The present specification discloses a composition comprising a Scutellaria alpina extract as an active ingredient. The composition disclosed in the present specification exhibits the effect of reducing melanogenesis or inhibiting tyrosinase activity by comprising the Scutellaria alpina extract. As a result of the effect, the Scutellaria alpina extract of the present specification can exhibit a whitening effect and thus can be widely used as a whitening composition in the field of pharmaceuticals or cosmetics.