Alkaloids are an important class of natural products found mainly in plants.In pursuit of the multiple efficacy like antioxidant,moisturizing,and skin irritation reduction,some biologically active alkaloids,such as betaine,theophylline and capsaicin,are often added to cosmetics.Since cosmetics have certain matrix-disrupting effects,the extraction and purification of alkaloids is the key step to maximize their efficacy.This paper reviews the different methods of alkaloids extraction and purification currently applied in the catalogue of cosmetic raw materials,and summarizes the methods for evaluating their antioxidant efficacy.It provides a reference for the extraction and purification of active alkaloids in cosmetics and can further promote the application of active alkaloids in cosmetics.