Cresol, a type of hydroxytoluene, is naturally extracted from coal tar or petroleum as a mixture of three very toxic isomers, which in high concentrations, can be absorbed in fatal amounts through the skin. According to BlueQuark Research & Consulting, the global Cresol market is expected to witness a significant growth rate during the forecasted period. Factors like the escalating use of Cresols as an effective bactericide, pesticides, and disinfectants are expected to drive the global Cresol Market in the forecasted period. Further, the use of Cresols in industries as a precursor for producing compounds and materials, including plastics, pesticides, medicals, disinfectants, and dyes, and as a solvent for synthetic resin coatings, is projected to drive the Global Cresols Market in the forecasted period. Furthermore, the use of Cresol in the Pharmaceutical industry as an antiseptic and as a dental disinfectant used to remove dental pulp is expected to drive the Global Cresol Market in the forecast period. As a vital component of creosote, a wood preservative, Cresols are projected to drive the global market. However, factors like health effects associated with Cresols, like causing moderate to fatal chemical burns and intoxication when ingested, the availability of substitutes, and stringent government regulations are expected to hinder the future market growth of Cresol.

Cresol is used as an antiseptic, cleansing, and disinfecting agent for the production of various products, including industrial cleaners, antiseptic creams and lotions, floor cleaners, and some personal care products like skin and hair products, hair dyes and mouthwashes, and other items including industrial, and pharmaceutical products. 

The Pharmaceutical Industry is the primary and vital consumer of Cresols and its derivatives and is estimated to drive the global demand for Cresols. The usage of Cresols as a widely used disinfecting and cleaning agent used to clean critical surfaces and get rid of germs and disease-causing bacteria has made the demand for Cresols grow for the industry. Cresols are primarily used in the processing of vitamin E in chemical intermediates. Rising vitamin E consumption and its wide range of applications from human nutritional supplements animal feed additives to polymer antioxidants will drive industry growth. Ecolab, Inc., a leading manufacturer of disinfectants, posted sales of USD 3.1 Billion, posting a 13% quarterly increase in its second quarterly result of 2021. Further, the use of Cresol as a dental disinfectant used to remove the dental pulp in the dental industry is projected to drive the demand for Cresols. Cresols are also utilized in medical products such as spirits, sanitizers, and many others, which raises demand for such products. Moreover, the rapid expansion of the chemical industry in developing countries and excessive rise in population also lead to a surge in demand for cresols, which propels the market growth. Furthermore, the rising requirement of Vitamin E owing to its wide range of applications as human nutritional supplements, animal feed additives, to polymer antioxidants is projected to drive the demand for Cresol since Vitamin E can be synthesized through Cresols. Thus all the above factors have made the Cosmetic industry a vital segment of growth for the Global market of Cresol. 

The Asia-Pacific region is on its way to becoming the global leader in the production and consumption of Cresol, with most of the consumption in populated countries like China and India. The growth in urbanization and population in the region has prompted the subsequent increase in the demand for disinfectants, antiseptics, and personal care products, all containing Cresols, making the order in the area grow and drive the global market. Cresols are also used for electronic encapsulation used in computers, tablets, smartphones, and display devices, the Asia Pacific Region is the worldwide leader in the production of Electronic devices, with countries like China, Japan, and South Korea leading the world, thus adding to the Cresol demand in the region. Further, with the region's growing manufacturing and industrial ability, there is an increase in the market for Cresol derivatives, used for flavoring agents and perfume chemicals, and the manufacture of adhesives, plasticizers, and additives solvents for degreasing applications fuelling the demand for Cresols. The rise in the chemical industry and chemical dependency leads to an increase in demand for cresols. In addition, cresols are extensively used in the production of wine, whiskey, and other alcohol components, which leads to a rise in demand for such products. Surging demand for tablets, smartphones, computers, and display devices is awaited to drive the electronics industry over the forecasted period. Although these segments are niche applications for the product isomers, the electronics and food industries are both predicted to offer immense growth potential for the market across the Asia Pacific and Europe. Derivatives of ortho-cresol and meta-cresol isomers are an essential ingredient in agrochemicals and pesticides, making the Asia Pacific region a critical area for growth. Thus, the factors like these have made the Asia Pacific region an important place for the development of Cresol.

Some of the market's key players are Atul Ltd., LANXESS AG, Honshu Chemical Industry Co., Ltd., Konan Chemical Manufacturing Co., Ltd, Mitsui Chemicals, NIPPON STEEL Chemical & Material Co., Ltd., among others.

In November 2019, Lanxess, a specialty chemical company and one of the significant producers of m-cresol, announced force majeure on m-cresol due to unanticipated technical issues.

In June 2021, Mitsui Chemicals intended to buy most of the common stock of its competitor, Honshu Chemical Industry. 

In April 2021, Atul Ltd. And Nouryon started a joint venture production of chemicals in a new plant in India at Anaven in Gujarat to meet India's growing demand.

Global Cresol Market report provides deep insight into the Industrial market's current and future state across various regions. The study comprehensively analyses the Cresol market by segmenting based on the Product Type (Meta-Cresol, Para-Cresol, Ortho-Cresol), Source (Artificial/Synthetic, Natural), End-Use Industries (Pharmaceutical, Industrial, Others), and Geography (Asia-Pacific, North America, Europe, South America, and Middle-East and Africa). The report examines the market drivers and restraints and the impact of Covid-19 on the market growth in detail. The study covers emerging market trend, developments, opportunities, and challenges in the industry. This report also covers extensively researched competitive landscape sections with prominent companies and profiles, including their market shares and projects.