Abstract: A composition and a method of preparing a solid, transparent/translucent moisturizing/cosmetic/personal cleansing bar having one or more visible soap inserts, wherein a transparent soap matrix surrounding the soap insert has an increased melting temperature of at least 55° C. to prevent melting the soap insert during manufacture, and to reduce deformation during storage and handling, increasing its hardness and durability, and substantially reducing the tendency of the bar to lose weight over time by evaporation of water by exposure to room temperature. The soap insert can have the same composition as the surrounding transparent matrix soap, having less water to provide at least a 3° C. higher melting point, and/or a small percentage of pigment or dye, for easy recycling of defective bars, without the need to separate the soap insert from the surrounding matrix soap.