Abstract: A composition containing an emulsifier component having: (a) a hydroxycarboxylic acid alkyl and/or alkenyl oligoglycoside ester; and (b) a fatty alcohol.

Abstract: An oily base, which has excellent stability, a low melting point and does not irritate the skin and an external composition which contains the oily base. The present invention is directed to an alpha-hydroxy fatty acid derivatives represented by the general formula (1): wherein R1 represents a straight-chain or branched alkyl group having 10 to 24 carbon atoms, R2 represents a straight-chain or branched alkyl group having 1 to 31 carbon atoms, and R3 represents a straight-chain or branched alkyl group having 11 to 31 carbon atoms, and an external composition contains at least one of the derivatives.