Isethionate detergent bar

A detergent composition in tablet form comprises (a) 30-70 per cent, preferably 48-53 per cent, by weight of an alkali metal or ammonium acyl isethionate of the formula R.CO.O.CH2.CH2.SO3M where R.CO. is an acyl radical derived from a higher fatty acid containing 6-18 carbon atoms and having an iodine value of less than 20, at least 75 per cent by weight of the isethionate having an acyl radical derived from an acid with from 12-18 carbon atoms; (b) 2-10 per cent, preferably 3-5 per cent, of a supplementary organic soapless detergent which may be an alkali metal, ammonium or amine salt of an alkaryl sulphonic acid, an alkyl sulphuric acid or of a beta-acylaminoethanesulphonic acid, most desirably an alkali metal dodecylbenzene sulphonate; and (c) 10-40 per cent, preferably 18-24 per cent, by weight of a fatty acid (or mixtures) having 12-25 carbon atoms, the most favoured acids being the saturated acid with 16-18 carbon atoms. The pH of the composition measured as a 10 per cent solution at 35 DEG C. should be within the range 6-8, preferably 6.8-7.2. Most desirably, at least 50 per cent of the acyl groups of the isethionate are derived from coconut oil fatty acids and the free fatty acid is triple-pressed stearic acid. The composition may also contain up to 25 per cent of an alkali metal or ammonium soap, up to 9 per cent, preferably 3.5-7 per cent, of water, and up to 20 per cent (based on the weight of free fatty acid) of a polyethylene glycol; perfumes and dyestuffs may also be added.