A topical composition for treatment of a skin condition comprising a fluorescent, photosensitive, or oxygen sensitive active ingredient encapsulated in a plurality of tubular microparticles for pharmaceutical use in humans is described. Some embodiments comprise a topical composition for treatment of acne that comprises an encapsulation of a tetracycline class drug, such as crystalline minocycline, in a plurality of microparticles, wherein the microparticles comprise a divalent cation, such as Mg2+ or Zn2+. The tubular microparticles may comprise Mg2CO3. Benefits of various embodiments include the lack of visible fluorescence from a fluorescent active ingredient, reduced UV degradation of a photosensitive active ingredient, reduced UV degradation of an oxygen sensitive active ingredient, sun protection factor for the skin, and sustained delivery of a therapeutic dose.
