A topical composition capable of suppressing melanin synthesis and tyrosinase activity comprises obakunone having a purity of approximately 75-100%, a cosmetically acceptable carrier, and one or more optional cosmetic ingredients and/or skin-whitening agents. In the composition, obakunone is present in an amount that can effectively reduce melanin synthesis and/or suppress tyrosinase activity. The composition is used for skin whitening.本申請描述了用於局部使用的以及具有黑色素合成抑制活性的和抑制酪氨酸酶活性的組合物，其包括約75-100%純的黃柏酮，所述黃柏酮的量能有效地降低黑色素合成和/或抑制酪氨酸酶活性。本申請也描述了抑制黑色素合成、抑制酪氨酸酶活性和用於皮膚美白的方法。
