A dispersion containing zinc oxide particles having a dispersion particle size of (i) median volume particle diameter in the range from 70 to 130 nm, (ii) less than 16% by volume of particles having a volume diameter of less than 35 nm below the median volume particle diameter, and (iii) more than 84% by volume of particles having a volume diameter of less than 57 nm above the median volume particle diameter. The zinc oxide dispersion can be used in a sunscreen product that exhibits both effective UV protection and improved transparency. The zinc oxide is particularly suitable for use in combination with transparent titanium dioxide.