Abstract: Translucent detergent bar contains 30 to 45 wt % soap, 5 to 15 wt % monohydric alcohol and 5 to 15 wt % dihydric alcohol whose molecule contains at least one alkylene group with at least three carbon atoms and water. Optional ingredients include up to 10 wt % non-soap detergent and polyhydric alcohols, sugars and polyalkylene glycols. The combination of monohydric and dihydric alcohols promotes translucency while avoiding disadvantages observed with either of them alone. The bars can be made by forming a melt of the component ingredients, casting the melt into molds and allowing it to set.