composition of formula ii is thiazolidine 2 carboxylic acid wherein r 3 and r 4 are hydrogen and n 1 in a third embodiment of the present composition the de pigmenting agent is perilla oil perilla oil is derived from the seeds of the mint of the genus perilla in a fourth embodiment of the present composition the de pigmenting agent is clofibrate or a clofibrate analog or derivative clofibrate is ethyl 2 p chlorophenoxy isobutyrate which corresponds to the following formula iv a fifth embodiment of the present composition has a de pigmenting agent corresponding to the following formula iii wherein r 5 r 6 and r 7 are as defined as for r 1 and r 2 in formula i above preferably the de pigmenting agent of formula iii is kaempferol 7 glycoside wherein r 5 r 6 and r 7 are hydrogen kaempferol 7 glycoside is believed to reduce pigmentation by inhibiting tyrosinase but may also reduce pigmentation by alternate pathways in a sixth embodiment of the present invention the de pigmenting agent is a combination of one or more of the above de pigmenting agents preferably the combination includes de pigmenting agents that utilize different mechanisms of action a preferred combination includes kaempferol 7 glucoside and perilla oil or clofibrate or a clofibrate analog or derivative the de pigmenting agent is present in the composition at an amount effect to prevent treat or ameliorate pigmentation at the area or portion of skin to which it is applied the de pigmenting agent.