Alkoxylated esters of dicarboxylic or tricarboxylic acids have an anti-irritating activity measured as a reduction in intracellular leakage of sodium fluorescein of 15% or more at 1:50 dilution or 40% or more at 1:100 dilution from a test composition containing 5% of the alkoxylated ester. These alkoxylated esters are useful in cosmetic and personal care products, especially in products such as baby shampoos, hand dishwashing liquids and bubble bath preparations. A method of reducing irritation provides for application of an irritant with the alkoxylated esters to the subject in a personal care or cosmetic product.