An absorbent article can include, in an immobilized form: a) microcapsules formed, in a proportion of at least 25% by weight relative to the total weight of polymer(s) forming the microcapsules, of a material derived from at least one natural polymer, a protein analog thereof, or a derivative thereof, and charged with at least one active agent, and b) at least one release agent that is capable of stimulating the dissolution of the microcapsules during the placing of the absorbent article in contact with an aqueous medium, and chosen from enzymes, surfactants that are water-soluble at room temperature and atmospheric pressure, and mixtures thereof, the microcapsules a) and the release agent b) being present in the said article in a form isolated from each other.