Disclosed is a composition for external application, which has a fresh sensation upon use, has no sticky or coarse sensation, also has excellent salt resistance and stability, and can be applied to both the head hair and the skin. Specifically disclosed is a composition for external application, which contains a thickening agent having the form of microgels having an average grain diameter of 0.1 to 1,000 µm and produced by cooling a solution of a hydrophilic compound having a gelling capability (e.g., agar, gellan gum) and psyllium seed gum in water or an aqueous component by allowing the solution to left to form a gel and grinding the gel to produce the microgels.
