Cosmetic compositions and methods, particularly for skin lightening, using 7-hydroxy-2-phenyl coumarin and derivatives of general formula I as skin lightening agents alone or in combination with other skin benefit agents and together with a cosmetic vehicle: ##STR00001## Where R.sub.1 and/or R.sub.2 may be positioned at the 1-, 2-, 3-, 5-, and/or 6-positions on the phenyl ring. Each or both R.sub.1 and/or R.sub.2 represents a hydrogen atom, OH, C.sub.1 C.sub.4 acyl group, or C.sub.1 C.sub.4 alkyl group; and R represents a hydrogen atom, C.sub.1 C.sub.4 acyl group, or C.sub.1 C.sub.4 alkyl group.