Disclosed is a novel use of an extract of lotus flower. Specifically disclosed is a skin whitening composition which contains a proaporphine or aporphine alkaloid represented by general formula (I) as an active ingredient. (In the formula R R and R each represents a hydrogen atom or a methyl group R R and R each represents a hydrogen atom or a methyl group or alternatively R and R as well as R and R combine together and respectively represent a bonding hand two Rs each represents a hydrogen atom or alternatively the two Rs combine together and represent an oxo group n represents an integer of 0 or 1 when n is 0 two Rs combine together with carbon atoms to which the two Rs are bonded and form a 4 oxo cyclohexadiene ring and when n is 1 two Rs and R combine together with carbon atoms to which the two Rs and R are bonded and form a benzene ring.)
