Abstract: The present invention relates to an extract of a processed herbal medicinal plant and a composition for skin external application which contains the extract. More specifically, the composition for skin external application contains an extract of processed herbal medicinal plant, prepared through a method comprising the steps of: (a) processing an herbal medicinal plant by a process of boiling, steaming, roasting, baking or heating the medicinal plant or a combination of two or more of these processes; (b) obtaining an extract of the processed medicinal plant. The composition shows an improved antioxidant effect.