A pearlizing composition containing: (a) from about 30 to 55% by weight of a pearlizing wax; (b) a nonionic emulsifier; (c) optionally, a zwitterionic emulsifier; (d) from about 0.1 to 5% by weight of a polyol ester; and (e) water, all weights being based on the weight of the composition, and wherein the sum of (a)+(b)+(c) is at least about 55% by weight, based on the weight of the composition, and wherein the sum of (b)+(c) is less than about 25% by weight, based on the weight of the composition, and wherein (b) and (d) are present in the composition in a ratio by weight of from about 5:1 to 10:1.