Hey there! As a supplier of gelatine capsules, I often get asked about the difference between gelatine capsules and soft gel capsules. So, I thought I'd put together this blog post to clear things up.
First off, let's talk about what gelatine capsules are. Gelatine capsules are made from gelatine, which is a protein obtained by boiling skin, tendons, ligaments, and/or bones with water. They come in two main types: hard and soft.
Hard empty gelatine capsules are the most common type. They're made up of two parts: a body and a cap. The body is filled with the active ingredient, and then the cap is placed on top to seal it. These capsules are great for powders, granules, and pellets. You can check out our Hard Empty Gelatine Capsules on our website.
On the other hand, soft gel capsules are a bit different. They're made from a single piece of gelatine that's formed into a capsule shape. They're usually filled with liquids or semi - solids. The gelatine shell is more flexible and thicker compared to hard gelatine capsules.
Physical Differences
One of the most obvious differences between the two is their physical appearance. Hard gelatine capsules are rigid and have a distinct separation between the body and the cap. You can easily open them by pulling the cap off the body. Soft gel capsules, however, are one continuous piece and are flexible to the touch. They have a more rounded and smooth appearance.
In terms of size, hard gelatine capsules come in a wide range of standard sizes, from size 5 (the smallest) to size 000 (the largest). Soft gel capsules can also vary in size, but they're often customized more based on the specific product they're meant to hold.
Manufacturing Process
The manufacturing processes for hard and soft gelatine capsules are also quite different. Hard gelatine capsules are made using a dipping process. Metal pins are dipped into a gelatine solution, and as the gelatine dries on the pins, it forms the capsule body and cap. These are then cut, separated, and joined together.
Soft gel capsules, on the other hand, are made using a rotary die process. In this process, two ribbons of gelatine are fed into a machine, and the liquid or semi - solid fill material is injected between the ribbons. The machine then seals the gelatine around the fill, creating the soft gel capsule.
Fill Materials
As mentioned earlier, hard gelatine capsules are typically filled with powders, granules, or pellets. This is because they have a rigid structure that can hold these dry materials well. The dry fill materials can be easily poured into the body of the capsule, and then the cap can be placed on top to keep them secure.
Soft gel capsules are designed to hold liquids or semi - solids. They're great for substances like oils, vitamins, and other liquid - based medications. The flexible shell of the soft gel capsule can adapt to the shape of the liquid fill, providing a good seal and protecting the contents from the outside environment.
Shelf Life and Stability
Hard gelatine capsules generally have a longer shelf life compared to soft gel capsules. This is because the dry fill materials inside hard capsules are less likely to degrade over time. However, hard gelatine capsules can be affected by humidity. If they're exposed to high levels of moisture, the gelatine can become soft and sticky, which can make them difficult to open and use.
Soft gel capsules are more sensitive to temperature and light. The liquid fill materials can be affected by changes in temperature, and exposure to light can cause oxidation of the contents. To ensure their stability, soft gel capsules often need to be stored in a cool, dark place.
Cost
Cost is another factor to consider. Hard gelatine capsules are usually less expensive to produce compared to soft gel capsules. The manufacturing process for hard capsules is simpler and more standardized, which means lower production costs. Soft gel capsules, with their more complex manufacturing process and the need for specialized equipment, tend to be more costly.
Applications
Hard gelatine capsules are widely used in the pharmaceutical industry for medications, as well as in the nutraceutical industry for supplements. They're also used in the food industry for flavorings and other dry ingredients.
Soft gel capsules are commonly used for medications that are in liquid form, such as fish oil supplements, vitamin E capsules, and some herbal extracts. They're also popular in the cosmetic industry for products like skin - care oils and serums.
Which One Should You Choose?
The choice between hard gelatine capsules and soft gel capsules depends on several factors. If you have a dry powder or granule product, hard gelatine capsules are probably the way to go. They're cost - effective, easy to fill, and have a relatively long shelf life.
If your product is a liquid or semi - solid, then soft gel capsules are a better option. They can provide a better seal for liquid fill materials and can protect them from environmental factors.
As a gelatine capsule supplier, I can help you determine which type of capsule is best for your product. Whether you need hard empty gelatine capsules or soft gel capsules, we've got you covered.
If you're interested in purchasing gelatine capsules for your business, I'd love to have a chat with you. We can discuss your specific needs, including the size, fill material, and quantity of capsules you require. Feel free to reach out, and we can start the procurement process together.
References
- "Pharmaceutical Capsules: Technology and Manufacturing" by Michael A. Repka
- "Handbook of Encapsulation and Controlled Release" by Benoit Mahler and Patrick Couvreur
