A topical composition for skin care or administration of a pharmacologically active agent in form of a lotion, cream or similar comprises from 5% to 70% by weight of pentane-1,5-diol and a cosmetically or pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, with the proviso that the composition does not comprise polysiloxane, volatile siloxane, phosphatidyl-choline, creatine, carnitine, panthenol, pyruvic acid, monoglyceride of lauric acid, monoglyceride of myristic acid. Also disclosed are corresponding methods of administration, a patch for holding said composition against the skin, and methods of preventing or treating a dry skin condition and of keeping skin in a humid state.