Which is better, gelatin capsules or HPMC capsules?

Gelatin Capsules vs. HPMC Capsules: A Practical Comparison Guide

I. Advantages of Gelatin Capsules

• Affordable Price: Raw materials are derived from animal byproducts (such as bovine bones), resulting in low production costs and a price typically half that of plant-based capsules.
Suitable for common medications (such as regular vitamins and cold medicines).
• Fast Onset of Action: Dissolves in stomach acid within approximately 10 minutes, releasing the drug quickly, making it suitable for painkillers and emergency medications.
Does not easily become brittle at low temperatures (such as refrigeration).
• Mature Technology: Fast production speed; a single production line can produce tens of millions of capsules per day, with low technical barriers.

II. Advantages of HPMC Plant-Based Capsules

• Wide Applicability: Zero animal ingredients: Meets the dietary restrictions of vegetarians, halal/kosher individuals, etc.
Low Allergy Risk: No risk of mad cow disease, making it safer for those with allergies.
• Strong Shelf Life: Temperature and moisture resistant: Does not stick together at high temperatures (40℃+) in summer and does not crack when frozen (-20℃) in winter.
Good Preservation Capacity: 5 times more effective at blocking oxygen than gelatin, preventing fish oil and probiotics from spoiling easily.
• Enhanced Functionality
Customizable intestinal targeted release (e.g., colitis medications deliver directly to the affected area).
Smooth, odorless surface, easier for the elderly and children to swallow.

III. Which is the Best Choice?

• Choose Gelatin Capsules:

For those with limited budgets, producing affordable medicines.
For medications requiring rapid onset of action (e.g., fever reducers).
For products not sold in religiously restricted regions.

• Choose HPMC Capsules:

For target users with vegetarian/religious needs.
For contents prone to oxidation (e.g., deep-sea fish oil, probiotics).
For sales in high-temperature regions such as the Middle East and Southeast Asia.

IV. Avoidance Tips

• Gelatin Pain Points:

Animal-derived ingredients may cause resistance from some consumers.
Easily softens and deforms in hot and humid environments (refrigeration required for summer transport).

• HPMC Cautions:

High price (approximately twice that of gelatin capsules).
The filling of strongly acidic medications (e.g., citric acid) may dissolve the outer shell.
Need to verify that the supplier is not adulterating (using animal glycerin to imitate vegetable glycerin).