A composition comprises a water-soluble polymer matrix in which are dispersed droplets of oil, the composition comprising an active principle. The invention includes embodiments in which the active principle is included in at least some of the oil droplets as well as embodiments in which the oil droplets are free of active principle. The oil droplets are released as the matrix containing them dissolves in an aqueous medium. In one embodiment, the oil droplets are substantially immobilized in or by the matrix and the immobilizing feature is lost as the matrix dissolves in aqueous media. In certain embodiments, the oil drops may collectively be referred to as the oil phase of the composition of the invention. The product may be in the form of mini-beads. The oil phase and/or the polymer matrix may each include a surfactant.