Ethanol extract (1.0 wt%) of Scutellaria baicalensis $G_{EORGE}$ practically satisfied CTFA (The cosmetics, Toiletry, and Fragrance Association) standard in its antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Candida albicans which were inoculated in skin toner and skin lotion. At concentrations of the extract less than 1.0 wt% the survival rate was the best for S. aureus and the worst for P. aeruginosa. The antimicrobial effect seems to be due to the damage to the bacterial cell wall as evidenced by the images of a Field Emission-Scanning Electron Microscope. The extract also showed a high anti-oxidant effect, and superoxide dismutase (SOD)-like activity reached 80% at 1,000 ppm. These findings suggest that the extract of Scutellaria baicalensis $G_{EORGE}$ is applicable to cosmetics as a natural preservative and an anti-oxidant.

Keywords: Scutellaria baicalensis $G_{EORGE}$, ethanol extract, antimicrobial activity, anti-oxidant, cosmetics