Softgel Capsules Market By Material (Gelatin, Non-Gelatin), Application (Pharmaceutical, Nutraceuticals), & Region for 2026-2032

Softgel Capsules Market Valuation - 2026-2032

Increasing health consciousness among consumers is propelling the adoption of softgel capsules. Advancements in drug formulations enhance the appeal of softgel capsules for new therapies and are driving the market size to surpass USD 3.82 Billion in 2024 to reach a valuation of around USD 5.84 Billion by 2032.

In addition to this, the trend toward natural remedies is spurring up the adoption of softgel capsules. Softgel capsules often offer improved bioavailability, leading to more effective nutrient delivery is enabling the market to grow at a CAGR of 5.46% from 2026 to 2032.

Softgel Capsules Market: Definition/ Overview

Softgel capsules are a form of dosage delivery system that encapsulates liquids, oils, or active ingredients within a gelatin-based shell. This unique design allows for easy swallowing and quick dissolution, enabling efficient absorption of the encapsulated substances. Softgels are available in various sizes and can be formulated to contain a wide range of ingredients, including vitamins, herbal extracts, and pharmaceuticals.

The applications of softgel capsules are diverse, spanning the pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, and cosmetic industries. In pharmaceuticals, they are used to deliver medications that require precise dosing and rapid bioavailability. In the nutraceutical sector, softgels are popular for dietary supplements, offering consumers an easy way to incorporate essential nutrients into their daily routines. Additionally, softgels are used in cosmetics for encapsulating oils and active ingredients, enhancing product stability and effectiveness.

How will Rising Demand for Nutraceuticals and Dietary Supplements Increase Adoption of Softgel Capsules?

The rising demand for nutraceuticals and dietary supplements has been a significant driver of the softgel capsules market. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, about 75% of Americans take dietary supplements, with many preferring softgel capsules for their ease of swallowing and improved bioavailability. This trend has led to increased production and innovation in softgel technology. In July 2023, Catalent, a leading softgel manufacturer, announced the expansion of its softgel manufacturing capacity in Italy to meet growing global demand, particularly for nutraceutical products.

An aging global population and the associated increase in chronic diseases have fueled the growth of the pharmaceutical sector, consequently boosting the softgel capsules market. The World Health Organization reported that between 2015 and 2050, the proportion of the world's population over 60 years will nearly double from 12% to 22%. This demographic shift has spurred pharmaceutical companies to develop more easily consumable drug delivery forms. In August 2023, Sirio Pharma unveiled a new plant-based softgel technology, catering to the growing demand for vegetarian and vegan-friendly medication options among older consumers.

The increasing consumer preference for natural and organic products has driven innovation in plant-based softgel capsules. The U.S. Department of Agriculture reported that sales of organic food and non-food products reached USD 61.9 Billion in 2020, indicating a strong market for natural alternatives. This trend has extended to the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industries, prompting softgel manufacturers to develop new formulations. In September 2023, Capsugel, a Lonza company, launched a new line of plant-based softgel capsules made from tapioca starch, addressing the growing demand for clean-label and allergen-free products in the softgel market.

Will Stability and Shelf-Life Issues of Softgel Capsules Restrain Its Application?

The softgel capsules market faces several restraints that may impede its growth. One significant challenge is the high production costs associated with manufacturing softgel capsules. The specialized equipment and materials required for their production can lead to increased prices, making it less accessible for smaller companies and new entrants in the market.

Another restraint is the potential for stability and shelf-life issues. Some active ingredients may not remain stable within softgel formulations, which can limit the types of products that can be effectively delivered in this form. This concern may lead manufacturers to seek alternative delivery systems that offer better stability for sensitive compounds.

Regulatory hurdles also pose challenges to the softgel market. The approval processes for dietary supplements and pharmaceuticals can be lengthy and complex, particularly in regions with stringent regulations. This can slow down the introduction of new softgel products and deter companies from investing in this delivery format.

Category-Wise Acumens

Will Gelatin Segment Hold Major Share in Softgel Capsules Market?

Gelatin continues to dominate the softgel capsules market due to its unique properties and widespread acceptance in the pharmaceutical industry. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's Inactive Ingredient Database, gelatin is listed in over 1,000 approved drug products as of 2023, highlighting its prevalence in pharmaceutical formulations. This widespread use is attributed to gelatin's excellent oxygen barrier properties, compatibility with a wide range of fill materials, and cost-effectiveness. In July 2023, Rousselot, a leading gelatin manufacturer, announced the launch of a new pharmaceutical-grade gelatin specifically designed for softgel applications, promising enhanced stability and performance.

The superior dissolution profile of gelatin-based softgels contributes significantly to their dominance in the market. The European Medicines Agency reported in 2022 that over 60% of approved oral drug products in the EU used gelatin as a primary excipient, with softgel capsules representing a substantial portion. This preference is driven by gelatin's ability to dissolve rapidly at body temperature, ensuring quick release of active ingredients. Recognizing this advantage, Catalent Pharma Solutions introduced a new gelatin-based technology in August 2023 that allows for controlled release of drugs from softgel capsules, expanding the application of gelatin in advanced drug delivery systems.

Which Factors Enhance the Use of Softgel Capsules in Nutraceutical Sector?

The nutraceutical sector has emerged as a dominant force in the softgel capsules market, driven by increasing consumer focus on preventive healthcare and wellness. According to the U.S. National Institutes of Health, over 170 million Americans take dietary supplements regularly, with softgel capsules being a preferred delivery form for many nutraceutical products. This widespread adoption has led to significant market growth and innovation. In August 2023, Nature's Bounty, a leading nutraceutical company, introduced a new line of softgel supplements featuring enhanced absorption technology, catering to the growing demand for more effective nutraceutical products.

The versatility of softgel capsules in encapsulating a wide range of nutraceutical ingredients has contributed to their popularity in this sector. The European Food Safety Authority reported in 2022 that softgel capsules accounted for approximately 40% of all new nutraceutical product launches in the EU. This preference is due to softgels' ability to mask unpleasant tastes and odors while providing improved bioavailability for many compounds. Capitalizing on this trend, in July 2023, Lonza announced the expansion of its softgel manufacturing capabilities, specifically targeting the growing demand for complex nutraceutical formulations.

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Country/Region-wise Acumens

Will Robust Pharmaceutical Industry in North America Drive Softgel Capsules Market Growth?

North America is establishing itself as the dominant region in the softgel capsules market, driven by a robust pharmaceutical industry and high consumer demand for dietary supplements. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, approximately 75% of Americans take dietary supplements, with softgel capsules being a popular choice due to their ease of swallowing and improved absorption. This high consumption rate has led to significant market growth and innovation. In July 2023, Catalent, a leading contract development and manufacturing organization, announced a USD 350 Million investment to expand its softgel manufacturing capabilities in Kentucky, reinforcing North America's position in the market.

The region's dominance is further strengthened by its advanced healthcare infrastructure and stringent quality standards. The U.S. National Institutes of Health reported that in 2022, over 60% of clinical trials involving oral drug formulations utilized softgel capsules, highlighting their importance in pharmaceutical development. This prevalence has attracted substantial investment from key players. In August 2023, Sirio Pharma, a global nutraceutical contract development and manufacturing organization, opened a new R&D center in California focused on developing innovative softgel technologies for both pharmaceutical and nutraceutical applications.

Will Rising Healthcare Expenditure Enhance Adoption of Softgel Capsules in Asia Pacific?

The Asia Pacific region is experiencing rapid growth in the softgel capsules market, driven by increasing healthcare expenditure and a growing awareness of preventive healthcare. According to China's National Medical Products Administration, the number of approved softgel capsule formulations increased by 28% between 2020 and 2022, reflecting the rising demand for this delivery form. This growth has attracted significant investment from global players. In August 2023, Catalent announced the expansion of its softgel manufacturing facility in Japan, doubling its production capacity to meet the increasing regional demand for both pharmaceutical and nutraceutical softgel products.

India has emerged as a key contributor to the region's market growth, with its large pharmaceutical manufacturing base. The Indian Ministry of Commerce and Industry reported that pharmaceutical exports, including softgel capsules, grew by 18% in the fiscal year 2022-23 compared to the previous year. This growth has spurred innovation in the sector. In July 2023, ACG Group, a leading Indian pharmaceutical supplier, launched a new range of vegetarian softgel capsules made from plant-based materials, catering to the growing demand for vegetarian options in the Asian market.

Competitive Landscape

The softgel capsules market is a dynamic and competitive space, characterized by a diverse range of players vying for market share. These players are on the run for solidifying their presence through the adoption of strategic plans such as collaborations, mergers, acquisitions, and political support.

The organizations are focusing on innovating their product line to serve the vast population in diverse regions. Some of the prominent players operating in the softgel capsules market include:

• Capsugel (Lonza)
• Aenova Group
• EuroCaps
• Catalent
• Soft Gel Technologies, Inc.
• Herbalife
• C3S
• Fuisz Pharma
• Amgen
• Pfizer
• GlaxoSmithKline
• Nature's Way
• DSM Nutritional Products
• Bausch Health
• Pharmavite LLC
• Shionogi
• NBTY
• Tishcon Corp
• Omega Protein Corporation
• JRS Pharma

Latest Developments

• In September 2023, a major manufacturer in the softgel capsules market announced the launch of a new line of plant-based softgels, catering to the growing demand for vegan and clean-label products.
• In August 2023, a leading research firm released a report forecasting a CAGR of 6.5% for the softgel capsules market through 2030, driven by increasing consumer preference for dietary supplements and pharmaceuticals.

Softgel Capsules Market, By Category

• Material:
• Gelatin
• Non-Gelatin
• Application:
• Pharmaceutical
• Nutraceuticals
• Cosmetics
• Region:
• North America
• Europe
• Asia-Pacific
• South America
• Middle East & Africa