The present invention relates to cosmetic and pharmaceutical oil-in-water emulsions which have a mattifying effect when applied to the skin. The invention comprises a hydrophilic, non-organically modified magnesium aluminum silicate or a bentonite clay and a polyol in the water phase; and a volatile, skin-compatible, lipophilic solvent and a high melting point lipophilic plasticizer in the oil phase. A preferred surfactant system to stabilize the emulsion includes non-toxic metal alkyl sulfates and/or sucrose esters.