The present invention is directed to a hybridized polymer matrix, a method of making such, and products incorporating such a matrix. The hybridized polymer matrix comprises a solvent-free polymer matrix base, a hybridized matrix comprising one or more poly(1-vinyl-2-pyrrolidones) and dimethyl sulfoxide, and at least one active substance. The hybridized polymer matrix is useful in the preparation of transdermal therapeutic systems, particularly making possible the introduction of pharmaceutically active substances which are otherwise difficult to dissolve, such as ibuprofen, into a non-polar matrix.