Objective : In this study, the ethanol extract from flowers of Lespedeza bicolor was investigated for their dermal bioactive properties related to cosmeceuticals such as depigmentation and radical scavenging effect. Results : The ethanol extract from flowers of Lespedeza bicolor showed considerable radical scavenging activity ($SC_{50}:;10;{mu}g/ml$) and inhibited the production of nitric oxide (NO) in Raw 264.7 macrophages activated with the endotoxin lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Although the proliferation of B16/F10 cells was slightly decreased by the ethanol extract from flowers of Lespedeza bicolor at the concentration of $100;{mu}g/ml$, it did not appear necrosis. The ethanol extract from flowers of Lespedeza bicolor down-regulated melanin formation effectively. Methods : The free radical scavenging activity of Lespedeza bicolor was assayed in cell free systems using a stable free radical, 1,l-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH). Nitrite accumulated in culture medium was measured as an indicator of NO production using a Griess reaction. Cell viability was measured by MTT assay and melanin content was assessed using the method of Hosei with some modifications. Conclusions : These results suggest that the ethanol extract from flowers of Lespedeza bicolor is a potent depigmetation agent and it may be a candidate for antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent.