A composition, method of preparation.sub.1 and use to enhance the cosmetic feel of oil-in-water emulsions based upon the addition to the oil in water emulsion of one or more alkylpolyxylosides represented by formula: R--O--(X).sub.p, wherein p is a decimal number between 1 and 5, wherein X is a xylose residue, and wherein R is a branched alkyl radical represented by the formula: CH(C.sub.nH.sub.2n+1)(C.sub.mH.sub.2m+1)--CH.sub.2-- wherein m is an integer between 6 and 12, n is an integer between 8 and 16, and the sum of m+n is in the range of from about 14 to 26.