Abstract: Cosmetically acceptable physical sunscreens which remain visibly transparent upon the skin while remaining capable of absorbing substantial UV radiation. A first embodiment is directed to the use of a dispersion of micronized particles of zinc oxide having a very low trace metal content. A second embodiment utilizes substantially larger crystals of substantially pure zinc oxide, measuring between about 1-100 microns in diameter, formed by a process, such as chemical vapor deposition, which produces symmetrical, substantially optically perfect crystals with a relatively smooth outer surface and which are substantially free of internal fractures and imperfections. Visibly transparent glass particles having a diameter of between about 0.01-100.mu. may also be utilized as the UV-absorbing agent. A further embodiment utilizes visibly transparent plastic spheres measuring between about 0.