A cosmetic composition comprises an aqueous solution of an anionic surface active agent selected from the group consisting of (a) a surface active agent of the formula ##EQU1## wherein R is selected from the group consisting of alkyl and alkenyl, each having 8 to 22 carbon atoms and alkylphenyl having 12 to 22 carbon atoms;X and X' are each selected from the group consisting of oxygen, sulfur and sulfoxide;A is selected from the group consisting of ethylene, propylene and butylene;A' is selected from the group consisting of --C.sub.2 H.sub.3 (CH.sub.2 OH)-- and --CH.sub.2 CHOH--CH.sub.2 --;A" is selected from the group consisting of --CH.sub.2 CHOH--CH.sub.2 --, --CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 -- and --CH.sub.2 CH(CH.sub.3)-- with the proviso that at least one of A' and A" is hydroxyalkylene as set forth in the respective definitions of A' and A" above;m and n represent numbers having a statistical average value between 0 and 10 inclusive with the proviso that n is other than 0 when A" is other than hydroxyalkylene and when m and n are both zero, X' is sulfoxide;R' is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and a lower alkyl having from 1-12 carbon atoms;B. the magnesium salt of (a); andC. the alkanolamine salt of (a), said surface active agent being present in amounts ranging from 0.1-20% by weight of said composition.