A meta-stable composition, a product including the meta-stable composition, and a method of protecting a keratinous substrate from UV radiation by applying the product are provided. The meta-stable cosmetic composition includes at least one water-in-oil emulsifier having a hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB) of less than 6, at least one non-ionic oil-in-water emulsifier having an HLB of greater than 9, at least one ionic surfactant, and at least one skin care active ingredient. The weight ratio of the at least one non-ionic oil-in-water emulsifier to the at least one water-in-oil emulsifier is about 0.02 to about 2.0. The meta-stable cosmetic composition converts from an oil-in-water (O/W) emulsion to a water-in-oil (W/O) emulsion upon rubbing.
