Disclosed is a cosmetic composition comprising: a copolymer (α) or (β) a cationic surfactant and a higher alcohol. The copolymer (α) includes a constituent unit derived from a monomer (a) acrylic acid and/or methacrylic acid, and at least one constituent unit derived from three different monomers, wherein from 50 to 100 mass % of a constituent unit derived from a vinyl monomer (A) having a carboxyl group. The copolymer (β) includes a constituent unit derived from a monomer (a) acrylic acid and/or methacrylic acid and at least one constituent unit derived from four different monomers, wherein from 50 to 100 mass % of a constituent unit derived from a vinyl monomer (A) having a carboxyl group and wherein from 50 to 100 mol % of the carboxyl groups are not neutralized.
