The enzyme-assisted method and response surface method are employed to optimize the witch hazel polyphenols extraction process and the whitening effect of polyphenols.The effect of witch hazel polyphenols on the activity of tyrosinase and the synthesis of melanin are detected.It is found that the optimum extraction conditions are as follows:cellulose concentration is 2.5%,enzymolysis temperature is 38℃,enzymolysis time is 85 min,solid-liquid ratio is 1∶21,and ethanol concentration is 40%.Under these conditions,the extraction rate of polyphenols reaches 62.16 mg· g-1.Witch hazel polyphenols exhibit good abilities in inhibiting the activity of tyrosinase and blocking melanin synthesis,presenting potential whitening effect.