The present invention relates to an external preparation forskin comprising a compound, such ascentaureidin(5,7-dihydroxy-3,6-dimethoxy-2-(5-hydroxy-4-methoxyphenyl)-4H-1-benzopyran-4-one)；5,7-dihydroxy-3,6,8-trimethoxy-2-(3,4,5-trihydroxyphenyl)-4H-1-benzopyran-4-one；3,5-diethoxy-6,7-dimethoxy-2-(5-ethoxy-4-methoxyphenyl)-4H-1-benzopyran-4-one； and5,6-dihydroxy-3,7-dimethoxy-2-(5-hydroxy-2,4-dimethoxyphenyl)-4H-1-benzopyran-4-one；and/or salt thereof and 4-n-butylresorcinoland/or a salt thereof.The present invention provides an external preparation forskin having a function as a substantial lightening cosmetic thatexerts whitening action of inhibiting excessive melanin productionand keeping natural-looking whiteness.
