Abstract: The present invention relates to a cosmetic composition comprising: a cosmetically acceptable medium, at least one starch and at least one ester selected from (1) liquid esters from a C3-C30 carboxylic acid and a C1-C30 alcohol, with at least one from the acid or the alcohol is branched or possesses at least one carbon-carbon double bond; and (2) esters from a C7-C30 aromatic acid having a carboxylic group that is directly linked to the aromatic ring, and a C1-C30 alcohol. The inventive composition is substantially free of soap. This composition has a “melting” texture and can be easily rinsed off. Hair treated with this composition has a soft feel with no residues. The inventive composition is preferably suitable for washing and/or conditioning keratinous materials, such as hair or skin.

Abstract: A process for the production of multiple w/o/w emulsions in whicha) a mixture of an oil and a lipophilic emulsifier I comprising glycerol and/or oligoglycerol or polyglycerol fatty acid esters is initially processed with intensive shearing to form a w/o pre-emulsion A, andb) the w/o pre-emulsion A is then further treated with an aqueous emulsifier II comprising adducts of ethylene oxide with fatty alcohols and/or sterols and, optionally, fatty alcohols, wherein the treatment is accompanied by gentle shearing;and to the resulting multiple w/o/w emulsions and their use in the preparation of cosmetic and pharmaceutical products.