Mono, di and tri-esters of 1,8-dihydroxy-10-phenyl-9-anthrone or -9-anthranol have the formula ##STR1## wherein p is 0 or 1,(a) when p=0, t=1 and R.sub.2 represents hydrogen or --COR.sub.3,(b) when p=1, t=0 and R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 each independently represent hydrogen or --COR.sub.3,R.sub.3 represents linear or branched alkyl having 1-17 carbon atoms, cycloalkyl, phenyl or phenyl substituted by lower alkyl, lower alkoxy, halogen, a nitro function, --CF.sub.3 or a hydroxyl function, and mixtures of said esters. These esters are prepared by reacting 1,8-dihydroxy-10-phenyl-9-anthrone with an activated form of an acid. The esters are useful in human or veterinary medicine and in cosmetic compositions.