An aqueous composition used for cosmetics, characterized in that the composition comprises 0.5 to 50 wt% of a copolymer having main chains comprising the repeating units of the formula (1), the repeating units of the formula (2), and the repeating units of the formula (3), said main chains being crosslinked by a compound or oligomer having 2 to 6 (meth)acryl groups. The composition is an excellent emulsifier and thickener.