A topical cosmetic composition for increasing skin whitening or lightening is described. The composition includes a pomegranate extract in an amount effective to reduce melanin composition. The pomegranate extract may be standardized to about 20% punicalagin. The composition may also include an extract from the genus larix, such as Larix sibirica. The larix sibirica may be standardized to 80% taxifolin. A method for using the compositions is described.
