Provided is a water-in-oil-type skin-whitening cosmetic which does not have a sticky sensation, has a moist sensation upon application, and can exhibit good emulsion stability over time even when placed in a glass container or a metallic container. The water-in-oil-type skin-whitening cosmetic is characterized by comprising an alkoxysalicylic acid or a salt thereof, a modified organic clay mineral and a liquid fatty acid. The liquid fatty acid is selected from higher fatty acids each having a linear or branched alkyl chain and also having 12 to 22 carbon atoms, and is particularly preferably oleic acid, linoleic acid, linolenic acid or isostearic acid.
