The subject of the present invention is a cosmetic composition of oil-in-water type comprising: (1) hydrophobic silica aerogel particles having a specific surface area per unit of mass (SM) ranging from 500 to 1500 m2/g and a size, expressed as volume-average diameter (D[0.5]), ranging from 1 to 1500 &mum (2) at least one gemini surfactant of formula in which R1 and R3 denote, independently of one another, an alkyl radical containing from 1 to 25 carbon atoms R2 denotes a spacer consisting of a linear or branched alkylene chain containing from 1 to 12 carbon atoms X and Y denote, independently of one another, a &mdash(C2H4O)a&mdash(C3H6O)bZ group n ranges from 1 to 10 and (3) at least one fatty phase comprising at least one fatty substance chosen from solid fatty substances and pasty fatty substances. The composition in accordance with the invention makes it possible to make good the lack of cutaneous lipids in dehydrated skin, and to provide comfort and persistent nutrition, while at the same time having sensory properties, for example a non-greasy and non-tacky effect and a matt skin appearance, and also good skin penetration properties, even with a high level of solid fatty substance.
