Cosmetic compositions intended for topical application to the skin for lightening and/or brightening the skin are provided. The subject compositions are characterized by the presence of leukocyte extract in combination with one or more secondary skin whitening or brightening agents. A preferred group of such agents includes bearberry, arbutin, rutin, ascorbyl glucoside, ascorbyl magnesium phosphate, hydroquinone, kojic acid or combinations thereof. Another group of preferred agents includes extracts of mulberry, lemon, orange, licorice, cucumber, cinnamon, cherry (fermentate), rosemary and/or derivatives thereof. It has been found that the combination of leukocyte extract with such agents possesses enhanced efficacy over similar preparations that do not contain leukocyte extract.