Soft gelatin capsules are widely used in the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industry.

They offer a number of advantages over other dosage forms, including improved bioavailability, longer shelf life, and better stability.

If you're thinking about manufacturing softgel capsules, there are a few things you need to know.

In this blog post, we'll cover the basics of softgel manufacturing, including the differences between private label and contract manufacturing, the benefits of softgels, and the challenges you may face during production.

Private Label vs. Contract Manufacturing

One of the first decisions you'll need to make when manufacturing softgel capsules is whether to go with private label or contract manufacturing.

Private label softgel manufacturers already have an established process and infrastructure in place.

This option is usually more expensive than contract manufacturing, but it offers some advantages, such as a shorter lead time and more control over the final product.

If you choose to go with a private label manufacturer, be sure to do your research and select a reputable company with experience in softgel production.

Contract manufacturers, on the other hand, don't produce their own products—they simply provide the services needed to manufacture your product.

This option is usually less expensive than private label manufacturing, but it can take longer to bring your product to market.

When choosing a contract manufacturer, be sure to ask for references and samples of their work to ensure they're reputable and capable of producing high-quality softgels.

Different Types of Softgels

Oil-based:

These are the most common type of softgel capsule. They're made from gelatin and can contain either water-soluble or oil-soluble ingredients.

Water-based:

These are made from gelatin and contain only water-soluble ingredients. They're typically used for vitamins and minerals.

Vegetarian:

These are made from plant-based ingredients and can be either water- or oil-based. They're typically used for vitamins, minerals, and supplements that can't be encased in gelatin capsules.

Now that you know the basics of softgel manufacturing, let's take a look at some of the benefits of using softgels as a dosage form.

The Benefits of Softgels

Improved Bioavailability:

One of the biggest advantages of softgels is that they offer improved bioavailability compared to other dosage forms (such as tablets). This is because the active ingredient is already dissolved in oil, which allows it to be absorbed more quickly by the body.

Increased Stability:

Softgels are also more stable than other dosage forms because they're sealed in an airtight container. This protects them from environmental factors (such as oxygen, light, and moisture) that can degrade the active ingredient.

Longer Shelf Life:

The increased stability of softgels also leads to a longer shelf life—typically 2-3 years for most products (compared to 6 months for tablets).

Despite these advantages, there are also some challenges you may face during production:

Challenges During Production

Defects:

One common challenge during softgel production is defects—such as leaking or bursting—which can occur if the gelatin isn't properly hydrated or if there's too much air in the capsules. To avoid this issue, be sure to follow all instructions carefully and use quality control measures throughout production.

Conclusion:

So there you have it—everything you need to know about manufacturing soft gelatin capsules!

Whether you choose private label or contract manufacturing, softgels offer a number of advantages over other dosage forms—including improved bioavailability, increased stability, and longer shelf life.

Just be aware that there are some challenges you may face during production (such as defects), so be sure to follow all instructions carefully and use quality control measures throughout production. Thanks for reading!