Use as an agent for depigmenting and/or bleaching the skin, particularly to eliminate the pigmentary spots, the age spots and/or as anti-tanning agents of an alcohol compound (I). Use of an alcohol compound (I) of formula (R1-CHOH-CH-(NH-COR2)(CH2OH))as an agent for depigmenting and/or to bleach the skin, particularly to eliminate the pigmentary spots, the age spots and/or as anti-tanning agents. R111-21C, preferably 13-17C alkyl； and R211-19C, preferably 13-19C hydrocarbon (optionally hydroxylated (in alpha position to the COOH) and optionally carrying ethylenic unsaturation, particularly two ethylenic unsaturations), preferably 11-19C hydrocarbon (optionally hydroxylated (in alpha position to the COOH)). An independent claim is included for a cosmetic process for depigmenting and/or to clear up a skin having pigmentation spots comprising applying a composition comprising (I) in a medium, on the skin. ACTIVITY : Dermatological. MECHANISM OF ACTION : Melanogenesis inhibitor. The melanin synthesis inhibiting activity of (I) was tested in patient using biological assay. The result showed that both N-oleoyldihydrosphingosine and N-2-hydroxypalmitoyldihydrosphingosine exhibited an IC50 value of 0.1 mu M.
