Suggested is a cosmetic composition comprising an anti-pollution agent selected from the group consisting of ginger root C02 extract, E/Z-2-benzylindene-5,6-dimethoxy-3,3-dimethylindan-1-one, sclareolide, purple coneflower pressed juice or mixtures thereof, in a working amount sufficient for (a) reducing or preventing air pollution induced gene expression, and/or (b) reducing or preventing a gene expression induced or inducible by polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and/or (c) reducing or preventing air pollution-induced or air pollution-inducible skin damage.