Abstract: Objective:To optimize the extraction process of total saponins from Stauntonia chinensis DC.and lay a foundation for the further development and application of total saponins in whitening cosmetics. Methods:Based on the single factor experiment,the total saponins yield was optimized by ethanol concentration,liquid to material ratio,extraction temperature and extraction time. The extraction process of total saponins was optimized by Box-Behnken method.The extract of Stauntonia chinensis DC. was extraced by solvents with different polarity,and separated by chromatography to obtain different active components.The proliferation inhibition ability was detected by MTT assay and the tyrosinase activity was detected by Dopa oxidation method. Results:The order of the factors affecting the total saponins was:Ethanol concentration > extraction temperature > liquid to material ratio > extraction time. The optimal conditions were determined to be 79% for ethanol concentration,25:1 mL/g for liquid to material ratio,81 ℃ for extraction temperature,89 min for extraction time,the average yield of total saponins was 2.16%. The n-butanol site had the best inhibition rate on proliferation of B16 cells and tyrosinase activity,which was better than control arbutin(P<0.05),and IC₅₀ were 86.61 and 69.09 μg/mL. A total of 8 active components were obtained from n-butanol. Fr.6 had the best inhibitory effect on B16 cells and tyrosinase activity,of which the IC₅₀ were 80.93 and 58.99 μg/mL,and inhibition effect of tyrosinase was better than n-butanol site before separation(P<0.05). Conclusion:Response surface methodology was used to determine the optimal extraction process of total saponins and the Fr.6 had good whitening activity. This study shows that the Stauntonia chinensis DC. has a good application prospect in the development of whitening cosmetics.