What is the ruling on applying skin whitening cream by men to soften the skin and lighten its color? What about men using skin bleaching creams?

All perfect praise be to Allaah, the Lord of the worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allaah and that Muhammad, sallallaahu  ‘alayhi wa sallam, is His slave and Messenger.

In our view, there is evidently no reason for men to use such creams; they are in no need of softening or whitening their skin. This is the business of women and it suits their situation and their desire for beauty, decoration, and softness. Allaah, the Exalted, says (what means): {So is one brought up in ornaments while being during conflict unevident [attributed to Allaah]?} [Quran 43:18]

It is feared that a man afflicted with such a thing may be included in the prophetic warnings against men who imitate women. Ibn ‘Abbaas said, "The Messenger of Allaah, sallallaahu  ‘alayhi wa sallam, cursed the men who imitate women and the women who imitate men." [Al-Bukhari]

Therefore, it is more prudent to avoid using such creams, especially skin whitening creams.

Allaah Knows best.