A triggerable composition for two-stage, controlled release of a functional active chemical includes an aldehyde-based functional active incorporated in an organic salt-based acetal that releases the functional active through a hydrolysis reaction upon contact with an aqueous medium, and an encapsulation material for encapsulating the organic salt-based acetal, the encapsulation material triggerable to release or expose the organic salt-based acetal upon the occurrence of an environmental stimulus such as a pH change. The triggerable composition can be included in an absorbent article having at least one absorbent layer or in a viscous liquid such as a lotion, cream, or medicament.
