The present invention is in the field of personal care compositions； in particular skin lightening compositions. A composition that combines the cyclic adenylic acid reduction and the reduction of melanin content in melanocytes remains to be desired. It has been found that niacinamide in combination with MMP inhibitor galardin synergistically reduces melanin content in melanocytes. The invention thus relates to a composition comprising a synergistic combination of niacinamide and galardin for use in skin lightening. Thus the composition, when applied topically over an appropriate length of time in-vivo, may be used to lighten the skin, or to reduce age spots or freckles.
