A microneedle array having a substrate and a plurality of microneedles extending out from the substrate with a multi-phase matrix coating on at least a portion of the microneedle surface of the microneedle array. The multi-phase matrix coating comprises an active substance and has a first solid phase and a liquid phase. The first solid phase comprises a water-soluble polymer. Also, a method of providing an active substance- containing matrix coating on a microneedle array in which a water-soluble polymer is applied to the microneedle surface of the array to form a dried coating of water-soluble polymer. A coating solution comprising an active substance, a liquid capable of phase separating from the water-soluble polymer, and a carrier fluid is prepared and applied to the dried coating of water-soluble polymer. At least a portion of the carrier fluid is removed from the array.