Abstract: Emulsified, low pH cosmetic compositions having improved pH stability and phase stability are disclosed. The emulsified cosmetic compositions have a pH of about 3.7 to about 4.5, and contain about 10% to about 50% by weight of a dispersed oil phase, about 2% to about 20% by weight of an acid, like a hydroxycarboxylic acid, and about 0.5% to about 2% of a quaternized phosphate ester, like linoleamidopropyl PG-dimonium chloride phosphate. The emulsified cosmetic compositions are phase stable over an extended storage period and maintain an essentially constant pH by exhibiting a pH drift of about 0.15, and usually 0.1, pH unit or less.