Seven surface-active aq. formulations contg. Mg alkylbenzene sulfonate (3%) or Mg lauryl ether sulfate (up to 9%), optionally Na lauryl ether sulfate (up to 9%) and Na alkylbenzene sulfonate (up to 6%), EtOH (3%), adducts (7:1 by mole) of ethylene oxide to lauryl alc. or (75:1 by mole) to lanoline (1% of each), coconut oil acids diethanolamide (1%) and NaCl (up to 3.25%) were prepd., studied for viscosity, washing, emulsifying and foaming abilities as well as for zein no. and then used for prodn. of low-irritating hand dishwashing liqs. Viscosity of the liqs. showed a max. when plotted vs. NaCl concn. The addn. of Mg lauryl ether sulfate resulted in a substantial increase of the soln. viscosity, washing and emulsifying ability as well as in a decrease in zein no. when compared to a corn. Na alkylbenzene sulfonate.