The present invention relates to a composition in the form of a phase-stable oil-in-water emulsion useful for topical skin care products, where the composition includes a quaternary ammonium salt, from about 0.5 to about 4.5 percent by weight of a starch; and at least 20 percent by weight of a hydrophobic agent, where the concentration of the quaternary ammonium salt plus the starch is from about 1.75 to about 5.5 weight percent, based on total weight of the composition.