Described are gel-based delivery systems for a compound of interest, like a drug or cosmetic agent. Described is a gel comprising at least one non-polymeric gelator and at least one polymer, wherein the polymer content of the gel is more than 5 weight percent (wt %), preferably at least 10 wt %, and more preferably at least 20 wt %. Also provided are a method for preparing the gel and a method of using the gel in a controlled delivery system, for example, a pH-sensitive drug delivery system.