Global Softgel Capsules Market Report and Forecast 2024-2032

Global Softgel Capsules Market Outlook

The global softgel capsules market size was valued at USD 6.1 billion in 2023, driven by the medical advancements to develop easy to swallow capsules that offer enhanced bioavailability across the globe. The market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 7.7% during the forecast period of 2024-2032, with the values likely to rise from USD 6.5 billion in 2024 to USD 11.8 billion by 2032.

Softgel Capsules: Introduction

A softgel capsule is a capsule shell surrounding a semi-solid or liquid fill, making it suitable for storing oil-based formulations. Softgels contain added ingredients like glycerine to maintain the thick and soft texture. It is highly preferred by the consumers as it is easy to swallow and digest, devoid of any unpleasant taste or smell.

Softgel capsules can be developed in a range of forms, shapes, or sizes, depending on the point of action and material to be filled in. They are the leading formulations for multivitamin capsules and dietary supplements.

Global Softgel Capsules Market Analysis

When compared to tablets and hard capsules, softgel capsules have gained high popularity in human and animal pharmaceutical applications. This is because they are particularly helpful to formulate low melting point active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). They also facilitate better absorption and bioavailability of poorly water-soluble APIs, which can be quite complicated in some tablets.

It is important for a drug to be released at the right time and place for it to work efficiently. With new innovations, softgel capsules are now available with an enteric coating. This coating is applied to the capsule exterior to control the time and place of action. As enteric refers to small intestine, the nutrient is only released when it reaches the small intestine. This coating helps in protecting the compound from stomach and vice-e-versa, preventing a gastric reflux as well. This specificity substantiates the softgel capsule market growth.

The enteric softgel capsules are specially prepared by the addition enteric polymer with the help of inducing cross linked gelatine. It makes the capsule temperature and humidity resistant, helping it maintain the tensile strength along with the smooth and elastic nature. There has been quality development around plant based softgels as well. IFF’s pharma solutions division is ready to launch a pectin-based premix that allows manufacturers to offer carrageenan free products. Such innovations and variations to the existing models indicate that the softgel capsules market demand is destined to rise in the future.

Global Softgel Capsules Market Segmentation

Market Breakup by Type

• Gelatin Capsules

• Non-Gelatin Capsules
  • Starches
  • Pullulan
  • Others

Market Breakup by Application

• Pharmaceuticals

• Health Supplements

• Cosmetics

• Others

Market Breakup by Distribution Channel

• Supermarkets and Hypermarkets

• Pharmacies and Drug Stores

• Online Providers

• Others

Market Breakup by Region

• North America

• Europe

• Asia Pacific

• Latin America

• Middle East and Africa

Global Softgel Capsules Market Overview

While the softgel capsules market share has been majorly dominated by the North American region, Asian countries are set to experience significant growth during the forecast period. This is because of rising investments to develop a quality infrastructure that supports high end research. This has been successful as well. For instance, earlier this year, Lotus Pharmaceutical launched Vinorelbine softgel capsules (an alkaloid indicated to treat locally advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer) in Vietnam. It is the first and the only Drug Authority of Vietnam (DAV) approved softgel in the Vietnam softgel capsules market.

The emphasis on supplementation has grown post COVID-19, as masses are driven towards natural and immunity boosting products. Since softgel capsules are easy to consume and do not possess any bad taste or smell, they are a preferred alternative to feed supplements to children. Since they also accommodate a wide range of compounds like liquids, semi-solids, emulsions, or suspensions, the softgel capsule market value has seen a significant rise during the historical period.

Global Softgel Capsules Market: Competitor Landscape

The key features of the market report include patent analysis, grants analysis, clinical trials analysis, funding and investment analysis, partnerships, and collaborations analysis by the leading key players. The major companies in the market are as follows:

• Sirio Pharma Co., Ltd.

• Fuji Capsule Co., Ltd. 

• CAPTEK® Softgel International Inc. 

• Catalent, Inc 

• Cloverty 

• Sochim International spa 

• Aenova Group 

• Eurocaps Limited 

• Capsugel 

• Procap Laboratories 

• Soft gel Technologies Inc. 

• Curtis Health Caps

Key Highlights of the Report