Solid, stick-type cosmetic compositions consist essentially of from about 1 to about 30 parts by weight of sodium stearate, 100 parts by weight of water and an "active" material intended to be applied to the skin. The composition also preferably contains a polyhydroxyl compound, such as a glycol or a polyglycol in an amount of from about 0.5 to about 10 weight percent. The addition of up to about 5 weight percent sodium chloride reduces the "syneresis" effect upon storing the compositions at low or high temperature, and increases the setting point of the composition. The compositions are useful as deodorant sticks, perfume sticks, sun sticks, hand lotion sticks, talc sticks, pigment sticks and insect repellant sticks.