A personal care or cosmetic product composition that includes from about 0.1% to about 99% of at least one ester of alkoxylated aromatic alcohol and fatty carboxylic acid, and from about 0.1% to 60% of at least one functional ingredient is provided. The functional ingredients in the composition may include active ingredients and additional ingredients. Especially suitable active ingredients are sunscreen active ingredients and antiperspirant active ingredients. Preferred compositions are sunscreen product formulations and antiperspirant products. In one preferred embodiment, the composition further includes at least one cyclomethicone compound present in the amount of from about 1% to 99% by weight of the composition. A method of improving the protection of human or animal skin or hair from radiation and a method of improving the protection of human or animal skin or hair from perspiration are also provided.