COSMETICS

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To obtain a cosmetic that contains, polysaccharides extracted from hymenocarps of Arage auricula, and therefore has high film formability and moisture retentivity and is highly safe for the skin. SOLUTION: This cosmetic contains polysaccharides extracted from hymenocarps of Alage auricula, which is an edible mushroom and belongs to Auricularia auricula, preferably in a quantity of 0.01-30wt.%. The polysaccharides are obtained by extracting crude polysaccharides of hymenocarps of Arage auricula under a pressure and concentrating the crude extract by freeze drying, then eluting the polysaccharides into a solvent by such a means as heating, removing the solvent if necessary, and purifying the extract after the elution. This polysaccharide extract can be used. for foundations, make-up cosmetics, hair cosmetics, skin cleaners, bathing cosmetics, etc., thereby enabling preparation of excellent cosmetics that has appropriate viscosity, smooth feeling in use, provides longterm stability without dependency on pH, and is highly safe without irritating the skin.