Taking lotus flavones as the research object, cytotoxicity was evaluated by MTT test, inhibitory effects on the activity of tyrosinase was studied, and DPPH scavenging experiments were carried out. Lotus flavones were used in a formula of skin cream and facial whitening effects were examined. Results shows that lotus flavones are exhibited no cytotoxicity at a concentration equal or less than 1％, and it can decrease the activity of tyrosinase at a concentration between 0.02％～0.30％. Lotus flavones can scavenge DPPH radical. The skin cream containing lotus flavones declines facial melanin content. Lotus flavones have good biological safety and are suitable in cosmetics as whitening agents.