1. Capsules Are Not Just for Supplements

When most people hear “capsules,” they think of dietary supplements. But in the beauty world, single-dose capsules are rapidly becoming a premium delivery system for skincare and haircare. For B2B brands, capsules can：

Deliver a perfectly measured dose of active ingredients

Maintain formula stability and freshness by isolating it from air and light

Offer a luxury, travel-friendly, hygienic user experience

Differentiate your product line with a “pharmaceutical” or “high-tech” look

2. Two Distinct Categories： Oil-Based vs. Water-Based

Facial Care Capsules

Most skincare capsules on the market are oil-based serums — think vitamin E, retinol, plant oils, peptides in lipid carriers. This is because the capsule shell (often gelatin or plant-based alternatives) is best suited to protect oil-based formulas. They’re ideal for night repair, anti-aging, brightening oils, or booster treatments.

Hair / Scalp Care Capsules

Here’s the key difference: the scalp, like facial skin, has a stratum corneum and sebaceous layer but also hair follicles. Water-based or hydroalcoholic formulas (serums, sprays) penetrate the follicular area more effectively, which is why proven hair-growth actives — Caffeine, Niacinamide, Peptides, Minoxidil, Piroctone Olamine — are almost always formulated in tonics, essences, or sprays rather than oil capsules.

However, oil-based capsules can still be positioned as “Scalp & Hair Nourishing Oils” that deliver lipid-soluble botanicals (rosemary oil, pumpkin seed oil, saw palmetto, squalane, vitamin E) to condition the scalp and hair shaft, reduce breakage, and support overall hair health.

3. Matching Actives to the Right Delivery System

This framework helps brands decide whether to launch a capsule, a serum, or a combination system.

4. Positioning Opportunities for Your Brand

Premium Sampling & Travel Format: Single-dose capsules make your actives portable and hygienic.

Sustainability Angle： New biodegradable or plant-based shells reduce environmental impact.

System Approach： Combine a water-based scalp tonic with an oil-based capsule for holistic haircare — treatment plus nourishment.

5. Compliance & Manufacturing Considerations

Shell Type： Gelatin vs. plant-based alternatives (vegan)

Packaging： Blisters, jars, or loose capsules

Stability Testing： Especially important for actives sensitive to oxidation or hydrolysis

Certifications： Halal, Vegan, Cruelty-Free, depending on target market

6. How We Support Our B2B Partners

At Biocrown, we help brands navigate these choices. Our R&D team can：

Recommend which actives are compatible with oil-based capsules vs. water-based serums

Develop both capsule and tonic formats for a coordinated launch

Provide regulatory and stability support to ensure global compliance

Whether you’re looking to launch a luxury facial serum capsule or a scalp & hair nourishing capsule, we’ll help you align your formula, packaging, and marketing claims to your target market.