The invention relates to a use of 3’-hydroxygenistein for manufacturing compositions to inhibit melanogenesis, comprising applying an effective dose of the 3’-hydroxygenistein to skin for inhibiting activity of tyrosinase, so as to inhibit melanogenesis. Accordingly, the 3’-hydroxygenistein can be further utilized in manufacturing cosmetic compositions for whitening.本發明係有關於一種3’-羥基染料木黃酮(3’-hydroxygenistein)用於製備抑制黑色素生成之組合物的用途,其係施予一有效劑量之3’-羥基染料木黃酮於皮膚,以抑制酪胺酸酶活性,達到抑制黑色素生成之用途;藉此,3’-羥基染料木黃酮可進一步作為美白之化妝材料組合物。