Introduction: Fair skin complexion is much preferred by the Asian population. Four percent hydroquinone has been known to be effective as a whitening agent albeit unwanted effects such as worsening pigmentation, onchronosis and irritation have been well documented. This study aims to compare the lightening effects and the safety profile of a novel topical formulation derived from Vitamin C in combination with plant’s extract ,known as AEBritening Complex- 01 with a standard formulation containing four percent Hydroquinone. Material & Method: A case control study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of AEBritening Complex-01 versus 4% Hydroquinone cream in lightening normal skin colour. AEBritening Complex-01* contains refined stabilized vitamin C Complex and plant’s extract as active ingredient . All 20 subjects were applied with AEBritening Complex-01 on their right arm , 4% hydroquinone on their left arm twice a day for 28 days. Their left forearm were left untreated. Visual and colorimeter assessment of the right arm, left arm and left forearm were done on day 0, Day7, Day 14, Day 21 and Day 28. Results: Skin areas treated with AEBritening Complex-01 showed significant degree of lightening effect (+1.69) after 21 days of treatment compared to areas treated with 4% hydroquinone (+0.47) and untreated area (+0.13). This was tested using using Skin Colorimeter Konica Minolta CR 10. There was further improvement at day 28 of the treated area with AEBritening Complex-01 (+1.96), 4% hydroquinone (+0.66) and untreated area (-0.09). The AEBritening Complex-01 formulation showed significant skin lightening effect compared to standard 4 % Hydroxyquinone with p< 0.05. Conclusion: The AEBrightening Complex-01 formulation is significantly effective to lighten normal skin colour compared to 4% Hydroquinone.