Hydrogel Market Size - By Raw Material Type (Synthetic, Natural), Composition (Polyacrylate, Polyacrylamide), Form (Crystalline), Application (Hygiene Products, Drug Delivery), Route of Administration (Ocular, Topical), Global Forecast, 2023 - 2032

Hydrogel Market Size

Hydrogel Market size accounted for USD 12.3 billion in 2022 and is estimated to grow at 6.5% to reach USD 22.8 billion by 2032 due to the increasing demand for advanced wound healing products.
 

This demand is driven by factors such as the expanding aging population, a growing incidence of chronic wounds, and a strong focus on achieving superior healing outcomes. Furthermore, hydrogels, with their moisture-retaining properties, ease of application, and ability to facilitate wound healing are becoming preferred choices in advanced wound care.
 

A hydrogel is a three-dimensional network of hydrophilic polymer chains that can absorb and retain a significant amount of water or biological fluids while maintaining a solid-like structure. Hydrogels have diverse applications in the medical field, including wound healing, drug delivery systems, tissue engineering, contact lenses, and ophthalmic devices.
 

COVID-19 Impact

The COVID-19 pandemic had a minimal impact on the hydrogel industry. The increased emphasis on hygiene and infection control drove a surge in demand for hydrogel-based products, particularly in wound care and sanitization applications. However, the pandemic also disrupted global supply chains, leading to challenges in sourcing raw materials and affecting manufacturing processes. Additionally, delays in clinical trials and regulatory procedures further impeded the introduction of new hydrogel products.
 

Hydrogel Market Trends

The increasing prevalence of chronic wounds and ulcers is expected to supplement the industry expansion. For instance, according to the International Wound Journal report, the global prevalence of chronic wounds is estimated at 1.5 to 2.2 per 1,000 population, and the incidence is expected to rise with ageing populations worldwide. As the number of individuals affected by conditions such as diabetic foot ulcers, pressure ulcers, and venous leg ulcers continues to rise, there is a growing demand for effective wound management solutions. Furthermore, the increasing awareness among healthcare professionals about the benefits of hydrogels in managing chronic wounds.
 

Hydrogel Restraint

High development and manufacturing costs may hamper the hydrogel market. The process of researching, developing, and manufacturing medical hydrogel products can be expensive, particularly when advanced formulations, materials, and production techniques are involved. The costs incurred in conducting research studies, obtaining regulatory approvals, and scaling up production may pose challenges for market players, especially small size manufacturers. Additionally, the demand for specialized raw materials and equipment further contributes to the overall cost burden. These high costs can limit the accessibility and affordability of hydrogel-based products.
 

Hydrogel Market Analysis

By raw material type, the hydrogel market is classified into synthetic, natural, and hybrid. The synthetic segment accounted for 53.4% of the industry share in 2022. Synthetic hydrogels offer several advantages, including enhanced control over their physical and chemical properties, improved biocompatibility, and tailored functionality to meet specific medical applications. Also, the mechanical strength, adjustable permeability, and controlled drug release capabilities make synthetic hydrogels ideal for a wide range of medical applications.
 

Based on composition, the hydrogel market is segmented into polyacrylate, polyacrylamide, silicone-modified hydrogels (SiH), agar, and other compositions. The polyacrylate segment is expected to register around USD 11.1 billion by 2032. Polyacrylate-based hydrogels provide notable advantages including a high water-absorbing capacity, and the ability to maintain their structural integrity in physiological conditions. Furthermore, the expanding applications of hydrogels in drug delivery, including transdermal drug delivery systems, ophthalmic drug delivery, and oral drug delivery. Moreover, continuous advancements in wound care technologies, including hydrogel-based dressings.
 

Based on form, the hydrogel market is segmented into semi-crystalline, crystalline, and amorphous. The semi-crystalline segment accounted for 48.2% of the market share in 2022. Semi-crystalline hydrogels offer unique properties, combining the advantages of both amorphous and crystalline hydrogels. These hydrogels possess a well-defined structure with regions of crystallinity, resulting in enhanced mechanical strength and stability. Also, this characteristic makes them particularly suitable for demanding applications such as tissue engineering and drug delivery. Furthermore, the precise control over the degradation rate is a notable advantage of the semi-crystalline form, playing a crucial role in maintaining the integrity of the hydrogel over time.
 

Based on application, the hydrogel market is segmented into contact lenses, hygiene products, drug delivery, tissue engineering, wound care, and other applications. The contact lenses segment revenue share of 34.1%. Contact lenses made from hydrogel materials offer numerous advantages such as improved comfort, enhanced oxygen permeability, and excellent moisture retention properties. These features make hydrogel-based contact lenses a popular choice for vision correction. Additionally, the increasing prevalence of vision-related disorders, coupled with rising awareness about the benefits of contact lenses over traditional eyewear.
 

Based on route of administration, the hydrogel market is segmented into ocular hydrogels, topical hydrogels, injectable hydrogels, oral hydrogels, and other routes of administration. The ocular hydrogels segment revenue share of over 32%. The rising prevalence of eye disorders, such as glaucoma, dry eye syndrome, and age-related macular degeneration is expected to boost the requirement for effective and convenient ocular drug delivery systems. For instance, according to the Global Burden of Disease study, in 2020, 4.13 million people aged 50 years and older suffered moderate and severe vision impairment, and 3.6 million were blind due to glaucoma.
 

North America hydrogel market accounted for 46.6% share in 2022. Factors such as a well-established healthcare infrastructure, increasing aging population and a high prevalence of chronic diseases will drive the regional industry progression. For instance, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, Population Projections, the number of Americans ages 65 and older is projected to nearly double from 52 million in 2018 to 95 million by 2060. Additionally, the presence of key market players, robust research and development activities, and supportive government initiatives.
 

Hydrogel Market Share

Major market players operating in the hydrogel market include

• Smith & Nephew
• 3M Company
• Convatec Inc.
• Integra LifeSciences Corporation
• Johnson & Johnson
   

Hydrogel Industry News:

• In March 2021, Johnson & Johnson Vision has received approval from the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) for ACUVUE Theravision with Ketotifen, the first and only vision correction contact lens that relieves allergic eye itch. This strategy helped the company to expand and grow.
   
• In January 2020, Ferring B.V. received permission to commercialize their hydrogel-based drug delivery device directed for cervical ripening from the Minister of Health, Labor, and Welfare (MHLW) Japan. This strategy helped the company to expand its customer base.
   

The hydrogel market research report includes an in-depth coverage of the industry with estimates & forecast in terms of revenue in USD from 2018 to 2032, for the following segments:

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By Raw Material Type

• Synthetic
• Natural
• Hybrid

By Composition

• Polyacrylate
• Polyacrylamide
• Silicone-modified Hydrogels (SiH)
• Agar
• Other Compositions

By Form

• Semi-crystalline
• Crystalline
• Amorphous 

By Application

• Contact Lenses
• Hygiene Products
• Drug Delivery
• Tissue Engineering
• Wound Care
• Other Applications

By Route of Administration

• Ocular Hydrogels
• Topical Hydrogels
• Injectable Hydrogels
• Oral Hydrogels
• Other Routes of Administration

The above information is provided for the following regions and countries:

• North America
  • U.S.
  • Canada
• Europe
  • Germany
  • UK
  • France
  • Spain
  • Italy
  • Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
  • Japan
  • China
  • India
  • Australia
  • Rest of Asia Pacific
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Argentina
  • Rest of Latin America
• Middle East & Africa
  • South Africa
  • Saudi Arabia
  • Rest of Middle East & Africa