The present invention provides a cosmetic composition containing (A) 3-O-alkyl-L-ascorbic acid wherein the alkyl group has 8 - 12 carbon atoms or a salt thereof, (B) one or more kinds of nonionic surfactants selected from the group consisting of polyoxyethylene polyoxypropylene alkyl ether, polyoxyethylene sorbitan fatty acid ester, polyoxyethylene alkyl ether and polyoxyethylene alkenyl ether, and having an HLB value of 12.5 - 17, and (C) one or more kinds of oil agents selected from the group consisting of amino acid ester, dimer acid ester, hydroxy acid ester, alkyl glyceryl ether and alkenyl glyceryl ether, which is superior in solubilization stability, preservation stability and sense of use, and free of time-dependent development of an odor which poses a problem when in use.
