A non-therapeutic method of lightening a skin region or hair of a subject comprises applying to the skin region or hair a lignin peroxidase enzyme and an oxidizing mediator: and subsequently, applying to the skin region or hair an oxidizing activator at a pH below 4. A cosmetic composition for lightening a skin region or hair of a subject comprises a lignin peroxidase enzyme, an oxidizing mediator and a cosmetically acceptable carrier formulated for use on a skin or a hair. An article-of-manufacturing comprises packaging material and a cosmetic composition identified for lightening a skin region or hair of a subject, said cosmetic composition being contained within said packaging material, said cosmetic composition including, a lignin peroxidase enzyme, an oxidizing mediator, and a cosmetically acceptable carrier. A kit for lightening a skin region or hair comprises a first container comprising a lignin peroxidase enzyme and an oxidizing mediator, and a second container comprising an electron acceptor.
