The present invention relates to transparent or clear emulsions for cosmetic or pharmaceutical use. The transparent emulsions of the present invention comprise an oil phase, containing at least one lipophilic solvent; an aqueous phase; and an emulsifying system containing at least one non-ethoxylated fatty acid ester emulsifier having a hydrophilic-lipophilic balance ("HLB") from about 11 to about 16. Preferred non-ethoxylated fatty acid ester emulsifiers are sucrose esters, in particular sucrose palmitate and sucrose laurate.