SOFTISAN® 378 – Our proven evergreen for modern applications

17. February 2026

Proven effectiveness meets convincing properties and versatile applications: SOFTISAN® 378 has demonstrated its value for more than 30 years now.

A classic with a future: Sometimes it makes sense to take a look at things that have already been functioning reliably for years. SOFTISAN® 378 certainly belongs in this category. The excipient has been in use since 1993 in the most diverse formulations and convinces with stable performance, pleasant application and a high level of acceptance – with developers and pharmacists, just as with end users. A raw material that shows how much an easily processable base with a low melting point can accomplish – being soft is not a crime.

SOFTISAN® 378:

the difference an allrounder makes

SOFTISAN® 378 is a plant-based hard fat with a pleasantly low melting range – the melting cascade begins from around 25 °C and noticeably facilitates modern processing steps. The high level of oxidation stability promotes stable formulas that can be reliably manufactured and safely used in the long term. The excipient blends well into patient-friendly formulations because it mimics the behaviour of skin lipids, thus enabling a pleasant skin feel.

Functions

  • Active ingredient carrier
  • Emollient
  • Refatting agent
  • Lubricant

Typical dosage forms

  • Topical formulations
  • Soft gel capsules
  • Hard capsules
  • Chewable tablets

SOFTISAN® 378 can be easily processed due to its neutral odour, low viscosity and the low oxidation tendency – a base for formulations that function reliably and are suitable for everyday use.

Already in use for more than 30 years

SOFTISAN® 378 is listed in the German pharmaceutical index as a carrier and has been used in pharmacies worldwide for decades now.

Oral application

Function: Carrier for APIs

Established active ingredients:

  • Methylprednisolone aceponate
  • Dronabinol
  • Cannabidiol
  • Nintedanib
  • DHA
  • EPA
  • Fat-soluble vitamins

Topical applications

Function: Emollient, refatting agent, absorption promoter

Established active ingredients:

  • Methylprednisolone aceponate
  • Camphor
  • Levomenthol

Overview of functional properties of SOFTISAN® 378

The particular strength of SOFTISAN® 378 lies not only in a single feature, but in the unique interaction of several properties. This combination is rare – and the reason why the raw material has demonstrated its value for so many years in different formulations.

SOFTISAN® 378 offers a convincing approach for brands that want to reduce petrochemical alternatives. Its plant origin combines technical performance with modern brand logic.

SOFTISAN® 378 feels light, non-greasy and non-occlusive. The texture is reminiscent of traditional fat bases but remains neutral in taste and odour – ideal for dermal and oral dosage forms. This pleasant application promotes a high level of compliance in everyday life.

The neutral nature enables a simple combination with numerous pharmaceutical excipients and active ingredients, without impairing stability or sensorial properties.

The material shows a low tendency to rancidity in comparison to many vegetable oils. This chemical stability makes storage and quality control easier throughout the entire product life cycle.

The melting range of SOFTISAN® 378 starts around 25 °C (complete melting at 39 °C) and enables processing steps at reduced temperatures. This protects delicate ingredients and ensures efficient, flexible production processes.

The characteristic fatty acid spectrum enables the absorption of the most diverse active ingredients The anhydrous character reduces the risk of microbial load and promotes the stability of thermolabile substances.

 

Field test: SOFTISAN® 378 in anhydrous formulations

How the properties of SOFTISAN® 378 interact in the application can be readily seen in anhydrous formulations. In corresponding studies, the raw material served as a primary base and was combined with selected emollients in order to achieve a plant-based, familiar skin feel, similar to that of petroleum jelly.

The results speak for themselves:

  • Skin moisture rises by 40 to 60 per cent

  • Skin softness increases from 1.7 to 2.8 or even 3.5

  • At least 69 per cent of the participants assessed the formulations positively

  • Transepidermal water loss remains constant, without any signs of occlusion or a higher risk of maceration

Request your personal sample and convince yourself how good our proven classic functions in modern formulations.

We look forward to receiving your enquiry!

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Robert Radsziwill

Robert is the Business Development Manager for Functional Excipients in the Pharma Division of IOI Oleo GmbH. Prior to this role he held technical and commercial roles focusing raw materials used in the pharmaceutical and medical device industry for 13 years. In each position he leveraged his diploma degree in Business Chemistry earned at Westfälische Wilhelms-University to drive interdisciplinary projects and work as interface between commercial and technical decision makers. Understanding technical, commercial and regulatory drivers from ideation to successful project-completion is key for him. In his free time he enjoys guitar heavy music as well as cooking for and with family and friends.