PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an external preparation for skin containing an active ingredient derived from natural product, having an excellent biosafety and a skin-beautifying or whitening effect which keeps or may improve the skin in a youthful and healthy condition, and protecting the skin from external environmental factors, such as ultraviolet rays .SOLUTION: An external preparation for skin comprising an extract which is derived from Camellia sinensis (L.) O. Kuntze and has a barrier function improving effect, an anti-oxidant effect, and an anti-inflammatory effect of the skin, exhibits a rough and dry skin improving effect, a preventive and improving effect of skin aging (wrinkle, sagging, and the like), an improving effect of skin tension and gloss, a protective effect of the skin from oxidation damage due to external factors (ultraviolet rays and chemical substances) and inflammation, and a preventive and improving effect for stains, freckles, chloasma, and the like.COPYRIGHT: (C)2015,JPO&INPIT【課題】天然物由来で生体安全性にすぐれ、皮膚を若々しく健全な状態に保持し、又は改善し得る美肌効果及び美白効果を有するとともに、紫外線などの外的環境因子から皮膚を保護する有効成分を配合した皮膚外用剤の提供。【解決手段】ツバキ科ツバキ属の紅富貴(Camellia sinensis(L.)O.Kuntze)から得られ、皮膚のバリア機能向上作用、抗酸化作用及び抗炎症作用を有する抽出物を含む皮膚外用剤であって、肌荒れ改善、肌の老化(シワ、タルミ等)の予防及び改善効果、肌のハリ、ツヤの向上効果、外的要因(紫外線や化学物質)による酸化ダメージ及び炎症から肌を保護する効果、並びにシミ、ソバカス、肝斑等を予防及び改善する効果を奏する。【選択図】図1
