In cosmetics, food, or nutrition, the role of active ingredients is clear: to deliver real benefits to the skin or body. But for those benefits to be effective, safe, and stable, the ingredient must actually reach its target… and that’s where encapsulation comes in.

Why Encapsulate?

Encapsulation is a formulation technique that involves surrounding an active with a protective matrix, creating a kind of “capsule” that regulates its release, stability, and activity.

Main benefits:

• Protection of the active against oxidation, light, pH, or temperature

• Improved stability in the final formulation

• Controlled or targeted release (e.g., in the skin or gut)

• Reduced irritation or bad taste (in supplements)

• Enhanced bioavailability (better absorption)

Most Common Encapsulation Techniques

There are many technologies available, and choosing the right one depends on the nature of the active, the final formulation, and the intended application.

Common techniques:

• Spray drying: generates dry particles between 1 and 50 µm. Cost-effective and widely used.

• Liposomes: spherical vesicles made of lipids that mimic cell membranes. Common in skincare.

• Nanoemulsions: transparent emulsions with very small droplets (<200 nm), which improve skin penetration or solubilization of lipophilic actives.

• Microencapsulation with natural polymers: using materials like chitosan, alginates, or gelatin. Widely used in food and supplements.

• Encapsulation with cyclodextrins: ring-shaped molecules that “trap” the active inside, enhancing stability and masking odor.

Real-World Examples:

• Vitamin C encapsulated in liposomes to prevent degradation in facial creams.

• Probiotics coated with acid-resistant polymers so they survive gastric transit and reach the gut.

• Rosemary essential oil encapsulated in nanoparticles to prevent volatility and enhance antimicrobial action.

Encapsulation and Consumer Perception

In addition to technical performance, encapsulation can provide sensory advantages:

• Fragrance released by friction (microcapsules in gels or detergents)

• Smooth, creamy texture thanks to microstructured emulsions

• Novel formats (monodose capsules, gel pearls, etc.)

All of this contributes to a differentiated user experience, which is highly valued by today’s consumers.

Conclusion

Encapsulation is no longer just a lab tool. It’s a strategic resource for brands looking to ensure the effectiveness of their actives, improve product tolerance, and deliver a superior user experience. At Admixtio, we help select the most suitable technologies based on the nature of the active, product goals, and target market.

Want to ensure your actives reach their destination? Let’s talk.