Abstract: The invention provides a shaped solid, three-dimensional skeleton structure comprising: a relatively rigid, interlocking mesh of neutralized crystalline carboxylic acid. In another respect, the present invention provides an improved cleansing bar which is comprised of the rigid, interlocking mesh of neutralized carboxylic acid, preferably sodium soap fibers. Such preferred cleansing bars can be formulated to have essentially no bar smear. Some cleansing bars comprise surprisingly large amounts of water and other liquids while maintaining their rigidity and excellent smear properties; even when allowed to soak overnight in water.