An object of the present invention is to provide an external composition excellent in transdermal absorbability. A composition for external use in which a water-soluble fraction is dispersed in an oil phase, wherein the water-soluble fraction contains a solution in which a water-soluble substance is dissolved in water and a surfactant, The composition for external use whose content of water is 0.1 to 2.5 weight% with respect to the composition for external use.本発明の目的は、経皮吸収性に優れた外用組成物を提供することである。 水溶性画分が油相に分散してなる外用組成物であって、前記水溶性画分は、水溶性物質が水に溶解した溶解液と界面活性剤を含み、前記水溶性画分中の水の含有量が、外用組成物に対して０．１～２．５重量％である、外用組成物。
