To provide an intermediate for two chains and two hydrophilic groups-containing anionic surfactant which is readily produceable by using only inexpensive raw materials and a two chains and two hydrophilic groups-containing anionic surfactant excellent in biodegradability and a cosmetic containing the surfactant.

The diol is obtained by epoxydizing double bond of an alkyl oleate molecule and hydroxylating the resultant epoxy. The anionic surfactant comprises a sulfation product or a phosphorated product obtained by introducing two sulfuric acid groups or phosphoric acid groups into the diol or a neutralized product thereof. The cosmetic comprises at least one of substance selected from these products.