The invention is aimed at nanocapsule systems characterized in that they have high stability during long periods of time. These systems are useful for the controlled release of pharmacologically or cosmetically active ingredients of highly lipophilic nature. The system comprises nanocapsules with an average size less than 1 µm dispersed in an aqueous medium, wherein the nanocapsules have a structure which comprises a lipophilic phase containing a phospholipid component and one or more saturated and/or unsaturated C 12 -C 24 chain fatty acids or derivatives thereof; and a hydrophilic phase which comprises chitosan or a derivative thereof and a polyoxyalkylenated compound.