The present invention relates to topical skin whitening compositions
comprising a whitening effective amount of a black yeast-derived
melanin-degrading enzyme extract and a method of preparing the
compositions. The compositions provide a whitening effect by degrading
melanin on the surface of the skin, the hair and the nails. The enzyme
extract can be derived from Exophiala mansonii. The compositions
containing the enzyme extract are more effective than are similar
compositions containing kojic acid in producing a whitening effect on the
skin.