The present invention addresses the problem of providing a gel-like cosmetic preparation which is not susceptible to decrease in the viscosity even though an electrolyte is contained therein, and which offers a non-conventional gelatinous texture when initially applied to the skin, while giving smooth touch once completely applied thereto. The present invention provides a gel-like composition which contains 0.3-3% by mass of an alkyl-modified carboxyl group-containing water-soluble polymer, 3-20% by mass of a polyhydric alcohol and 0.25-5% by mass of an inorganic salt. The alkyl-modified carboxyl group-containing water-soluble polymer is (i) a polymer that is obtained by polymerizing a (meth)acrylic acid and a (meth)acrylic acid alkyl ester having an alkyl group with 18-24 carbon atoms, or (ii) a polymer that is obtained by polymerizing a (meth)acrylic acid, a (meth)acrylic acid alkyl ester having an alkyl group with 18-24 carbon atoms, and a compound having two or more ethylenically unsaturated groups.
