Abstract: The invention relates to an oil-in-water type emulsion for moisturizing the upper layers of the epidermis, comprising a lipid phase dispersed in an aqueous phase. The lipid phase is composed of apolar plant products comprising from 5 to 15% by weight of plant oils and from 6 to 15% by weight of plant waxes. The aqueous phase comprises from 0.5 to 4% by weight of plant gums and from 2 to 7% by weight of polysaccharide-rich plant extracts. The percentages are expressed relative to the total weight of the emulsion. The composition of the preferred oil-in-water emulsion consists of 1 to 3% phosphatidylcholine, 0.5 to 2% guar gum, 0.5 to 2% carob gum, 0.5 to 2% aloe vera powder, 2 to 5% yucca powder, 15 to 40% glycerol, 5 to 10% balanites oil, 5 to 10% jojoba oil, 1 to 5% carnauba wax, and the balance essentially water.