The invention provides a topical o/w emulsion which moisturizes, and protects, repairs or restores the skin lipid barrier of a mammal. The topical o/w emulsion composition comprises a discontinuous oil phase； a continuous aqueous phase comprising water； a thickening agent； at least one lamellar membrane structure comprising a phospholipid, a fatty alcohol, and a fatty acid； and wherein in use the composition has a water vapor transmission rate of less than about 70 g·m−2·hr−1 measured in vitro using the modWVTR test methodology.
