Table of Contents
Overview
New York, NY – June 09, 2025 – Global Topical Skin Adhesive Market size is expected to be worth around US$ 1633.3 Million by 2034 from US$ 729.30 Million in 2024, growing at a CAGR of 8.2% during the forecast period from 2024 to 2034. In 2024, North America led the market, achieving over 42.20% share with a revenue of US$ 307.76 Million.
The global topical skin adhesive market is witnessing steady growth, driven by the increasing adoption of non-invasive wound closure solutions across hospitals, clinics, and outpatient settings. Topical skin adhesives are sterile, liquid-based formulations primarily composed of cyanoacrylate derivatives. These adhesives are applied directly to the skin surface to close incisions or lacerations without the need for sutures or staples, offering a faster, painless, and cosmetically favorable healing process.
Typically formulated with 2-octyl cyanoacrylate or n-butyl cyanoacrylate, these compounds polymerize rapidly upon contact with skin moisture, forming a strong bond that holds wound edges together. The adhesive layer acts as a microbial barrier, reducing the risk of infection. With enhanced biocompatibility and durability, newer formulations have extended use in trauma care, surgical closures, and dermatology procedures.
The rising demand for minimally invasive treatments, growing surgical volumes, and the emphasis on improved patient comfort are key factors fueling market expansion. Technological advancements in formulation stability and applicator design further support adoption in both developed and emerging regions.
Ongoing research focuses on bioresorbable adhesive materials and integration with antimicrobial agents to expand clinical use. As healthcare providers seek efficient closure methods with reduced scarring and lower complication rates, the demand for topical skin adhesives is expected to grow globally.
Key Takeaways
- In 2024, the Topical Skin Adhesive market recorded a revenue of US$ 729.30 million and is projected to reach approximately US$ 1,633.25 million by 2034, growing at a CAGR of 8.2% over the forecast period.
- By Product Type, the 2-Octyl Cyanoacrylate Adhesive segment emerged as the leading category, accounting for the largest revenue share of 51.3% due to its superior strength and extended wound closure capabilities.
- By End-User, the Hospitals segment dominated the market with a revenue contribution of 62.7%, supported by high surgical volumes and the widespread adoption of advanced wound closure methods in clinical settings.
- By Application, Surgical Incisions remained the top application segment, contributing 37.3% of the total revenue, driven by the growing number of operative procedures globally.
- By Distribution Channel, the Offline segment maintained a dominant position with a 79.8% share, reflecting continued preference for in-person procurement by medical professionals and institutions.
- By Region, North America led the global market, capturing the highest regional share of 42.2%, attributed to the region’s developed healthcare infrastructure and early adoption of advanced surgical technologies.
Segmentation Analysis
- Product Type Analysis: In 2023, N-2-Butyl-Cyanoacrylate Adhesive led the product type segment with over 51.3% market share. Its strong bonding ability, faster healing, and infection control made it a preferred alternative to sutures. Widely used in surgery, trauma care, and dermatology, this adhesive offers flexibility and cost-efficiency. Healthcare professionals favor it for improved cosmetic results and patient comfort. Its availability and non-invasive application continue to drive its dominance across both emergency and routine medical use cases.
- End-User Analysis: Hospitals held the largest share in the end-user segment of the topical skin adhesive market in 2023. This dominance was driven by a high volume of surgical procedures and trauma cases. Hospitals prefer skin adhesives over sutures due to faster healing, ease of use, and reduced infection risks. The increase in outpatient surgeries and accident-related admissions further boosted adoption. With ongoing expansion in healthcare infrastructure, hospitals are expected to remain key drivers of market demand.
- Application Analysis: Surgical incisions dominated the application segment in 2023, contributing over 37.3% of the market share. Topical skin adhesives were widely used in hospitals and surgical centers for secure wound closure, replacing sutures in both minor and major procedures. Their quick bonding, minimal scarring, and ease of application made them highly preferred. As the need for minimally invasive techniques grows, the demand for adhesives in surgical settings is expected to remain high across global healthcare systems.
- Distribution Channel Analysis: Offline distribution channels led the market in 2023, supported by hospital pharmacies, retail stores, and direct supply chains. Healthcare providers prefer offline channels for assured product quality, regulatory compliance, and immediate access. Bulk procurement through contracts with trusted distributors ensures a steady supply. Despite the rise in online platforms, offline outlets remain dominant due to established relationships and onsite product demonstrations. This channel is expected to retain its lead as hospitals prioritize reliability and accessibility.
Market Segments
Product Type
- 2-Octyl Cyanoacrylate Adhesive
- N-Butyl Cyanoacrylate Adhesive
- 2-Ethyl Cyanoacrylate Adhesive
End-User
- Hospitals
- Clinics
- Trauma Centers
Application
- Surgical Incisions
- Trauma-Induced Lacerations
- Burn and Skin Grafting
- Wound Closure
- Others
Distribution Channel
- Online
- Offline
Regional Analysis
North America Maintains Leading Position in the Global Topical Skin Adhesive Market
In 2023, North America accounted for 42.20% of the global topical skin adhesive market, driven by advanced healthcare infrastructure, strong surgical volumes, and the presence of key players such as Johnson & Johnson (Ethicon) and Medtronic. The region’s preference for minimally invasive procedures has accelerated the adoption of skin adhesives as a substitute for sutures and staples in both trauma and cosmetic surgeries.
The U.S. leads in demand due to high awareness, favorable reimbursement, and robust regulatory oversight from agencies like the FDA, which ensures product safety and quality. Additionally, a growing elderly population and rising cases of chronic wounds and diabetes further support market growth. Hospitals and clinicians increasingly favor adhesives for their ease of use, reduced infection risks, and faster healing outcomes.
With ongoing innovations and rising healthcare investments, North America is projected to sustain its dominance in the global topical skin adhesive market over the forecast period.
Emerging Trends
- Regulatory Standardization of Safety and Effectiveness: The tissue adhesive for topical skin approximation was reclassified as a Class II medical device by the FDA in 2008. This has led to the establishment of special controls guiding manufacturers on safety and performance testing.
- Introduction of High-Viscosity and Mini Applicators: A high-viscosity Dermabond® mini applicator was approved in 2006, enabling more precise dosing and reducing waste. These applicators facilitate controlled application, especially in delicate or confined anatomical areas.
- Enhanced Antimicrobial Barrier Function: In vitro studies of LiquiBand® Plus have demonstrated that the polymerized adhesive film can act as a barrier to microbial penetration for the duration of its integrity. This trend supports the use of adhesives not only for closure but also for temporary protection against infection.
- Accelerated Polymerization and Reduced Closure Time: Modern formulations polymerize within seconds of application. Median closure time with LiquiBand® was approximately 78 seconds, compared to 210 seconds for sutures—a reduction of over 60% in closure time.
- Expansion Beyond Simple Lacerations: Use has been extended from minor traumatic wounds to laparoscopic incision closure and adjunctive use with subcuticular sutures. This reflects growing confidence in the efficacy of topical adhesives across a wider range of surgical procedures.
Use Cases
- Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG) Harvest Sites: In a randomized study of 106 patients undergoing vein harvest, Dermabond® closure time was significantly shorter (p = 0.017). Cosmetic scores at 1 and 6 weeks postoperatively were superior (p < 0.001), and patient satisfaction was higher (p < 0.001) compared to subcuticular sutures.
- Elective Forefoot Surgery (Hallux Valgus Correction): In a prospective trial with 70 patients (42 feet per group), topical adhesive wound care time at 2 weeks was 71 seconds vs. 120 seconds for nylon sutures (p < 0.0001). Pain scores (VAS) were lower with adhesive (0 vs. 2; p = 0.025).
- Total Knee Arthroplasty: A randomized controlled trial in 2021 found that 2-Octyl cyanoacrylate adhesive offered comparable or improved closure time and cosmetic outcomes versus traditional sutures in post-arthroplasty skin closure, demonstrating versatility in orthopaedic procedures.
- Pediatric Laceration Repair: In children with simple lacerations, topical adhesives provided cosmetic results equivalent to sutures, staples, and adhesive strips at 3 months post-injury, supporting use in emergency and outpatient settings.
Conclusion
The global topical skin adhesive market is experiencing consistent growth, supported by rising demand for minimally invasive wound closure methods, expanding surgical volumes, and technological innovations in adhesive formulations. Key segments such as 2-octyl cyanoacrylate adhesives and hospital-based applications dominate due to their superior bonding, patient comfort, and reduced infection risks.
North America remains the leading region, driven by advanced healthcare systems and early technology adoption. Regulatory support, antimicrobial functionality, and broader clinical use are enhancing market penetration. With favorable cosmetic outcomes and shorter closure times, topical adhesives are poised to become integral to modern wound management across diverse medical disciplines.
Discuss your needs with our analyst
Please share your requirements with more details so our analyst can check if they can solve your problem(s)
