A composition comprising a physical sunscreen, one or more adjuvants, and a carrier oil is provided. The composition also includes at least one of a compound having multiple phenyl groups, a film former or dispersant, and a silicone surfactant. The composition may also include an organic sunscreen. The combination of these ingredients exhibits an unexpected synergistic effect, in that the photoactive properties of the composition (e.g., SPF, UV absorption) are significantly higher than would be predicted based on the values for each of the components individually.