The present invention provides in one aspect, a glycerin-in-oil emulsion comprising (i) a continuous phase comprising one or more topically-acceptable oils (ii) a discontinuous phase comprising glycerin and water and (iii) an anionic polysaccharide in an amount sufficient to provide viscosity and cohesiveness to the discontinuous phase. In some embodiments, the emulsion further comprises an electrolyte such as magnesium sulfate in an amount sufficient to control droplet size of the discontinuous phase to be no more than 40 microns. Methods for making the emulsion are also provided.
