Abstract: Anhydrous skin cleansers, preferably in the form of gels, comprise water-immiscible emollient oil; oil-gelling agent that is water-insoluble and oil-insoluble; emulsifying agent that forms an emulsion in situ on the skin when the skin cleanser is gradually contacted with a relatively small amount of water during use; and water-soluble, substantially crystalline abrasive material that is insoluble in the anhydrous skin cleanser vehicle. The anhydrous skin cleanser gels remove oily and water-soluble soils from the skin in a cosmetically aesthetic manner. Preferred skin cleanser gels form cleanser emulsions in situ, on the skin during use that can be removed from the skin with water.