The present disclosure relates to stable cosmetic compositions containing high amounts of retinol. The cosmetic compositions further include, among other things, a plurality of nonionic emulsifiers, fatty alcohols, fatty compounds, thickening polymers, and water. Methods for solubilizing high amounts of retinol and methods of treating the skin with the cosmetic compositions is also described. Methods for stabilizing the cosmetic compositions containing high amounts of retinol and methods for preserving the high amounts of retinol are also described. The present disclosure also describes methods for treating the with the cosmetic compositions.