A method of reducing the appearance of hyperpigmented skin or inflamed skin is disclosed. The method can include topically applying to hyperpigmented skin or inflamed skin a composition comprising an effective amount of an extract of Rhododendron ferrugineum leaf to reduce melanocyte pigmentation in the skin or to reduce tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and cyclooxygenase-1 and -2 (COX-1 and COX-2) activity in the skin.
