The present invention relates to the cosmetic, dermatological or pharmaceutical (therapeutic) use of compounds of formula (I) or a cosmetically acceptable salt of a compound of formula (I) or a mixture containing two or more of these compounds or the salts thereof wherein R1 denotes hydrogen or an organic radical having 1 to 14 carbon atoms, R2 denotes an organic radical having 1 to 14 carbon atoms, and wherein optionally R1 and R2 are covalently bonded to one another, preferably so that a 3 to 8 membered ring is formed, for the lightening of skin and/or hair. The invention further relates to compositions and cosmetic, dermatological or pharmaceutical preparations (compositions) comprising one or more compounds of formula (I) suitable for lightening human skin and/or hair and corresponding methods. The invention further relates to compounds of formula (I) as a drug, their use for the preparation of a pharmaceutical composition for lightening human skin and/or hair and to certain novel compounds of formula (I).