Disclosed is a raw material for cosmetic preparations having excellent gloss imparting properties and oxidation stability. Also disclosed is a cosmetic preparation having excellent gloss and feeling of use. The raw material for cosmetic preparations contains an ester compound of (A) benzoic acid, (B) an alcohol selected from the group consisting of neopentyl glycol, dineopentyl glycol, trineopentyl glycol, trimethylolpropane, ditrimethylolpropane, tritrimethylolpropane, dipentaerythritol and tripentaerythritol, and (C) a fatty acid having 3-28 carbon atoms and/or a hydroxycarboxylic acid having 3-28 carbon atoms. The cosmetic preparation contains this raw material for cosmetic preparations.
