An object of the present invention is to provide an external composition for skin excellent in ultraviolet-ray absorbability. The present invention relates to the external composition for skin comprising (a) an ultraviolet-ray absorber, and (b) an inorganic phosphor. (a) The ultraviolet-ray absorber preferably contains at least one ultraviolet-ray absorber which absorbs UVB. Also, (a) the ultraviolet-ray absorber is more preferably at least one ultraviolet-ray absorber selected from the group consisting of 2-ethylhexyl paramethoxycinnamate, phenylbenzimidazole sulfonic acid, etc.