The present invention refers to a novel hierarchical composite material comprising (a) ZnO nanoparticles having a mean particle of less than 100 nm, and (b) ZnO support particles having a mean particle size of more than 100 nm; wherein said nanoparticles are dispersed onto the support particles. The invention further refers to cosmetic compositions comprising such material, methods of preparation and uses thereof.

A product comprises a granular composition of gel particles, particularly micro-gel particles. Said composition comprises a carbohydrate matrix (lattice/network) between cells that contain said gel particles. A method of manufacturing such product that comprises a granular composition of gel particles, particularly micro-gel particles, involves forming an aqueous slurry comprising said gel particles and a water soluble carbohydrate compound. Said slurry is shaped into said product and said shaped slurry is solidified.

Cosmetic and dermatological compositions, including color changing compositions, are provided which typically include a plurality of synthetic particles having a size in the micrometer or nanometer range. Each synthetic particle typically includes one or more aggregates of a pigment selected from phenoxazone, phenoxazine, and a derivate or precursor thereof, and a stabilizing material which has a refractive index larger than 1.45; the aggregates having a size larger than about 100 nm and the composition being biodegradable and biocompatible.

A substrate having an edible color additive within the substrate or coated on the substrate is disclosed. The edible color additive comprises xanthommatin at a concentration of about 0.01% wt to about 0.5% wt and optionally a dry based carrier or a solution-based carrier. The substrate is a food, beverage, drink, medication or a drug form. The color additives of the disclosure can be produced in the color spectrum of yellow, orange, red, or concentrated forms (e.g., concentrated yellow appears as brown).

Cosmetic and dermatological compositions, including color changing compositions, are provided which typically include a plurality of synthetic particles having a size in the micrometer or nanometer range. The cosmetic or dermatological formulation comprises an antioxidant or UV filter and xanthommatin pigment present in the formulation at a concentration of 0.01% wt to 0.5% wt to scavenge free radicals. The cosmetic or dermatological formulation can be a sun protectant composition having an SPF of 2-30.