The present invention relates to a carrier in oil-in-water emulsion form, containing a very small amount of a surface-active agent so that the emulsion is stable, well-tolerated, and nonirritating. The present invention also relates to a method for preparing a carrier according to the invention and to the use of such a carrier as a base for compositions to be applied onto sensitive human or animal body tissue, particularly in dermatological or dermocosmetic compositions.