Compositions for delivering materials, such as a biological material, sand, soil, metal, water, sea water, holy water, synthetic or biological polymers, cremated ash, ceramics, animal or plant tissue, or another physiologically compatible component having personal significance to an individual are described herein. The material(s) are encapsulated in an inert, non-bioerodible, hydrophobic, polymeric material. Methods of making microparticles encapsulating the personalizing substance and methods of use are also provided. The personalizing substance may be encapsulated in a polymeric non-bioerodible microparticle. The encapsulated personalizing substance may be combined with a carrier for delivery to an individual's skin. In some embodiments, the personalizing substance is added to a tattoo ink and incorporated in a tattoo created on an individual's skin. Following injection in the skin, the encapsulated material remains in the microparticles, and is not released over time.