Cosmetic compositions and methods, particularly for skin lightening, using N-acylbenzothiazolone compound 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 represents a hydrogen atom, C.sub.1-C.sub.4 acyl group, or C.sub.1-C.sub.4 alkyl group. Preferably, the compound is 3-propionylbenzothiazol-2-one, i.e. where R in the formula I is C.sub.1 alkyl group.