The present invention relates to cosmetic use, by topic application on the skin of at least one protoberberine, with exception of berberine, or a vegetable extract containing it, as an active substance reducing activity of the pilosebaceous unit, preferably inhibiting activity of the pilosebaceous unit. In particular, the invention relates to cosmetic use of at least one protoberberine, with exception of berberine, or a vegetable extract containing it, as an agent reducing, preferably inhibiting the growth of hairs of the face and/or the body, and/or seborrheic activity of the sebaceous glands. The invention also relates to a cosmetic composition comprising in a dermatologically acceptable carrier, at least one protoberberine, with exception of berberine, or a vegetable extract containing protoberberines, as an active substance, which reduces, preferably inhibits the skin's pilosebaceous unit activity.