Abstract: The invention provides a sunscreen formulation including conventional UVB sunscreening agents and zinc oxide having an average particle size in the order of 150 to 800 nm. Preferably the zinc oxide used is pigment grade. Most preferably, zinc oxide prepared by the French process is used, although that produced by the American process is also suitable. The average particle size of the zinc oxide is most preferably in the order of 200-400 nm. Throughout this specification, the term “pigment grade” is used to define zinc oxide that has been produced by the French or American process. A further embodiment of the invention is a method of reducing or preventing the harmful effects of solar radiation on skin by applying inventive sunscreen formulation. A further embodiment of the invention relates to a sunscreen composition having a sun protection factor greater than 30 including zinc oxide having an average particle size of 150 to 800 nm.

Abstract: The invention relates to a substantially homogenous liquid composition capable of percutaneous delivery of one or more physiologically active agents, the composition including a rate modulating polymer, a volatile solvent and at least one physiologically active agent, said rate modulating polymer being selected to enable modulation of the rate of delivery of said physiologically active agent. Methods of percutaneous delivery of active agents and of prophylactic or therapeutic antimicrobial, antifungal or antiviral treatment using the compositions of the invention are also described.