The present invention is in the field of personal care compositions; in particular skin lightening compositions. A more effective way to reduce melanin content in melanocytes remains to be desired. It has been found that 4-hexylresorcinol in combination with MMP inhibitor galardin synergistically reduces melanin content in melanocytes. The invention thus relates to a composition comprising a synergistic combination of 4-hexylresorcinol and galardin for use in skin lightening. Thus the composition, when applied topically over an appropriate length of time in-vivo, may be used to lighten the skin, or to reduce age spots or freckles.