The present invention relates to the use of polypropylene glycol(3) myristyl ether as preferably the sole viscosity regulator, care active ingredient and solubilizer in aqueous surface-active formulations, preferably having a water content of at least 75% by weight. The present invention further provides aqueous surface-active formulations comprising at least 0.5% by weight, preferably at least 2% by weight, of polypropylene glycol(3) myristyl ether, at least 5% by weight, preferably at least 10% by weight, of at least one surfactant and at least 75% by weight, preferably at least 85% by weight, of water and liquid body cleansing compositions, in particular shower baths and hair shampoos, comprising such an aqueous surface-active formulation.