A method of forming active-containing microcapsules by the steps of (i) emulsifying the active in water in the presence of a polymeric emulsifier; (ii) adding to the emulsion thus formed a blend of at least 2 silanes and hydrolysing them prior to (iii) forming a shell by increasing the pH characterised in that (iv) the polymeric emulsifier also acts as a templating agent for the organosilicon compounds; (v) the silanes are compounds of the Formula I in which R is independently C1-C4 linear or branched alkyl or alkene, optionally comprising a functional group selected from amino and epoxy, m is from 1-4, and selected such that there is present at least 2 silanes with different functionalities m. The resulting microcapsules have excellent properties, and are especially effective for use with fragrances.