There is an anhydrous topical composition which, when spread on a topical surface and then sprayed with water, becomes effervescent and distributes the topical composition evenly over the surface. The composition has: a) a base compound of a carbonate or bicarbonate salt of an alkali metal or an alkaline earth metal; b) an acid compound; and c) an anhydrous carrier. The base compound and the acid compound are reactable and are present in amounts sufficient to cause the topical composition in suspension to effervesce when the topical composition is exposed to water. The effervescence acts to evenly distribute squalane over the topical surface upon which the composition was initially applied and provides a cosmetic effect if the topical surface is skin.