Abstract: Fluid or semi-fluid compositions of matter are disclosed for functional application to the human body as toiletries, cosmetics, topical pharmaceuticals and the like. The said compositions include as a vehicle or carrier, the benzoic acid esters of a mixture of C.sub.12, C.sub.13, C.sub.14, and C.sub.15 linear primary alcohols together with a functionally effective quantity of a substance carried by the said vehicle, which substance is either dissolved or emulsified with the vehicle. The alcohol mixture may comprise by weight from about 13 to 31% of said C.sub.12 alcohol, 28 to 44% of the C.sub.13 alcohol, 17 to 40% of the C.sub.14 alcohol, and 12 to 19% of the C.sub.15 alcohol. The compositions of the invention, when applied to or spread upon the skin, produce a dry, non-greasy, lubricating and satiny feel.

Abstract: A cationic surfactant composition is disclosed which is compatible with anionic surfactants, and which when added thereto provides a system for use in simultaneous cleansing and conditioning of hair, textiles and the like. The cationic surfactant composition comprises a mixture of the diethyl sulfate salts of the cyanoethylated fatty acid amides ##STR1## where R is an unbranched hydrocarbon chain including from 17 to 21 carbon atoms.