The present invention includes a urea powder, the particles of which are encapsulated in a dimethicone and silica network, prior to being incorporated into anhydrous compositions. The encapsulated urea is capable of imparting a cooling activity to a topical composition. The invention also pertains to topical, cooling compositions containing an encapsulated urea. The encapsulated urea is new and its use to impart a cooling activity to topical anhydrous compositions is new. Topical, anhydrous compositions comprising the encapsulated urea are also new. Anhydrous compositions containing the urea are stable against hydrolysis that might otherwise occur due to the ambient humidity. Disclosed compositions create a clean and fresh feel for a user.