Concentrated fabric conditioner

Abstract

A concentrated fabric conditioner formulation comprising: 10% to 85% by weight of a fabric softening active; and a preservative composition comprising at least two ingredients selected from aromatic alcohols and / or carboxylic acids.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention is in the field of concentrated fabric conditioners. Background Art

[0002] Concentrated fabric conditioners are fabric conditioners that contain high levels of fabric softening actives. Formulating such formulations into suitable consumer products is challenging due to the high levels of actives leading to problems such as stability. A particularly challenging aspect for concentrated formulations is preservation. Many known preservatives are insoluble in non-aqueous solvents or cause turbidity / precipitation in concentrated fabric conditioner compositions. Of particular importance is preservation against fungi, such as Aspergillus brasiliensis. Summary of the invention

[0003] It has been found that by using a preservative combination of at least two components selected from aromatic alcohols and / or carboxylic acids, a stable formulation can be obtained with improved preservative efficacy.

[0004] Thus, in one aspect of the present invention there is provided a concentrated fabric conditioner formulation comprising:

[0005] a) 10 to 85% by weight of fabric softening active substances;

[0006] b) A preservative composition comprising at least two components selected from aromatic alcohols and / or carboxylic acids.

[0007] The present invention also relates to a method for preserving concentrated fabric conditioners, wherein an aromatic alcohol and a carboxylic acid are added to the concentrated fabric conditioner.

[0008] In another aspect of the present invention there is provided the use of an aromatic alcohol and a carboxylic acid for preserving concentrated fabric conditioners. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0009] By reading the following detailed description and the appended claims, these and other aspects, features and advantages will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. For the avoidance of doubt, any feature of one aspect of the present invention may be used in any other aspect of the present invention. The word "comprising" is intended to mean "including", but not necessarily "consisting of" or "consisting of". In other words, the steps or options listed do not need to be exhaustive. It should be noted that the examples given in the following description are intended to illustrate the present invention and do not mean that the present invention is limited to these examples themselves. Similarly, unless otherwise stated, all percentages are weight / weight percentages. Except in the operating examples and comparative examples, or in the case of otherwise clearly stated, all numbers in the specification indicating the amount of material or reaction conditions, the physical properties of the material and / or the use should be understood to be modified by the word "about". The numerical range expressed in the "x to y" format should be understood to include x and y. When multiple preferred ranges are described in the form of "x to y" for a particular feature, it should be understood that all ranges combining different endpoints are also considered.

[0010] Fabric softening actives

[0011] The fabric conditioners described herein comprise a fabric softening active. The fabric softening active is a cationic material. The fabric conditioners described herein preferably comprise a quaternary ammonium compound (QAC).

[0012] QAC preferably comprises at least one chain derived from fatty acid, more preferably at least two chains derived from fatty acid. Generally, fatty acid is defined as an aliphatic monocarboxylic acid with a chain of 4 to 28 carbons. Fatty acid can be derived from various sources, such as tallow or plant sources. Preferably, the fatty acid chain is derived from plants. Preferably, the fatty acid chain of QAC comprises 10 to 50 wt % of saturated C18 chains and 5 to 40 wt % of monounsaturated C18 chains of the total fatty acid chain weight. In a further preferred embodiment, the fatty acid chain of QAC comprises 20 to 40 wt %, preferably 25 to 35 wt % of saturated C18 chains and 10 to 35 wt %, preferably 15 to 30 wt % of monounsaturated C18 chains of the total fatty acid chain weight.

[0013] Preferred quaternary ammonium fabric softening actives for use in the compositions of the present invention are the so-called "esterquats" or ester-linked quaternary ammonium compounds. Particularly preferred materials are ester-linked triethanolamine (TEA) quaternary ammonium compounds, which contain a mixture of mono-, di- and triester-linked components.

[0014] Typically, TEA-based fabric softening compounds comprise a mixture of mono-, diester and triester forms of the compound, wherein the diester-linked components comprise no more than 70 wt %, preferably no more than 60 wt %, for example no more than 55 wt %, or even no more than 45 wt % of the fabric softening compound, and at least 10 wt % of the mono-ester-linked components.

[0015] The first group of quaternary ammonium compounds (QAC) suitable for use in the present invention is represented by formula (I):

[0016]

[0017] wherein each R is independently selected from a C5 to C35 alkyl or alkenyl group; 1 represents C1 to C4 alkyl, C2 to C4 alkenyl or C1 to C4 hydroxyalkyl; T may be O-CO (i.e., an ester group bonded to R via its carbon atom), or alternatively may be CO-O (i.e., an ester group bonded to R via its oxygen atom); n is a number selected from 1 to 4; m is a number selected from 1, 2 or 3; and X- is an anionic counterion, such as a halide or an alkyl sulfate, for example chloride or methyl sulfate. The diester variant of formula I (i.e., m=2) is preferred and generally has monoester and triester analogs associated therewith. Such materials are particularly suitable for use in the present invention.

[0018] Suitable actives include soft quaternary ammonium actives such as Stepantex VT90, Rewoquat WE18 (ex Evonik) and Tetranyl L1 / 90N, Tetranyl L190 SP and Tetranyl L190S (all ex Kao).

[0019] Also suitable are active substances enriched in the diester of triethanolammonium methylsulfate, otherwise known as "TEA esterquats".

[0020] Commercial examples include Preapagen TM TQL (from Clariant) and Tetranyl TM AHT-1 (from Kao) (both di-[hardened tallow ester] of triethanolammonium methylsulfate), AT-1 (di-[tallow ester] of triethanolammonium methylsulfate) and L5 / 90 (di-[palmityl ester] of triethanolammonium methylsulfate) (both from Kao) and Rewoquat TM WE15 (diester of triethanolammonium methylsulfate with fatty acyl residues derived from C10-C20 and C16-C18 unsaturated fatty acids) (from Evonik).

[0021] A second group of QACs suitable for use in the present invention is represented by formula (II):

[0022]

[0023] Each R 1 The groups are independently selected from C1 to C4 alkyl, hydroxyalkyl or C2 to C4 alkenyl; and wherein each R 2 The groups are independently selected from C8 to C28 alkyl or alkenyl; and wherein n, T and X- are as defined above.

[0024] Preferred materials of this second group include 1,2-bis[tallowyloxy]-3-trimethylammonium propane chloride, 1,2-bis[hardened tallowyloxy]-3-trimethylammonium propane chloride, 1,2-bis[oleoyloxy]-3-trimethylammonium propane chloride and 1,2-bis[stearoyloxy]-3-trimethylammonium propane chloride. Such materials are described in US 4,137,180 (Lever Brothers). Preferably, these materials also contain a certain amount of the corresponding monoester.

[0025] A third group of QACs suitable for use in the present invention is represented by formula (III):

[0026] (R 1 ) 2 -N + -[(CH 2 ) n -TR 2 ] 2 X - (III)

[0027] Each R 1 The groups are independently selected from C1 to C4 alkyl or C2 to C4 alkenyl; and wherein each R 2 The groups are independently selected from C8 to C28 alkyl or alkenyl groups; and n, T and X- are as defined above. Preferred materials of this third group include bis(2-tallowyloxyethyl)dimethylammonium chloride, and partially hardened and hardened forms thereof.

[0028] A specific example of the third group of QACs is represented by formula (IV):

[0029]

[0030] A fourth group of QACs suitable for use in the present invention is represented by formula (V):

[0031]

[0032] R 1 and R 2 Independently selected from C10 to C22 alkyl or alkenyl, preferably C14 to C20 alkyl or alkenyl. X- is as defined above.

[0033] The iodine value of the quaternary ammonium fabric conditioning material is preferably from 0 to 80, more preferably from 0 to 60, and most preferably from 0 to 45. The iodine value can be selected appropriately. Substantially saturated materials having an iodine value of from 0 to 5, preferably from 0 to 1, can be used in the compositions of the present invention. Such materials are referred to as "hardened" quaternary ammonium compounds.

[0034] A further preferred iodine value range is from 20 to 60, preferably from 25 to 50, more preferably from 30 to 45. This type of material is a "soft" triethanolamine quaternary ammonium compound, preferably triethanolamine dialkyl ester methyl sulfate. This ester-linked triethanolamine quaternary ammonium compound contains an unsaturated fatty chain.

[0035] If a mixture of quaternary ammonium materials is present in the composition, the above iodine value represents the average iodine value of the parent fatty acyl compounds or fatty acids of all quaternary ammonium materials present. Similarly, if any saturated quaternary ammonium materials are present in the composition, the iodine value represents the average iodine value of the parent fatty acyl compounds of the fatty acids of all quaternary ammonium materials present.

[0036] Iodine value as used in the context of the present invention refers to the fatty acid used to produce the QAC, the degree of unsaturation present in the material being measured by nmr spectroscopy as described in Anal. Chem. Soc. 34, 1136 (1962) Johnson and Shoolery.

[0037] A further type of softening compound may be a non-ester quaternary ammonium material represented by formula (VI):

[0038]

[0039] Each R 1 The groups are independently selected from C1 to C4 alkyl, hydroxyalkyl or C2 to C4 alkenyl; R 2 The groups are independently selected from C8 to C28 alkyl or alkenyl groups, and X- is as defined above.

[0040] Preferably, the fabric conditioner of the present invention comprises greater than 10 wt% of ester-linked quaternary ammonium compounds, preferably greater than 15 wt% of ester-linked quaternary ammonium compounds, more preferably greater than 25 wt% of ester-linked quaternary ammonium compounds, and most preferably greater than 35 wt% of ester-linked quaternary ammonium compounds by weight of the composition. Preferably, the fabric conditioner of the present invention comprises less than 85 wt% of ester-linked quaternary ammonium compounds, more preferably less than 80 wt% of ester-linked quaternary ammonium compounds, and most preferably less than 70 wt% of ester-linked quaternary ammonium compounds by weight of the composition. Suitably, the fabric conditioner comprises 10 to 85 wt% of ester-linked quaternary ammonium compounds, preferably 15 to 80 wt% of ester-linked quaternary ammonium compounds, more preferably 25 to 70 wt% of ester-linked quaternary ammonium compounds, and most preferably 35 to 70 wt% of ester-linked quaternary ammonium compounds by weight of the composition. Particularly preferred ranges may be 30 to 60 wt% of ester-linked quaternary ammonium compounds and 50 to 80 wt% of ester-linked quaternary ammonium compounds.

[0041] Preservative composition

[0042] The concentrated fabric conditioner described herein comprises a preservative composition comprising at least two ingredients selected from aromatic alcohols and / or carboxylic acids, preferably 2 to 5 ingredients selected from aromatic alcohols and / or carboxylic acids, most preferably 2 to 3 ingredients selected from aromatic alcohols and / or carboxylic acids.

[0043] Concentrated fabric conditioner compositions preferably comprise from 0.01 to 5 wt% preservative, more preferably from 0.05 to 3 wt% preservative, most preferably from 0.1 to 2 wt% preservative by weight of the composition.

[0044] The preservative composition may comprise at least two carboxylic acids, two aromatic alcohols, or a carboxylic acid and an aromatic alcohol. Preferably, the preservative composition comprises at least two carboxylic acids or a carboxylic acid and an aromatic alcohol. More preferably, the preservative composition comprises at least a carboxylic acid and an aromatic alcohol. Most preferably, the preservative composition contains at least a carboxylic acid and an aromatic alcohol.

[0045] The aromatic alcohol can be any compound containing a hydroxyl group (-OH) indirectly bonded to an aromatic hydrocarbon group. Preferably, the alcohol group is bonded to a hydrocarbon chain of 1 to 10 carbon atoms, more preferably 1 to 7 carbon atoms, most preferably 1 to 4 carbon atoms, which is bonded to an aromatic ring. Particularly preferred aromatic alcohols include benzyl alcohol and phenolic alcohol.

[0046] The carboxylic acid may be any compound comprising at least one carboxylic acid group (C(=O)OH). Preferably, the carboxylic acid comprises 1 to 4 carboxylic acid groups, more preferably 1 to 3 carboxylic acid groups. Preferably, the carboxylic acid comprises 1 to 10 carbon atoms, preferably 1 to 7, most preferably 1 to 4 carbon atoms. Examples of preferred carboxylic acids include citric acid and lactic acid. Most preferably, the preservative composition comprises lactic acid.

[0047] Solvents

[0048] The compositions described herein preferably comprise a solvent. The solvent is non-aqueous. Preferably, the solvent is an organic solvent. Preferred organic solvents include hydrocarbons and / or aromatic alcohols. The solvent may comprise a mixture of suitable solvents. Particularly preferred hydrocarbons are hydrocarbons having a carbon chain containing 12 to 18 carbons. Particularly preferred aromatic alcohols are benzyl alcohol.

[0049] Preferably, the composition comprises from 5 to 80 wt% of a solvent as described herein. More preferably, from 10 to 65 wt% solvent, most preferably from 15 to 50 wt% solvent by weight of the composition.

[0050] spices

[0051] The compositions as described herein preferably comprise fragrance. When present, the compositions preferably comprise 0.1 to 30% by weight of fragrance, i.e. free fragrance and / or fragrance microcapsules. As known in the art, free fragrance and fragrance microcapsules provide fragrance to the consumer at different points in the laundry process. It is particularly preferred that the compositions of the present invention comprise a combination of both free fragrance and fragrance microcapsules.

[0052] Preferably, the compositions of the present invention comprise from 0.5 to 30 wt% perfume material, more preferably from 1 to 20 wt% perfume material, most preferably from 1 to 15 wt% perfume material.

[0053] Useful flavor components may include materials of natural and synthetic origin. They include single compounds and mixtures. Specific examples of such components can be found in existing literature, such as Fenaroli's Handbook of Flavor Ingredients, 1975, CRC Press; Synthetic Food Adjuncts, 1947, MB Jacobs, Van Nostrand ed.; or Perfume and Flavor Chemicals, S. Arctander 1969, Montclair, NJ (USA). These substances are well known to those skilled in the art of flavoring, seasoning and / or aromatic consumer products.

[0054] The compositions of the present invention preferably comprise from 0.5 to 20 wt% free perfume, more preferably from 0.5 to 12 wt% free perfume.

[0055] Particularly preferred perfume components are fragrance-releasing perfume components and affinity perfume components. The fragrance-releasing perfume component is defined by a boiling point below 250°C and a LogP greater than 2.5. The affinity perfume component is defined by a boiling point above 250°C and a LogP greater than 2.5. The boiling point is measured at standard pressure (760 mmHg). Preferably, the perfume composition comprises a mixture of fragrance-releasing perfume components and affinity perfume components. The perfume composition may comprise other perfume components.

[0056] It is common for multiple flavor components to be present in free oil flavor compositions. In the compositions used in the present invention, it is envisaged that there are three or more, preferably four or more, more preferably five or more, and most preferably six or more different flavor components. Up to 300 flavor components can be used.

[0057] The composition of the present invention preferably comprises 0.5 to 20 wt% of perfume microcapsules, more preferably 0.5 to 12 wt% of perfume microcapsules. The weight of the microcapsules is the weight of the material as supplied.

[0058] When the perfume component is encapsulated, suitable encapsulating materials may include, but are not limited to, aminoplasts, proteins, polyurethanes, polyacrylates, polymethacrylates, polysaccharides, polyamides, polyolefins, gums, silicones, lipids, modified celluloses, polyphosphates, polystyrenes, polyesters or combinations thereof. Particularly preferred materials are aminoplast microcapsules, such as melamine formaldehyde or urea formaldehyde microcapsules.

[0059] The perfume microcapsules of the present invention may be breakable microcapsules and / or moisture-activated microcapsules. Breakable means that the perfume microcapsules will break when force is applied. Moisture-activated means that the perfume is released in the presence of water. The composition of the present invention preferably comprises breakable microcapsules. Moisture-activated microcapsules may additionally be present. Examples of microcapsules that may be breakable include aminoplast microcapsules.

[0060] The fragrance components contained in the microcapsules may include odoriferous substances and / or pro-fragrance substances.

[0061] Particularly preferred flavor components contained in the microcapsules are release flavor components and affinity flavor components. The release flavor component is defined by a boiling point below 250°C and a LogP greater than 2.5. Preferably, the encapsulated flavor composition comprises at least 20% by weight of the release flavor component, more preferably at least 30% by weight, and most preferably at least 40% by weight of the release flavor component. The affinity flavor component is defined by a boiling point above 250°C and a LogP greater than 2.5. Preferably, the encapsulated flavor composition comprises at least 10% by weight of the affinity flavor component, more preferably at least 20% by weight and most preferably at least 30% by weight of the affinity flavor component. The boiling point is measured at standard pressure (760 mmHg). Preferably, the flavor composition comprises a mixture of the release flavor component and the affinity flavor component. The flavor composition may comprise other flavor components.

[0062] It is common for a plurality of perfume components to be present in the microcapsules. In the compositions used in the present invention, it is envisaged that three or more, preferably four or more, more preferably five or more, and most preferably six or more different perfume components are present in the microcapsules. Up to 300 perfume components may be used.

[0063] The microcapsules may contain perfume components and a carrier for the perfume ingredient, such as zeolite or cyclodextrin.

[0064] Other Ingredients

[0065] The compositions for the purposes described herein may contain other ingredients of fabric conditioner liquids known to those skilled in the art. Among these materials, mention may be made of: defoamers, insect repellents, coloring or tinting dyes, antiviral agents, pH buffers, perfume carriers, hydrotropes, anti-redeposition agents, detergents, polyelectrolytes, shrinkage inhibitors, wrinkle inhibitors, antioxidants, dyes, colorants, sunscreens, corrosion inhibitors, drape-imparting agents, antistatic agents, chelating agents and ironing aids. The products of the present invention may contain pearlescent agents and / or sunscreens. A preferred chelating agent is HEDP, an abbreviation for etidronic acid or 1-hydroxyethane 1,1-diphosphonic acid.

[0066] The composition is non-aqueous, however some water may be present. Preferably less than 20% water, more preferably less than 10% water, and most preferably less than 5% water by weight of the composition.

[0067] Use of the composition

[0068] The compositions described herein are preferably used in the rinse stage of a laundry process. They can be used in their concentrated form and metered into the laundry process. The compositions can be metered into the laundry process using a measuring cap, a pipette, a dropper or any other suitable metering device. Preferably, the compositions are metered into the rinse stage of a laundry process.

[0069] Preferably, the concentrated compositions described herein may be used in unit dose capsules or as a diluted household product.

[0070] If used in unit dose capsules, the compositions described herein may be packaged as unit doses in a water soluble polymer film. Preferably, 2 to 15 ml are encapsulated in a polymer film.

[0071] If used as a diluted household product, this means that the composition is sold to the consumer in concentrated form (as described herein) and the consumer dilutes the product at home. The dilution is carried out with water. For example, the consumer can pour the concentrated product (as described herein) into a container of water to prepare a more diluted product. The dilution is carried out before the laundry process, in other words, the product is metered into the washing machine or container in which the consumer performs laundry. The dilution allows the consumer to follow their normal metering habits. If the composition is used as a diluted household product, preferably the consumer is instructed to dilute using a dilution ratio of the non-aqueous concentrated liquid fabric conditioner composition to water of 1:2 to 1:20, more preferably 1:3 to 1:12. The consumer may preferably be instructed to shake before use. This is particularly preferred if the perfume microcapsules are present in the composition.

[0072] By dilution with water before addition to the laundry process is meant before the product is added to the washing machine or to a container for hand washing, ie the consumer dilutes the product and then adds it to the drum or drawer of a washing machine or to a container for hand washing.

[0073] In one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for preserving a fabric conditioner, in particular preventing the growth of Aspergillus brasiliensis var. niger in a fabric conditioner formulation, wherein a preservative composition comprising at least two ingredients selected from aromatic alcohols and / or carboxylic acids is added to a concentrated fabric conditioner.

[0074] Another aspect of the present invention is the use of a preservative composition comprising at least two ingredients selected from aromatic alcohols and / or carboxylic acids for preserving a concentrated fabric conditioner as described herein.

[0075] Example

[0076] Embodiment 1:

[0077] The compatibility of various preservatives in concentrated fabric conditioner compositions was tested.

[0078] Table 1: Concentrated fabric conditioner compositions

[0079] Element wt.% contains <![CDATA[Fabric softening active substance 1 > 65 <![CDATA[Preservative 2 > 0.8 spices 8 <![CDATA[C 11 -C 13 Isoparaffin]]> 13.1 <![CDATA[C 13 -C 15 Hydrocarbons]]> 13.1

[0080] Fabric softening actives 1 -TEA quaternary ammonium compound

[0081] preservative 2 - See Table 2

[0082] The compositions were prepared by mixing the ingredients in a beaker and then heating to about 65°C for 10 minutes with stirring. The compositions were allowed to stand for one day and then the compositions were visually evaluated.

[0083] Table 2: Results

[0084] preservative Observations Sodium Benzoate Insoluble in solvent Potassium sorbate or calcium sorbate Insoluble in solvent Octanediol Turbidity + particles 2-Phenoxyethanol Turbidity + particles Glyceryl Caprylate and Glyceryl Undecylenate Turbidity + particles Glyceryl Caprylate White precipitate; turbid solution

[0085] Many common preservatives are incompatible with concentrated fabric conditioner compositions.

[0086] Embodiment 2:

[0087] The synergistic effect between aromatic alcohols and carboxylic acids was evaluated.

[0088] Table 3: Concentrated fabric conditioner compositions

[0089] Element wt.% contains <![CDATA[Fabric softening active substance 1 > 65 <![CDATA[Preservative 3 > 0.8 spices 8 <![CDATA[C 11 -C 13 Isoparaffin]]> 13.1 <![CDATA[C 13 -C 15 Hydrocarbons]]> 13.1

[0090] Fabric softening actives 1 -TEA quaternary ammonium compound

[0091] preservative 3 - See Table 4

[0092] The composition was prepared by mixing the ingredients in a beaker and then heating to about 65°C with stirring for 10 minutes.

[0093] The log reduction test of Aspergillus brasiliensis var. niger was performed as follows:

[0094] 1. The fungus Aspergillus brasiliensis var. niger is grown on agar containing a culture medium or food for the fungus.

[0095] 2. When subcultures have confluent growth and good sporulation on agar, extract spores by adding 1 to 5 ml sterile 0.05% polysorbate 80.

[0096] 3. Transfer the "stock" spore suspension into a sterile container.

[0097] 4. After some further processing of the spore suspension, it is diluted with saline to obtain the target concentration of the microorganisms.

[0098] 5. Inoculate the product sample with yeast suspension or mold spore suspension to obtain 10 5 Final concentration of CFU / g product.

[0099] 6. Store the inoculated product at 25 + / - 1°C.

[0100] 7. After the defined incubation period of 2 days is complete, an aliquot of the product is removed and the number of spores remaining in the inoculated product is measured (ultimately measured as mold colonies).

[0101] 8. This is done by plating an aliquot onto a food / medium containing an agar suitable for mold or fungal growth (eg Sabouraud dextrose agar) as an inoculation medium.

[0102] 9. First dilute the aliquot to get countable numbers on agar plates.

[0103] 10. Record the results and report them in log form.

[0104] Table 4: Results

[0105]

[0106]

[0107] In Table 4, the total preservative composition was maintained at 0.8 wt%. Table 4 shows that the preservative composition comprising two components selected from aromatic alcohols and / or carboxylic acids provides improved preservation compared to the two components alone.

Claims

1. A concentrated fabric conditioner formulation comprising: a) 10 to 85 wt. % of a cationic fabric softening active; b) 0.01 wt% to 5 wt% of a preservative composition comprising at least two ingredients selected from aromatic alcohols and / or carboxylic acids; and c) less than 20% by weight of water.

2. A concentrated fabric conditioner composition according to any preceding claim wherein the preservative composition comprises at least a carboxylic acid and an aromatic alcohol.

3. A concentrated fabric conditioner composition according to any preceding claim wherein the preservative composition comprises lactic acid.

4. A concentrated fabric conditioner according to any preceding claim wherein the composition comprises an organic solvent.

5. A concentrated fabric conditioner according to claim 4, wherein the organic solvent comprises a solvent selected from hydrocarbons and / or aromatic alcohols.

6. A unit dose product comprising a concentrated fabric conditioner composition according to claims 1 to 5 encapsulated in a polymeric film.

7. A method of using the concentrated fabric conditioner according to claims 1 to 5, wherein the concentrated fabric conditioner is diluted with water before being added to a laundry process.

8. A method for preserving a concentrated fabric conditioner, wherein a preservative composition comprising at least two ingredients selected from aromatic alcohols and / or carboxylic acids is added to the concentrated fabric conditioner.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein the preservative method is a method of preventing the growth of Aspergillus brasiliensis in a fabric conditioner formulation.

10. Use of a preservative composition comprising at least two ingredients selected from aromatic alcohols and / or carboxylic acids for preserving concentrated fabric conditioners comprising from 10 to 85% by weight of cationic fabric softening actives and less than 20% by weight of water.

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