The invention provides a cosmetic or pharmaceutical composition in the form of an oil-in-glycerin emulsion, with mean droplet size below one micron, comprising a continuous glycerin phase, at least one vegetable oil comprising an internal phase, at least one emulsifying stabilizer, and at least one bioactive compount comprising at least one hydrophobic, moiety within its structure, wherein the composition facilitates stratum-corneum penetration and dermal penetration of said bioactive compound.