A meta-stable photoprotective 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 photoprotective 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 sunscreen 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 0.2 to about 2.0. The meta-stable composition converts from an oil-in-water (O/W) emulsion to a water-in-oil (W/O) emulsion upon rubbing.
