To provide a preservative solution for live cells or a composition containing live cells, a method for preserving live cells or a composition containing live cells by use of the preservative solution and the like, the preservative solution being easy to prepare and exhibiting a high cytoprotective effect, especially during low-temperature storage. The preservative solution for live cells or a composition containing live cells contains vitamin C and/or vitamin E or edaravone in a solution serving as a base of the preservative solution, for example, a physiological isotonic solution.