Michelia alba (Magnolioceae) has been used as a source of essential oils and traditional medicine. This study aims to explain the botany, utilization, bioactivity and essential oil of M. alba. The research was conducted with literature studies obtained from Google Scholar using the keywords M. alba, M. alba bioactivity and M. alba essential oil. The results obtained are synthesized so that they are explained comprehensively about the botany, utilization, bioactivity and M. alba essential oil. In traditional medicine it is used to treat fever, syphilis, gonorrhea and malaria, bronchitis, prostatitis, malaria, and cancer. The bioactivities of M. alba such as: anti-microbial, antioxidant, anti-cancer and skin whitening. Almost all M. alba organs produce essential oils, but the levels and types vary from one organ to another. The main essential oils in M. alba are linalool, α-terpineol, phenylethyl alcohol, β-pinene, and geraniol. M. alba essential oil has great potential for the pharmaceutical and beauty industry, especially as a skin whitener. The bioactivity of M. alba as a skin whitener is related to its activity as an inhibitor of the tyrosinase enzyme.