<;P>;PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an adapalene-containing external preparation composition excellent in permeability into keratin and skin. <;P>;SOLUTION: This external preparation composition is characterized by containing adapalene and isopropylmethylphenol. The external preparation composition, wherein the content of the adapalene is 0.01 to 1.0 mass% based on the total content of the external preparation composition is disclosed. The external preparation composition, wherein the content of the isopropylmethylphenol is 0.5 to 25 pts.mass per 1 pt.mass of the adapalene is disclosed. <;P>;COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT