The global Softgel Capsules Market, valued at USD 7.2 billion in 2025, is projected to reach USD 12.4 billion by 2035, driven by a robust CAGR of 5.6%. Fueled by rising demand for nutraceuticals, pharmaceuticals, and consumer preference for easy-to-swallow dosage forms, softgel capsules offer superior bioavailability and formulation flexibility. This press release explores the key drivers, projections, and opportunities shaping this dynamic industry.

Why Is the Market Expanding?

The global nutraceutical market, valued at USD 450 billion in 2024, drives demand for softgel capsules, with 50% of dietary supplements using them for their 30% higher bioavailability compared to tablets. The pharmaceutical industry, with USD 1.5 trillion in global spending, relies on softgels for 40% of oral drug formulations, enhancing patient compliance by 20%. Consumer preference for convenient dosage forms, with 60% of users favoring softgels, boosts demand. Innovations like Catalent’s 2024 plant-based softgels align with vegan trends, increasing adoption by 15%. Regulatory support, such as FDA’s 2025 clean-label guidelines, promotes natural formulations by 10%. High production costs (USD 0.05–0.20 per capsule) are mitigated by automated manufacturing, reducing costs by 12%.

What Are the Key Market Projections?

The market is set to create an absolute dollar opportunity of USD 5.2 billion by 2035, growing from USD 7.2 billion in 2025 to USD 12.4 billion at a 5.6% CAGR. The nutraceutical segment, holding a 45% share in 2025, is projected to grow at a 6.0% CAGR, generating USD 2.3 billion in opportunities due to rising health consciousness. Asia-Pacific, with a 40% share, leads with a 6.2% CAGR, driven by China’s USD 50 billion nutraceutical investments and India’s 8% pharmaceutical growth. North America, growing at a 5.2% CAGR, benefits from the U.S.’s 200 million softgel users. Historical growth from 2020 to 2024 averaged a 5.0% CAGR, with steady momentum expected. Short-term growth (2025–2028) focuses on dietary supplements, while long-term trends (2029–2035) emphasize pharmaceuticals.

How Can Stakeholders Capitalize on Opportunities?

Stakeholders in nutraceutical, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic sectors can leverage opportunities by investing in plant-based softgels, like Lonza’s 2024 vegan capsules, appealing to 20% of health-conscious consumers. Partnerships, such as Sirio Pharma’s 2024 collaboration with Asian supplement brands, expand market reach in Asia-Pacific, projected to account for 45% of demand by 2030. Focusing on nutraceutical softgels, contributing 45% of revenue in 2025, ensures scalability for wellness products. Compliance with FDA and EMA standards boosts market trust, while targeting high-growth markets like India, with a 6.5% CAGR, unlocks potential. Developing cost-effective softgels, priced 10% lower than premium options, addresses budget-conscious markets.

What Does the Report Cover?

Fact.MR’s report analyzes the Softgel Capsules Market across 30+ countries, covering segments by type (gelatin, non-gelatin), application (nutraceuticals, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, others), and region (North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Middle East & Africa). It highlights trends like plant-based formulations, high-potency actives, and automated production. Combining primary research from industry experts and secondary data, the report provides actionable insights into market dynamics, competitive strategies, and growth opportunities through 2035.

Who Are the Market Leaders?

Key players include Catalent, Inc., Lonza Group, Capsugel (Lonza), and Sirio Pharma. Catalent’s 2024 plant-based softgels strengthened its nutraceutical portfolio, while Lonza’s 2023 high-potency formulations gained traction in pharmaceuticals. These companies, holding over 50% of the market, drive innovation through R&D and partnerships, such as Capsugel’s 2024 tie-up with European cosmetic brands. Regional players like Aenova Group focus on cost-effective solutions for Asia-Pacific, enhancing competitiveness. Strategic expansions, like Sirio Pharma’s 2024 facility in China, bolster market presence.

What Challenges and Solutions Exist?

High production costs (USD 0.05–0.20 per capsule) and raw material shortages, affecting 10% of gelatin supply, pose challenges. Regulatory complexities, like EU’s 2025 clean-label mandates, and competition from tablets, which are 15% cheaper, hinder growth. Solutions include non-gelatin softgels, reducing costs by 10%, and automated encapsulation, improving efficiency by 15%. Localized production in Asia-Pacific, adopted by 20% of manufacturers, mitigates supply risks. Sustainability initiatives, like Catalent’s 2024 eco-friendly processes, address environmental concerns. Compliance with FDA and EMA standards ensures market resilience.

What Are the Recent Developments?

In 2024, global nutraceutical demand rose by 7%, boosting softgel capsule demand by 10%, with Asia-Pacific’s 40% share driven by China’s USD 50 billion nutraceutical investments. Catalent’s 2024 plant-based softgels supported 20% of vegan supplement demand. North America’s 5.2% CAGR aligns with the U.S.’s 200 million softgel users. Lonza’s 2024 high-potency formulations improved pharmaceutical delivery by 15%. Regulatory advancements, like FDA’s 2025 clean-label guidelines, increased natural softgel adoption by 12%.