from Gitnux, a global commerce media organization, the revenue of the US food and beverage industry is projected to grow at an annual rate of 1.4% between 2021 and 2026, underscoring the ongoing growth of the glutathione market in the region.

Also, the growing adoption of glutathione in medication and pharmaceuticals is a key driver for the glutathione market in the North American region. According to a report from GeeksforGeeks Organization, the USA stands out as a major player in pharmaceutical manufacturing, boasting a market share of 42.6% globally as of 2022.

As healthcare awareness rises and the demand for effective treatments expands, glutathione's recognized role in various therapeutic applications, such as liver health, detoxification, and immune support, is driving its incorporation into pharmaceutical formulations.

This trend is fostering significant market growth as pharmaceutical companies in North America leverage the glutathione health benefits to develop new drugs and enhance existing treatments, thereby fueling the expansion of the glutathione market in the region.

Competitive Landscape

Various market players operating in the glutathione market include Kirin Holdings Company, Shandong Jincheng Biological Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd, Shenzhen GSH Bio-Technology Co., Ltd, Kyungdong Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Mitsubishi Corporation Life Sciences Ltd., NOW Health Group, Inc., Kaiping Genuine Biochemical Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd, Ajinomoto Group, LivOn Labs and Merck KGaA. These market players continue to adopt various market development strategies including product launches, collaborations, and others to maintain their dominance in the glutathione market.

For instance, in January 2024, Kyowa Hakko Bio collaborated with the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) to explore Human Milk Oligosaccharides (HMOs). These natural compounds found in breast milk, along with antioxidants such as glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and lactoferrin, contribute to newborns' robust antioxidant capacity.

By delving into the study of HMOs and their potential applications, this research initiative aims to raise awareness about antioxidants and their crucial role in human health, aligning with market interests and health-conscious consumer trends.

Moreover, in February 2022, Mitsubishi Corporation Life Sciences Limited, a prominent ingredients manufacturer specializing in food, health, and beauty products, successfully obtained a patent from the United States Patent and Trademark Office.  This patent authorizes the company to produce a composition containing glutathione as an active ingredient, to enhance or prevent non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

Key Benefits

• The report provides quantitative analysis and estimations of the glutathione market from 2024 to 2030, which assists in identifying the prevailing market opportunities.

• The study comprises a deep-dive analysis of the current and future glutathione market trends to depict prevalent investment pockets in the market.

• Information related to key drivers, restraints, and opportunities and their impact on the glutathione market is provided in the report. 

• A competitive analysis of the players, along with their market share is provided in the report.

• SWOT analysis and Porter's Five Forces model are elaborated in the study.

• Value chain analysis in the market study provides a clear picture of the roles of stakeholders.

  
Glutathione Market Key Segments

By Form 

• Reduced Glutathione 

• Oxidized Glutathione

By Source 

• Natural Sources 

  • Plant 

  • Animal

• Synthetic Sources

By Application 

• Pharmaceutical

• Personal Care and Cosmetics

• Food & Beverage 

• Nutraceutical

• Others

By Region

• North America

  • The U.S.

  • Canada

  • Mexico

• Europe

  • The UK

  • Germany

  • France    

  • Italy

  • Spain

  • Denmark

  • Netherlands

  • Finland

  • Sweden

  • Norway

  • Russia

  • Rest of Europe

• Asia-Pacific

  • China

  • Japan

  • India

  • South Korea

  • Australia

  • Indonesia

  • Singapore

  • Taiwan

  • Thailand

  • Rest of Asia-Pacific

• RoW

  • Latin America

  • Middle East

  • Africa

REPORT SCOPE AND SEGMENTATION:

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