The methods and compositions of this invention relate to compositions containing polyglyceryl esters of fatty acids, low molecular weight hydrophobically-modified polymers and anionic and/or amphoteric surfactants having low irritation characteristics in combination with one or more additional characteristics, for example, relatively high clarity, relatively high foaming, and/or combinations thereof, as well as methods of making and using such compositions. These compositions have low pH values and are useful in cleansing the skin.