An aqueous composition suitable for topical application to the skin or hair, comprises:a. a dialkyl or dialkenyl phosphate salt (or mixtures thereof) having the structure (1): ##STR1## where R.sup.01 and R.sup.02 are each chosen from branched or unbranched alkyl or alkenyl groups having an average of from 7 to 9 carbon atoms;X is chosen from H, alkali metal, ammonium and substituted ammonium counterions;a and b are each chosen from 0 or a value of from 1 to 4; andb. a cosmetically acceptable vehicle for the salt.