The present invention concerns methods and compositions that can be used, for example, in skin whitening or hyperpigmentation applications. The composition, in non- limiting aspects, can include a vitamin C derivative, niacinamide, an extract formulation comprising cucumber and lemon extract or compounds that include the following formulas: where R1, R2, R3, R4, and R5 are independently an H, an alkyl group, a hydroxyalkyl group, or a carboxyalkyl group or where R1, R2, R3, R4, and R5 are independently an H, an alkyl group, a hydroxyalkyl group, or a carboxyalkyl group and where x is an integer from 1 to 30.