Sapodilla seed coat was extracted into n-hexane, EtOAc, and aqueous fractions (0.041, 0.085, and 1.124% (w/w)). The EtOAc fraction was the most potent antioxidant (IC(50DPPH) = 2.387 +/- 0.023, and IC(50ABTS) = 4.468 +/- 0.043 mu g/ml), and was significantly (p < 0.05) more potent than ascorbic acid (IC(50DPPH) = 3.130 +/- 0.039, and IC(50ABTS) = 6.288 +/- 0.098 mu g/ml) with lipid peroxidation, and tyrosinase inhibitory effects (IC(50) = 40.020 +/- 0.418, and 138.553 +/- 0.256 mu g/ml). The total phenolic content positively correlated with DPPH., and ABTS.(+) (r = 0.999 and 0.997) scavenging activities. Gallic acid, chlorogenic acid, and quercetin were identified in the fractions. Quercetin was antioxidant responsive (r(DPPH) = 0.999 and r(ABTS) = 0.997), and positively correlated with total phenolic content (r = 1). The EtOAc fraction was non-cytotoxic to Vero cells, demonstrating that sapodilla seed coat extract could serve as a promising multifunctional ingredient in natural cosmetics. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.