The present invention has the purpose of providing an oil-in-water emulsion cosmetic that contains a high quantity of an ultraviolet absorbing agent and an ultraviolet scattering agent in the oil phase and achieves a high SPF, while simultaneously having a Distinctive fresh feeling in use when applied to the skin. The present invention provides an oil-in-water emulsion cosmetic characterized by comprising (A) 0.05 to 1 % by mass of a hydrophobically modified alkyl cellulose； (B) 5 to 40 % by mass of an oil component； (C) 2.5 to 30 % by mass of an ultraviolet scattering agent having a hydrophobic surface； and (D) a water phase thickener having low salinity tolerance； wherein the (C) ultraviolet scattering agent is dispersed in the oil phase.
