Personal cleansing compositions comprise a thickening system consisting essentially of associative polymer which is a hydrophobically modified water-soluble associative polymer and polar oil having a required HLB of at least 12, a water-soluble surfactant, optionally a cationic polymeric skin conditioning agent, and water, wherein the polar oil has an average carbon chain length of from about 12 to about 16 carbon atoms and wherein the water-soluble surfactants have an average carbon chain of from about 10 to about 18 carbon atoms. These compositions may also comprise a hydrotrope. These compositions may optionally comprise a perfume or cosmetic oil. These compositions deliver excellent product thickening and rheological attributes, in storage, in dispensing and in use, in combination with good efficacy benefits such as mildness, a moisturized skin feel, rinsibility, skin conditioning, product stability and lather attributes.