Abstract: Aromatic plants are an important part of economic plants and their essential oils have a variety of biological activities.There are rich resources of aromatic plants in Yunnan Plateau.The geographical distribution and resources of aromatic plants in Yunnan Plateau,as well as bioactivity of essential oils were introduced in this study.The research summarized the application of essential oils from aromatic plants of Yunnan Plateau in the aspects of adding fragrance,moisturizing,whitening,anti-acne,sunscreen,anti-aging,etc.It showed that the essential oils from aromatic plants of Yunnan Plateau have great potential in the field of cosmetics.The advantages and problems of development about aromatic industry in Yunnan were analyzed.The basic research and developmental trend of aromatic plants and essential oils in Yunnan were prospected.

Key words: Yunnan Plateau, aromatic plant, essential oil, bioactivity, cosmetics