Skin whitening compositions contain .alpha.-hydroxytetronic acid or a .alpha.-hydroxy tetronic derivative, and, in some cases, hydroquinone, an .alpha.-hydroxy acid such as glycolic acid, and a fatty acid ester of ascorbic acid such as ascorbyl palmitate.

De huid die samenstellingen wit bevat alpha.-hydroxytetronic zuur of a alpha.-hydroxy tetronic derivaat, en, in sommige gevallen, hydrochinon, alpha.-hydroxy zuur zoals glycolic zuur, en een vetzuurester van ascorbinezuur zoals ascorbyl palmitate.