A particulate metal oxide has a metal oxide core and a coating layer containing an inorganic material and (i) a quaternary silane coupling agent, and/or (ii) a silane coupling agent and a hydrophobizing agent. Preferred materials are titanium dioxide core particles, an amino organosilane coupling agent and a fatty acid hydrophobizing agent. The particulate metal oxide is suitable for use in forming a dispersion, and the particles and dispersion can be used in an end-use sunscreen composition which is transparent, exhibits effective UV absorption properties, reduced photoactivity, and/or improved skin feel.
