Described herein are personal care compositions for use on the skin, hair, and lips that comprise: (A) at least one metal oxide, (B) lightly- to moderately-crosslinked PVP, and (C) at least one vehicle selected from the group consisting of: alcohols, esters, oils, glycols, and combinations thereof. The lightly- to moderately-crosslinked PVP suspends the metal oxide(s) whether or not water is added. Exemplary products embraced by the invention include sunscreens, diaper rash preparations, and anti-pruritic substances in the form of a lotion, cream, ointment, or gel.
