Astaxanthin Softgel Manufacturer for Global Brands

EUPHM operates encapsulation lines for oil-based and suspension fills. Astaxanthin is typically dispersed in a carrier oil such as olive, sunflower or MCT oil, then filled into gelatin or vegan softgels. Our standard fill weights range from 250 mg to 1,200 mg. We run pilot batches for formula testing and scale to commercial volumes with consistent fill weight control. Line capacity supports orders from 1,000 units upward.

For brands sourcing astaxanthin softgels, the softgel format offers advantages over tablets and two-piece capsules: it seals the active in an airtight shell, reduces oxidation risk, and masks taste. We can produce clear, opaque or coloured shells, and print or emboss for brand differentiation. If you need a different dosage form, our /softgel-manufacturer page covers the full range of softgel services.

Astaxanthin is available as natural oleoresin from Haematococcus pluvialis or as synthetic astaxanthin. Natural astaxanthin typically contains 2-5% astaxanthin, often standardised to 5% or 10% in oil. Synthetic astaxanthin is standardised to 10% or higher. We help you select the source based on label claims, target cost and regulatory requirements in your market. Common dosages are 2 mg, 4 mg, 6 mg and 12 mg per softgel.

Carrier oils affect stability and absorption. MCT oil is popular for its neutral taste and oxidative stability. Olive oil and sunflower oil are also used. We can add antioxidants such as mixed tocopherols or rosemary extract to extend shelf life. For vegan brands, we offer plant-based softgel shells (starch or carrageenan). Halal certifications are available for both the fill and the shell.

EUPHM is an FDA-registered facility and holds GMP, ISO 22000 and HACCP certifications. Each astaxanthin batch is tested for potency, fill weight, microbial limits, heavy metals and oxidation markers. We provide a Certificate of Analysis (CoA) per batch. Retain samples are kept for 12 months. Documentation for EU, UK and Middle East registrations can be prepared on request.

Production lead time is 20-35 working days after sample approval and receipt of deposit. Samples ship in 7-10 working days. We handle bottling in 30 cc, 60 cc and 100 cc HDPE or glass bottles with induction seals, child-resistant caps and labels. Cartons and shippers are export-ready. Shipping terms: FOB Shenzhen or Hong Kong, or CIF to your port. Air freight is available for urgent orders.

Every astaxanthin softgel batch is tested at three stages: incoming raw material, in-process fill weight, and finished product. Identity and potency are confirmed by HPLC against a reference standard, with typical acceptance at 90.0-110.0% of label claim. Microbial limits follow USP <2021> and <2022>, heavy metals by ICP-MS (lead, arsenic, cadmium, mercury), and disintegration by USP <2040> at 37°C in water. Tests are run on each lot, not by periodic skip-lotting, and results are recorded against the batch number.

The certificate of analysis (COA) issued with each lot lists batch number, manufacture and expiry dates, fill weight, astaxanthin content, microbial results, heavy metals, disintegration time, and a statement of conformity to the agreed specification. Where a customer requires it, the COA can reference the raw-material supplier's own COA and the internal release signature. We do not issue a COA before all tests are complete; a provisional COA is available only for pilot runs under a written deviation.

Retention samples of every batch are held for the shelf life plus six months, stored at 25°C/60% RH in the finished pack. Stability is monitored on the first three production batches and then annually, with assays at 0, 3, 6, 12, 18 and 24 months. Astaxanthin is oxygen- and light-sensitive, so the protocol includes peroxide value and visual capsule inspection alongside potency. Accelerated data at 40°C/75% RH for six months supports a two-year shelf life claim where the real-time data is still in progress.

Batch records, test data and retention samples are retained for five years and are available for customer audit. If a specification is not met, the batch is placed on hold, an investigation is opened, and the customer is notified before any rework or rejection decision. We do not release a batch on a verbal waiver; any deviation must be documented and signed by both parties.

Astaxanthin softgels can be packed in HDPE bottles (30, 60, 90 or 120 count), blister packs, stick packs or single-serve sachets. Bottles are the default for retail and Amazon listings, with induction seal, desiccant where required, and child-resistant or standard closures. Blisters suit pharmacy and travel formats; sticks and sachets suit single-dose positioning. We can pack to your artwork or supply dielines and structural templates if you are still designing.

For US retail, the label must carry the Supplement Facts panel with astaxanthin declared per serving, other ingredients, allergen statements, and the standard domestic address line. We check your artwork against 21 CFR 101 requirements before printing, including font sizes for the net quantity and the statement of identity. Lot and expiry coding is applied by inkjet or laser at packing, with the format agreed in writing (for example LOT 12345, EXP 2027-06).

Cartons are specified by you: typical retail cartons are 24 or 48 bottles, with gross weight and dimensions confirmed on a packing list before shipment. Pallets are built to 1,200 x 1,000 mm or 1,200 x 800 mm as required, stretch-wrapped and corner-boarded, with a maximum height of 1.8 m for sea freight. For Amazon FNSKU and retail compliance, we can apply FNSKU labels, polybag and overbox as needed, and provide carton weights and dimensions for your shipment plan.

We do not print claims on your behalf. All label copy, structure/function claims and certification logos must be supplied or approved by you, and we will flag anything that appears inconsistent with the formula or with the certifications we actually hold. If you need a label review against EU or US rules, we can return a written comment sheet before printing.

Sampling starts with a formulation brief and artwork or reference sample. We issue a sample plan within two working days, and samples are typically ready in 7-10 working days for standard formulas. Custom colour, flavour or fill weight may add 3-5 working days. Samples are sent by courier at your cost, with a COA for the sample batch. Sample fees are credited against the first mass-production order where the order exceeds the MOQ.

Mass production runs 20-35 working days after sample approval and receipt of deposit, depending on softgel fill weight, packaging format and whether labels are customer-supplied or printed by us. MOQ is 1,000 units per SKU for retail bottling, with lower quantities for pilot runs. We confirm the production window in the proforma invoice; any change to artwork or formula after approval resets the schedule.

Delivery is quoted EXW, FOB or DDP. Air freight is typically 5-10 days door to door and suits pilot runs and launches; sea freight is 25-40 days depending on destination port and is more economical above roughly 200 kg. We provide commercial invoice, packing list, COA, MSDS, and a free-sale certificate on request. Phytosanitary certificates are not normally relevant for softgels but can be arranged if your import authority requires one.

For DDP shipments we use our forwarder and clear customs in your name; for FOB you nominate the forwarder and we deliver to the named port. We recommend booking space two weeks before the confirmed ready date during peak season. All documents are sent by email before shipment and the originals or telex release follow the agreed payment terms.