New Mineral Sunscreen Formula Avoids Annoying White Cast

Researchers develop a tetrapod-shaped zinc oxide nanoparticle that prevents clumping for a more even, natural-looking application.

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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Scientists have developed a new approach to formulating mineral sunscreen that could prevent it from leaving a white cast on the skin. The new formula uses a four-armed "tetrapod" crystal structure of zinc oxide nanoparticles that prevents clumping, boosts stability, and creates a warmer color that better matches a range of skin tones.

Why it matters

Mineral sunscreens are popular for their natural ingredients, but the white residue they can leave behind is a major deterrent, especially for people with darker skin tones. This new formula addresses a longstanding consumer complaint and could help increase sunscreen usage, which is crucial for preventing skin cancer.

The details

The tetrapod-shaped zinc oxide nanoparticles were created using a "flame synthesis" method that involves heating zinc with ethanol. This unique structure prevents the individual particles from clumping together, which is what causes the visible white streaks when applied to skin. Testing showed the new formula maintained broad-spectrum UV protection with an SPF around 30, while also being more stable over time compared to standard spherical zinc oxide particles.

  • The new formula was reported in the journal ACS Materials Letters in December 2025.

The players

Ajoa Addae

A doctoral candidate in chemical biology at UCLA and the lead author of the study.

Kyra Sedransk Campbell

A former professor of chemical engineering at the University of Sheffield and now CEO of Kingston Street Consulting.

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What they’re saying

“I was frustrated by how mineral sunscreen looks on my own skin. A lot of my motivation came from my own experience trying to use mineral sunscreen and dealing with the white cast and other unsightly aesthetic issues. This led me to simply avoid sunscreen altogether.”

— Ajoa Addae, Doctoral candidate, UCLA (ACS Materials Letters)

“Because of their structure, these tetrapod-shaped particles have standoffs and form porous networks instead of collapsing into clumps. They can't pack tightly and aggregate, so they stay evenly distributed in the sunscreen.”

— Ajoa Addae, Doctoral candidate, UCLA (ACS Materials Letters)

“When I spread it on my own skin, I didn't get that white cast I usually see with zinc oxide. That was the moment I realized this could really work.”

— Ajoa Addae, Doctoral candidate, UCLA (ACS Materials Letters)

What’s next

The researchers plan to test the human and environmental safety profiles of the tetrapod nanoparticles and investigate how to scale up production in a cost-effective manner.

The takeaway

This new mineral sunscreen formula addresses a longstanding consumer complaint about white residue, which has been a barrier to wider adoption of these natural sun protection products. By creating a more even, natural-looking application, the researchers hope to encourage more people to use sunscreen regularly and reduce their risk of skin cancer.