Abstract: Disclosed is a clear liquid skin cosmetic composition (e.g., a lotion) in which one or more oily substances (such as oil-soluble perfumes, hormones and the like) are solubilized in water with the aid of a solubilizing agent comprising an 18.alpha.-glycyrrhizin (18.alpha.-glycyrrhizic acid sodium salt, potassium salt or ammonium salt) that is a novel compound derived from a conventional glycyrrhizin (i.e., any form of 18.beta.-glycyrrhizin extracted from licorice root) or a glycyrrhizin composition consisting of an 18.alpha.-glycyrrhizin and an 18.beta.-glycyrrhizin. This skin cosmetic composition is not irritative to the skin as contrasted with skin cosmetic compositions prepared by using a synthetic surface-active agent as the solubilizing agent, and is not subject to gelation in a slightly acidic to acidic pH range as contrasted with skin cosmetic compositions prepared by using an 18.beta.-glycyrrhizin alone as the solubilizing agent.

Abstract: Disclosed is a creamy or milky skin cosmetic composition which contains an emulsifying agent comprising an 18.alpha.-glycyrrhizin (18.alpha.-glycyrrhizic acid or its sodium, potassium or ammonium salt) that is a novel compound derived from a conventional glycyrrhizin (i.e., any form of 18.beta.-glycyrrhizin extracted from licorice root) or a glycyrrhizin composition consisting of an 18.alpha.-glycyrrhizin and an 18.beta.-glycyrrhizin. This skin cosmetic composition causes no irritation to the skin and hence has great safety for the skin, as contrasted with skin cosmetic compositions using synthetic emulsifiers. Moreover, it exhibits very good emulsion stability and storage stability and presents a very attractive appearance (fine texture and good gloss) owing to the unique effects of the 18.alpha.-glycyrrhizin. In particular, this skin cosmetic composition is characterized in that the difficulties inherent in the use of an emulsifying agent comprising an 18.beta.-glycyrrhizin alone (i.e.