One-piece Soft Capsule Market Size, Share, Growth, and Industry Analysis, By Types (Gelatin Type, Non-animal Type) , Applications (Health Supplements, Pharmaceutical, Others (Cosmetics etc.)) and Regional Insights and Forecast to 2033

One-piece Soft Capsule Market Size

The Global One-piece Soft Capsule Market size was USD 957.31 million in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 1014.75 million in 2025 and USD 1617.35 million by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 6% during the forecast period from 2025 to 2033. The market is primarily driven by rising consumption of dietary supplements, increasing consumer awareness about health and wellness, and a growing preference for convenient dosage forms. More than 62% of supplement users globally prefer soft capsules due to ease of swallowing and enhanced bioavailability. Over 41% of new product launches in the nutraceutical industry are in soft capsule form, with a notable shift toward plant-based gelatin-free formulations.

The US One-piece Soft Capsule Market is experiencing robust growth due to strong consumer demand for nutritional supplements and functional ingredients. Over 69% of U.S. consumers regularly use dietary supplements, with softgels representing nearly 56% of total supplement sales. Increasing interest in beauty-from-within and cognitive health supplements is pushing the use of specialized soft capsule formulations. More than 48% of nutraceutical manufacturers in the U.S. now prioritize soft capsule formats in their product development pipelines, with rising innovation in dual-action delivery systems and flavored softgels targeting younger demographics.

Key Findings

• Market Size: Valued at $957.31M in 2024, projected to touch $1014.75M in 2025 to $1617.35M by 2033 at a CAGR of 6%.
• Growth Drivers: Over 62% prefer soft capsules; 57% of producers expanding softgel lines.
• Trends: 43% shift to gelatin-free options; 41% of launches are plant-based soft capsules.
• Key Players: Catalent, Lonza (Capsugel), Procaps, Aenova, Sirio Pharma & more.
• Regional Insights: North America holds 37%, driven by supplement consumption; Europe captures 28% with strong vegan demand; Asia-Pacific contributes 24% via rising health awareness; Middle East & Africa accounts for 11% due to growing urban health trends.
• Challenges: 49% production cost driven by raw materials; 33% report instability in liquid actives.
• Industry Impact: Over 54% of firms expanded capacity; 36% investments in vegan soft capsules.
• Recent Developments: 46% capacity boost by Captek; 27% rise in dual-release adoption; 35% more humidity-resistant plant-based softgels.

The One-piece Soft Capsule Market is evolving rapidly due to heightened consumer interest in preventive health and clean-label supplements. With over 53% of health supplement applications relying on soft capsule delivery, innovation is shifting toward advanced encapsulation formats like dual-release and antioxidant-coated capsules. Non-animal alternatives are gaining prominence, especially in Europe and Asia-Pacific, with more than 36% of the market now using plant-based materials. Global manufacturers are focusing on personalized formulations and faster release mechanisms to capture niche demand in beauty, cognitive health, and sports nutrition segments.

One-piece Soft Capsule Market Trends

The One-piece Soft Capsule Market is witnessing a noticeable transformation driven by increasing consumer preference for easy-to-swallow, dosage-accurate, and taste-masked drug delivery systems. Over 68% of nutraceutical manufacturers have shifted toward softgel formulations due to their enhanced bioavailability and stability. The rising demand for dietary supplements has also significantly contributed to market expansion, with nearly 74% of global consumers favoring soft capsules over tablets and powders for ease of consumption. The pharmaceutical sector accounts for over 52% of the demand for one-piece soft capsules, mainly driven by advancements in encapsulation technologies and increasing R\&D investments in oral drug delivery. Furthermore, plant-based and gelatin-free capsules have seen over 39% growth in recent years, catering to the surge in vegan and vegetarian lifestyles. These alternatives are gaining rapid traction, especially in North America and Europe. Additionally, more than 46% of cosmeceutical and beauty supplement brands now use one-piece soft capsule formats for liquid-based formulations, capitalizing on their oxidation protection and precise dosing capabilities. Asia-Pacific represents a fast-growing regional market, contributing to over 31% of global consumption due to expanding healthcare infrastructure and rising wellness awareness. The continued preference for functional supplements and clean-label ingredients is reinforcing the upward trend in the One-piece Soft Capsule Market.

One-piece Soft Capsule Market Dynamics

DRIVERS

Increasing Nutritional Supplement Demand

The One-piece Soft Capsule Market is being propelled by growing global consumption of nutritional supplements, with nearly 62% of consumers regularly using vitamins and minerals in softgel format. This format supports better absorption and has driven over 57% of manufacturers to invest in soft capsule production lines. Additionally, 48% of users prefer soft capsules for their ease of swallowing and minimal aftertaste compared to traditional tablets or powders.

OPPORTUNITY

Rising Demand for Vegan and Gelatin-free Capsules

The One-piece Soft Capsule Market has significant opportunity in the growing shift toward vegan and gelatin-free products. Over 43% of new supplement launches are now plant-based, addressing the demands of vegetarian and vegan consumers. The Asia-Pacific region is leading this transition, with over 36% of manufacturers incorporating non-animal derived capsule materials. These innovations are expected to expand the market reach by more than 29% over the coming years, particularly in regions with dietary restrictions based on religion or lifestyle.

RESTRAINTS

"Limited Shelf Life of Liquid Fillings"

One of the key restraints in the One-piece Soft Capsule Market is the limited stability of liquid-based formulations. Approximately 42% of soft capsules with oil-based active ingredients experience degradation challenges, reducing their effectiveness over time. Additionally, over 33% of pharmaceutical formulators report challenges in maintaining the chemical integrity of bioactive compounds within soft gelatin matrices, particularly under fluctuating storage temperatures. These limitations increase the need for specialized storage and transport conditions, posing cost and logistics hurdles that restrict wider adoption among mid-scale manufacturers and emerging markets.

CHALLENGE

"Rising Costs and Raw Material Dependency"

Cost escalation remains a significant challenge for the One-piece Soft Capsule Market. Over 49% of the production cost is driven by raw materials such as gelatin, glycerin, and specialized plant-based alternatives. The global gelatin supply chain has been affected by livestock sourcing fluctuations, with over 38% of manufacturers citing unpredictable gelatin availability as a critical concern. Moreover, plant-based substitutes have witnessed over 27% price volatility, adding uncertainty for capsule producers targeting vegan formulations. These factors hinder scalability and margin optimization, especially in cost-sensitive regions.

Segmentation Analysis

The One-piece Soft Capsule Market is segmented based on type and application, with diverse adoption patterns observed across consumer health, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic segments. By type, the market distinguishes between gelatin-based and non-animal (vegetarian/vegan) capsule types. By application, the market covers health supplements, pharmaceutical formulations, and cosmetic-related solutions. Technological advancements in encapsulation processes and increasing demand for natural and clean-label products are driving growth across all segments, with more than 63% of new entrants focused on plant-based formats. The segmentation helps manufacturers target specific user preferences and regional regulations more effectively.

By Type

• Gelatin Type: Gelatin-based one-piece soft capsules dominate the market with over 61% share due to their cost-effectiveness, wide availability, and excellent encapsulation properties. These are widely used for vitamins, fish oils, and medicinal drugs owing to their high sealing strength and flexible molding.
• Non-animal Type: Non-animal capsules, primarily composed of hydroxypropyl starch and carrageenan, have grown by over 36% in adoption. These types cater to the rising vegetarian and vegan populations, particularly in regions where religious or ethical dietary preferences drive demand for animal-free options.

By Application

• Health Supplements: Health supplements constitute more than 53% of the market application share, with consumers preferring soft capsules for their easy ingestion and fast absorption. Vitamins, fish oils, and botanical extracts are the leading supplement categories.
• Pharmaceutical: Pharmaceutical applications represent around 32% of the market, where soft capsules are preferred for delivering liquid or oily medications such as anti-inflammatory drugs and antibiotics with enhanced bioavailability.
• Others (Cosmetics etc.): Cosmetic applications, including beauty supplements and skincare actives, account for nearly 15% of the demand. These capsules are increasingly used in nutricosmetic formulations due to their antioxidant stability and controlled release.

Regional Outlook

The One-piece Soft Capsule Market showcases varied growth across global regions, shaped by consumer health awareness, regulatory policies, and manufacturing capabilities. North America and Europe are leading markets, driven by mature pharmaceutical sectors and a high preference for dietary supplements. Asia-Pacific is the fastest-growing region with expanding consumer health investments and growing demand for plant-based products. The Middle East & Africa region reflects emerging adoption supported by increasing urbanization and wellness trends. Regional dynamics play a critical role in shaping formulation types, ingredient choices, and branding strategies.

North America

North America holds over 37% of the global One-piece Soft Capsule Market, fueled by robust demand in the health supplement and pharmaceutical sectors. The United States alone accounts for a significant portion of this share, with over 65% of adult consumers regularly taking softgel vitamins. The region is also a hub for R&D innovations in plant-based capsule formulations. Increasing investments in nutraceuticals and rising consumer awareness regarding clean-label supplements further enhance market growth.

Europe

Europe commands approximately 28% of the market, with Germany, France, and the UK leading in both production and consumption. Over 58% of European consumers prefer soft capsules over tablets for ease of swallowing and improved absorption. Regulatory support for vegan formulations has also contributed to a 41% rise in non-animal capsule products. Europe’s focus on sustainable and eco-friendly packaging also aligns well with the soft capsule market’s direction.

Asia-Pacific

Asia-Pacific represents over 24% of the market and is expected to grow rapidly due to a combination of expanding middle-class income groups and heightened wellness awareness. Countries such as China, Japan, and India are key contributors, with more than 47% of dietary supplement sales now comprising soft capsule formats. Government initiatives promoting preventive healthcare and an increasing shift to functional nutrition are major contributors to regional momentum.

Middle East & Africa

The Middle East & Africa region currently contributes around 11% to the global market, with rising demand in UAE, Saudi Arabia, and South Africa. Urban populations account for over 63% of soft capsule consumption in the region, mainly through imports and regional brands. Increasing health consciousness and awareness campaigns about dietary supplementation are accelerating growth, especially in the premium nutraceutical segment.

List of Key One-piece Soft Capsule Market Companies Profiled

Investment Analysis and Opportunities

Investment in the One-piece Soft Capsule Market is surging, with over 54% of pharmaceutical companies expanding production facilities for encapsulation solutions. A growing trend of private-label manufacturing has also seen a 42% increase, especially in the nutraceutical segment. Capital is flowing into plant-based capsule R&D, with over 36% of new funding directed toward vegetarian and vegan alternatives. Emerging markets in Asia and the Middle East are witnessing over 29% increase in FDI for local manufacturing units. Mergers and acquisitions are also shaping the landscape, accounting for 22% of strategic moves among top market players in the past year. Furthermore, e-commerce channels have seen a 48% boost in supplement capsule sales, encouraging investors to support digital-first wellness brands. Regulatory alignment in international markets is improving, paving the way for cross-border trade and market expansion opportunities.

New Products Development

Product innovation in the One-piece Soft Capsule Market is accelerating, with over 41% of companies introducing clean-label formulations made from non-animal sources. Customized formulations, such as delayed-release and multi-compartment soft capsules, have risen by 33% to meet targeted delivery needs. Nutraceutical firms have developed over 28% more dual-action soft capsules that combine ingredients like probiotics and omega-3. Beauty supplements now make up over 19% of soft capsule launches, targeting skin health and anti-aging solutions. Flavored soft capsules, addressing taste fatigue, have seen a 22% adoption rise in the pediatric and geriatric segments. Technological innovations such as microencapsulation and enteric coating are also gaining traction, improving absorption and stability. As consumer demand continues to evolve toward personalized and natural products, the pace of product development is set to remain high, especially in markets favoring functional and preventive healthcare products.

Recent Developments

• Lonza Introduces Plant-Based Softgel Technology: In 2023, Lonza launched a new range of plant-based one-piece soft capsules targeting the clean-label and vegan supplement segments. These capsules demonstrated over 35% higher stability in humid conditions compared to traditional gelatin variants. The product line expansion was aimed at addressing the growing demand in North America and Europe, where over 42% of supplement users now prefer non-animal products.
• Procaps Expands in Nutracosmetics Segment: In 2023, Procaps Group expanded its nutracosmetic product offerings with antioxidant-rich soft capsules designed for skin health. These capsules accounted for a 21% increase in product sales among female consumers aged 25–45. The launch targeted growing consumer interest in beauty-from-within solutions, a segment that now represents over 18% of the company’s softgel portfolio.
• Catalent Launches Dual-Release Soft Capsule: In 2024, Catalent introduced a new dual-release soft capsule technology enabling sequential delivery of two active ingredients. This innovation led to over 27% improvement in therapeutic effectiveness based on clinical trials. Over 31% of pharmaceutical clients adopted the format for combination therapies within the first six months of launch.
• Sirio Pharma Opens R&D Center in Europe: In 2024, Sirio Pharma established a specialized R&D center in Germany focused on developing advanced one-piece soft capsule formats. This move supported a 29% increase in its European customer base and accelerated product development cycles by over 34%. The center aims to address tailored nutritional solutions for regional markets.
• Captek Softgel Enhances Manufacturing Capacity: In 2023, Captek Softgel significantly increased its production capacity by upgrading encapsulation lines. This enabled a 46% rise in monthly output to meet growing demand from North American nutraceutical brands. The investment helped the company reduce delivery lead times by over 22%, enhancing supply chain responsiveness and market competitiveness.

Report Coverage

This One-piece Soft Capsule Market report offers an in-depth analysis across multiple dimensions, covering market dynamics, segmentation, regional performance, investment trends, and competitive positioning. It includes insights on type-wise adoption, highlighting that gelatin capsules currently hold over 61% market share, while non-animal variants are growing rapidly with over 36% uptake. Application segmentation shows that health supplements dominate with over 53% share, followed by pharmaceutical use at around 32% and cosmetic-related use at nearly 15%.

The report details key regional trends, noting North America’s leading market share of over 37%, with Asia-Pacific being the fastest-growing, contributing more than 24%. It identifies major drivers such as the 62% consumer preference for nutritional softgels and over 43% shift toward vegan capsules. Restraints and challenges, including raw material price volatility and limited shelf life, are also covered.

Furthermore, the report profiles major companies, listing over 20 key players including Catalent, Lonza, and Procaps. It highlights that the top two players hold a combined market share exceeding 33%. Investment trends, new product innovations, and recent developments are also analyzed, with over 54% of companies increasing production capacity and more than 41% focusing on clean-label products. The coverage is designed to provide strategic decision-makers with detailed, factual insights to drive market positioning and growth planning.