In this study the UV-attenuating properties of microparticles consisting of a benzotriazole derivative were investigated, which are used as absorbers for UV radiation in cosmetic sunscreens. The particles were micronized in presence of a dispersing agent by means of a ball milling process. According to the energy input different particle sizes were produced in the range of 0.16 to 4 mum. In order to study even smaller particles, the sample with particle size 0.16 mum was fractionated further by centrifugation. Particle sizes were measured using fiberoptic quasi-elastic light scattering (FOQELS) and laser diffractometry. The UV-attenuating properties of the dispersions with different particle sizes were assessed using UV spectroscopy. With decreasing particle size the efficiency of the UV extinction of the dispersion increases up to a particle size of 80 nm. For particles smaller than 80 turn the UV extinction decreases again indicating an optimum at 80 nm. From reflection spectroscopic measurements it was found that scattering makes about 10%, and absorption 90%, of the UV-attenuating effect of the particles, which are obtained at the end of the milling process. (C) 2004 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.