A topical cosmetic composition for skin whitening or skin lightening is described. The composition includes an aqueous extract of Caesalpinia spinosa, also known as Tara, in an amount of effective to reduce melanin production. The composition may also include an extract of Centella asiatica, also known as Gotu Kola. A method for using the composition is also described.揭示一種局部用化妝組成物,可用於肌膚美白或亮白。該組成物包含一刺雲實(Caesalpinia spinos,又名塔拉豆”Tara”)之水萃取物,其含量有效降低黑色素產物。該組成物也可包含崩大碗(Centella asiatica,又名雷公根”Gotu Kola”)之萃取物。也揭示該組成物的使用方法。