An improved skin composition intended for topical application to skin for lightening hyperpigmented skin is provided. The subject composition is characterized by incorporation of at least one carbohydrate-based melanin inhibiting agent selected from bearberry extract, ascorbyl glucoside, rutin and arbutin into an ultra low molecular weight aminoglycan polymer gel. It has been found that the skin composition of the present invention possesses improved skin penetration and significantly enhances the depigmenting effect of the active agents.