A thickening system for transparent topical composition, said thickening system comprising low molecular weight lipophilic non-ionic surfactant and polymeric high molecular weight hydrophilic, high ethoxylated ester. A transparent cleansing composition, said composition comprising at least one surfactant selected from the group anionic, amphoteric or mixtures thereof and a thickening system for cleansing composition comprising low molecular weight lipophilic non-ionic surfactant and polymeric high molecular weight hydrophilic, high ethoxylated ester.