Abstract: The invention relates to a composition for treatment and control of excessively thickened, inflexible and scaly stratum corneum which often fissures into the dermis resulting in foci of bleeding and inflammation which are symptomatic of numerous altered skin conditions. More specifically, this invention relates to a composition comprising an aqueous phase comprising water in which are dissolved one or more aliphatic alcohols selected from the group consisting of n-propanol and the monohydric aliphatic alcohols having from 4 to about 8 carbon atoms, preferably n-butanol, n-pentanol and n-hexanol, in combination with one or more organic acids selected from the group consisting of the saturated aliphatic, mono, di-and tri-carboxylic acids having from 2 to about 10 carbon atoms, including those acids which are substituted at either or both of the alpha and beta carbons with a hydroxyl or keto functionality. The composition is also an excellent vehicle for topically active drugs or other skin treating agents.