UCLA Researchers Develop Mineral Sunscreen to End 'Chalky' Look

New tetrapod-shaped zinc oxide particles create a more natural, even application on skin.

Published on Feb. 6, 2026

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Researchers at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) have developed a mineral sunscreen that solves the cosmetic problem of a ghostly, chalky white film by using a patented process to create "tetrapods" - microscopic, four-armed zinc oxide structures that form a porous, mesh-like network on the skin to prevent clumping and the resulting "chalky" appearance.

Why it matters

Mineral sunscreens containing zinc oxide are recommended by dermatologists as safe and effective, but traditional formulas can leave an unappealing white cast, especially on darker skin tones. This new sunscreen aims to make mineral sun protection more cosmetically appealing and inclusive, which could encourage more consistent daily use and help prevent skin cancer.

The details

The tetrapod-shaped zinc oxide particles in the new UCLA sunscreen formula cannot pack tightly together like traditional round particles, creating a more even, natural-looking application on the skin. During lab tests, the sunscreen achieved an SPF of 30 while maintaining stability over time. The researchers hope this breakthrough will make mineral sunscreen more wearable and accessible, particularly for people with darker skin tones who are disproportionately diagnosed with late-stage melanoma.

  • The findings were published recently in ACS Materials Letters.

The players

University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)

A public research university located in Los Angeles, California and home to the UCLA Health Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center where this sunscreen research was conducted.

Paul Weiss

A professor of chemistry and bioengineering at UCLA and the senior author of the study.

AJ Addae

A doctoral candidate at UCLA and the lead author of the study, who began the research after her own frustrations with how mineral sunscreens looked on her skin.

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What they’re saying

“This isn't just about cosmetics. If improving how sunscreen looks leads to more consistent use, it could have real implications for skin cancer prevention.”

— Paul Weiss, Professor of Chemistry and Bioengineering, UCLA (UCLA News Release)

“The best sunscreen is the one people will actually use. If zinc oxide can be made to look better on more skin tones without sacrificing protection, it could help more people protect themselves from the sun's most dangerous effects.”

— AJ Addae, Doctoral Candidate, UCLA (UCLA News Release)

What’s next

The researchers hope this new tetrapod-shaped zinc oxide sunscreen formula will be a game-changer for skin cancer prevention, particularly for people with darker skin tones who are more often diagnosed with late-stage melanoma.

The takeaway

By making mineral sunscreen more cosmetically appealing and inclusive, the UCLA team aims to encourage more consistent daily use of sun protection, which could have significant implications for reducing skin cancer rates, especially among populations that have historically been underserved by traditional sunscreen formulas.