PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an external composition for skin that contains trimellitic triester, ultraviolet absorber and hydrophobic spherical powder of 1-20 &mum in diameter, has good use feeling, and has enhanced ultraviolet absorbing ability.SOLUTION: An external composition for skin contains (a) trimellitic triester, (b) ultraviolet absorber, and (c) hydrophobic spherical powder of 1-20 &mum in diameter.