Plate-like cerium oxide particles were successfully prepared by a facile precipitation process of cerium carbonate precursor followed by calcination in air at 400 degrees C. Ceria particles with the same morphology and slightly decreased particle size compare with those of plate-like cerium carbonate precursor were obtained. The particle size could be controlled by precisely adjusting pH value of the solution. In comparison with commercial ceria nanoparticles, the synthesized plate-like ceria particles showed lower oxidation catalytic activity, higher comfort of use and higher gloss value as well as excellent UV-shielding ability, indicating the potential application as a new cosmetic agent. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.