The present invention provides an α-gel forming composition and an α-gel composition that uses an α-gel formation composition that is highly stable and that does not become colored or deposit crystals, etc. over time. An α-gel composition includes (A) 25-50 mass % of one or more higher aliphatic alcohol and/or higher fatty acid has 16 or more carbons, (B) 40-70 mass % of a specific polyoxyethylene sterol ether, and (C) 5-20 mass % of a specific polyoxyethylene dialkyl ester and/or ether. The α-gel composition is generated by adding water.