Topical compositions for skin whitening, skin lightening, and treatment ofhyperpigmentation comprise an effective amount of S-acyl glutathionederivative and a carrier. Methods for skin whitening, skin lightening, andtreating hyperpigmentation comprise applying a composition containing S-acylglutathione derivative in a dermatologically acceptable carrier to skintissue.The acyl group is a saturated or unsaturated aliphatic C12-C24 group,preferably a C16- C24 group, most preferably a C16 group. In particularlypreferred embodiments, the S-acyl glutathione derivative is S-palmitoylglutathione.
