Abstract: Disclosed is a process for preparing water-in-oil type emulsion cosmetic compositions containing L-ascorbic acid. The use of 2-hydroxypropyl cyclodextrin and a water-in-oil type emulsion allow L-ascorbic acid itself to be preserved for a lengthy period of time with high functional maintenance. Even after being stored for a significant period of time, the water-in-oil type emulsion cosmetic compositions do not exhibit discoloration nor give out offensive odor nor show the separation of cosmetic ingredients. In addition, the cosmetic compositions keep L-ascorbic acid high in the effective whitening activity, such as melanin reduction and inhibitory activity against tyrosinase.