The present invention relates to compositions containing a) at least one monoacyl lipid; b) at least one diacyl glycerol and/or tochopherol; and c) at least one fragmentation agent; and optionally an active agent. The compositions are capable of self-dispersing to provide colloidal non-lamellar particles upon contact with an aqueous fluid. The invention additionally provides a method for forming non-lamellar particles from such compositions, and pharmaceutical formulations containing the compositions, plus non-lamellar particles formable from the compositions.