The present disclosure relates to zinc oxide particles having a mean particle size (volume) distribution of about 400 nm to about 650 nm, where the zinc oxide particles are formed by gas phase plasma deposition without milling and remain discrete particles after formation. The present disclosure further relates to the use of the zinc oxide particles in a dispersion. The present disclosure further relates to the use of the zinc oxide particles in a sunscreen composition. The present disclosure further relates to a method of formulating the sunscreen composition.