SKIN PREPARATION FOR EXTERNAL USE

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To obtain a skin preparation for external use capable of keeping an antimicrobial activities for a long period without using an antimicrobial agent or a preservative providing a fear of causing injury to human body by including an extract of a specific plant as an antimicrobial component. SOLUTION: The objective skin preparation for external use is obtained by including an extract of Melissa officinalis, especially the extract by a polar solvent (e.g. water and ethanol) as an antimicrobial component. Especially effective antimicrobial activities are obtained when the polar solvent such as ethanol, 1,3-butylene glycol and an aqueous solution thereof are used. A surfactant can be added for enhancing the extraction efficiency. The formulating amount of the extract of the Melissa officinalis in the preparation for the external use such as a drug, a guasi-drug, cosmetics, etc., as an active ingredient is preferably within a concentration range of 0.001-20wt.% from the points of the effect, and the perfume and color when being added.