Provided is a volatile oil for cosmetics, which has excellent volatility, hair care properties and skin care properties. The volatile oil for cosmetics according to the present invention comprises a paraffin mixture, wherein the paraffin mixture contains an isoparaffin having 12 to 16 carbon atoms, has a boiling point ranging from 185 to 215° C. and has a 2,2,4,6,6-pentamethylheptane content of less than 10 mass %. The volatile oil for cosmetics according to the present invention can be used for, for example, a hair cosmetic and an external preparation for the skin.