UV absorbing monomers having one or more alkoxysilyl functional groups are produced through epoxide reaction chemistry. Sol-gel or emulsion polymerization of said UV absorbing monomers by themselves, or with alkoxysilane comonomers, affords nanoparticle sunscreens with reduced chemical exposure and improved photostability. Minimized leaching and decreased levels of photo-degradation were achieved with covalent incorporation to ensure isolation of the sunscreen chromophores and any photo-products from the skin.
