research
A New Particle Shape Cuts Sunscreen's White Cast
Tetrapod zinc oxide formed porous networks that spread ultraviolet protection more evenly in laboratory formulations.
Summary
Tetrapod zinc oxide formed porous networks that spread ultraviolet protection more evenly in laboratory formulations.
UCLA researchers replaced conventional zinc-oxide particles with tetrapod-shaped structures that interlock into porous networks rather than clumping. At the same zinc-oxide concentration, the experimental formula reached roughly SPF 30 while appearing less white in laboratory measurements and controlled skin applications, without pigments or surface coatings. Particle geometry may improve both coverage and appearance, but the formulation is a research prototype and has not been established as a commercial or regulator-approved sunscreen.
Why it matters
Tetrapod zinc oxide formed porous networks that spread ultraviolet protection more evenly in laboratory formulations.
Limits and context
- At the same zinc-oxide concentration, the experimental formula reached roughly SPF 30 while appearing less white in laboratory measurements and controlled skin applications, without pigments or surface coatings.
- Particle geometry may improve both coverage and appearance, but the formulation is a research prototype and has not been established as a commercial or regulator-approved sunscreen.
Key claims
Tetrapod zinc oxide formed porous networks that spread ultraviolet protection more evenly in laboratory formulations.
Qualification: At the same zinc-oxide concentration, the experimental formula reached roughly SPF 30 while appearing less white in laboratory measurements and controlled skin applications, without pigments or surface coatings.
Evidence: source-2026-07-20-009
Sources
- UCLA via ScienceDaily: Tetrapod zinc-oxide sunscreenUCLA via ScienceDaily · secondary reporting
Corrections
No corrections have been recorded for this story.