A cosmetic composition comprises a coffee cherry preparation, and most preferably an extract from a sub-ripe quick-dried coffee cherry. Particularly contemplated cosmetic compositions are formulated as a shampoo, lotion, cream, balm, or ointment, and will have at least one of an antioxidant effect, an anti-inflammatory effect, a UV-protective effect, an antimutagenic effect, a chemoprotective effect, a scar reducing effect, a skin-lightening effect, a moisturizing effect, a wrinkle reduction effect, and an antibacterial effect.