disclosed are gel deodorant compositions comprising from about 0 . 001 % to about 50 % by weight of a deodorant active , fragrance , or combination thereof ; from about 0 . 01 % to about 20 % by weight of a gellant ; from about 5 % to about 90 % by weight of a polymeric alcohol having at least one free hydroxyl group and also having from about 2 to about 80 alkoxylate radicals wherein the alkoxylate radical contains from about 2 to about 6 carbon atoms ; from about 5 % to about 89 % by weight of a nonpolymeric alcohol having at least two free hydroxyl groups , and also having from about 4 to about 20 carbon atoms , wherein the weight ratio of the polymeric to nonpolymeric alcohol is from about 18 : 1 to about 1 : 5 ; from zero percent to about 10 % by weight of glycerin ; and from about 0 . 01 % to about 89 % by weight of water . also disclosed is a method of controlling malodor associated with perspiration by topical application of any deodorant composition containing a select combination of triclosan and triclocarban . all of these compositions remain clear or translucent over extended periods of time , and provide little or no skin irritation in addition to improved cosmetic benefits such as dry feel , ease of application , emolliency , fragrance longevity , and no powdery residue .