A topical composition for external use comprising: a ceramide analogue-containing particle having a particle diameter of 0.001 [mu]m to 0.2 [mu]m; and a water-soluble polymer. It is preferable that, further, an oil component different from the ceramide analogue is contained in an amount of 20 parts by mass or less relative to 1 part by mass of the ceramide analogue-containing particle, and the ceramide analogue-containing particle is present in the oil component.