In this study we investigated antioxidant activity of against several free radicals and skin whitening effect of 70% ethanol extract (leaf extracts and branch/stem mixed) of Lindera obtusiloba BL. Antioxidant activity was assessed by DPPH, superoxide radical and hydroxyl radical assays. The Lindera obtusiloba BL. extract had antioxidant activity dose dependently with an ${IC}_{50}$ value of 243.14 and 181.10 ${mu}g$/ml for DPPH, 165.77 and >1500 ${mu}g$/ml for non-enzymatic system of superoxide radical assay, 35.47 and >100 ${mu}g$/ml for enzymatic system of superoxide radical assay, 1.21 mg/ml for hydroxyl radical assay. In addition we tested tyrosinase inhibition activity and melanin contents on B16 melanoma F10. B16 melanoma cell was treated by such sample as 1, 5, 10 and 50 ${mu}g$/ml for 72 hr and tyrosinase inhibition was tested. Melanogenesis was inhibited to 22% at the dose of 50 ${mu}g$/ml and tyrosinase was inhibited to 45.2% at the same dose. In conclusion Lindera obtusiloba BL had potent antioxidant activity and inhibitory activity of tyrosinase and melanin formation. It could be developed as the health functional food and functional cosmetic resources.