Synthetic detergent formulations are made by spray drying an aqueous dispersion or emulsion of a synthetic detergent and a hydrophobic plasticiser and optionally a filler to produce a particulate product. In particular the synthetic detergent includes mild surfactants such a fatty isethionate or sulphosuccinate surfactants. By spray drying the emulsion or dispersion, a particularly uniform product is made which can readily be formed into synthetic detergent bars which may include soap to form combination bar products (combi-bars).