Hard gelatin capsules are the most widely used capsule format in the world, and for good reason. They are easy to swallow, simple to fill at high speed, and they release their contents within minutes. Here is what they are made of, why manufacturers choose them, and how to pick the right size, colour and finish for your product.
The short answer
Choose hard gelatin capsules when you want a proven, cost-effective shell that disintegrates quickly, runs reliably on manual, semi-automatic and fully automatic filling machines, and can be made in almost any colour, size (000 to 5) and print. They suit most pharmaceutical, nutraceutical and herbal formulations.
What hard gelatin capsules are made of
An empty hard gelatin capsule is a two-piece shell: a longer body and a shorter cap that lock together after filling. The shell is made from pharmaceutical-grade gelatin, a pure protein obtained from collagen, together with purified water. Colourants, opacifiers such as titanium dioxide, and edible printing ink are added when the design calls for them.
Gelatin has a unique property that makes it ideal for capsules: it is a liquid when warm and sets to a firm, flexible film as it cools. That is how capsule shells are formed, dipping stainless-steel pins into warm gelatin solution, drying them, and then cutting and joining the two halves. You can see the full process on our manufacturing page.
Seven reasons to choose hard gelatin capsules
Fast release
Gelatin dissolves at body temperature, so a hard gelatin capsule typically opens within minutes in the stomach and releases its fill quickly.
Easy to swallow
The smooth, glossy shell slides down easily and masks the taste and smell of bitter or strong-smelling ingredients.
Runs well on every machine
Gelatin shells are strong yet flexible, so they open, fill and close cleanly on manual capsule-filling plates and on high-speed automatic machines alike.
Simple formulation
Powders, granules, pellets and even mini-tablets can be filled with few excipients and no compression, which keeps development time and cost down.
Brand-friendly
Caps and bodies can be made in different colours, in plain, printed, metallic or pearl finishes, so your product is instantly recognisable.
Cost-effective
Gelatin is a well-established, widely available raw material, which makes hard gelatin capsules one of the most economical dosage forms to produce.
Protects the fill
An opaque gelatin shell shields light-sensitive ingredients, and a sealed capsule keeps air and dust away from the contents.
| Property | Hard gelatin capsules |
|---|---|
| Shell material | Pharmaceutical-grade gelatin and purified water |
| Shell moisture | About 13 to 16 percent, which keeps the shell flexible |
| Release | Fast, usually within minutes at body temperature |
| Sizes | 000, 00, 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 |
| Finishes | Plain (transparent or opaque), printed, metallic and pearl |
| Filling | Manual, semi-automatic and fully automatic machines |
| Storage | 15 to 25 °C and 35 to 65 percent relative humidity |
Where hard gelatin capsules are used
Hard gelatin capsules are used for prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins and minerals, nutraceutical and sports supplements, Ayurvedic and herbal products, probiotics, and veterinary products. Because they need no compression, they are also the first choice for clinical trials and small batches, where the same shell can be filled with different doses quickly.
How to choose the right gelatin capsule
Size. Pick the smallest capsule that holds your dose comfortably. Our empty capsule size chart lists the volume, length and typical fill weight for every size from 000 to 5.
Colour and finish. A transparent plain capsule shows off the fill; opaque colours protect it from light. Metallic and pearl finishes give a premium look on the shelf.
Printing. Printed capsules carry your brand name, logo or product code on the cap, body or both, which helps patients and pharmacists identify the product and makes it harder to counterfeit.
Storage. Keep empty capsules sealed in their original packaging, away from heat and humidity. Read our guide on how to store empty capsules for details.
Frequently asked questions
What are hard gelatin capsules made of?
Pharmaceutical-grade gelatin and purified water, with approved colourants, opacifiers and edible ink added for coloured or printed capsules.
How quickly do hard gelatin capsules dissolve?
Gelatin softens and dissolves at body temperature, so a hard gelatin capsule usually opens within a few minutes of reaching the stomach.
What sizes are available?
Empty hard gelatin capsules are made in sizes 000, 00, 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5. Size 000 is the largest and size 5 the smallest; sizes 0 and 1 are the most common.
Can gelatin capsules be made in custom colours and printed?
Yes. The cap and body can be different colours, and both can be printed with a name, logo or code. See our custom capsule options.
How long do empty gelatin capsules last?
Stored sealed at 15 to 25 °C and 35 to 65 percent relative humidity, empty hard gelatin capsules keep their quality for the shelf life printed on the pack.
Looking for an empty hard gelatin capsules supplier?
Universe Capsules manufactures empty hard gelatin capsules in sizes 000 to 5, in plain, printed, metallic and pearl finishes. Tell us your size, colour and quantity and we will send samples so you can test them on your own line.
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