Problem: To provide an oil in water emulsion cosmetic composition for skin, in which vitamin A and its derivatives are stably incorporated and which has superior feeling in use (skin familiarity or feeling of skin absorption, feeling of efficacy after application) and base composition stability (emulsion stability) with the passage of time.Means for Resolution: An oil in water emulsion cosmetic composition for skin comprising, relative to the total amount of the cosmetic composition, (a) from 0.01 to 4% by mass of vitamin A and its derivative, (b) from 0.6 to 4% by mass of a nonionic surfactant comprising three of (b-1) sorbitan tristearate, (b-2) polyethylene glycol stearate with from 20 to 120 mols of polyethylene glycol added thereto, (b-3) glyceryl stearate having an HLB of from 5 to 8, and (c) from 1 to 10% by mass of a higher alcohol having from 14 to 24 carbon atoms, wherein the blend ratio (by mass) of component (b-1) to component (b) is from 0.1 to 0.8.
