A composition comprises kojic acid, sodium metabisulphite and one or more catalases, catalase mimetics, superoxide dismutases, and superoxide dismutase mimetics in a cosmetically or pharmaceutically acceptable medium. Preferably the sodium metabisulfite is present in a concentration of 0.00001% to 30%. The superoxide dismutase mimetic may be selected from the group including propyl gallate, gallic acid, derivatives of gallic acid and dimethyl methoxy chromanol and may be present in a concentration of 0.00001% to 30%. The composition may include other sulphur dioxide releasing agents in place of sodium metabisulfite. The composition may further include one or more additional components to lighten the skin such as lactic acid, niacinamide, thiotic acid, hydroquinone, ascorbic acid, L-leucine and a form of arbutin. Preferably the sodium metabisulfite and one or more catalases, catalase mimetics, superoxide dismutases, and superoxide dismutase mimetics are used to stabilise the kojic acid in solution.
