PURPOSE: To obtain a cosmetic using a vegetable oil, excellent in affinity, emollient and water holding properties, softening permeability and dispersibility and having high safety.

CONSTITUTION: This cosmetic comprises lesquerella oil contained in an amount of 25-26% in a seed of a herb belonging to the genus Lesquerella and/or its hydrogenated substance. The lequerella oil has the composition of about 56% lesquerolic expressed by formula I, 14-17% oleic acid (containing isomers), 7-9% linoleic acid, 9-11% linolenic acid, 3-4% auricolic acid expressed by formula II, densipolic acid expressed by formula III and a small amount of fatty acids and the fatty acid, expressed by formula I and accounting for a half or more thereof is capable of manifesting characteristics of no stickiness at all in spite of its affinity for the skin, excellent in emollient properties derived from hydroxyl group and far better moistness imparted to the skin than that of other vegetable oils. Furthermore, the special fatty acids (formulas II and III) contained in a small amount have characteristics improved in softening permeability for the skin due to their excellence in water holding properties.