To obtain a skin preparation for external use without making an applied part conspicuous white by formulating aluminum magnesium silicate or bentonite as a sebum adsorbent with a certain kind of skin humectant.

This preparation for external use is obtained by formulating (A) at least one selected from aluminum magnesium silicate and bentonite with (B) at least one selected from glycerol and betaine. The formulating ratio of the ingredients A and B is preferably ≤0.2 pt.wt. ingredient B based on 1 pt.wt. ingredient A. The amount of the formulated ingredient A is 2-30wt.% based on the whole preparation. The preparation for external use is a dosage form such as a solution, an ointment, a cream, a lotion or an emulsion.