A pharmaceutical or cosmetic carrier for topical administration substantially consists of phosphatidylcholine, monoglyceride, fatty acid ester of C<;sub>;1<;/sub>;-C<;sub>;3<;/sub>;alcohol; volatile solvent selected from ethanol and its combinations with C<;sub>;3<;/sub>;-C<;sub>;4<;/sub>;alcohol and/or volatile silicone oil. Also disclosed are pharmaceutical and cosmetic compositions comprising the carrier and pharmaceutically or cosmetically active agent(s).