The present invention relates to a composition in the fluid form intended to form a dressing on the skin. This composition comprises from 6% to 12% by weight of the total weight of the composition of a cellulose derivative, from 5% to 15% by weight of the total weight of the composition of a vegetable oil, and a volatile solvent. The oil/cellulose ratio by weight is between 0.8 and 1.5. This novel dressing base makes it possible to obtain a film on the skin having satisfactory resistances to water and to rubbing actions. The film is flexible and sufficiently comfortable, in particular when the dressing is applied to a fairly extensive area of the skin.