A cosmetic transparent gel preparation that has high levels of transparency and hardness and favorable usability, as well as a gelling agent that is ideal for use in the cosmetic transparent gel preparation. The cosmetic transparent gel preparation contains an esterification reaction product obtained by reacting glycerol with a dibasic acid of 18 to 28 carbon atoms and a fatty acid of 8 to 28 carbon atoms (excluding dibasic acids), 12-hydroxystearic acid, and an oil component. The gelling agent contains an esterification reaction product obtained by reacting glycerol with a dibasic acid of 18 to 28 carbon atoms and a fatty acid of 8 to 28 carbon atoms (excluding dibasic acids), and 12-hydroxystearic acid.