Compounds of formula I, process for making same, and cosmetic compositions and methods of skin lightening using compounds of formula I as skin lightening agents: 1 Where each A1 and/or A2 independently is nullH or COR, CO2R ,CONHR, the latter three having the following formula A: 2 nullwhere RnullC1-C18 saturated or unsaturated, linear or branched, hydrocarbon; and each Y1 and/or Y2 independently is H; C1-C18 saturated or unsaturated hydrocarbon; or OZ, where ZnullH or COR1, CO2R1,CONHR1 of formula B: 3 nulland where R1nullC1-C18 saturated or unsaturated, linear or branched, hydrocarbon; X is Carbon, Nitrogen, Sulfur, or Oxygen; and N is in integer between 0 and 2.