Other anionic materials include alkyl ether carboxylates corresponding to the formula R1 --(OCH2 CH2)x --OCH2 --CO2 M wherein R1 is a saturated or unsaturated, branched or unbranched alkyl or alkenyl group of about 8 to about 24 carbon atoms, x is 1 to 10, and M is a water-soluble cation.