The present invention relates to a composition, in particular a cosmetic composition, in the form of an emulsion comprising at least one polyester resulting from the esterification, with a polycarboxylic acid, of an aliphatic hydroxycarboxylic acid ester comprising at least two hydroxyl groups and at least one nonionic cellulose derivative comprising one or more hydrophobic substituents containing from 8 to 30 carbon atoms.The present invention also relates to a composition, in particular a cosmetic composition, in the form of an emulsion comprising at least one active agent chosen from C-glucoside derivatives, in particular C-beta-D-xylopyranoside-2-hydroxypropane, and cucurbic acid derivatives, such as the sodium salt of 3-hydroxy-2-pentylcyclopentyl)acetic acid, at least one pasty fatty substance and at least one nonionic cellulose derivative comprising one or more hydrophobic substituents containing from 8 to 30 carbon atoms.The present invention makes it possible to obtain emulsions containing pasty fatty substances that are stable, even without the use of an emulsifying surfactant or with a low content of emulsifying surfactant (for example less than 3%), and which afford good sensory pleasure, even when the composition comprises a high content of pasty fatty substances.The present invention also makes it possible to obtain emulsions containing active agents chosen from C-glucoside derivatives and cucurbic acid derivatives that are stable, even without the use of an emulsifying surfactant or with a low content of emulsifying surfactant (for example less than 3%), and which afford good sensory pleasure, even when the composition comprises a high content of these active agents. The composition according to the invention affords excellent sensory qualities, without a coarse or greasy or tacky effect and without a fluffing effect.Furthermore, it can reinforce the perception of efficacy by means of immediate effects felt as soon as the product is applied: nutritive
