The present invention provides a foamable composition for administration to the skin, body surface, body cavity or mucosal surface, e.g., the mucosa of the nose, mouth, eye, ear, respiratory system, vagina or rectum. The foamable oil in water emulsion composition includes: an oil globule system, selected from the group consisting of oil bodies； and sub-micron oil globules, about 0.1% to about 5% by weight of an agent, selected from the group consisting of a surface-active agent, having an HLB value between 9 and 16； and a polymeric agent, and a liquefied or compressed gas propellant at a concentration of about 3% to about 25% by weight of the total composition, water and optional ingredients are added to complete the total mass to 100%. Upon release from an aerosol container, the foamable composition forms and expanded foam suitable for topical administration.
