An effective ultra-violet absorber composition and process for controlling sunburn by applying to the skin a composition which comprises a hydrated, substantially transparent gel represented by the formula: WHEREIN: A. R1 and R2 are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, short chain alkyl, and ligands capable of chelate formation, and B. N IS ANY INTEGER IN A DERMATOLOGICALLY ACCEPTABLE CARRIER, THE GEL BEING EMPLOYED IN AN AMOUNT EFFECTIVE TO PROTECT THE SKIN AND OTHER SURFACES FROM THE HARMFUL EFFECTS OF THE BURNING RAYS OF THE SUN.