The present invention has an object to provide a flaky particulate material giving skin an excellent smoothness, which is free from whitening problem upon use thereof owing to its high transparency. The present invention also has another object to provide a cosmetic composition containing the flaky particulate material. The present invention relates to flaky particulate material, which has an average coefficient of friction is not more than 0.50, and a total light transmittance is not less than 85%. A particle in the flaky particulate material comprises a substrate particle made of one material selected from the group consisting of mica, a synthetic mica, sericite, talc, barium sulfate and aluminum oxide. The present invention provides a flaky particulate material that gives skin excellent smoothness, a natural tone, and a matt appearance. The flaky particulate material of the present invention gives a cosmetic composition which provides great comfort of use, and an excellent appearance.