External preparations comprising, as active ingredients, kojic acid or a derivative thereof which also contain an ultraviolet absorber, .beta.-cyclodextrin and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid and have a controlled pH in the range from 4.0 to 5.0 show little discoloration during storage. In addition, discoloration of the preparation applied to the skin due to ultraviolet rays and other causes is also minimized, thus eliminating the trouble of contaminating clothes and other surrounding objects.