Topical cosmetic and pharmaceutical oil-in-water emulsions wherein an emulsifier blend, comprising a mixture of at least two sucrose esters in combination with at least one solid fatty alcohol, forms a multi-lamellar liquid crystalline network that effectively moisturizes and protects the skin, and provides a useful vehicle for delivery of active ingredients. Sucrose esters are used in emulsions of the present invention at very low concentrations (from about 0.2 % to about 1.2 % by combined weight of sucrose esters relative to the total weight of the emulsion).