A topical formulation for application to exposed body tissue, the formulation comprising a silver oxide, and at least one of a whitener and a stabilization agent adapted to at least partially inhibit a darkening of the formulation when exposed to ultraviolet light, wherein the whitener may include zinc ； the silver oxide, the whitener and the stabilization agent being intimately dispersed within a carrier medium. The silver oxide is preferably a silver (II) oxide or a silver (I) oxide . The whitener may act as a stabilization agent. Preferred whiteners and stabilization agents are inorganic compounds selected from magnesium hydroxide, calcium hydroxide, calcium carbonate, magnesium oxide, magnesium carbonate and magnesium sulfate. Bentonite is also a preferred stabilization agent. The carrier medium preferably includes beeswax and jojoba oil. The formulation may have antimicrobial effect.
