Abstract: A sunscreen composition for leaving a protective film on skin, comprising a UVB light absorbing sunscreen, a polymer vehicle, an oil-soluble solubilizer, and alkoxylated castor oil as an emulsifier. The protective film has an aggregate cohesive energy of from about 80 to about 150 calories per cc, preferably 100 to 115 calories/cc. The film is water resistant, unusually stable to UV radiation, nonirritating, and physically protective.