Abstract: OBJECTIVE To study the pharmacological effects and application status of plant extracts in modern cosmetics in order to provide a scientific basis. METHODS The rules were induced and analyzized by searching in the database such as China National Knowledge Infrastructure and China State Food and Drug Administration. RESULTS Activating blood circulation herbs extract was an important part of the raw materials for cosmetics containing plant extracts. By the form of promoting blood circulation to remove blood stasis, its action mechanism was to increase the metabolism of skin, make the precipitation of melanin and aging cutin eduction body outside. These plant extracts were now widely used in diverse products by adding to the cosmetic in the form of a single or compound, yet they were different from the traditional Chinese medicine in some ways such as the content of formula, plant-based sources and plant medicinal part. CONCLUSION Activating blood circulation herbs extract plays an more and more important role in modern cosmetic applications, which is worthy of further research and development.