In a triterpenic acid having hydroxyl groups, at least one of the hydroxylgroups is phosphatized to produce a phosphatized triterpenic acid and/or asalt thereof, thereby improving the solubility of the triterpenic acid in apreparation for external application for the skin and allowing thephysiological activity of the triterpenic acid to be exerted satisfactorily.The phosphatized triterpenic acid is preferably, for example, ursolic acidphosphate and/or a salt thereof. The preparation for external application forthe skin is preferably a cosmetic, particularly preferably a medicatedcosmetic.
