What Are Gelatin Capsules Made From? A Detailed Overview

November 18, 2025 •

4 min read

According to industry data, gelatin capsules remain a dominant force in the pharmaceutical and supplement markets, primarily due to their cost-effectiveness and reliable stability. The simple answer to what are gelatin capsules made from is gelatin, a protein derived from animal collagen, specifically from the skin and bones of animals like pigs and cows.

Quick Summary

Gelatin capsules are made from a protein called gelatin, derived from animal collagen. The process involves extracting collagen from animal by-products and forming the resulting gelatin into capsule shells with added ingredients like plasticizers.

Key Points

Origin: Gelatin capsules are made from gelatin, a protein derived from animal collagen found in the skin, bones, and connective tissues of animals like cows and pigs.
Manufacturing Process: The shells are produced using a precise dip-coating method where molds are immersed in a temperature-controlled gelatin solution before drying, trimming, and joining.
Ingredients: The shell also contains additional components such as water, plasticizers like glycerin, and optional colorants and opacifiers to achieve desired properties.
Types: Two main types exist: hard gelatin capsules (two-piece) for powders and softgel capsules (one-piece) for liquids and oils.
Alternatives: Vegetarian capsules, typically made from plant-based materials like hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), serve as a viable alternative for those with dietary restrictions.
Dissolution: Gelatin capsules dissolve quickly at body temperature, ensuring the rapid release of active ingredients once ingested.
Safety: Pharmaceutical-grade gelatin is subject to strict quality and safety standards, and there have been no significant reports of illness related to its use.

The Primary Ingredient: Animal Collagen

Gelatin is the key material, a translucent, brittle, and flavorless substance derived from the partial hydrolytic extraction of collagen. Collagen is the most abundant protein in the animal kingdom and serves as a major structural component of connective tissues, bones, and skin. The process of creating gelatin from collagen is a carefully controlled, multi-step procedure that breaks down the large protein fibers into smaller, water-soluble peptides.

Common Sources for Gelatin Production

For pharmaceutical-grade gelatin, the collagen is primarily sourced from animal by-products of the meat industry. The two most common sources include:

Porcine: Collagen from pigskin is a frequent source, often used for Type A gelatin, which is produced via an acid-based process.
Bovine: Collagen from cowhide and bone is also a major source, often used for Type B gelatin, which is produced via an alkali-based process. Bovine sources are particularly relevant for producing kosher and halal-certified capsules.
Fish: In some cases, fish gelatin may be used, particularly for consumers with religious or dietary restrictions related to mammalian products. Fish gelatin production typically results in a lower gelling temperature than mammalian gelatin.

The Capsule Manufacturing Process

The manufacturing of gelatin capsules is a highly refined industrial process that requires strict control over environmental conditions like temperature and humidity. While the complexity varies for hard versus softgels, the fundamental principle of dipping a mold into a gelatin solution remains consistent.

Steps for Producing Hard Gelatin Capsules

Preparation of the Gelatin Solution: A concentrated gelatin solution is prepared by dissolving gelatin in demineralized water at a high temperature. Additives such as colorants, opacifiers, and plasticizers are incorporated at this stage.
Dipping: Pairs of standardized, stainless steel pins are dipped into the warm gelatin solution to form the cap and body of the capsule.
Rotation and Drying: The pins are rotated to ensure uniform coating and then passed through temperature- and humidity-controlled drying kilns until the desired moisture content is reached.
Stripping and Trimming: The machine automatically strips the hardened capsule shells from the pins, trims them to the precise length, and joins the cap and body together in a pre-closed position.
Polishing and Inspection: Finished capsules are polished to remove any excess powder and are rigorously inspected for quality defects before being packaged for distribution to pharmaceutical and nutraceutical companies.

Hard Gelatin vs. Softgel Capsules: A Comparison


Feature	Hard Gelatin Capsules (Two-Piece)	Softgel Capsules (One-Piece)
Composition	Gelatin, water, and small amounts of colorants/opacifiers.	Gelatin, plasticizers (like glycerin or sorbitol), water, and coloring agents.
Shell Structure	Rigid, two separate cylindrical sections (body and cap) that are joined after filling.	Hermetically sealed, soft, and flexible one-piece shell.
Typical Contents	Dry, powdered, or granular substances.	Liquids, oils, or semi-solid formulations.
Dissolution Time	Typically dissolves in the stomach over 30-60 minutes.	Dissolves quickly in the stomach, often within 5-10 minutes.
Filling Process	Shells are manufactured and filled separately.	Filled and sealed simultaneously during production using a rotary die process.
Cost	Generally more cost-effective due to a simpler manufacturing process.	Typically more expensive due to the complex filling and sealing process.

Additives and Stabilizers in Capsule Shells

Besides gelatin, several other substances are added to the capsule formulation to optimize performance and appearance.

Plasticizers: Added to reduce the rigidity of the gelatin and increase its flexibility, which is crucial for softgel manufacturing. Common examples include glycerin and sorbitol.
Colorants and Opacifiers: Coloring agents like FD&C dyes are used for product identification and aesthetic appeal. Opacifying agents, such as titanium dioxide, are added to make the capsule opaque, which helps conceal the contents and protects light-sensitive ingredients from degradation.
Preservatives: While less common today due to modern GMP standards, preservatives were historically used during manufacturing to prevent microbiological growth.
Water: Purified water is used to create the gelatin solution and acts as a natural plasticizer.

Alternative Capsules: Plant-Based Options

For consumers with dietary restrictions, such as vegans, vegetarians, or those observing kosher or halal dietary laws, animal-derived gelatin capsules are unsuitable. This has led to the development of plant-based alternatives.

HPMC (Hypromellose) Capsules: Derived from cellulose, a structural component in plants, HPMC capsules are a popular vegetarian alternative. They offer excellent stability under varying storage conditions and are suitable for a wide range of fill materials.
Pullulan Capsules: These capsules are produced from fermented tapioca and are also a popular choice for plant-based supplements.

These plant-based options provide a cruelty-free and allergen-friendly choice, though they can sometimes be more expensive due to a more complex manufacturing process.

Conclusion: The Final Word on Gelatin Capsules

Gelatin capsules, a cornerstone of the pharmaceutical and supplement industries, are composed of gelatin derived from animal collagen, typically from bovine or porcine sources. The manufacturing process is highly precise, involving the creation of a gelatin solution and the use of specialized dipping and drying methods to form hard or softgel shells. While they offer advantages like cost-effectiveness and fast-dissolving properties, their animal origin means they are not suitable for all dietary preferences. The availability of high-quality plant-based alternatives ensures that consumers have ethical and functional options regardless of their lifestyle. Understanding the fundamental components and production methods of gelatin capsules is crucial for making informed choices about the products you consume.

Learn more about different dosage forms and pharmaceutical materials at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) website.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary ingredient is gelatin, a protein derived from animal collagen found in the skin and bones of animals such as cows and pigs.

No, traditional gelatin capsules are not suitable for vegetarians or vegans because they are made from animal-derived collagen. Plant-based alternatives, such as HPMC or pullulan capsules, are available for these dietary needs.

Hard gelatin capsules are made by dipping metal pins into a warm gelatin solution. The coated pins are rotated, dried in kilns, and then the hardened shells are stripped, trimmed, and joined together to form the cap and body.

Hard gelatin capsules have a rigid, two-piece shell and are used for dry powders, while softgels have a soft, one-piece shell and are used for liquids and oils. Softgels also contain plasticizers to maintain flexibility.

Plasticizers, such as glycerin and sorbitol, are added to reduce the rigidity of the gelatin and increase its flexibility, which is especially important for softgel manufacturing.

Fish gelatin is a less common alternative that may be used to meet specific religious or dietary requirements, though it is used in less than 1% of gelatin production.

Colorants, which can be synthetic dyes or natural compounds, are added to the gelatin solution to give capsules their distinctive appearance. Opacifiers like titanium dioxide may also be added to make them opaque.