Topical Skin Adhesive Market Size, Share, Growth, and Industry Analysis, By Type (2-Octyl Cyanoacrylate Adhesive, N-2-Butyl-Cyanoacrylate Adhesive, 2-Ethyl-Cyanoacrylate Adhesive, and 2-Octyl Cyanoacrylate & N-2-Butyl-Cyanoacrylate) By Application (Surgical Incisions, Trauma-Induced Lacerations, Burn and Skin Grafting, Others), Regional Insights and Forecast From 2025 To 2034

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TOPICAL SKIN ADHESIVE MARKET OVERVIEW

The global Topical Skin Adhesive Market is poised for significant growth rising to USD 0.31 billion in 2025, and projected to reach USD 0.78 billion by 2034, with a CAGR of 10.96% from 2025 to 2034.

The United States Topical Skin Adhesive market is projected to be valued at USD 0.21 billion in 2025, followed by Europe at USD 0.07 billion, and China at USD 0.0025 billion.

The term topical skin adhesive refers to liquid cyanoacrylate monomers, which function as specialized medical glues to seal wounds. Simple cuts and skin with no hair are ideal candidates for topical skin adhesives. To seal skin wounds without using sutures, staples, or clips, topical skin adhesive is utilized. Compared to sutured or stapled closure, topical skin adhesive leaves fewer scars and is less likely to become infected.

The rise in burn injuries, skin illnesses, and worries about skin-related disorders has increased more than before. The topical skin adhesive market is estimated to grow as a result of rising healthcare infrastructure development costs and technical advancements in skin adhesive products. Additionally, it is predicted that the aging population will moderate the demand for topical skin adhesives. There is a rise in demand for integumentary system surgery, minimally invasive surgery, other, and other industries. The market for topical skin adhesives is expected to develop more quickly than average throughout the forecast period due to factors like an aging population, an increase in surgical procedures, and technical advancements in skin adhesive products.

KEY FINDINGS

COVID-19 IMPACT

Travel Restrictions and Delayed Supply Chain to Slower Market Growth

The sudden rise in CAGR is attributable to the market's growth and demand returning to pre-pandemic levels once the pandemic is over.

The COVID-19 outbreak benefited the market for topical skin adhesive because the demand for chronic topical skin adhesive grew despite the pandemic. Lockdown was implemented to stop the COVID-19 outbreak from spreading. Lockdown has caused the global economy to constrict, along with the manufacturing industry, output, disruption, and financial systems. Due to the resulting travel restrictions and supply chain delays, the product supply was temporarily impacted. In addition to these factors, lower number of skin problems due to accidents such as burn injuries were witnessed as the majority of people stayed at home. The aforementioned factors affected the market dynamics and led to a weakened product demand 

LATEST TRENDS

Growing Demand in the Medical Industry to Boost Market Growth

Topical skin adhesives make sure that dressings are carefully applied to the skin, aiding in healing, and that they are removed gently without having any negative effects on the skin. These are employed to reduce the suffering and stop the growth of both new and worsening wounds. Due to their safety and comfort, they are also utilized in transdermal patches, wearables, and attached medical equipment. Due to their usage in medical applications and goods including anesthetic mask bonding, molding, hearing aid assembly, and polycarbonate component assembly, skin adhesives are in demand in the medical industry. Good thermal and chemical resistance, excellent gap filling, minimal shrinkage, quick cure, and substrate flexibility are crucial elements that fuel the demand in the market.

• According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, the usage of cyanoacrylate-based adhesives in surgical closures increased by 18.7% in 2023, with significant growth in outpatient procedures and emergency trauma care.

• As per NHS Digital (UK), over 1.6 million wound closure cases in 2023 involved the use of topical adhesives, especially in pediatric and dermatological surgeries where non-invasive closure is prioritized.

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TOPICAL SKIN ADHESIVE MARKET SEGMENTATION

By Type

As per the type, the market is classified as follows: 2-Octyl Cyanoacrylate Adhesive, N-2-Butyl-Cyanoacrylate Adhesive, 2-Ethyl-Cyanoacrylate Adhesive, and 2-Octyl Cyanoacrylate & N-2-Butyl-Cyanoacrylate. The 2-Octyl Cyanoacrylate Adhesive segment will capture the maximum market share over forecast period.

By Application

Based on application, the market is segmented as follows: Surgical Incisions, Trauma-Induced Lacerations, Burn and Skin Grafting, Others

DRIVING FACTORS

Improved Skin Treatments to Facilitate Market Development

The topical skin adhesive market is anticipated to be boosted by the functional speed that skin adhesive offers over traditional wound-closing techniques like sutures. In addition, current developments show that multinational companies are adopting higher quality, more cost-effective solutions that require less maintenance and are simpler to use to outperform their competitors. The development of surgical adhesives that are both environmentally friendly and biocompatible has benefited from growing technological breakthroughs. Furthermore, there would be greater potential for the sector to grow as a result of increased public awareness of skin-related problems.

Rising Incidents of Burn Injuries to Promote Industry Progress

Burns have high morbidity and fatality rate yet are underappreciated injuries. Burn injuries, especially severe burns, are complicated by an inflammatory and immunological response, metabolic abnormalities, and distributive shock that can cause multiple organ failures and be difficult to manage. It is crucial to note that the injury has an impact on the patient's quality of life and mental as well as physical health. A significant driver of the topical skin adhesive market growth is the rising incidence of burn injuries and skin disorders, which is also accompanied by rising consumer awareness about skin-related issues. The above-mentioned factors drive the topical skin adhesive market.

• According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 4.5 million burn injuries are reported globally each year, 35% of which require non-suture closures—driving demand for skin adhesives.

• As per data from the European Wound Management Association (EWMA), more than 52% of hospitals in the EU switched to adhesive-based closure for minor surgical procedures in 2023 due to lower infection risks and faster discharge time.

RESTRAINING FACTORS

Lack of Regulatory Guidelines to Hinder Market Growth

Under various regulatory authorities, various medical devices have varied approval procedures. As a result, different lengths of time are needed for approval. For a medical device to be approved by the U.S. FDA, it typically takes more than five months. To make sure they satisfy the requirements, medical equipment is tested for design verification. Regulatory agencies must approve medical devices before they may be used; they do not separately approve adhesives. A lack of uniform regulatory guidelines is also anticipated to restrict the topical skin adhesive market growth throughout the forecast period.

• According to the U.S. FDA’s Medical Device Review Database, the average approval time for Class II skin adhesives was over 170 days in 2023, delaying new product rollouts significantly.

• As per Japan’s Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency (PMDA), only 3 new topical adhesive products were approved in 2023, down from 6 approvals in 2021, due to stringent compliance norms.

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TOPICAL SKIN ADHESIVE MARKET REGIONAL INSIGHTS

Increase in Demand to Propel Market Progress in North America

Due to increased levels of investment in the development of new technologies, the U.S. currently controls the majority of the topical skin adhesive market. In 2020, North America had the largest topical skin adhesive market share worldwide, and it is projected that this market will continue to grow considerably throughout the evaluation period. The established healthcare sector and the presence of major market participants are responsible for the regional expansion.

KEY INDUSTRY PLAYERS

Market Players Focus on New Product Launches to Strengthen Market Position

Leading players in the market are adopting various strategies to expand their presence in the market. These include R&D investments and the launch of new, technologically-advanced products in the market. Some companies are also adopting strategies such as partnerships, mergers, and acquisitions to strengthen their market position.   

• J&J (Ethicon): According to company filings, Ethicon processed over 130 million units of topical skin adhesives in 2023, maintaining leadership in surgical closures in North America.

• Medtronic (Ireland): As per the company’s 2023 sustainability report, Medtronic supplied 21.4 million adhesive applicators to hospitals across 62 countries with an emphasis on trauma and orthopedic applications.

List of Top Topical Skin Adhesive Companies

• J&J (Ethicon) (U.S.)
• Medtronic (Ireland)
• Advanced Medical Solutions (U.K.)
• Medline (U.S.)
• B. Braun (Aesculap) (Germany)
• Chemence Medical (U.S.)
• Adhezion Biomedical (U.S)
• Compont Medical Devices (U.S.)
• GluStitch(Canada)
• Meyer-Haake (Germany)
• Cartell Chemical (Taiwan)

REPORT COVERAGE

The report covers overall market aspects, including the market segmentation based on its type and application. The report depicts a diverse group of participants that includes the market and the potential market leaders. Major factors that are expected to drive major growth in the market. The factors anticipated to expand the market share are also included in the report to offer market insights. The estimated growth of the market in the forecast period is also included in the report. The regional analysis is completed to explain the region's dominance in the global market. The factors hindering the growth of the market are discussed in detail. The SWOT analysis of the market is depicted in the report. It contains all-inclusive market details.