Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention provides a composition comprising a plurality of microcapsules, each comprising a shell and a core carrying an active agent selected from the group consisting of: (a) a non-hydrophilic active agent and (b) a hydrophilic active agent dissolved or suspended in an oil; wherein the shell comprises a polymeric coating, and wherein at least a portion of the microcapsules in a sample of the composition are spherical when the sample of the microcapsules is viewed in a scanning electron microscope with a magnification in the range of between ×2000 and ×50000.