The present invention relates to a novel composition comprising resveratrol and sodium-ascorbyl-phosphate as well as to the use of such compositions for skin lightening. More particularly, the present invention relates to resveratrol and sodium-ascorbyl-phosphate for use in topical compositions for smoothening skin color irregularities, for reducing melanin formation in the human skin, for lightening/brightening human skin and/or for treatment of pigmentation disorders which comprises topically administering an effective amount of resveratrol and sodium-ascorbyl-phosphate to the appropriate skin area of a person in need of such beautifying agent, or treatment. Moreover, the present invention relates to the use of resveratrol to synergistically enhance the skin lightening activity of sodium-ascorbyl-phosphate.