The invention discloses a cosmetic or dermatological composition as well as a preparation method and application thereof, and belongs to medicines and cosmetics. The composition comprises 0.001%-10% of triterpene acid, 0%-10% of triterpenoid saponin, 0%-10% of vitamin A or vitamin A derivatives, 0.1%-20% of terpene-containing essential oil, 1%-40% of an emulsifier, 1%-40% of a co-emulsifier and a proper amount of water and additives. The preparation method comprises the following steps: dissolving the triterpenic acid, the triterpenoid saponin and the vitamin A or the derivatives thereof in the emulsifier, the co-emulsifier and the terpene-containing plant essential oil, performing dispersing in a water phase while stirring, and carrying out high-pressure homogenization. The prepared nano-emulsion is in an oil-in-water type, is excellent in water solubility, clear, transparent, good in stability and high in absorption efficiency, the effects of resisting aging, reducing wrinkles, whitening, inhibiting acnes, inhibiting sebum overflow, inhibiting scar formation, promoting skin wound repair and the like are greatly improved, the preparation method is simple, and the application value of the composition in the fields of medicines and cosmetics is improved.