A viscosity building composition is described. The viscosity building composition comprises a fatty alcohol in combination with one or more polyglyceryl esters. In one embodiment, the composition contains a fatty alcohol in combination with a polyglyceryl monoester. In an alternative embodiment, the composition contains a fatty alcohol combined with a polyglyceryl polyester, such as a polyglyceryl diester or a polyglyceryl triester. In still another embodiment, the composition comprises a fatty alcohol mixed with a blend of polyglyceryl esters. The blend may include at least one polyglyceryl monoester in combination with at least one polyglyceryl polyester, such as a diester, triester, tetraester or decaester. The polyglyceryl polyester is present generally in an amount greater than the monoester. In an alternative embodiment, the blend may include two or more polyglyceryl polyesters. The blend of polyglyceryl esters has been found to dramatically enhance the ability of the fatty alcohol to increase viscosity and build body in personal care products.