Abstract: A cleansing pad (10) is made of a web of fibers, forming a substrate (11), where the substrate (11) includes a cleansing agent (12) therein. The cleansing agent (12) is a pourable soap. In making the cleansing pad (10), the cleansing agent (12) is initially heated from solid form into molten/liquid form, and distributed essentially throughout one or more portions of the substrate (11) in molten form to coat the fibers in said portions of the substrate (11). After application of the molten cleansing agent (12), the substrate (11) is then allowed to cool such that the molten cleansing agent (12) solidifies and remains solid at a desired range at and above room temperature, forming the cleansing pad (10). Thereafter, in use, the cleansing pad (10) is applied for cleaning an object in conjunction with a solvent such as water. The solvent dissolves the solidified cleansing agent (12).

Abstract: Novel alkanolamides prepared by the reaction of an alkanolamine and shea butter, preferably mild-processed shea butter (MPSB). Materials of the present invention are useful as cosmetic and personal care ingredients; they thicken shampoos and body washes, stabilize foam, and deliver to the hair and skin highly desirable unsaponifiables present in shea butter, including natural antioxidants.