The present invention has the purpose of providing an oil-in-water emulsion cosmetic that contains a high quantity of an ultraviolet absorbing agent and an ultraviolet scattering agent in the oil phase and achieves a high SPF, while simultaneously having a Distinctive fresh feeling in use when applied to the skin. The present invention provides an oil-in-water emulsion cosmetic characterized by comprising (A) 0.05 to 1% by mass of a hydrophobically modified alkyl cellulose; (B) 5 to 40% by mass of an oil component; (C) 2.5 to 30% by mass of an ultraviolet scattering agent having a hydrophobic surface; and (D) a water phase thickener having low salinity tolerance; wherein the (C) ultraviolet scattering agent is dispersed in the oil phase.