Formulations for cosmetical or pharmaceutical use contain an antioxidant in encapsulated form and a cosmetically or pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. The antioxidant is selected from carbon bridged hindered phenoles, ester bridged hindered phenoles, amide bridged hindered phenoles, lactones of hindered phenoles, sterically hindered oxylamines and sterically hindered hydroxylamines. The encapsulated antioxidant is of high activity and suitable to protect a further active ingredient, e.g. oxidizable natural substances, vitamins, fragrances, and extracts from plants fungi, algae or animals, from premature degradation, especially when coencapsulated together with the ingredient. The formulations are useful inter alia for the preparation of a cosmetical or pharmaceutical skin care or skin delivery formulation, injectable solution, infusion solution, eye drop, drinking solution, a dietary or enriched food, an oral care formulation, drinking gargles, in-halants, or as a food additive.