Licaps® are premium hard capsules developed by Lonza (formerly Capsugel) specifically for filling oil-based and non-aqueous liquid formulations.
Unlike standard hard capsules designed primarily for powders, Licaps® are engineered for lipid-based formulations and provide an excellent solution for encapsulating oils and other compatible non-aqueous liquids.
Licaps® are NOT designed for water-based liquids.
What Can Be Filled into Licaps® Capsules?
Licaps® are suitable for many oil-based formulations, including:
- Fish Oil (Omega-3)
- MCT Oil
- Garlic Oil
- Vitamin D3 Oil
- Vitamin K2 Oil
- Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) Oil
- Herbal Oil Extracts
- Essential Oil Blends
- Lipid-Based Nutraceutical Formulations
- Oil Suspensions (where compatibility has been verified)
What Cannot Be Filled into Licaps® Capsules?
Licaps® should NOT be used for:
- Water-based liquids
- Aqueous solutions
- Water suspensions
- Syrups
- High-moisture formulations
- Strong acidic or alkaline liquids
- Solvents that may affect capsule integrity
Because water can soften or damage the capsule shell, Licaps® are intended exclusively for oil-based or other compatible non-aqueous liquid formulations.
If your formulation contains water or has a high water activity, Licaps® are not the appropriate choice.
Important Compatibility Notice
Although Licaps® are designed for oil-based formulations, not every oil is automatically compatible with every capsule shell. Factors such as polarity, viscosity, essential oil concentration and formulation composition may affect long-term capsule stability.
For new formulations, we strongly recommend carrying out compatibility and stability testing before commercial production.
Which Licaps® Size Should I Choose?
Pure Capsules supplies Licaps® in several sizes for compatible oil-based and non-aqueous fills. The best size depends on the volume of your formulation, not simply its weight. For general sizing help, see our empty capsule size guide.
- Size 000 Clear Licaps® — the largest option in our current Licaps® range.
- Size 00 Clear Licaps® — a popular larger capsule size.
- Size 0 Clear Licaps® — a smaller option for lower fill volumes.
Licaps® Inside DRcaps®
For specialist capsule-in-capsule projects, a smaller Licaps® capsule may fit inside a larger DRcaps® capsule. For example, Size 0 Licaps® can fit inside suitable Size 00 or Size 000 DRcaps®. Size 2 DRcaps® is smaller than Size 0 Licaps® and cannot be used for this combination. Always test physical fit and formulation compatibility before production. View DRcaps® delayed-release capsules.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I fill water into Licaps®?
No.
Licaps® are not suitable for water-based formulations. Water can compromise the integrity of the capsule shell and may cause deformation or leakage.
Can I fill fish oil into Licaps®?
Yes. Fish oil is one of the most common applications for Licaps® and is widely used in the nutraceutical industry.
Can I fill CBD oil into Licaps®?
Yes, provided the formulation is oil-based and compatible with the capsule material. Users are responsible for ensuring compliance with local regulations.
What types of liquids are Licaps® designed for?
Licaps® are specifically designed for oil-based and other compatible non-aqueous liquid formulations, not water-based liquids.
