The crocetin derivatives, crocin (1), gentiobiosyl glucosyl crocetin (3), and mono-gentiobiosyl crocetin (4) were isolated from the fruit of Gardenia jasminoides (Gj) and crocetin (2) from the processed fruit of Gj (PGj) by column chromatography. Their structures were determined on the basis of spectroscopic methods including IR, MS, and NMR (1D and 2D). These compounds were evaluated for their inhibition activity on melanin production in ${alpha}$-MSH (melanocyte stimulating hormone) activated B16F10 cells. Compounds 1 - 4 reduced melanin content in a dose-dependent manner at concentrations of 20 - 60 uM. They also suppressed tyrosinase protein and m-RNA expressions dose dependently, assayed by western blot analysis, and RT-PCR experiment in B16F10 murine melanoma cells.