| abstract |
A process for preparing a composition suitable for topical application to human skin is disclosed. The process comprises mixing particles of metallic oxide dispersed in oil and having a primary particle size less than 0.2 micrometer with one or more emulsifiers, an aqueous phase and a hydrophilic organic sunscreen so as to prepare an emulsion. The composition contains up to 10 percent by weight metallic oxide and up to 7 percent by weight hydrophilic organic sunscreen. The emulsions are useful as sunscreen compositions, skin protectants, moisturisers, and after-sun lotions. The measured Sun Protection Factor for a composition of the invention is considerably higher than would be expected from a knowledge of the individual UV absorbing characteristics of the metallic oxide and the hydrophilic organic sunscreen. |