The subject of the present invention is the use, in particular the cosmetic and/or therapeutic use, of the apolipoprotein D, of polypeptides derived from this protein or of analogues thereof, of a nucleic sequence encoding such a polypeptide or of an agent modulating the activity or of the expression of such a polypeptide, in particular for stimulating terminal epithelial differentiation.The invention also relates to the use of the protein apolipoprotein D, of polypeptides derived from this protein or of analogues thereof, or of a nucleic sequence encoding such a polypeptide as a marker for evaluating the state of the epidermis.