Antimicrobial mixtures with piperitone

Abstract

The present invention primarily relates to the use of a mixture as defined herein as an antimicrobial agent. Moreover, it relates to a mixture as defined herein for use as an antimicrobial agent, to a personal care product, a pharmaceutical product, a home care product or an industrial or institutional cleaning product or a precursor thereof comprising one or more compound(s) of formula (I) as defined herein, and to a mixture comprising or consisting of (i) one or more compound(s) of formula (I) as defined herein and (ii) one or more further antimicrobial agent(s). Finally, it relates to a method as defined herein (i) for inhibiting or preventing the growth of one or more microorganisms on a mammal's skin, and / or (ii) for inhibiting or preventing the growth of one or more microorganisms in a personal care product, a pharmaceutical product, a home care product or an industrial or institutional cleaning product or a precursor thereof, and / or (iii) for inhibiting or preventing the growth of one or more microorganisms on / in a surface.

Description

[0001] Eisenfiihr Speiser

[0002] Munich, 21 November 2025

[0003] Our Ref.: SM 7194-01 WO SOE / PAP

[0004] Applicant: Symrise AG serial Number: Subsequent application based on PCT / EP2024 / 083322 and

[0005] PCT / EP2024 / 083307

[0006] Symrise AG

[0007] MuhlenfeldstraBe 1 , 37603 Holzminden,

[0008] Germany

[0009] Antimicrobial mixtures with piperitone

[0010] The present invention primarily relates to the use of a mixture as defined herein as an antimicrobial agent. Moreover, it relates to a mixture as defined herein for use as an antimicrobial agent, to a personal care product, a pharmaceutical product, a home care product or an industrial or institutional cleaning product or a precursor thereof comprising

[0011] 5 one or more compound(s) of formula (I) as defined herein, and to a mixture comprising or consisting of (i) one or more compound(s) of formula (I) as defined herein and (ii) one or more further antimicrobial agent(s). Finally, it relates to a method as defined herein (i) for inhibiting or preventing the growth of one or more microorganisms on a mammal’s skin and / or (ii) for inhibiting or preventing the growth of one or more microorganisms in a0 personal care product, a pharmaceutical product, a home care product or an industrial or institutional cleaning product or a precursor thereof and / or (iii) for inhibiting or preventing the growth of one or more microorganisms on / in a surface.

[0012] Further aspects of the present invention will arise from the description below, in particular from the examples, as well as from the attached patent claims. 5 Personal care, pharmaceutical, and household products usually contain antimicrobial agents to protect them against microbial decay, increase their shelf-life, and to guarantee safety for the consumer’s health. The aim is to protect consumers of said products from potentially pathogenic microorganisms that might otherwise grow inside the products, and to stop or delay the biological and / or physicochemical deterioration of the product. The preservation of said products can be achieved by chemical, physical or physicochemical methods. The most common strategy is the incorporation of antimicrobial agents into said products. Common antimicrobial agents are, for example, parabens, formaldehyde releasers, isothiazolinones, organic acids, triclosan, phenoxyethanol, and benzyl alcohol. Since natural ingredients are perceived as both sustainable and safe, plant-based antimicrobial agents are preferred by consumers. Some synthetic and plant-based antimicrobial agents, however, have the drawback that they might induce undesirable side effects in consumers. These effects might range from mild skin irritation to allergic reactions to the agents used. Moreover, plant-based antimicrobial agents tend to display weak efficacy against microorganisms. There is thus a large demand for effective antimicrobial agents that avoid the potential drawbacks described above.

[0013] Hence, it was a primary object of the present invention to provide new, preferably plantbased, ingredients that are highly active against a range of common pathogens and, preferably, work well at low concentrations in personal care, pharmaceutical, and household products, and on (human) skin and other surfaces which are contacted with said products. It was a further object of the present invention to provide new combinations of antimicrobial agents that preferably lead to a synergistic improvement of the antimicrobial activity of the resulting mixture. Further objects underlying the present invention follow from the description below and the present patent claims.

[0014] According to a first aspect of the present invention, said objects are achieved by the use of a mixture comprising or consisting of

[0015] (i) one or more compound(s) of formula (I)

[0016] (I), and

[0017] (ii) one or more further antimicrobial agent(s), preferably as defined herein, as an antimicrobial agent, preferably wherein the combined antimicrobial effect of components (i) and (ii) of the mixture is greater than the sum of their individual antimicrobial effects (synergistic antimicrobial effect).

[0018] According to a preferred embodiment of the use according to the invention, the use as an antimicrobial agent is

[0019] (i) for inhibiting or preventing the growth of one or more microorganisms on a mammal’s, preferably human’s, skin, more preferably human axillary skin, and / or

[0020] (ii) for inhibiting or preventing the growth of one or more microorganisms in a personal care product, a pharmaceutical product, a home care product or an industrial or institutional cleaning product or a precursor thereof, and / or

[0021] (iii) for inhibiting or preventing the growth of one or more microorganisms on a surface.

[0022] During the studies underlying the present invention, it was surprisingly found that the compound formula (I) (piperitone, IUPAC: 6-isopropyl-3-methyl-1-cyclohex-2-enone), a natural monoterpene ketone, is particularly well suited to solve the objects according to the present invention as outlined above. Particularly in combination with the one or more further antimicrobial agent(s) of component (ii) of the mixture synergistic antimicrobial effects could be observed.

[0023] Preferably, the one or more microorganisms, whose growth is inhibited or prevented by the mixture used according to the invention, is / are selected from the group consisting of Acinetobacter haemolyticus, Acinetobacter johnsonii, Acinetobacter pittii, Acinetobacter ursingii, Agrobacterium tumefaciens, Anaerococcus octavius, Aspergillus brasiliensis, Aspergillus fumigatus, Bacillus licheniformis, Bacillus subtilis, Brevibacterium epidermidis, Brevundimonas diminuta, Campylobacter coli, Campylobacter jejuni, Candida albicans, Chryseobacterium haifense, Chryseobacterium hominis, Clostridium perfringens, Corynebacterium jeikeium, Corynebacterium xerosis, Cutibacterium acnes, Enterobacter gergoviae, Enterococcus hirae, Epidermophyton floccosum, Escherichia coli, Fannyhessea vaginae, Gardnerella vaginalis, Klebsiella pneumonia, Kokuria oxytoca, Kokuria palustris, Kokuria pneumonia, Kokuria rhizophilia, Malassezia furfur, Malassezia globosa, Malassezia restricta, Malassezia sympodialis, Micrococcus luteus, Moraxella osloensis, Penicillium funiculosum, Peptoniphilus lacrimalis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Pseudomonas cremoricolorata, Pseudomonas fluorescens, Pseudomonas putida, Salmonella enteritidis, Sphingobium yanoikuyae, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus capitis, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus haemolyticus, Staphylococcus hominis, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, Streptococcus agalactiae, Streptococcus pneumonia, Streptococcus pyogenes, Trichophyton mentagrophytes, and Trichophyton rubrum, more preferably is / are selected from the group consisting of Anaerococcus octavius, Aspergillus brasiliensis, Candida albicans, Corynebacterium jeikeium, Corynebacterium xerosis, Cutibacterium acnes, Escherichia coll, Malassezia furfur, Malassezia globosa, Malassezia restricta, Malassezia sympodialis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella enteritidis, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus capitis, Staphylococcus epidermidis, and Staphylococcus hominis, more preferably is / are selected from the group consisting of Aspergillus brasiliensis, Candida albicans, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Cutibacterium acnes, and Staphylococcus hominis, most preferably is / are selected from the group consisting of Aspergillus brasiliensis, Candida albicans, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus.

[0024] Preferably, the personal care or pharmaceutical product, more preferably the personal care product, is selected from the group consisting of face creams, skin creams, moisturizing creams, treatment creams, anti-aging preparations, skin renewing creams, (daily) antiwrinkle face creams, night repair creams, barrier repair creams, anti-aging creams, skin lightening day creams, baby nappy rash creams, aseptic wound creams, skin protection ointments, sun protection soft creams (preferably W / O emulsions and / or with SPF 5 to 50+), skin lotions, body lotions, sprayable body lotions, skin soothing lotions, cleansing lotions, after sun lotions, skin care emulsions, cationic emulsions, pickering emulsions, water-in-oil (W / O) emulsions, oil-in-water (O / W) emulsions, microemulsions, nanoemulsions, deo emulsions, skin balms, face balms, body balms, foot balms, after shave balms, anti-acne balms, barrier repair balms, body gels, moisturizing gels, hydrodispersion gels, clear gels, gel creams, skin oils, body oils, body care oils, face care oils, hair care oils, bath oils, facial oils, dry oils, body butters, whipped body butters, solid skin care concentrates, facial concentrates, serums, anti-aging serums, hydrating serums, essences, tonics, after shave tonics, facial mists, hydrating mists, sheet masks, clay masks, peel-off masks, wash-off masks, sleeping masks, overnight masks, mask powders, exfoliants (chemical or physical), facial cleansing solutions, micellar waters, cleansing wipes, facial washes, facial cleansers, cream facial cleansers, gel facial cleansers, foam facial cleansers, makeup removers, bi-phase lotion makeup removers, micellar water makeup removers, cleansing balm makeup removers, cleansing balms, cleansing oils, powder cleansers, shower gels, shower preparations, liquid washing preparations, soap bars, syndet soap bars, antimicrobial toilet soap bars, liquid soaps, hand washes, bath preparations, foam baths, bath products, bath capsules, bath tablets, bath salts, bath soaps, bath bombs, effervescent bath preparations, deodorants, antiperspirants, deo sticks, antiperspirant sticks, aerosol-based deo sprays, deo pump sprays, deo roll ons, deo creams, deo wipes, deo crystals, human-smell masking applications, shampoos, solid shampoos, sulfate free shampoos, fresh hair shampoos, hair conditioners, leave on hair conditioners, co-washes, hair masks, treatment masks, scalp treatments, sensitive scalp products, hair sprays, hair mousses, hair gels, hair waxes, hair pomades, hair clays, hair creams, styling creams, hair refresher mists, antidandruff hair conditioners, colour protection hair care products, hair serums, hair oils, hair growth treatments, hair colorants, sunscreen lotions, broadband protection sunscreen lotions, sun protection soft creams, after sun gels, after sun balms, self-tanning lotions, self-tanning sprays, self-tanning creams, foundations, liquid foundations, cream foundations, powder foundations, stick foundations, serum foundations, concealers, powders, loose powders, pressed powders, mineral powders, blushes, rouges, cream blushes, powder blushes, liquid blushes, bronzers, highlighters, primers, face primers, eye primers, mascaras, eyeliners, liquid eyeliners, gel eyeliners, pencil eyeliners, powder eyeliners, eyeshadows, cream eyeshadows, pencil eyeshadows, powder eyeshadows, eyebrow pencils, eyebrow gels, eyebrow powders, lipsticks, traditional lipsticks, cream lipsticks, matte lipsticks, liquid lipsticks, lip glosses, lip balms, lip treatment balms, lip liners, lip scrubs, lip stains, shaving foams, shaving creams, shaving gels, shaving oils, after shave balms, beard care, beard oils, beard balms, beard washes, beard waxes, aerosol-based foot sprays, foot pump spray, foot baths, foot creams, foot soaks, hand creams, nail polishes, nail lacquers, base coats, top coats, nail treatments, hardeners nail treatments, cuticle treatments, cuticle oils, intimate sprays, intimate creams, intimate wash lotions, intimate wipes, perfume compositions, eau de parfums, eau de toilettes, colognes, solid perfumes, scented oils, body mists, body splashes, repellents, anti-insect applications, insect repellent lotions, insect repellent sprays, insect repellent solutions, insect repellent creams, mosquito repellents, skin protectant creams, skin protectant ointments, diaper rash creams, barrier creams, hand sanitizers, gel hand sanitizers, liquid spray hand sanitizers, liquids, solutions, lotions, milks, tonics, essences, serums, oils, aerosols, sprays, foams, mousses, pump sprays, atomisers, gels, hydrodispersion gels, moisturizing gels, body gels, styling gels, emulsions, O / W emulsions, W / O emulsions, microemulsions, nanoemulsions, pickering emulsions, cationic emulsions, creams, rich creams, light creams, cold creams, cleansing creams, balms, ointments, pure oils, dry oils, butters, shaving foams, shower foams, hair mousses, pastes, thick creams, powders, loose powders, pressed powders, micropowders, cleansing powders, solids, sticks, bars, crystals, blocks, pencils, compacts, wipes, impregnated non-woven materials, concentrates, tablets, capsules, effervescent tablets, soluble tablets, sheets, mask sheets, clays, mask clays, peel-off bases, waxes, hair waxes, lipstick base waxes, pomades, and jellies.

[0025] According to a particularly preferred embodiment of the use according to the invention, the personal care or pharmaceutical product is selected from the group consisting of skin care products, body care products, skin treatment products, body treatment products, cleansing products, deodorants, antiperspirants, odor control products, hair care products, scalp care products, sunscreens, after-sun products, self-tanning products, makeups, color cosmetics, men’s grooming and shaving products, beard care products, foot care products, hand care products, nail care products, intimate care and cleansing products, fragrance products, repellents, first aid products, skin protectants, and wipes, and / or the home care, industrial or institutional cleaning product is selected from the group consisting of fabric and laundry care products, preferably main detergents, fabric enhancers, fabric softeners, stain removers, laundry pre-treatment products, specialty laundry care products, fabric care products, and ironing aids, hard surface cleaning products, preferably all-purpose cleaners, kitchen cleaners, bathroom cleaners, sanitary cleaners, floor cleaners, glass cleaners, and specialty surface cleaners, dishwashing products, preferably automatic dishwashing products and manual dishwashing products, air care and odour management products, preferably air fresheners, odor eliminators, and scented products, appliance care and maintenance products, wipes, solid cleaning bars, and car care products, preferably exterior and interior car cleaning products.

[0026] Preferred skin care products, body care products, skin treatment products or body treatment products are selected from:

[0027] Creams, lotions, milks, and sprayable emulsions, preferably emulsions (including creams, milks, lotions, balms and sprayable applications) selected from the group consisting of face emulsions, soaking emulsions for wipes, skin and body emulsions, deo emulsions, gel-creams, moisturizing emulsions, soothing emulsions, skin care emulsions, treatment emulsions (acne, sensitive skin), antiaging emulsions, anti-wrinkle emulsions, barrier repair emulsions, skin lightening emulsions, baby nappy rash emulsions, foot emulsions, after shave emulsions, aseptic wound emulsions, cleansing emulsions, after sun emulsions, sun protection emulsions (sun protection factor (SPF) 5 to 50+, preferably SPF 5 to 50), anionic emulsions, nonionic emulsions, cationic emulsions, pickering emulsions, hydrodispersion gels, water-in-oil (W / O) emulsions, oil-in-water (O / W) emulsions, microemulsions, and nanoemulsions, ointments, gels, oils, butters, and concentrates, preferably ointments, more preferably skin protection ointments, preferably skin and body gels (clear or cloudy), more preferably moisturizing gels, hydrodispersion gels, and gel creams, preferably oils, more preferably skin oils, body oils, hair oils, face oils, and bath oils (foaming and non-foaming), preferably butters, more preferably body butters, face butters, skin butters, and whipped butters, preferably solid formulations (e.g. sticks and blocks), more preferably cleansing formulations (hair and body washes), skin care formulations (face, hair, body, and skin care), deo sticks, and antiperspirant sticks, serums, essences, and toners (with and without ethanol) for face, hair, body, and skin care, preferably serums, tonics, mists, and essences (e.g. anti-aging, antiacne, hydrating), and masks and peels (sheets, emulsions, gels, powders, and solids), preferably clay masks, peel-off masks, wash-off masks, sleeping masks, overnight masks, mask powders (preferably to be reconstituted), and exfoliants (chemical or physical).

[0028] Preferred cleansing products are selected from:

[0029] Face, skin, hair, hand, and body cleansing products (surfactant and non-surfactant based products), foams, emulsions, gels, wipes, liquids, balms, bars, soap bars, powders, oils, bi-phase products, and micellar waters, preferably anti-dandruff products, and bath products (powders, capsules, tablets, liquids, solids), preferably bath preparations, foam baths, and bath oils.

[0030] Preferred deodorants, antiperspirants or odor control products are selected from balms, sticks, emulsions, roll-ons, wipes, crystals, aerosol sprays, and pump sprays.

[0031] Preferred hair care products or scalp care products are selected from: Cleansing and conditioning products, preferably shampoos, more preferably solid shampoos, dry shampoos, sulfate free shampoos, and fresh hair shampoos, preferably hair conditioners, more preferably leave on conditioners and rinse off conditioners, preferably anti dandruff preparations, conditioning shampoos (conditioner wash), hair masks, treatment masks, hair oils, colour protection hair care products, hair growth treatments, scalp treatments, and sensitive scalp products, styling and finishing products, preferably pump-sprays, aerosols, pomades, gels, mousses, waxes, clays, and emulsions, and permanent and semi-permanent hair coloration products.

[0032] Preferred sunscreens, after-sun products or self-tanning products are selected from O / W emulsions, W / O emulsions, balms, oils, gels, sprays, bi-phase products, sun protection formulations (SPF 5 to 50+, preferably SPF 5 to 50), sun protection emulsions (SPF 5 to 50+, preferably SPF 5 to 50), and after sun emulsions.

[0033] Preferred makeups or color cosmetics are selected from:

[0034] Face products (decorative cosmetics), preferably foundations (liquids, creams, powders, sticks, and serums), concealers, loose powders, pressed powders, mineral powders, blushes (creams, powders, and liquids), rouges (creams, powders, and liquids), bronzers, highlighters, face primers, and eye primers, eye products, preferably mascaras, eyeliners (liquids, gels, pencils, and powders), eyeshadows (powders, creams, and pencils), eyebrow pencils, eyebrow gels, eyebrow powders, and hair growth formulations, and caring and coloring lip products, preferably sticks, glosses, roll-ons, balms, and pencils.

[0035] Preferred men’s grooming or shaving products or beard care products are selected from foams, O / W emulsions, W / O emulsions, balms, oils, gels, waxes, and sprays.

[0036] Preferred foot care products are selected from aerosol sprays, pump sprays, baths, creams, balms, and gels.

[0037] Preferred hand care products or nail care products are selected from O / W emulsions, W / O emulsions, gels, lacquers, oils, aerosol sprays, pump sprays, nail polishes, nail lacquers, coatings (base and top), nail treatments, preferably hardeners and cuticle treatments, and hand sanitizers. Preferred intimate care products or intimate cleansing products are selected from sprays, emulsions, balms, lotions, wipes, and rinse off formulations.

[0038] Preferred fragrance products are selected from perfume compositions, preferably eau de parfums, eau de toilettes, and colognes, solid perfumes, scented oils, body mists, and body splashes.

[0039] Preferred repellents are selected from general repellents, anti-insect applications, insect repellent lotions, sprays, solutions, creams, and mosquito repellents.

[0040] Preferred first aid products or skin protectants are selected from skin protectant creams, skin protectant ointments, preferably diaper rash creams and barrier creams.

[0041] The personal care or pharmaceutical product can, for instance, take the physical form of a liquid, preferably a solution, lotion, milk, tonic, essence, serum or oil, an aerosol, preferably a spray, foam, or mousse, a pump spray, an atomiser, a gel, preferably a hydrodispersion, moisturizing gel, body gel or styling gel, an emulsion, preferably an O / W emulsion, W / O emulsion, microemulsion, nanoemulsion, pickering emulsion or cationic emulsion, a cream, preferably a rich, light or cold cream or a cleansing cream, a lotion, a balm, an ointment, an oil, preferably a pure oil or dry oil, a butter, preferably a body butter, a foam, preferably a shaving foam, shower foam or hair mousse, a paste, preferably a thick cream, a powder, preferably a loose, pressed or micro-powder or a cleansing powder, a solid, preferably a stick, bar, crystal, block, pencil or compact, a wipe, preferably an impregnated non-woven material, a concentrate, a tablet or a capsule, preferably with effervescent or soluble properties, a sheet (masks), an emulsion (masks), a peel-off base, a wax, preferably a hair wax or lipstick base, a pomade, or a jelly.

[0042] Preferably, the personal care or pharmaceutical product, more preferably the personal care product, is a skin care or cleansing product.

[0043] Preferably, the personal care or pharmaceutical product, more preferably the personal care product, is not an oral care product.

[0044] Preferred main detergents are selected from liquid laundry detergents, powder laundry detergents, pods (e.g. single-dose), packs (e.g. single-dose), solid cleansing bars, and detergent sheets. Preferred fabric enhancers or fabric softeners are selected from liquid fabric softeners, dryer sheets, and scent boosters (e.g. beads, crystals).

[0045] Preferred stain removers or laundry pre-treatment products are selected from sprays, gels, sticks, and chlorine and non-chlorine bleaches.

[0046] Preferred specialty laundry care products or fabric care products are selected from wool detergents, delicate wash detergents, color care detergents, sportswear detergents (especially for odor removal), laundry sanitizers, hygiene wash detergents, waterproofing additives, fabric treatment additives, and color protecting I improving sheets (black and white).

[0047] Preferred ironing aids are selected from spray starches and wrinkle release sprays.

[0048] Preferred all-purpose cleaners are selected from ready-to-use sprays, all-purpose sprays, concentrates (solids and dilutable liquids), wipes, and multi-surface gels.

[0049] Preferred kitchen cleaners are selected from degreasers (e.g. heavy duty), fat solver cleaners (e.g. heavy duty), oven cleaners, microwave cleaners, stainless steel polishes, stainless steel cleaners, and wipes.

[0050] Preferred bathroom cleaners or sanitary cleaners are selected from toilet bowl cleaners, preferably in the form of liquids, gels, and pucks, tub and tile cleaners, porcelain cleaners, ceramic cleaners, shower cleaners, grout and mildew cleaners, limescale removers, chalk removers, and hard water deposit removers.

[0051] Preferred floor cleaners are selected from hardwood cleaners, parquet cleaners, wood cleaners, laminate cleaners, vinyl cleaners, linoleum cleaners, stone cleaners, tile floor cleaners, cork cleaners, high gloss floor cleaners, polishes, waxes, carpet cleaners, preferably spot cleaners and foam shampoos.

[0052] Preferred glass cleaners or specialty surface cleaners are selected from alcohol-based glass cleaners, alcohol-free glass cleaners, electronic screen cleaners, leather cleaners, leather conditioners, wood furniture polishes, and waxes. Preferred automatic dishwashing products are selected from solid dish wash formulations, preferably pods, tablets, sheets, and powders, liquid dish wash formulations, preferably liquids, gels, and concentrates, rinse aids, dishwasher cleaners, and dishwasher descalers.

[0053] Preferred manual dishwashing products (hand dish wash products) are selected from liquid dish wash formulations, concentrated dish wash formulations, and solid dish wash formulations, preferably bars, soaps, and pastes.

[0054] Preferred air fresheners are selected from aerosol sprays, plug-in oils I warmers, gels, solids, reed diffusers, and oils.

[0055] Preferred odor eliminators are selected from fabric odor eliminating sprays, room odor eliminating sprays, enzymatic odor killers, charcoal absorbers, and baking soda absorbers.

[0056] Preferred scented products are selected from scented candles, wax melts I warmers, and essential oil diffusers.

[0057] Preferred appliance care and maintenance products are selected from washing machine cleaners, washing machine sanitizers, refrigerator deodorizers, and small appliance descalers.

[0058] Preferred wipes are selected from general purpose pre-moistened wipes, disinfecting premoistened wipes, and specialty pre-moistened wipes.

[0059] Preferred exterior car cleaning products are selected from car shampoos, car wash products, car wax products, snow foams, pre-wash cleaners, wheel cleaners, tire cleaners, degreasers, bug removers, tar removers, glass cleaners, and engine cleaners.

[0060] Preferred interior car cleaning products are selected from multi-surface interior cleaners, upholstery cleaners, fabric cleaners, leather cleaners, carpet cleaners, dashboard cleaners, glass cleaners, and mirror cleaners.

[0061] According to a preferred embodiment of the use according to the invention, the surface - on which the growth of one or more microorganisms is inhibited or prevented - is a solid surface, preferably selected from the group consisting of kitchen surfaces, bathroom surfaces, drums of washing machines, metal surfaces, glass ceramic surfaces, preferably glass ceramic hobs, cutlery, crockery, wood flooring (solid wood flooring, engineered wood flooring), tiles, laminate, vinyl, ceramic, cork, linoleum, porcelain, stone, concrete, and parquet, or is a non-solid surface, preferably selected from the group consisting of woven and non-woven materials and leathers, more preferably fabrics, carpets, tissues, clothes, sheets, and sponges.

[0062] Preferably, the one or more compound(s) of formula (I) of component (i) of the mixture used according to the invention is / are selected from the group consisting of compound of formula (la) and compound of formula (lb) more preferably component (i) of the mixture used according to the invention is a mixture of the compound of formula (la) and the compound of formula (lb), most preferably component (i) of the mixture used according to the invention is a mixture of the compound of formula (la) and the compound of formula (lb) comprising more than 50 or 60 or 70 or 80 or 90 or 95 or 99 wt.% of the compound of formula (lb), particularly preferably comprising more than 80 wt.% of the compound of formula (lb), based on the total weight of component (i).

[0063] According to another preferred embodiment, component (i) of the mixture used according to the invention (essentially) consists of a mixture of the compound of formula (la) and the compound of formula (lb) and contains more than 50 or 60 or 70 or 80 or 90 or 95 or 99 wt.% of the compound of formula (lb), most preferably contains more than 80 wt.% of the compound of formula (lb), based on the total weight of component (i).

[0064] The compound of formula (la) used according to the present invention represents D- piperitone (S(+)-piperitone, (6S)-3-Methyl-6-propan-2-ylcyclohex-2-en-1-one, CAS No. 6091-50-5). It is commercially available from e.g. Alfa Chemistry. The compound of formula (lb) used according to the present invention represents L- piperitone (R(-)-piperitone, (6R)-3-Methyl-6-propan-2-ylcyclohex-2-en-1-one, CAS No. 4573-50-6). It is commercially available from e.g. Merck.

[0065] D / L (R / S) mixtures of piperitone, i.e. mixtures of the compound of formula (la) and the compound of formula (lb), are registered in the CAS Registry Database under the CAS No. 89-81-6. They are commercially available e.g. from Merck. Preferred according to the present invention is the use of D / L (R / S) mixtures of piperitone comprising more than 50 or 60 or 70 or 80 or 90 or 95 or 99 wt.% of L-piperitone (CAS No. 4573-50-6), based on the total weight of the respective D / L mixture of piperitone, as compounds of formula (I) as defined herein. Particularly preferred according to the present invention is the use of a D / L (R / S) mixture of piperitone comprising more than 80 wt.% of L-piperitone (CAS No. 4573- 50-6), based on the total weight of the D / L mixture of piperitone, as compounds of formula (I) as defined herein.

[0066] Both enantiomers of the compound of formula (I), piperitone, occur naturally. In eucalyptus species, D-piperitone is more present, and in mint species, L-piperitone is dominantly found.

[0067] Preferably, the one or more further antimicrobial agent(s) of constituent (ii) of the mixture used according to the invention is / are selected from the group consisting of organic acids and salts thereof, aromatic acids and salts and derivatives thereof, glycerin derivatives, sorbitan derivatives, aromatic alcohols, aliphatic alcohols, alkanediols, quaternary ammonium compounds (quats), amides, amines, esters, ethers, halogenated compounds, peptides and derivatives thereof, amino acids and derivatives thereof, compounds comprising C7 ring structures, and essential oils.

[0068] More preferably, the one or more further antimicrobial agent(s) of constituent (ii) of the mixture used according to the invention is / are selected from the group consisting of ascorbic acid and salts thereof, caprylhydroxamic acid, itaconic acid and salts thereof, sorbic acid, potassium sorbate, levulinic acid and salts thereof, citric acid and salts thereof, silver citrate, zinc citrate, phytic acid and salts thereof, pentasodium pentetate, tartaric acid, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid and salts thereof, trisodium dicarboxymethyl alaninate, gluconic acid, sodium gluconate, malic acid and salts thereof, undecylenic acid and salts thereof, etidronic acid and salts thereof, dehydroacetic acid and salts thereof, bile acids and salts thereof (these compounds are preferred organic acids and salts thereof), benzoic acid, sodium benzoate, salicylic acid, triethanolamine salicylate, benzyl salicylate, mandelic acid and salts thereof, butylparaben, ethylparaben, hydroxypropylbenzoate (3-hydroxypropyl benzoate), isobutylparaben, methylparaben, propylparaben, isopropylparaben, anisic acid, sodium anisate (these compounds are preferred aromatic acids and salts and derivatives thereof), cyclohexylglycerin, ethylhexylglycerin, glyceryl caprylate, hexylglycerin, sorbitan caprylate, heptylglycerin, methylheptylglycerin, glyceryl undecylenate, xylityl sesquicaprylate, glyceryl heptanoate (these compounds are preferred glycerin and sorbitan derivatives), 2-benzylheptanol, hydroxyacetophenone (4-hydroxyacetophenone), benzylalcohol, hydroxyethoxyphenyl butanone, hydroxyethoxyphenyl butanol, phenoxyethanol, phenethyl alcohol, o-cymen-5-ol, phenylpropanol, methylbenzylalcohol, thymol, raspberry ketone, honokiol, magnolol, 2-methyl 5- cyclohexylpentanol, farnesol, bisabolol (these compounds are preferred aromatic and aliphatic alcohols), propanediol (1 ,3-propanediol), pentylene glycol (1 ,2-pentanediol), 1 ,2-hexanediol,

[0069] 1 .2-heptanediol, caprylyl glycol (1 ,2-octanediol), 1 ,2-nonanediol, decylene glycol (1 ,2-decanediol), 2,3-pentanediol, 2,3-hexanediol, 2,3-heptanediol, 2,3-octanediol,

[0070] 2.3-nonanediol, methylpropanediol (these compounds are preferred alkanediols), alkyl (C12-22) trimethyl ammonium bromide and chloride, benzalkonium bromide, benzalkonium chloride, benzalkonium saccarinate, benzethoniumchloride, cetylpyridinium chloride, triethanolamine salicylate (these compounds are preferred quaternary ammonium compounds (quats)), hexamidine, hexamidine diisethionate, methylisothiazolinone, diazolidinyl urea, piroctone olamine (these compounds are preferred amides and amines), benzyl salicylate, TEA salicylate, propanediol caprylate (3-hydroxypropyl octanoate), propanediol undecylenate (3-hydroxypropyl undec-10-enoate), 3- hydroxypropyl anisate, propanediol caprate (3-hydroxypropyl decanoate), butyllactate, maltol, caprylyl glyceryl ether (these compounds are preferred esters and ethers), chlorhexidin, chlorhexidin diacetate, chlorhexidine digluconate, chlorhexidine dihydrochloride, chlorocresol, chloroxylenol, chlorphenesin, iodopropynyl butylcarbamate, methylchloroisothiazolinone, silver chloride, triclocarban, triclosan, climbazole (these compounds are preferred halogenated compounds), Nisin, polylysine, polyarginine, capryloyl glycine, PCA ethyl cocoyl arginate, undecylenoyl glycine, carnosine, peptides with 2 to 15 amino acids, preferably peptides with 2 to 10 amino acids, more preferably peptides with 2 to 6 amino acids, most preferably peptides with 2 or 3 amino acids (these compounds are preferred peptides and derivatives thereof and preferred amino acids and derivatives thereof), hinokitiol, tropolone (these compounds are preferred compounds comprising C7 ring structures), and lemongrass oil, cinnamon bark extract, cinnamon leave extract, eucalyptus oil dives, bergamot oil, black cumin oil, cassia leave oil, cinnamon cassia bark oil, citronella oil, clary sage oil, camomile oil, copaiba oil, fennel oil, galbanum oil, geranium oil, hiba oil, juniperberry oil, lavender oil, lemongrass oil, litsea cubeba oil, magnolia oil, mandarin oil, melissa oil, olibanum oil, orange oil, oregano oil, palmarosa oil, patchouli oil, rosemary oil, sage oil, tea tree oil, thyme oil, and vetiver oil (these compounds are preferred essential oils).

[0071] Preferably, the one or more peptide(s) of constituent (ii) of the mixture used according to the invention is / are selected from the group consisting of oligopeptides, decapeptides, nonapeptides, octapeptides, heptapeptides, hexapeptides, pentapeptides, tetrapeptides, tripeptides, dipeptides, and mixture of (said) peptides. They can be in enriched or purified form or a mixture as e.g. obtainable by enzymatic protein hydrolysis.

[0072] Most preferably, the one or more further antimicrobial agent(s) of constituent (ii) of the mixture used according to the invention is / are selected from the group consisting of sodium gluconate, phytic acid, sodium phytate, tetrasodium glutamate diacetate, potassium sorbate, lactic acid, disodium ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, caprylhydroxamic acid (these compounds are the most preferred organic acids and salts thereof), sodium benzoate, salicylic acid, hydroxypropylbenzoate (3-hydroxypropyl benzoate), methylparaben, propylparaben, anisic acid, sodium anisate (these compounds are the most preferred aromatic acids and salts and derivatives thereof), ethylhexylglycerin, glyceryl caprylate, methylheptylglycerin (these compounds are the most preferred glycerin and sorbitan derivatives), hydroxyacetophenone (4-hydroxyacetophenone), benzylalcohol, phenoxyethanol, o-cymen-5-ol, 2-methyl 5-cyclohexylpentanol, farnesol, bisabolol (these compounds are the most preferred aromatic and aliphatic alcohols), propanediol (1 ,3-propanediol), pentylene glycol (1 ,2-pentanediol), 1 ,2-hexanediol, 1 ,2-heptanediol, caprylyl glycol (1 ,2-octanediol), 1 ,2-nonanediol, decylene glycol (1 ,2-decanediol) (these compounds are the most preferred alkanediols), benzalkonium chloride (most preferred quaternary ammonium compound (quat)), methylisothiazolinone, piroctone olamine (these compounds are the most preferred amides and amines), propanediol caprylate (3-hydroxypropyl octanoate), propanediol undecylenate (3- hydroxypropyl undec-10-enoate), butyllactate, maltol (these compounds are the most preferred esters and ethers), iodopropylnyl butylcarbamate, triclosan, climbazole (these compounds are the most preferred halogenated compounds),

[0073] Nisin, carnosine, and capryloyl glycine (these compounds are the most preferred peptides and derivatives thereof and amino acids and derivatives thereof), and bergamot oil, black cumin oil, cinnamon cassia bark oil, lavender oil, lemongrass oil, litsea cubeba oil, magnolia oil, orange oil, rosemary oil, and sage oil (these compounds are the most preferred essential oils).

[0074] Preferably, the mixture used according to the invention is a mixture according to the invention as defined herein.

[0075] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a mixture comprising or consisting of

[0076] (i) one or more compound(s) of formula (I)

[0077] (I), and

[0078] (ii) one or more further antimicrobial agent(s), preferably as defined herein, for use as an antimicrobial agent, preferably for inhibiting or preventing the growth of one or more microorganisms on a mammal’s, preferably human’s, skin, more preferably human axillary skin.

[0079] Another aspect of the present invention relates to the non-therapeutic (cosmetic) use of a mixture as defined herein as an antimicrobial agent for inhibiting or preventing the growth of one or more microorganisms on a mammal’s, preferably human’s, skin, more preferably human axillary skin, most preferably to the use of a mixture as defined herein as a deodorant active.

[0080] Another aspect of the present invention relates to the non-therapeutic (cosmetic) use of one or more compound(s) of formula (I) as defined herein as antimicrobial agent(s) for inhibiting or preventing the growth of one or more microorganisms on a mammal’s, preferably human’s, skin, more preferably human axillary skin, most preferably to the use of one or more compound(s) of formula (I) as defined herein as deodorant active(s).

[0081] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a personal care product, pharmaceutical product, home care product or industrial or institutional cleaning product or a precursor thereof comprising one or more compound(s) of formula (I)

[0082] (I), wherein the product or precursor thereof comprises a total amount of said compound(s) of formula (I) in a range of from 0.01 to 5 wt.%, preferably of 0.03 to 2.5 wt.%, more preferably of 0.05 to 1 wt.%, most preferably of 0.15 to 1 wt.%, based on the total weight of the product or precursor thereof.

[0083] According to a preferred embodiment of the product or precursor thereof according to the present invention, the one or more compound(s) of formula (I) contained in the product or precursor thereof is / are selected from the group consisting of compound of formula (la) and compound of formula (lb)

[0084] (la) (lb), more preferably the product or precursor thereof comprises both the compound of formula (la) and the compound of formula (lb), most preferably the product or precursor thereof comprises both the compound of formula (la) and the compound of formula (lb) and comprises more than 50 or 60 or 70 or 80 or 90 or 95 or 99 wt.% of the compound of formula (lb), particularly preferably comprises more than 80 wt.% of the compound of formula (lb), based on the total weight of the compound of formula (la) and the compound of formula (lb) contained in the product or precursor thereof.

[0085] Preferably, the personal care or pharmaceutical product according to the invention is selected from the group consisting of skin care products, body care products, skin treatment products, body treatment products, cleansing products, deodorants, antiperspirants, odor control products, hair care products, scalp care products, sunscreens, after-sun products, self-tanning products, makeups, color cosmetics, men’s grooming and shaving products, beard care products, foot care products, hand care products, nail care products, intimate care and cleansing products, fragrance products, repellents, first aid products, skin protectants, and wipes, and / or the home care, industrial or institutional cleaning product according to the invention is selected from the group consisting of fabric and laundry care products, preferably main detergents, fabric enhancers, fabric softeners, stain removers, laundry pre-treatment products, specialty laundry care products, fabric care products, and ironing aids, hard surface cleaning products, preferably all-purpose cleaners, kitchen cleaners, bathroom cleaners, sanitary cleaners, floor cleaners, glass cleaners, and specialty surface cleaners, dishwashing products, preferably automatic dishwashing products and manual dishwashing products, air care and odour management products, preferably air fresheners, odor eliminators, and scented products, appliance care and maintenance products, wipes, solid cleaning bars, and car care products, preferably exterior and interior car cleaning products.

[0086] Preferably, the personal care or pharmaceutical product according to the invention, more preferably the personal care product according to the invention, is a skin care or cleansing product.

[0087] Particularly preferably, the personal care or pharmaceutical product according to the invention, more preferably the personal care product according to the invention, is not an oral care product.

[0088] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a mixture comprising or (essentially) consisting of

[0089] (i) one or more compound(s) of formula (I)

[0090] (I), and

[0091] (ii) one or more further antimicrobial agent(s), preferably wherein the combined antimicrobial effect of components (i) and (ii) of the mixture is greater than the sum of their individual antimicrobial effects (synergistic antimicrobial effect).

[0092] Preferably, in a mixture according to the invention, the one or more compound(s) of formula (I) of component (i) is / are selected from the group consisting of compound of formula (la) and compound of formula (lb)

[0093] (la) (lb), more preferably component (i) of the mixture according to the invention is a mixture of the compound of formula (la) and the compound of formula (lb), most preferably component (i) of the mixture according to the invention is a mixture of the compound of formula (la) and the compound of formula (lb) comprising more than 50 or 60 or 70 or 80 or 90 or 95 or 99 wt.% of the compound of formula (lb), particularly preferably comprising more than 80 wt.% of the compound of formula (lb), based on the total weight of component (i).

[0094] According to another preferred embodiment, component (i) of the mixture according to the invention (essentially) consists of a mixture of the compound of formula (la) and the compound of formula (lb) and contains more than 50 or 60 or 70 or 80 or 90 or 95 or 99 wt.% of the compound of formula (lb), most preferably contains more than 80 wt.% of the compound of formula (lb), based on the total weight of component (i).

[0095] Preferably, the one or more further antimicrobial agent(s) of constituent (ii) of the mixture according to the invention is / are selected from the group consisting of organic acids and salts thereof, aromatic acids and salts and derivatives thereof, glycerin derivatives, sorbitan derivatives, aromatic alcohols, aliphatic alcohols, alkanediols, quaternary ammonium compounds (quats), amides, amines, esters, ethers, halogenated compounds, peptides and derivatives thereof, amino acids and derivatives thereof, compounds comprising C7 ring structures, and essential oils.

[0096] Most preferably, the one or more further antimicrobial agent(s) of constituent (ii) of the mixture according to the invention are the ones as defined herein for the mixture used according to the invention.

[0097] Preferably, the mixture according to the invention is selected from the group consisting of Piperitone and one or more essential oil(s), Piperitone and Bergamot oil,

[0098] Piperitone and Black cumin oil,

[0099] Piperitone and Cinnamon cassia bark oil,

[0100] Piperitone and Lavender oil,

[0101] Piperitone and Lemongrass oil,

[0102] Piperitone and Litsea Cubeba oil,

[0103] Piperitone and Magolia officinalis bark oil,

[0104] Piperitone and Orange oil,

[0105] Piperitone and Rosemary oil,

[0106] Piperitone and Sage oil,

[0107] Piperitone and Cinnamal (Cinnamaldehyde),

[0108] Piperitone and Citral,

[0109] Piperitone and Caprylhydroxamic Acid,

[0110] Piperitone and Sodium Gluconate,

[0111] Piperitione and Phytic acid,

[0112] Piperitone and Sodium Phytate,

[0113] Piperitone and Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate,

[0114] Piperitone and Potassium Sorbate,

[0115] Piperitone and Lactic acid,

[0116] Piperitone and Disodium Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid,

[0117] Piperitone and Hydroxyacetophenone (4-Hydroxyacetophenone),

[0118] Piperitone and 2-Benzylheptanol,

[0119] Piperitone and Benzylalcohol,

[0120] Piperitone and Sodium Benzoate,

[0121] Piperitone and Salicylic acid,

[0122] Piperitone and Hydroxypropylbenzoate (3-Hydroxypropyl benzoate),

[0123] Piperitone and Methylparaben,

[0124] Piperitone and Propylparaben,

[0125] Piperitone and p-Anisic Acid,

[0126] Piperitone and Butyllactate and p-Anisic Acid

[0127] Piperitone and Sodium Anisate,

[0128] Piperitone and Ethylhexylglycerin,

[0129] Piperitone and Glyceryl Caprylate,

[0130] Piperitone and Methylheptylglycerin,

[0131] Piperitone and Phenoxyethanol,

[0132] Piperitone and Phenethyl Alcohol,

[0133] Piperitone and o-Cymen-5-ol, Piperitone and 2-Methyl 5-cyclohexylpentanol,

[0134] Piperitone and Farnesol,

[0135] Piperitone and Bisabolol,

[0136] Piperitone and Carnosine,

[0137] Piperitone and Propanediol (1 ,3-Propanediol),

[0138] Piperitone and p-Anisic Acid and Propanediol (1 ,3-Propanediol),

[0139] Piperitone and Pentylene Glycol (1 ,2-Pentanediol),

[0140] Piperitone and 1 ,2-Hexanediol,

[0141] Piperitone and 1 ,2-Heptanediol,

[0142] Piperitone and Caprylyl Glycol (1 ,2-Octanediol),

[0143] Piperitone and 1 ,2-Nonanediol,

[0144] Piperitione and Decylene Glycol (1 ,2-Decanediol),

[0145] Piperitone and Benzalkonium chloride,

[0146] Piperitone and Piroctone Olamine,

[0147] Piperitone and Methylisothiazolinone,

[0148] Piperitone and lodopropylyny Butylcarbamate,

[0149] Pipertione and Triclosan,

[0150] Piperitone and Climbazole,

[0151] Piperitone and Propanediol caprylate (3-hydroxypropyl octanoate),

[0152] Piperitone and Propanediol undecylenate (3-hydroxypropyl undec-3 enoate),

[0153] Piperitone and Propanediol caprate (3-hydroxypropyl decanoate),

[0154] Piperitone and Butyllactate,

[0155] Piperitone and Maltol,

[0156] Piperitone and Nisin,

[0157] Piperitone and Capryloyl Glycine,

[0158] Piperitone and Tropolone,

[0159] Pipertione and Hinokitiol,

[0160] Piperitone and Caprylyl Glyceryl Ether,

[0161] Piperitone and Maltol and p-Anisic Acid,

[0162] Piperitone and p-Anisic Acid and Cinnamal,

[0163] Piperitone and p-Anisic Acid and Propanediol (1 ,3-Propanediol),

[0164] Piperitone and p-Anisic Acid and Cinnamal,

[0165] Piperitone and Hinokitiol and p-Anisic Acid,

[0166] Pipertione and Maltol and Cinnamal,

[0167] Pipertione and Hinokitiol and Cinnamal,

[0168] Piperitone and Butyllactate and Cinnamal,

[0169] Piperitone and Propanediol (1 ,3-Propanediol) and Cinnamal, Piperitone and Butyllactate and Maltol,

[0170] Piperitone and Butyllactate and Propanediol (1 ,3-Propanediol),

[0171] Piperitone and Maltol and Ethylhexylglycerin,

[0172] Piperitone and Butyllactate and Glyceryl Caprylate

[0173] Piperitone and Glyceryl Caprylate and Caprylyl Glycol (1 ,2-Octanediol), and Piperitone and p-Anisic Acid and Decylene Glycol (1 ,2-Decanediol).

[0174] According to a preferred embodiment, the mixture according to the invention is contained in a personal care product, a pharmaceutical product, a home care product or an industrial or institutional cleaning product or a precursor thereof or is a personal care product, a pharmaceutical product, a home care product or an industrial or institutional cleaning product or a precursor thereof.

[0175] Preferably, the mixture according to the invention is contained in or is a skin care or cleansing product or a precursor thereof.

[0176] Particularly preferably, the mixture according to the invention is not contained in an oral care product or a precursor thereof or is not an oral care product or a precursor thereof.

[0177] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a method

[0178] (i) for inhibiting or preventing the growth of one or more microorganisms on a mammal’s, preferably human’s, skin, more preferably human axillary skin, and / or

[0179] (ii) for inhibiting or preventing the growth of one or more microorganisms in a personal care product, a pharmaceutical product, a home care product or an industrial or institutional cleaning product or a precursor thereof, and / or

[0180] (iii) for inhibiting or preventing the growth of one or more microorganisms on / in a surface, comprising or consisting of the following steps:

[0181] (a) Providing a mixture according to the invention or the ingredients thereof, or providing one or more compound(s) of formula (I) as defined herein, and

[0182] (b) bringing the mixture or the ingredients thereof, or the one or more compound(s) of formula (I) as defined herein, provided in step (a) (i) in contact with a mammal’s, preferably human’s, skin, more preferably human axillary skin, on which the growth of one or more microorganisms is to be inhibited or prevented, and / or

[0183] (ii) in contact with the other ingredients of the personal care product, the pharmaceutical product, the home care product or the industrial or institutional cleaning product or the precursor thereof, in which the growth of one or more microorganisms is to be inhibited or prevented, and / or

[0184] (iii) in contact with the surface, on / in which the growth of one or more microorganisms is to be inhibited or prevented.

[0185] According to a preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention, the personal care or pharmaceutical product is selected from the group consisting of skin care products, body care products, skin treatment products, body treatment products, cleansing products, deodorants, antiperspirants, odor control products, hair care products, scalp care products, sunscreens, after-sun products, self-tanning products, makeups, color cosmetics, men’s grooming and shaving products, beard care products, foot care products, hand care products, nail care products, intimate care and cleansing products, fragrance products, repellents, first aid products, skin protectants, and wipes, and / or the home care, industrial or institutional cleaning product is selected from the group consisting of fabric and laundry care products, preferably main detergents, fabric enhancers, fabric softeners, stain removers, laundry pre-treatment products, specialty laundry care products, fabric care products, and ironing aids, hard surface cleaning products, preferably all-purpose cleaners, kitchen cleaners, bathroom cleaners, sanitary cleaners, floor cleaners, glass cleaners, and specialty surface cleaners, dishwashing products, preferably automatic dishwashing products and manual dishwashing products, air care and odour management products, preferably air fresheners, odor eliminators, and scented products, appliance care and maintenance products, wipes, solid cleaning bars, and car care products, preferably exterior and interior car cleaning products.

[0186] (Preferred) embodiments of the use according to the invention correspond to or can be derived from the (preferred) embodiments of the mixture for use according to the invention which are explained above or vice versa. (Preferred) embodiments of the use according to the invention correspond to or can be derived from the (preferred) embodiments of the products or precursors thereof according to the invention which are explained above or vice versa. (Preferred) embodiments of the use according to the invention correspond to or can be derived from the (preferred) embodiments of the mixtures according to the invention which are explained above or vice versa. (Preferred) embodiments of the use according to the invention correspond to or can be derived from the (preferred) embodiments of the methods according to the invention which are explained above or vice versa. (Preferred) embodiments of the products or precursors thereof according to the invention correspond to or can be derived from the (preferred) embodiments of the mixtures according to the invention which are explained above or vice versa. Moreover, the (preferred) embodiments described herein can be arbitrarily combined with each other as long as technically sensible.

[0187] The invention will now be described in more detail hereinafter with references to the examples. Further aspects of the present invention are disclosed in the accompanying claims. Unless otherwise stated, all values refer to weight-% (wt.-%).

[0188] Examples:

[0189] The Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) test is a test on growth inhibition. Through the comparison of microbial growth with positive and negative controls via optical density (OD), different concentrations of given test substances are evaluated.

[0190] The test substances (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), caprylhydroxamic acid (CHA), p-anisic acid, ethylhexylglycerin (EHG), 4-hydroxyacetophenone (4-HAP), phenoxyethanol, 1 ,2-hexanediol, 1 ,2-octanediol, triclosan, piperitone) were generally dissolved in water. Where appropriate, dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO), dipropylene glycol (DPG), sodium hydroxide and / or solubilizer (Symrise, Product number 660352, INCI: PEG- 40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Trideceth-9, Propylene Glycol and Aqua) were added to prevent turbidity and to ensure all ingredients were dissolved.

[0191] Microorganisms were cultivated under adjusted conditions based on information of the American Type Culture Collection (ATCC). Afterwards, the following method was applied: Growth medium (according to microorganism) was added to each well of a 96 well plate. Then, test substances were added in 1 :1 dilution steps with medium. Wells only with medium (water controls) and only with used solvents (solvent controls, DMSO, DPG, solubilizer) served as controls. Finally, the microorganisms were added in a concentration of 1 x 106— 1 x 107CFU / ml (CFU = colony forming units). The incubation of the microplates was carried out under the following conditions:

[0192] • Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC9027): 30-35°C for 18h in Mueller-Hinton broth

[0193] • Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC6538): 30-35°C for 18h in Mueller-Hinton broth

[0194] • Escherichia coll (ATCC8739): 30-35°C for 18h in Mueller-Hinton broth

[0195] • Candida albicans (ATCC10231): 20-25°C for 48h in Sabouraud-Dextrose broth

[0196] • Streptococcus mutans (ATCC25175): 35°C for 48 hours in Brain Heart Infusion Broth

[0197] • Cutibacterium acnes (ATCC6919): 30-35°C anaerobically for 48 hours in Reinforced Clostridial Broth

[0198] • Staphylococcus hominis (wt): 30-35°C for 48 hours in Mueller-Hinton Broth

[0199] • Malassezia furfur KK (ATCC14521): 29-31 °C for 72 hours in Modified Dixon Broth

[0200] Each plate was assessed spectrophotometrically at 600 nm (GD600) at the beginning and afterthe respective incubation period for each strain. The inhibitory effect was quantitatively assessed by expressing microbial growth as percentage (%) increase in optical density per strain after subtracting the blank at the final time point, relative to the growth control. Growth not exceeding 10% compared to the control was defined as the threshold for inhibition and thus substance concentrations are labelled either as inhibiting or not. Based on this criterion, the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the test substance was determined as the lowest concentration to prevent the growth of the microorganism in the tested culture volume.

[0201] The synergistic activity of the tested substances was determined by measuring the Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations (MIC) according to the method as described above.

[0202] To calculate the synergy index with MIC values, the Kull equation was used as follows:

[0203] SI = (M ICmixture X PA) I MICA + (M ICmixture X PB) I MICB wherein

[0204] SI is the Synergy Index according to Kull

[0205] MICA is the MIC value for Substance A

[0206] MICB is the MIC value for Substance B

[0207] M ICmixture is the M IC value for the mixture of substances A and B

[0208] PA is the proportion of the substance A in the mixture

[0209] PB is the proportion of the substance B in the mixture

[0210] Table 1 : MIC results for Piperitone against different microorganisms.

[0211] Piperitone itself shows broad antimicrobial efficacy against gram positive (Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus mutans, Cutibacterium acnes) and gram negative (Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa) bacteria as well as on fungi (Candida albicans, Malassezia furfur) (cf. Table 1).

[0212] Table 2: MIC results for Piperitone, EDTA, and a 50:50 mixture of these ingredients.

[0213] Synergy Index (SI) is calculated according to Kull equation given above.

[0214] From these results (Table 2), it is obvious that there is an antimicrobial synergism between piperitone and EDTA for Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA) and Escherichia coli (EC).

[0215] Table 3: MIC results for Piperitone, CHA, and a 50:50 mixture of these ingredients. Synergy Index (SI) is calculated according to Kull equation given above. From these results (Table 3), it is obvious that there is an antimicrobial synergism between piperitone and CHA for Staphylococcus aureus (SA) and Escherichia coli (EC).

[0216] Table 4: MIC results for Piperitone, p-Anisic Acid, and a 50:50 mixture of these ingredients. Synergy Index (SI) is calculated according to Kull equation given above.

[0217] From these results (Table 4), it is obvious that there is an antimicrobial synergism between piperitone and p-Anisic Acid for Escherichia coli (EC).

[0218] Table 5: MIC results for Piperitone, EHG, and a 50:50 mixture of these ingredients. Synergy Index (SI) is calculated according to Kull equation given above.

[0219] From these results (Table 5), it is obvious that there is an antimicrobial synergism between piperitone and EHG for Escherichia coli (EC).

[0220] Table 6: MIC results for Piperitone, 4-hydroxyacetophenone (4-HAP), and a 50:50 mixture of these ingredients. Synergy Index (SI) is calculated according to Kull equation given above.

[0221] From these results (Fehler! Verweisquelle konnte nicht gefunden werden.), it is obvious that there is an antimicrobial synergism between piperitone and 4-hydroxyacetophenone for Staphylococcus aureus (SA), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA), Escherichia coli (EC), and Candida albicans (CA).

[0222] Table 7: MIC results for Piperitone, Phenoxyethanol, and a 50:50 mixture of these ingredients. Synergy Index (SI) is calculated according to Kull equation given above. From these results (Table 7), it is obvious that there is an antimicrobial synergism between piperitone and phenoxyethanol for Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA) and Escherichia coli (EC). Table 8: MIC results for Piperitone, 1 ,2-Hexanediol, and a 50:50 mixture of these ingredients. Synergy Index (SI) is calculated according to Kull equation given above

[0223] From these results (Table 8), it is obvious that there is an antimicrobial synergism between piperitone and 1 ,2-Hexanediol for Escherichia coli (EC).

[0224] Table 9: MIC results for Piperitone, 1 ,2-Octanediol, and a 50:50 mixture of these ingredients. Synergy Index (SI) is calculated according to Kull equation given above

[0225] From these results (Table 9), it is obvious that there is an antimicrobial synergism between piperitone and 1 ,2-octanediol for Escherichia coli (EC) and Candida albicans (CA).

[0226] The results above clearly show that combining piperitone with structurally very different antimicrobials results in clear antimicrobial synergisms.

Claims

Claims:1 . Use of a mixture comprising or consisting of(i) one or more compound(s) of formula (I)(I), and(ii) one or more further antimicrobial agent(s), as an antimicrobial agent, preferably wherein the combined antimicrobial effect of components (i) and (ii) of the mixture is greater than the sum of their individual antimicrobial effects.

2. Use according to claim 1 , wherein the use as an antimicrobial agent is(i) for inhibiting or preventing the growth of one or more microorganisms on a mammal’s, preferably human’s, skin, more preferably human axillary skin, and / or (ii) for inhibiting or preventing the growth of one or more microorganisms in a personal care product, a pharmaceutical product, a home care product or an industrial or institutional cleaning product or a precursor thereof, and / or(iii) for inhibiting or preventing the growth of one or more microorganisms on a surface.

3. Use according to claim 2, wherein the personal care or pharmaceutical product is selected from the group consisting of skin care products, body care products, skin treatment products, body treatment products, cleansing products, deodorants, antiperspirants, odor control products, hair care products, scalp care products, sunscreens, after-sun products, self-tanning products, makeups, color cosmetics, men’s grooming and shaving products, beard care products, foot care products, hand care products, nail care products, intimate care and cleansing products, fragrance products, repellents, first aid products, skin protectants, and wipes, and / or wherein the home care, industrial or institutional cleaning product is selected from the group consisting of fabric and laundry care products, preferably main detergents, fabric enhancers, fabric softeners, stain removers, laundry pre-treatment products, specialty laundry care products, fabric care products, and ironing aids, hard surface cleaning products, preferably all-purpose cleaners, kitchen cleaners, bathroom cleaners, sanitary cleaners, floor cleaners, glass cleaners, and specialty surface cleaners, dishwashing products, preferably automatic dishwashing products and manual dishwashing products, air care and odour management products, preferably air fresheners, odor eliminators, and scented products, appliance care and maintenance products, wipes, solid cleaning bars, and car care products, preferably exterior and interior car cleaning products.

4. Use according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the surface is a solid surface, preferably selected from the group consisting of kitchen surfaces, bathroom surfaces, drums of washing machines, metal surfaces, glass ceramic surfaces, preferably glass ceramic hobs, cutlery, crockery, wood flooring (solid wood flooring, engineered wood flooring), tiles, laminate, vinyl, ceramic, cork, linoleum, porcelain, stone, concrete, and parquet, or is a non-solid surface, preferably selected from the group consisting of woven and non-woven materials and leathers, more preferably fabrics, carpets, tissues, clothes, sheets, and sponges.

5. Use according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the one or more compound(s) of formula (I) of component (i) of the mixture is / are selected from the group consisting of compound of formula (la) and compound of formula (lb)preferably wherein component (i) of the mixture is a mixture of the compound of formula (la) and the compound of formula (lb), more preferably wherein component (i) of the mixture is a mixture of the compound of formula (la) and the compound of formula (lb) comprising more than 80 wt.% of the compound of formula (lb), based on the total weight of component (i).

6. Use according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the one or more further antimicrobial agent(s) of constituent (ii) of the mixture is / are selected from the group consisting of organic acids and salts thereof, aromatic acids and salts and derivatives thereof, glycerin derivatives, sorbitan derivatives, aromatic alcohols, aliphatic alcohols, alkanediols, quaternary ammonium compounds, amides, amines, esters, ethers, halogenated compounds, peptides and derivatives thereof, amino acids and derivatives thereof, compounds comprising C7 ring structures, and essential oils.

7. Mixture comprising or consisting of(i) one or more compound(s) of formula (I)(I), and(ii) one or more further antimicrobial agent(s), preferably as defined in claim 5 or 6, for use as an antimicrobial agent, preferably for inhibiting or preventing the growth of one or more microorganisms on a mammal’s, preferably human’s, skin, more preferably human axillary skin.

8. Personal care product, pharmaceutical product, home care product or industrial or institutional cleaning product or a precursor thereof comprising one or more compound(s) of formula (I)(I), wherein the product or precursor thereof comprises a total amount of said compound(s) of formula (I) in a range of from 0.01 to 5 wt.%, preferably of 0.03 to 2.5 wt.%, more preferably of 0.05 to 1 wt.%, most preferably of 0.15 to 1 wt.%, based on the total weight of the product or precursor thereof.

9. Product according to claim 8, wherein the personal care or pharmaceutical product is selected from the group consisting of skin care products, body care products, skin treatment products, body treatment products, cleansing products, deodorants, antiperspirants, odor control products, hair care products, scalp care products, sunscreens, after-sun products, self-tanning products, makeups, color cosmetics, men’s grooming and shaving products, beard care products, foot care products, hand care products, nail care products, intimate care and cleansing products, fragrance products, repellents, first aid products, skin protectants, and wipes, and / orwherein the home care, industrial or institutional cleaning product is selected from the group consisting of fabric and laundry care products, preferably main detergents, fabric enhancers, fabric softeners, stain removers, laundry pre-treatment products, specialty laundry care products, fabric care products, and ironing aids, hard surface cleaning products, preferably all-purpose cleaners, kitchen cleaners, bathroom cleaners, sanitary cleaners, floor cleaners, glass cleaners, and specialty surface cleaners, dishwashing products, preferably automatic dishwashing products and manual dishwashing products, air care and odour management products, preferably air fresheners, odor eliminators, and scented products, appliance care and maintenance products, wipes, solid cleaning bars, and car care products, preferably exterior and interior car cleaning products.

10. Mixture comprising or consisting of(i) one or more compound(s) of formula (I)(I), and(ii) one or more further antimicrobial agent(s), preferably wherein the combined antimicrobial effect of components (i) and (ii) of the mixture is greater than the sum of their individual antimicrobial effects.11 . Mixture according to claim 10, wherein the one or more compound(s) of formula (I) of component (i) is / are selected from the group consisting of compound of formula (la) and compound of formula (lb)(la) (lb), preferably wherein component (i) is a mixture of the compound of formula (la) and the compound of formula (lb), more preferably wherein component (i) is a mixture of the compound of formula (la) and the compound of formula (lb) comprising more than 80 wt.% of the compound of formula (lb), based on the total weight of component (i).

12. Mixture according to claim 10 or 11 , wherein the one or more further antimicrobial agent(s) of constituent (ii) is / are selected from the group consisting of organic acids and salts thereof, aromatic acids and salts and derivatives thereof, glycerin derivatives, sorbitan derivatives, aromatic alcohols, aliphatic alcohols, alkanediols, quaternary ammonium compounds, amides, amines, esters, ethers, halogenated compounds, peptides and derivatives thereof, amino acids and derivatives thereof, compounds comprising C7 ring structures, and essential oils.

13. Mixture according to any one of the claims 10 to 12, wherein the mixture is contained in a personal care product, a pharmaceutical product, a home care product or an industrial or institutional cleaning product or a precursor thereof or is a personal care product, a pharmaceutical product, a home care product or an industrial or institutional cleaning product or a precursor thereof.

14. Method(i) for inhibiting or preventing the growth of one or more microorganisms on a mammal’s, preferably human’s, skin, more preferably human axillary skin, and / or(ii) for inhibiting or preventing the growth of one or more microorganisms in a personal care product, a pharmaceutical product, a home care product or an industrial or institutional cleaning product or a precursor thereof, and / or(iii) for inhibiting or preventing the growth of one or more microorganisms on / in a surface, comprising or consisting of the following steps:(a) Providing a mixture according to any one of the claims 10 to 13, preferably according to any one of the claims 10 to 12, or the ingredients thereof, and(b) bringing the mixture or the ingredients thereof provided in step (a)(i) in contact with a mammal’s, preferably human’s, skin, more preferably human axillary skin, on which the growth of one or more microorganisms is to be inhibited or prevented, and / or(ii) in contact with the other ingredients of the personal care product, the pharmaceutical product, the home care product or the industrial or institutional cleaning product or the precursor thereof, in which the growth of one or more microorganisms is to be inhibited or prevented, and / or(iii) in contact with the surface, on / in which the growth of one or more microorganisms is to be inhibited or prevented.

15. Method according to claim 14, wherein the personal care or pharmaceutical product is selected from the group consisting of skin care products, body care products, skin treatment products, body treatment products, cleansing products, deodorants, antiperspirants, odor control products, hair care products, scalp care products, sunscreens, after-sun products, self-tanning products, makeups, color cosmetics, men’s grooming and shaving products, beard care products, foot care products, hand care products, nail care products, intimate care and cleansing products, fragrance products, repellents, first aid products, skin protectants, and wipes, and / orwherein the home care, industrial or institutional cleaning product is selected from the group consisting of fabric and laundry care products, preferably main detergents, fabric enhancers, fabric softeners, stain removers, laundry pre-treatment products, specialty laundry care products, fabric care products, and ironing aids, hard surface cleaning products, preferably all-purpose cleaners, kitchen cleaners, bathroom cleaners, sanitary cleaners, floor cleaners, glass cleaners, and specialty surface cleaners, dishwashing products, preferably automatic dishwashing products and manual dishwashing products, air care and odour management products, preferably air fresheners, odor eliminators, and scented products, appliance care and maintenance products, wipes, solid cleaning bars, and car care products, preferably exterior and interior car cleaning products.

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