Abstract: The invention pertains to colored aqueous alkalimetalhypochlorite compositions which are suitable for bleaching purposes. By inclusion in such compositions of a halogenated metalphthalocyanine pigment having from 6 to 16 halogen atoms per molecule of phthalocyanine, the color remains stable much longer than when a metalphthalocyanine is used having from 0 to 6 halogen atoms, at an alkalimetalhypochlorite level of 5-15% by weight. Inclusion of a metal complexing agent improves the chemical stability of the colored composition. A preferred embodiment is a colored thickened alkalimetalhypochlorite composition.