These compounds as well as certain other similarly alkoxylated compounds, for example, a compound of the formula: ##STR2## wherein R2 and R3 are each, independently an alkyl substituent of 8 to 15 carbon atoms, R is an ethyl or propyl substituent, and n is from about 50 to 200, may be used in sodium stearate based stick gels to enhance transparency, minimize syneresis and/or increase the setting p