Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel process for preparing sol-gel microcapsules loaded with up to 95% (w/w) functional molecules or substances and to the products obtained by said process. Said process is conducted in two steps: (a) creating an oil-in-water emulsion by emulsification of a water insoluble solution comprising the sol-gel precursors and the molecules to be loaded, in an aqueous solution under appropriate shear forces; (b) mixing and stirring said emulsion with an aqueous solution at a suitably selected pH to obtain loaded sol-gel microcapsules in suspension. The microcapsules so obtained can further be subjected to cycles of isolation and rinsing. Incorporation of the final product, either in the form of a suspension or a powder, in cosmetic formulations affords a transparent cream when applying to skin and has a smooth and pleasant contact.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to safe and stable sunscreen compositions comprising of at least one sunscreen active ingredient in the form of an inert sol-gel microcapsules encapsulating ultraviolet absorbing compounds in any acceptable cosmetic vehicle. The composition according to the present invention can comprise several ultraviolet absorbers that may be encapsulated in the same sol-gel microcapsule or in different capsules. The encapsulation of the ultraviolet absorbers reduces or even prevents the contact between the sunscreen compounds and the human tissue, thus reducing various adverse effects that are associated with the use of sunscreens, such as photoallergy and phototoxicity, and makes the composition safer for use. The encapsulation also reduces or even prevents cross reactivity between the sunscreen compounds and the packaging material and between the sunscreen compounds and any other component present in the composition, thus enhance the compositions stability.