The present invention provides an external composition superior in stability and use feeling. According to the present invention, an external composition is prepared which includes (A) at least one selected from the group consisting of an ascorbic acid and an ascorbic salt, (B) a diol having 3 carbon atoms, (C) at least one selected from the group consisting of a low-molecular-weight betaine, an organic acid salt, an inorganic acid salt, a basic amino acid, a basic amino acid salt, 3-O-ethylascorbic acid, and a 3-O-ethylascorbic acid salt, and (D) water, and a content of ethoxydiglycol of said composition is less than 30 mass %.