Abstract: Microparticulate carrier materials for a large and varied group of pharmaceutical and cosmetic agents are disclosed. Microdispersions of such carrier materials charged with at least one isomer or derivative of 2-amino-1-phenylpropanol are also described. The microdispersions can be formulated for oral, parenteral, topical, inhalation and suppository administration. The formulations have varied uses depending on the pharmaceutical and or cosmetic agent utilized. The microparticles are suitably charged particles of silica, alumina, boron, charcoal and the like and have a particle size of about 3 to about 250 .mu.m. The pharmaceutical and cosmetic active materials complex with the microparticles. The liquid carrier for the microparticles include water, propylene glycol, alcohols such as methanol, ethanol and propanols, and dimethyl sulfoxide.