Skin whitening compositions contain at least one -hydroxytetronic derivative such as diphenyl hydroxytetronic acid. Some embodiments contain adjunct ingredients that enhance the efficacy and stability of skin whitening formulations such as a tetronic acid derivative that inhibits tyrosinase or tyrosine phosphatase, hydroquinone, an -hydroxy acid such as glycolic acid, and a fatty acid ester of ascorbic acid such as ascorbyl palmitate.