PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an epidermal keratinocyte-activating agent having higher activity than a conventional one, and to provide a skin external preparation which advantageously has an acne/rash improving effect in addition to a skin somberness-improving effect, a skin whitening effect and a skin texture improving effect and is excellently stable over periods of time.SOLUTION: The epidermal keratinocyte-activating agent includes an extract of Camellia japonica leaves as an active ingredient. The skin external preparation includes the extract of Camellia japonica leaves in an amount of 0.0001-5 mass% as a dry residue.COPYRIGHT: (C)2012,JPO&INPIT【課題】従来のものに比べ高活性な表皮角化細胞賦活剤を提供すること、また、肌のくすみ改善効果、美白効果、肌のキメ改善効果のみならず、ニキビ・吹き出物改善効果をも優位に有しており、さらに経時安定性も良好な皮膚外用剤の提供。【解決手段】表皮角化細胞賦活剤は、ツバキ(Camellia japonica)の葉の抽出物を有効成分として含有する。また、皮膚外用剤は、上記ツバキの葉の抽出物を乾燥残留物として0.0001~5質量%含有する。【選択図】なし
