Medical Adhesives Market Size, Share, Growth, Trends, and Global Industry Analysis: By Application (Dental, Medical Device & Equipment, Internal Medical & Equipment, External Medical Application), By Resin (Acrylic, Polyurethane, Epoxy, Silicone, Others), By Technology (Water-based, Solvent-based, Hot Melt, Reactive, Others) and Region Forecast 2020-2031

Medical Adhesives Market size was valued at US$ 15,200 million in 2024 and is projected to reach US$ 23,500 million by 2031 at a CAGR of 6.4% from 2025-2031. Moreover, the U.S. Medical Adhesives Market is projected to grow significantly, reaching an estimated value of US$ 6,800 million by 2031.

The market refers to the industry involved in the production, distribution, and application of adhesive products specifically designed for medical and healthcare purposes. These adhesives are formulated to meet strict biocompatibility, safety, and performance standards for applications such as wound closure, surgical procedures, medical device assembly, and wearable healthcare products. Medical adhesives are available in various forms, including tapes, films, liquids, and pastes, and can be based on different chemistries such as acrylics, cyanoacrylates, epoxies, polyurethanes, and silicone. Their primary function is to provide secure bonding while minimizing tissue irritation and ensuring patient comfort.

The medical adhesives market is experiencing steady growth driven by rising demand for minimally invasive surgical procedures, increased use of single-use medical devices, and advancements in wound care management. The growing aging population, coupled with the rising incidence of chronic diseases and injuries, is accelerating the adoption of high-performance medical adhesives in hospitals, clinics, and home healthcare settings. Additionally, innovations in bio-based and skin-friendly adhesive technologies are expanding the market’s scope, particularly for long-term wear applications in diagnostic devices and wearable sensors. With the push for infection control, improved patient outcomes, and regulatory compliance, the market continues to evolve toward adhesives that offer strong bonding, breathability, hypoallergenic properties, and easy removal without compromising skin integrity.

Facts & Figures

• The newer, long-chain cyanoacrylate formulations such as 2-octyl cyanoacrylate, found in products like Dermabond offer improved flexibility, tensile strength, and reduced tissue irritation compared to earlier versions like butyl cyanoacrylate. These improvements enhance utility in skin closure and wound care applications.
• Medical adhesives intended for skin or internal use must pass rigorous biocompatibility testing standards. These include USP Class VI, which evaluates systemic toxicity, intracutaneous irritation, and implantation responses, as well as ISO 10993, which assesses cytotoxicity, hemolysis, and other critical biological reactions.

Key Developments

• In January 2025, Henkel introduced two innovative light-cure adhesives Loctite AA 3952 and Loctite SI 5057 specifically formulated for assembling flexible medical devices. These products respond to growing regulatory constraints on DEHP-containing PVC products and support the industry shift toward alternative flexible materials, like thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs), enhancing both biocompatibility and manufacturing versatility.
• In February 2024, Henkel launched Loctite 4011S and Loctite 4061S, two next-generation cyanoacrylate-based instant adhesives tailored for medical device applications. Both products meet ISO 10993 biocompatibility standards, offering enhanced safety and durability. Performance testing revealed nearly 100% greater shear strength on steel after 1,000 hours at 120 °C compared to previous formulations—a significant technical leap for demanding surgical environments.
• In August 2025, Paris-based TISSIUM secured an FDA Investigational Device Exemption (IDE) for its groundbreaking vascular sealant polymer. Activated by visible blue light, this adhesive is engineered to reduce postoperative bleeding during vascular surgeries. Notably, the platform also supports use as a 3D printing resin for implantable devices, representing a dual-function innovation at the intersection of adhesion science and medical additive manufacturing.

Medical Adhesives Market Segmentation

Based on the application

• Dental
• Medical Device & Equipment
• Internal Medical Application
• External Medical Application

Among the various application areas, medical devices and equipment stand out as the leading driver of the medical adhesives market, primarily due to the rising demand for minimally invasive procedures and the rapid growth of advanced medical device manufacturing. Medical adhesives are increasingly critical in assembling devices such as catheters, IV delivery systems, diagnostic instruments, and implantable devices, where traditional fastening methods are less effective or unsuitable. Unlike mechanical fasteners, adhesives provide seamless bonding, biocompatibility, and flexibility, which are essential for sensitive medical applications. The increasing reliance on disposable medical devices, particularly post-pandemic, has further accelerated their adoption, as adhesives enable sterile and reliable assembly. Moreover, adhesives that comply with stringent standards like USP Class VI and ISO 10993 are preferred, ensuring both patient safety and product efficacy. With advancements in device miniaturization and growing demand for portable healthcare equipment, the medical device and equipment application is anticipated to remain the dominant force driving this market forward.

Based on the resin

• Acrylic
• Polyurethane
• Epoxy
• Silicone
• Others

Acrylic resins are anticipated to be the leading driver in the medical adhesives market, largely due to their versatility, excellent bonding strength, and compatibility with a wide range of medical substrates. Acrylic-based medical adhesives are extensively used in wound care products, surgical tapes, transdermal drug delivery patches, and wearable medical devices. Their strong adhesion, combined with skin-friendliness and resistance to moisture, makes them particularly suitable for long-term patient use. Moreover, the rising adoption of non-invasive treatment methods and wearable healthcare technologies has significantly increased demand for acrylic adhesives, as they provide both durability and comfort. Another major advantage is their ability to maintain adhesion under body fluids, temperature fluctuations, and extended wear, ensuring reliability in critical applications. With the global rise in chronic diseases, aging populations, and home healthcare solutions, acrylic medical adhesives are expected to dominate, driving innovation in flexible, patient-centric medical products. This positions them as the most influential resin segment.

Based on the technology

• Water-based
• Solvent-based
• Hot Melt
• Reactive
• Others

Water-based technology is anticipated to be the leading driver in the medical adhesives market, primarily due to its superior safety profile, biocompatibility, and growing alignment with stringent regulatory requirements. Water-based medical adhesives are widely preferred in applications such as wound dressings, surgical tapes, and transdermal patches because they minimize the use of harmful solvents and reduce the risk of skin irritation or allergic reactions. With the healthcare industry increasingly shifting toward eco-friendly and patient-friendly solutions, water-based adhesives stand out for their low toxicity and environmentally sustainable production process. Additionally, the rising demand for wearable medical devices and advanced wound care products has further fueled adoption, as these adhesives ensure breathability, flexibility, and long-term adhesion without compromising patient comfort. Their ability to perform effectively under sensitive conditions, alongside compliance with global safety standards, makes water-based technology the most influential and rapidly growing segment in shaping the future of medical adhesives.