Detergent compositions comprising stable transparent, translucent or opaque hexagonal phase gels contain an anionic or cationic surfactant which is "secondary", i.e. its polar head group is either positioned non-terminally on a hydrophobic chain or carries two or more hydrophobic chains; optionally a further surfactant which is nonionic or non-"secondary"; a material (the "additive") capable of forcing the surfactant system into hexagonal phase; optionally builder, perfume, coloring or other adjuncts; and water. A solid such as abrasive or insoluble builder may be suspended in the gel. Preferred gels of the invention contain alkylbenzene sulphonate or dialkyl sulphosuccinate as the "secondary" surfactant and urea as the "additive". The compositions may be used inter alia for manual dishwashing.