Cosmetic cleansing powder

Cosmetic cleaning composition in powder form containing, based on the total weight of the composition, a) 10.0 to 70.0 wt.% of at least one ionic surfactant (e.g. amino-acid based surfactants, isethionates, alkyl sulfites), b) 1.0-8.0 weight per cent of at least one C2-C6 polyhydric alcohol (e.g. 1,2-propylene glycol, 1,3-butylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, glycerin, diglycerol, and c) 20.0 to 40.0 % by weight of at least one polysaccharide. The polysaccharide may be a starch fraction, or a derivative of starch such as amylose, amylopectin or dextrin. The powder cleaning composition may further comprise one or more of: lipids; vegetable oils, butters and/or waxes; protein hydrolysates; silicones; plant extracts; anti-dandruff active ingredients. The composition in powder-form is preferably substantially free of water and/or preservatives. Also claimed is a cosmetic process for cleaning the human body and/or hair in which a cosmetic cleansing agent in powder form as described herein is dissolved in water, rubbed and/or foamed between the hands, distributed over the part of the body to be cleansed and rinsed off with water after a contact time of 10 seconds to 15 minutes.