Compounds of formula I, process for making same, and cosmetic compositions and methods of skin lightening using compounds of formula I as skin lightening agents: ##STR00001## Where each A.sub.1 and/or A.sub.2 independently is =H or COR, CO.sub.2R, CONHR, the latter three having the following formula A: ##STR00002## where R=C.sub.1-C.sub.18 saturated or unsaturated, linear or branched, hydrocarbon; and each Y.sub.1 and/or Y.sub.2 independently is H; C.sub.1-C.sub.18 saturated or unsaturated hydrocarbon; or OZ, where Z=H or COR.sup.1, CO.sub.2R.sup.1, CONHR.sup.1 of formula B: ##STR00003## and where R.sup.1=C.sub.1-C.sub.18 saturated or unsaturated, linear or branched, hydrocarbon; X is Carbon, Nitrogen, Sulfur, or Oxygen; and N is in integer between 0 and 2.