A composition for oxidative hair treatment, containing 50-96% by weight; 0.5-20% by weight hydrogen peroxide; at least one polyethylene glycol ether of a monoester of glycerol and a C12-C22 carboxylic acid having 110-500 ethylene oxide units in the molecule, according to formula (I), wherein the sum of the indices x+y+z stands for a number in the range of 110 to 500, and R stands for an alkyl functional group having 11 to 21 carbon atoms, which may be saturated or unsaturated, linear or branched, wherein all stated quantities are based on the weight of the oxidation composition. Wherein the composition is suited for use as a developer for oxidative hair lighteners and/or hair dyes. The alkaline composition (A) is present as an oil-in-water emulsion and includes at least one alkalizing agent, and has a pH in the range of 8 to 11.5.