The disclosure relates to compositions and methods for treating keratinous substrates, such as skin and/or hair, where the compositions comprise (a) at least one alkaline carbonate, (b) at least one polyol, (c) water and/or at least one non-aqueous solvent, and (d) optionally at least one pH adjuster. The at least one carbonate and the at least one polyol are present in the composition in the form of an associated network.