Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there are provided high viscosity chitosan-based topical compositions for the delivery of water insoluble active agents (such as retinoic acid) in which the active agent is entrapped either dissolved or in the form of suspended particles in a suitable dispersing agent in a chitosan matrix under vigorous stirring conditions. The chitosan matrix containing the active ingredient is then mixed in the presence of an aqueous anionic polymeric solution at pH greater than 6.0 such as to cause precipitation under vigorous stirring conditions of the chitosan matrix in the form of microparticles.