PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an aqueous skin external preparation having improved absorption of L-ascorbic acid and a derivative thereof.SOLUTION: The inventors found out that the desired purpose is achieved by blending an acrylic acid-alkyl methacrylate copolymer and polyoxyalkylenediglyceryl ether in an aqueous skin external preparation comprising L-ascorbic acid 2-glucoside as a water-soluble active ingredient.SELECTED DRAWING: None