Glossary · Formulation
What Is Encapsulation?
Encapsulation is the technique of enclosing an active ingredient in a protective carrier — a polymer, lipid or matrix particle — so it is shielded from the surrounding formula and released under chosen conditions. It is used to stabilise reactive actives, separate incompatible ingredients and control when an ingredient becomes available.
Why it matters when you source
Encapsulation changes both what an ingredient can survive and what the label says about it, since encapsulated forms are declared by their INCI names. Ask whether the encapsulated form is the one the efficacy and stability data was generated on, because substituting the free form is not an equivalent swap.
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