A subject of the present invention is the cosmetic use of a pericarp extract of the plant Nephelium lappaceum for maintaining and/or increasing the hydration and/or the barrier effect of the skin and/or of the mucous membranes. The pericarp extract increases involucrin synthesis and the hyaluronic acid content and the synthesis of ATP and of the taurine transporter TAUT. Another subject of the invention relates to a cosmetic care process comprising the topical application of the pericarp extract of N. lappaceum. Finally, a subject of the invention relates to the pericarp extract for use, in particular dermatological use, thereof in the treatment and/or prevention of pathological conditions caused by a state of abnormal dryness of the skin and/or of the mucous membranes.