To obtain a substance effective for bleaching of the suntan skin after ultraviolet irradiation and for preventing, ameliorating and treating pigmentation of the skin such as stains, freckles, liver spots, etc., and a composition containing the same.

The demelanizing agent and the bleaching ingredient comprise an ergosterol derivative represented by formula (1). The demelanizing agent and the bleaching ingredient contain an ergosterol derivative represented by formula (1). The composition for demelanization and the composition for bleaching comprise the ergosterol derivative represented by formula (1). The cosmetic, the medicine and the skin care preparation comprise the ergosterol derivative represented by formula (1). The demelanizing food and the bleaching food comprise the ergosterol derivative represented by formula (1).