The present application relates to a
preservative comprising caprylic
hydroxamic acid, 4′-hydroxyacetophenone, and a
polyol for an externally-applied
skin preparation, and use thereof, and a
preservative for an externally-applied
skin preparation according to an aspect exhibits excellent anti-bacterial or anti-septic effect effects against
bacteria and fungi. In particular, even though it includes 4′-hydroxyacetophenone and
caprylyl glycol as active ingredients, a
preservative for an externally-applied
skin preparation according to an aspect does not show a deterioration in anti-bacterial or anti-septic effects against
bacteria and fungi and maintains significantly excellent anti-bacterial or anti-septic effects, when applied to a cosmetic composition including a surfactant. Therefore, a preservative for an externally-applied
skin preparation according to an aspect may be advantageously used for anti-bacterial, preservative, or anti-septic treatment of various cosmetic compositions, including cleaning products, or externally-applied skin preparations.