The global polymer gel market size was valued at USD 55.64 billion in 2024. The market is projected to grow from USD 58.75 billion in 2025 to USD 97.41 billion by 2034. It is projected to exhibit a CAGR of 5.8% from 2025 to 2034.
Polymer gels are soft materials with the unique ability to absorb and retain large amounts of liquid. They consist of a three-dimensional network of cross-linked polymer chains that can swell when exposed to a solvent, such as water. This swelling behavior gives polymer gels unique properties and makes them useful in a wide range of applications.
Polymer gels can be made from various polymers, including natural polymers like alginate and collagen, as well as synthetic polymers like polyacrylamide and polyvinyl alcohol. The properties of the gel depend on the specific polymer used, as well as the conditions under which it is prepared.
The high use of polymer gels in the personal care industry and the increased demand for unique care products, such as contact lenses and hygiene products, are driving the polymer gel market growth. In particular, the rising popularity of colored contact lenses, fueled by increasing disposable incomes and improving lifestyles, is contributing to the increased demand for polymer gels in the personal care space.
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In addition, The rising demand for biodegradable and eco-friendly products, driven by regulatory pressures and shifting consumer preferences towards sustainability, is anticipated to drive the development of biodegradable polymer gels in the coming years. New developments in polymerization techniques are expected to provide lucrative polymer gel market opportunities during the forecast period.
Polymer materials are versatile materials with a wide range of materials across many sectors. They possess unique properties that can’t be found in other materials and are continuously being researched and developed for new, innovative applications. In wound dressings, for example, they can provide a moist environment that promotes healing while absorbing excess exudate from the wound. In drug delivery systems, polymer gels can be used to control the release of drugs over an extended period, ensuring that the drug is delivered in a controlled and targeted manner. Thus, the versatility of polymer gels drives the polymer gel market revenue.
Growth factors are proteins that play a crucial role in regulating cell growth and differentiation. They are essential for tissue repair and regeneration, and their controlled delivery can benefit a wide range of applications, including tissue engineering, wound healing, and drug delivery. Polymer gels can be designed to release growth factors in a controlled manner, ensuring that the proteins are delivered directly to the target cells at the appropriate concentration and for the desired duration. This can be achieved by incorporating the growth factors into the polymer gel network or by modifying the surface of the gel to allow for controlled release. The growing usage of polymer gels in delivering growth factors is propelling the polymer gel market expansion.
The polymer gel market, based on material type, is segmented into natural, synthetic, and hybrid. The synthetic segment is projected to witness the fastest growth from 2025 to 2034. Synthetic polymer gels are made from materials such as composites, plastics, and artificial fibers. These polymer gels are known for their unique properties, such as high strength, flexibility, and durability. They are widely used in various industries, such as construction, automotive, and aerospace. The high demand for these materials drives the robust growth of the synthetic segment in the global market.
The use of industrial automation technologies, such as control systems, robots, and sensors, has also led to an increase in the manufacturing of synthetic materials. These technologies enhance the quality and consistency of synthetic materials while reducing production costs and cycle times. The adoption of automation technologies in the synthetic segment is expected to further accelerate its growth in the coming years.
The polymer gel market, based on end-use industry, is segmented into personal care, agriculture, construction, healthcare, and others. The healthcare segment accounted for a larger market share in 2024, as the healthcare industry is a key consumer of polymer gels. Polymer gels are widely used in wound care products as they provide a moist environment for the wound to heal and can also help with reducing pain and inflammation. Further, polymer gels can be used to encapsulate drugs, which can then be delivered to the patient in a controlled manner. The growing demand for polymer gels in wound care and drug delivery systems contributes to the healthcare segment’s high share in the global market.
By region, the market report offers polymer gel market insights into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa. North America accounted for a significant share of the global market in 2024. This is primarily due to the increasing incidence of chronic wounds, such as pressure ulcers and diabetic foot ulcers, in North America. According to the National Institute of Health (NIH), chronic wounds affect more than 6 million people in the United States alone, and this number is expected to increase due to the rising incidence of diabetes and obesity. Polymer gels find applications are widely used in wound care products as they create the required environment to accelerate the healing process. The increasing aging population in North America is also expected to drive the demand for polymer gels, as they are commonly used in products such as anti-aging creams and lotions due to their ability to provide a smooth and soft texture.
The Asia Pacific polymer gel market is also expected to witness significant growth from 2025 to 2034, owing to the increasing awareness about wound care and the growing demand for personal care products. Further, growing investment in healthcare and improved living standards are contributing to the regional market demand.
The research study encompasses a thorough vendor share research for all the major market players. The market for polymer gels is highly competitive and has the presence of a large number of small and medium-sized businesses. The top market participants are introducing advanced gels to cater to the growing customer needs. In addition, these companies are using strategic developments such as collaborations, partnerships, and mergers and acquisitions to enhance their offerings and expand their regional footprint.
To thrive in the competitive market environment, companies must deliver polymer gels that are both efficient and cost-effective. A few of the key players in the market are LG Chemicals Ltd.; Chemtex Specialty Limited; BASF Corporation; Evonik Industries; FIMA Group Ltd; Nippon Shokubai Co., Ltd.; SDP Global Co., Ltd.; Sumitomo Seika Chemicals Co., Ltd; and Ma’s Group Inc.
September 2024: Evonik announced the successful completion of the sale of its superabsorbents business unit to the International Chemical Investors Group (ICIG). According to Evonik, the disinvestment aligns with its strategy to streamline its portfolio by focusing on high-margin businesses with low volatility.
October 2023: BASF announced the commencement of production at its Superabsorbents Excellence Center in Antwerp, Belgium. The company stated that the strategic move aligns with its commitment to the hygiene business, an important part of its acrylics value chain.
By Material Outlook
By Composition Outlook
By End-Use Industry Outlook
By Regional Outlook
Report Attributes |
Details |
Market Size Value in 2024 |
USD 55.64 billion |
Market Size Value in 2025 |
USD 58.75 billion |
Revenue Forecast by 2034 |
USD 97.41 billion |
CAGR |
5.8% from 2025 to 2034 |
Base Year |
2024 |
Historical Data |
2020–2023 |
Forecast Period |
2025–2034 |
Quantitative Units |
Revenue in USD billion and CAGR from 2025 to 2034 |
Report Coverage |
Revenue Forecast, Market Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors, and Trends |
Segments Covered |
|
Regional Scope |
|
Competitive Landscape |
|
Report Format |
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Customization |
Report customization as per your requirements with respect to countries, regions, and segmentation. |
The market was valued at USD 55.64 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow to USD 97.41 billion by 2034.
• The market is projected to register a CAGR of 5.8% from 2025 to 2034.
• North America accounted for a larger region-wise market size in 2024.
• A few of the key players in the market are LG Chemicals Ltd.; Chemtex Specialty Limited; BASF Corporation; Evonik Industries; FIMA Group Ltd; Nippon Shokubai Co., Ltd.; SDP Global Co., Ltd.; Sumitomo Seika Chemicals Co., Ltd; and Ma’s Group Inc.
• The healthcare segment accounted for a larger market share in 2024.
The synthetic segment is projected to witness the fastest growth during the forecast period.