Abstract: A transparent cleansing bar which includes a synthetic detergent, a major portion of which is a sulfated ethoxylated long chain alkyl alcohol, a polyhydric alcohol, a water soluble soap, a fatty acid alkanolamide, and optionally an alkylsarcosinic acid and an alkyl polyglycoside and wherein the pH is not less than about 8.0.

Abstract: A personal use soap bar composition containing alkali metal soaps of fatty acids having alkyl chain lengths of C.sub.8 -C.sub.22 which include an unhydrated cationic guar gum polymer as a skin feel and mildness additive. Prior to incorporating the polymer into the soap, it is mixed with an anhydrous polyglycol ether such as PEG-6 methyl ether. This eliminates the need to hydrate the cationic polymers to achieve uniform distribution of the polymer in the bar.

Abstract: A continuous, high speed process for making translucent soap bars which, optionally are provided with a striated pattern. The process uses a mixture of tallow and coconut fatty acids saponified with a mixture of sodium hydroxide and potassium hydroxide. To the neat soap is added a superfatting agent and glycerin and the resulting neat soap is dried to a moisture level of from about 14% to about 18%. The dried soap is thereafter subject to amalgamation where a slurry containing additional glycerin and a polyethylene glycol of molecular weight of about 600 is added to and mixed with said soap. Following amalgamation, the soap is refined and thereafter compacted and extruded into a continuous log which may be cut and stamped into bars.