Univar Solutions and CABB extend glycolic acid distribution across North America

Univar Solutions has entered an exclusive North American glycolic acid distribution partnership with CABB Group. Through its Ingredients + Specialties division, the global chemicals and ingredients distributor is strengthening its North American beauty positioning. 

According to Univar, incorporating glycolic acid into its offerings aligns with its strategy of investing in areas of growth, bolstering its ingredient portfolio, and enabling differentiated formulations.

Glycolic acid is established in the industry for its exfoliating, cleansing, and moisturizing properties in skin care applications. It can help enhance overall skin appearance and texture related to skin tone and radiance. 

“Glycolic acid continues to be a key ingredient for formulators exploring next-generation approaches to exfoliation and overall skin appearance,” Eric Zeigler, senior director of North America, Care, at Ingredients + Specialties Univar Solutions, tells Personal Care Insights.

Growing glycolic acid reach

The new agreement expands Univar’s existing distribution agreement with CABB for glycolic acid beyond Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) to the US and Canada. The agreement includes CABB Group’s Glycos Clear 70, a 70% glycolic acid solution.

“This North American partnership strengthens both companies’ ability to connect customers with proven ingredient technology, market insights, and technical expertise that support meaningful innovation. By expanding access to CABB’s glycolic acid technologies, we’re helping customers bring differentiated products to market more efficiently while responding to evolving consumer preferences,” says Zeigler.

 CABB Group is a contract development and manufacturing organization and fine chemicals supplier, specializing in high-purity actives for personal care and other industries.

The partnership strengthens access to high-purity glycolic acid for beauty brands. 

“This exclusive partnership… helps ensure robust supply and consistent performance,” says Tobias Schalow, CEO of the CABB Group. 

The CEO also details that the glycolic acid was produced using renewable electricity, and reflects the company’s commitment to sustainability. 

Expanded partnership

Earlier this year, Univar’s Ingredients + Specialties division secured an exclusive distribution partnership with CABB Group to expand its EMEA ingredient glycolic acid portfolio.

“Our expanded relationship with CABB Group will help strengthen the security, consistency, and quality of a European glycolic acid supply for beauty and personal care brands,” said Lise Laure Dunoyer Morali, laboratory and technical manager, Beauty and Personal Care, EMEA, Ingredients + Specialties at Univar Solutions, at the time.

“CABB Group is widely recognized for its expertise in high‑purity alpha‑hydroxy acids, and this partnership enables Ingredients + Specialties to help deliver reliable access to these essential actives at a time when demand for exfoliating and skin‑renewing ingredients continues to grow.”