This study is performed to investigate the effects of citrus essential oils on melanin production in B16 melanoma cells. Five kinds of citrus essential oils (Bergamot, Grapefruit, Lemon, Mandarin, Petigrain) did not have any influence on DPPH radical scavenger activity, cell growth and cytotoxicity in B16 melanoma cells. Both mandarin and petigrain essential oils dose-dependently inhibited purified tyrosinase activity, but bergamot did not. In 1$mu$M MSH-stimulated B16 melanoma cells, all of 5 citrus essential oils inhibited melanin production in a dose dependent manner. From the above results, it is possible that citrus essential oils may be developed to be an anti-melanogenesis agent on the basis of their inhibitory effect on MSH-induced melanin production.