Provided is an external preparation for skin, comprising a phosphorylated saccharide. The phosphorylated saccharide may be an inorganic salt of a phosphorylated saccharide. The phosphorylated saccharide may be a calcium, magnesium, potassium, zinc, iron or sodium salt. Also provided is an external preparation for skin, comprising a phosphorylated saccharide and a second component, wherein the second component is selected from the group consisting of moisturizing agents, whitening components, ultraviolet absorbents, anti-inflammatory agents, cell-activating agents and antioxidants. The moisturizing agent may be ascorbic acid or an ascorbic acid derivative.
