The present invention relates to thickened aqueous bleach compositions containing either an alkali metal hypohalite or peroxygen bleach. Compositions containing hypohalite or peroxygen bleaches are particularly difficult to thicken with sufficient stability for commercial value. The addition of a rheology stabilizer minimizes the loss of stability over time and enables compositions of varying bleach and pH level to be obtained. These compositions comprise an alkali metal hypohalite or peroxygen bleach, a polymeric rheology modifying agent, an effective amount of rheology stabilizing agent, sufficient alkalinity buffering agent, with the remainder being water.