PURPOSE: To provide a cosmetic having improved solubilizing, emulsifying and gelling properties as well as safety and various kind of stabilities, by using a polyoxyethylene ether-type nonionic surfactant having a specific added molar number as the surfactant of various cosmetics.

CONSTITUTION: An ether-type nonionic surfactant of formula (R is ≥8C alkyl, alkenyl or aryl; n is 70W200, preferably 100W200) is added to various cosmetic bases in an amount of 0.1W30wt%, preferably 0.3W15wt% based on the base. It gives an emulsified and solubilized cosmetic oriented firmly and stably to the interface membrane of micell or a gelled cosmetic having excellent gel- forming property. The cosmetic has high safety, high-temperature stability, chemical stability, hydrolysis resistance, and resistance to microorganisms. The cosmetic may be incorporated with conventional nonionic surfactant for the further improvement of the solubilization, emulsification, and gelation prop erty of the cosmetic.