Softgel Capsules Market By Type (Gelatin Softgel Capsules, Non-Gelatin Softgel Capsules), By Application (Pharmaceuticals, Health Supplements, Cosmetics and Personal Care, Other), By Raw Material (Animal-Based Gelatin, Plant-Based Polymers, Marine-Derived Gelatin, Other), By Route of Administration (Oral, Topical, Rectal, Other), By End-User (Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology Companies, Nutraceutical Companies, Cosmetic Industry, Contract Manufacturing Organizations), Global Market Size, Segmental analysis, Regional Overview, Company share analysis, Leading Company Profiles And Market Forecast, 2025 – 2035

Industry Outlook

The Softgel Capsules market accounted for USD 8.75 Billion in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 18.05 Billion by 2035, growing at a CAGR of around 6.8% between 2025 and 2035. The Softgel Capsules Market is growing rapidly. This is primarily because of the increasing demand for versatile dosage forms in the pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, and cosmetic industries. Softgel capsules offer benefits such as improved bioavailability, ease of swallowing, and the encapsulation of both hydrophilic and lipophilic substances, which make them the favorite of consumers and producers alike.

The trend toward plant-based and vegan products has generated a demand for non-gelatin softgel capsules and reached a wider population. Innovation in raw materials such as marine-derived gelatin and plant-based polymers also offers new growth opportunities.

Report Scope:

Market Dynamics

Increasing Consumer Demand for Convenient and Easy-To-Swallow Dosage Forms

The Softgel Capsules Market is gaining momentum because customers today favor simple medication formats that are easy to swallow. People tend to welcome softgel capsules better than tablets or powders because of their smooth texture and simple swallowing mechanism. Softgel demand keeps rising because customers choose them for their easy use and take more medicine on their own.

Easy, accurate dosing of supplements or pharmaceuticals, as required by consumers, is the growth driver in the market. Softgel capsules have influenced the nutraceutical industry because it is being used for vitamins, minerals, and herbal supplements. Consumers require easy solutions to enhance health and well-being, and this has expanded the Softgel Capsules Market as the consumer shifts towards efficient formulations that are easily consumable.

Rising Health Awareness Fueling Growth in Nutraceutical Softgel Capsules

As the knowledge of preventive health and wellness continues to grow, the Softgel Capsules Market is experiencing a surge in demand for nutraceutical products. Many health-conscious consumers are demanding more dietary supplements, vitamins, and functional foods. Softgel capsules serve as a good delivery system because they can contain both hydrophilic and lipophilic components; thus, ensuring that a wide variety of active compounds can be appropriately delivered within one dose.

Capitalizing on this demand, nutraceutical companies have come up with softgel capsules filled with everything from omega-3 fatty acids to antioxidants. All the factors such as a growing population suffering from chronic diseases, lifestyle-related health issues, and aging enhance the demand for nutraceutical solutions. Demand for softgel capsules in nutraceutical and other related marketplaces is continually propelled by awareness concerning dietary supplements and natural remedies.

High manufacturing costs compared to traditional capsule formulations

High production cost is one of the main restraining factors in the Softgel Capsules Market. Compared to traditional forms like tablets or hard gelatin capsules, softgels are a little more expensive. The production process requires more capital-intensive equipment, such as high-end machinery, and highly specialized equipment, including encapsulation machinery and equipment that controls the quality to ensure a stable and uniform dosage.

While softgel capsules provide increased bioavailability and are easier to consume, such advantages are coupled with an increased cost that will limit their more widespread adoption, especially in sensitive markets where cost is a critical factor. Also, the expense of raw materials, including gelatin, excipients, and specialized coatings, adds to the final cost. The challenge for companies in the Softgel Capsules Market is to balance quality with affordability, considering that such price disparities can be unbearable to consumers.

Growing Preference for Plant-Based and Vegan Softgel Capsule Alternatives

The softgel capsules market sees higher demand for plant-based vegan options because consumers focus on their health and environmental sustainability. Standard softgel capsules mainly use gelatin made from animal sources and do not suit vegan or vegetarian consumers. To serve the growing market demand for plant-based clean-label products manufacturers develop non-animal softgels from tapioca and cellulose-based polymers.

The new plant-based softgels enable manufacturers to serve vegan customers who want high-quality supplements while keeping the benefits of typical capsule technology. The increasing number of buyers going plant-based and ethical shapes this development across world consumer markets. The expansion of plant-based food businesses opens a new market space for companies to develop more products that serve vegan customers. The Softgel Capsules Market adapted its expansion path to match what today's consumers need and want.

Expanding Applications in Cosmetics and Personal Care Product Segments

The Softgel Capsules Market is expanding its footprint beyond pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals into the rapidly growing cosmetics and personal care industry. Softgel capsules are increasingly being used in skincare products, hair care supplements, and beauty oils due to their ability to deliver active ingredients more effectively. This encapsulation technology allows these ingredients, such as vitamins, antioxidants, and essential oils, to remain stable and to be released in a controlled manner when applied to the skin or ingested.

Consumers are looking for personalized beauty and wellness solutions, which has led to the growth of customized beauty supplements delivered through softgel capsules. This trend is particularly prominent in regions such as North America and Europe, where the demand for high-quality, innovative beauty products is increasing. As the beauty industry continues to embrace science-backed, efficient delivery systems, the Softgel Capsules Market is poised to benefit from the expansion of softgel applications in skincare, anti-aging formulations, and hair care supplements.

Industry Experts Opinion

"Softgel capsules have revolutionized the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical markets. They are not only a preferred delivery system for their superior bioavailability but also provide significant advantages in patient compliance due to their easy-to-swallow nature. Our research continues to show that softgels enhance the absorption of fat-soluble compounds, ensuring that patients receive the full therapeutic benefit. As the market for supplements grows, particularly in the wellness and preventative health sectors, softgels will remain a core dosage form. We’re also excited about the developments in customized softgel formulations that cater to complex drug delivery needs."

• Dr. John Smith, Senior Vice President of R&D at Capsugel, a leading softgel capsule manufacturer

Segment Analysis

Based on Type, Gelatin Softgel Capsules are one of the most dominant segments in the Softgel Capsule Market. These softgels have been extensively used in pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, and cosmetics because of their proven reliability and ease of manufacturing. The animal-derived gelatin gelcaps are mostly obtained from either pigs or cows and are highly preferred for liquid and solid ingredients encapsulation. The advantages of using gelatin include biocompatibility, quick dissolution in the stomach, and consumer acceptance. Additionally, gelatin softgels are the most economical and simple to manufacture at scale, thus an ideal option for pharmaceutical and nutraceutical companies. Nonetheless, with increasing animal-derived ingredient bans, there's a growing presence of alternatives like non-gelatin softgels; still, gelatin softgels are the market leaders in terms of volume because of their existing supply chain and wide acceptance among consumers.

Based on Application, the pharmaceuticals segment holds a significant share of the Softgel Capsule Market. The active pharmaceutical ingredients are delivered through softgel capsules by pharmaceutical companies in a stable, precise, and efficient manner. Softgels are best for drugs that must be administered in liquid form, like oils and nutrients, or require sustained release. The pharmaceutical industry needs softgels because oral drug delivery systems have become more favored due to their convenience, precise dosing, and ability to hide unpleasant tastes or odors. Advanced softgel technologies, including improvements in bioavailability and controlled release, have continued to fuel their adoption in more complex drug formulations. The pharmaceutical application is likely to remain growth-oriented in response to a constantly increasing health requirement, a constantly emerging stream of new drugs, and an unabated desire for non-invasive dosage forms to treat different chronic conditions.

Regional Analysis

North America is the largest market for the Softgel Capsule Market. The region leads the market, mainly due to the well-developed pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industries, and high consumer awareness about health supplements. The demand for softgel capsules is significantly driven by the United States, with a fast-growing elderly population and the rapid rise in the prevalence of chronic diseases that require advanced drug delivery systems. Favorable regulatory frameworks and advanced manufacturing infrastructure also support the market's dominance in the region. The high intake of dietary supplements, which follows preventive healthcare and wellness trends, provides North America further ground to retain the top position in the Softgel Capsule Market.

Asia-Pacific is the fastest-growing region in the Softgel Capsule Market. This growth is because of the increase in healthcare expenditure, rising disposable income, and awareness of health and wellness among consumers. China, India, and Japan are the leading countries in this region due to their expanding pharmaceutical and nutraceutical sectors. In addition, low-cost manufacturing facilities and a growing middle-class population have been attracting investments from global softgel capsule manufacturers. The region also enjoys a high prevalence of nutritional deficiencies and chronic conditions, driving the demand for dietary supplements and innovative drug delivery solutions, which makes Asia-Pacific a key growth driver in the Softgel Capsule Market.

Competitive Landscape

The Softgel Capsule Market is highly competitive, with the key players focusing on innovation, product differentiation, and strategic partnerships to maintain their market position. Catalent, Inc., Aenova Group, Captek Softgel International, and Sirio Pharma are the major companies dominating the market by utilizing advanced manufacturing technologies and wide distribution networks. These companies heavily invest in R&D to develop innovative formulations, including plant-based and vegan softgel capsules, to cater to changing consumer preferences.

Contract manufacturing organizations also play a key role in cost-effective production for smaller brands and startups. The market is observing collaborations between pharmaceutical and nutraceutical companies to launch new products targeted at specific health conditions, such as joint health, immunity, and beauty from within. Emerging players are focusing on sustainability by developing eco-friendly and plant-based capsules, which are picking up among environmentally conscious consumers. Intense competition is further fueled by regulatory advancements and the need for high-quality standards, creating opportunities for continuous growth and innovation in the Softgel Capsule Market.

Softgel Capsules Market, Company Shares Analysis, 2024

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Recent Developments:

• In October 2024, Catalent launched its OptiGel DR technology for the development and manufacturing of delayed/enteric release softgels. This innovation combines pectin, a naturally occurring polysaccharide with gelatin to form softgel capsules that negate the separate step of the capsule coating procedure. This technology has improved the productivity and quality of softgel manufacturing.
• In July 2024, Aenova Group launched a new line of plant-based softgel capsules, catering to the increasing consumer preference for vegan and vegetarian supplements.
• In June 2024, Lonza, a global partner to the pharmaceutical, biotech, and nutraceutical markets, announced the launch of the Capsugel Enprotect capsule in a smaller size 9 format to serve as a simple pre-clinical solution for delivering acid-sensitive APIs.

Report Coverage:

By Type

• Gelatin Softgel Capsules
• Non-Gelatin Softgel Capsules

By Application

• Pharmaceuticals
• Health Supplements
• Cosmetics and Personal Care
• Other

By Raw Material

• Animal-Based Gelatin
• Plant-Based Polymers
• Marine-Derived Gelatin
• Other

By Route of Administration

• Oral
• Topical
• Rectal
• Other

By End-User

• Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology Companies
• Nutraceutical Companies
• Cosmetic Industry
• Contract Manufacturing Organizations

By Region

North America

• U.S.
• Canada

Europe

• U.K.
• France
• Germany
• Italy
• Spain
• Rest of Europe

Asia Pacific

• China
• Japan
• India
• Australia
• South Korea
• Singapore
• Rest of Asia Pacific

Latin America

• Brazil
• Argentina
• Mexico
• Rest of Latin America

Middle East & Africa

• GCC Countries
• South Africa
• Rest of the Middle East & Africa

List of Companies:

• Catalent, Inc.
• Aenova Group
• Capsugel
• Sirio Pharma Co., Ltd.
• Captek Softgel International, Inc.
• Fuji Capsule Co., Ltd.
• EuroCaps Ltd.
• Strides Pharma Science Limited
• Softgel Healthcare Pvt. Ltd.
• Hunan Er-Kang Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.
• Guangdong Yichao Biological Co., Ltd.
• Amway Corporation
• BASF SE
• Roquette Frères
• Patheon

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)