PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a skin external preparation having excellent persistence of cold sensation when applied to the skin and allowing a long period of cool feeling.SOLUTION: The problem is solved by a skin external preparation characterized by containing A) menthol, B) a compound having a menthyl group and an OH group and C) menthol ester of carboxylic acid. In addition, it is preferred to contain polyoxyethylene addition castor oil and 20 to 50 mass% of ethanol. Further, it is preferred to apply the skin external preparation of the present invention to the whole body.