Compositions adapted for use as a bathing (shower or bath) gel for personal cleansing are provided, the compositions containing reduced loadings of relatively harsh anionic surfactants and of fragrance oils, but retaining a spectrum of functional properties perceived by consumers as desirable. The compositions include lower concentrations of anionic surfactants compared to standard bathing gel compositions, but the addition of quantities of a long-chain alkyl, hydroxyalkyl cellulose derivative to the composition preserves or enhances functional properties such as viscosity, skin mildness, foam generation on lathering, subjective perceived cleansing appreciation, and fragrance performance. The bathing gels provide an environmental benefit such as reduced surfactant loading, biodegradability, and aquatic toxicity of wastewater streams when used in the place of standard bathing gels.