Abstract: The present disclosure relates to compositions comprising an aqueous solution of at least about 70% by weight water in combination with selected fatty acid salts and optionally an alcohol and/or a cooling sensate, as well as methods of using the same to treat symptoms of hot flashes. The fatty acid salts form fiber-like crystalline particles that together form a self-supporting mesh structure with voids, the aqueous solution being contained in the voids. When the composition is compressed above a critical stress, the mesh allows for the entrapped aqueous solution to be expressed.