The price of 50% DEL New York Glyoxylic acid in the U.S. was unchanged through the week ended November 21, 2025. Balanced supply and demand from cosmetics and personal care contributed to the stability, but weak consumer confidence prevented further market growth.
The domestic production of Glyoxylic acid in North America remained steady due to a stable supply of feedstock and the strong hold of the market. Nitric acid was well available; and glyoxal prices were stable, allowing manufacturers to anticipate costs and margins. The overall U.S. manufacturing sector remained on an expansionary path, a supportive sign for Glyoxylic acid output. Although vendor delays related to tariffs during the month, inbound materials flow were not significantly hindered, and manufacturers were able to fulfil contracts without much difficulty.
To prevent excess inventories, plants did not increase output aggressively, and production was rather in line with demand at this time of the year. This conservative stance, alongside robust access to feedstocks, and moderate input costs, sustained the upbeat storyline for the pricing of Glyoxylic acid throughout the reporting period.
The demand for Glyoxylic acid stayed firm, with strength in the beauty and personal care industry being the key supporting factor. Prestige beauty sales grew 4% in the first nine months of 2025 and mass market sales grew 5%, indicating a wide consumer appeal. Skincare and haircare also continued to provide good support as Glyoxylic acid derivatives are used in hair straightening treatments, colourants, and special skincare actives. Prestige skin care grew 1% compared with the previous year, while prestige haircare grew 8%, confirming consistent Glyoxylic acid consumption.
However, broader momentum in demand was capped by waning consumer confidence, which dropped 6.8 points in November to 88.7, its second lowest reading since April. The expectations index fell for the tenth straight time, indicating recessionary pressures. Worries about inflation, tariffs, politics and the recent federal government shutdown also prompted caution, slowing downstream buyers from purchasing more than they need and keeping demand from moving into stronger price momentum for Glyoxylic acid.
With the supply side still well contained and the demand side holding firm but bounded by sentiment, U.S. Glyoxylic acid prices will continue to fluctuate in the short term. The cosmetics and personal care industry is anticipated to maintain the steady demand, especially in the applications of haircare and skincare.
Yet, decline in consumer confidence and recessionary trend may limit the growth of the overall Glyoxylic acid market, which makes converters more cautious while procuring materials. With uncertainties related to tariffs and political dynamics fuelling a cautious sentiment, it is most likely that buyers will be purchasing in the short term but the larger commitments, not any short-term ones.
