Solid cleaning composition

Abstract

The present invention provides a solid cleaning composition comprising at least a first surfactant and a second surfactant wherein the combined weight of the first surfactant and the second surfactant is at least about 60% by weight based on the total weight of the solid cleaning composition. The solid cleaning composition may be in powder form.

Description

1. Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to improved cleaning compositions, and in particular solid cleaning compositions. Such cleaning compositions are substantially free of sulfate surfactants, are soluble in the presence of fluids such as water, and may be in powder form in some aspects. In certain aspects, the cleaning compositions of the present disclosure may be combined with fluids such as water and reconstituted prior to use. 2. Background technology

[0002] Cleaning products have various forms, including liquid forms. Liquid detergents contain a large amount of water (generally greater than 70%), are prone to leakage and overflow, and generally require larger packaging, such as bottles, tubes and cans. Therefore, when a large amount of liquid detergents are shipped to all parts of the world, they may cause higher negative environmental impacts, and may be less convenient for users. Therefore, in some cases, it is preferred to use solid cleaning products that are soluble and rehydratable in the presence of fluids such as water. Such solid detergents can be more environmentally friendly by using less plastics, because they can be sold in smaller packaging, such as pouches, packets, stick packages and protective bags. In addition, solid detergents can consume less energy during their manufacturing process, because less batch processing is required to meet demand, and the process does not generally require heating. However, the preparation and manufacture of solid cleaning products may also be challenging, for example because they require ingredients in specific solid forms, which are also easily blended into the final uniform product.

[0003] Therefore, there is a need for improved solid cleaning products, particularly solid cleaning products in powder form, which are gentle enough to be used on a user's skin, which are dissolvable in the presence of a fluid such as water, and which provide the desired level of cleaning without feeling harsh, dry, or irritating the user's skin. There is also a need for solid cleaning products that have less impact on the environment than other cleaning product forms. The present disclosure addresses these and other needs. 3. Summary of the invention

[0004] The subject matter disclosed herein provides a solid cleaning composition. The solid cleaning composition comprises at least a first surfactant and at least a second surfactant. The first surfactant is present by weight of the first surfactant. The second surfactant is present by weight of the second surfactant. Based on the total weight of the solid cleaning composition, the combined weight of the first surfactant and the second surfactant is at least about 60 wt%. The solid cleaning composition is in powder form.

[0005] In certain embodiments, the combined weight of the first surfactant and the second surfactant is from about 60 wt % to about 90 wt %, based on the total weight of the solid cleaning composition.

[0006] In certain embodiments, the first surfactant weight and the second surfactant weight can be approximately equal to each other.

[0007] In certain embodiments, the first surfactant and the second surfactant may have the same ionic nature.

[0008] In certain embodiments, the first surfactant and the second surfactant may be selected from anionic surfactants, nonionic surfactants, cationic surfactants, or amphoteric surfactants.

[0009] In certain embodiments, the first surfactant may be taurate.

[0010] In certain embodiments, the second surfactant may be an isethionate salt.

[0011] In certain embodiments, the solid cleaning compositions may be substantially free of sulfate surfactants.

[0012] In certain embodiments, the solid cleaning composition may further comprise one or more pH adjusters including citric acid, magnesium sulfate, or a combination thereof.

[0013] In certain embodiments, solid cleaning compositions are soluble in liquids.

[0014] The subject matter disclosed herein also provides a kit. The kit includes a solid cleaning composition and a container. The solid cleaning composition comprises at least a first surfactant and at least a second surfactant. Based on the total weight of the solid cleaning composition, the combined weight of the first surfactant and the second surfactant is at least about 60 weight %. The solid cleaning composition is in powder form. The container is configured to hold a liquid.

[0015] The subject matter disclosed herein also provides a cleaning product. The cleaning product comprises: based on the total weight of the cleaning product, about 2 wt % to about 20 wt % of a solid cleaning composition and about 80 wt % to about 98 wt % of a liquid. The solid cleaning composition comprises at least a first surfactant and at least a second surfactant. Based on the total weight of the solid cleaning composition, the combined weight of the first surfactant and the second surfactant is at least about 60 wt %. The solid cleaning composition is in powder form. The cleaning composition is dissolved in the liquid. 4. Specific implementation methods

[0016] The subject matter disclosed herein relates to improved solid cleaning compositions, which advantageously provide the desired cleaning level to the user. Based on the gross weight of the solid cleaning compositions, such solid cleaning compositions may have a surfactant content of at least about 60 wt %. In some aspects, the solid cleaning compositions of the present disclosure may be in the form of a powder.

[0017] These and other aspects of the disclosed subject matter are discussed in more detail below and in the Examples. For clarity, and not as a limitation, this detailed description is divided into the following subsections:

[0018] 4.1 Definitions;

[0019] 4.2 Cleaning composition;

[0020] 4.3 Method for preparing cleaning composition;

[0021] 4.4 Methods of using the cleaning compositions; and

[0022] 4.5 Characteristics of the Cleaning Compositions.

[0023] 4.1. Definitions

[0024] The terms used in this specification generally have their ordinary meanings in the art within the context of the present disclosure and in the specific context in which each term is used. Certain terms are discussed below or elsewhere in the specification to provide additional guidance in describing the compositions and methods of the present disclosure and how to make and use them.

[0025] As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to "an ingredient" includes a mixture of ingredients.

[0026] As used herein, the term "about" means within an acceptable error range for a particular value as determined by one of ordinary skill in the art, which will depend in part on how the value is measured or determined (i.e., the limitations of the measurement system). For example, "about" may mean within three or more standard deviations as practiced in the art. Alternatively, "about" may mean a range of at most 10%, at most 5%, at most 3%, at most 1%, or at most 0.5% of a given value. Particularly for systems or processes, the term may mean within an order of magnitude, such as within five times or two times a value.

[0027] As used herein, the terms "comprises," "comprising," or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus.

[0028] As used herein, the term "powder" refers to a particulate material.

[0029] As used herein, the term "solid" refers to a material that is not in liquid form. Solid materials can include flowable particles or powders. In certain aspects, the solid materials as described herein can be anhydrous. The cleaning compositions herein can be substantially free of or free of added water.

[0030] As used herein, the term "substantially free" refers to a composition containing less than about 0.1% by weight or less than about 0.01% by weight of a component or ingredient.

[0031] As used herein, the term "substantially free of added water" means that the cleaning composition has less than about 3.5%, less than about 2%, less than about 1.5%, less than about 1%, less than about 0.5%, less than about 0.1%, or less than about 0.01% added water. Cleaning compositions that do not contain added water may contain trace levels of water, for example, due to the presence of water in ingredients such as fragrances, extracts, or due to the presence of moisture in the air. In certain embodiments, the amount of trace water in the cleaning composition can be less than about 3.5% by weight, less than about 2% by weight, less than about 1.5% by weight, less than about 1% by weight, less than about 0.5% by weight, less than about 0.1% by weight, or less than about 0.01% by weight, based on the total weight of the cleaning composition.

[0032] As used herein, the term "% w / w" or "weight percent" refers to the percentage of an ingredient per the total weight percent (100%) of a composition. The term "% w / w" or "weight percent" refers to the amount by weight of an ingredient or component. The terms "weight percent," "weight %," "wt. %," and "wt %" are used interchangeably.

[0033] 4.2. Cleaning composition

[0034] The cleaning compositions of the present disclosure advantageously provide solid cleaning compositions with desired cleaning properties. Such cleaning compositions may include one or more surfactants, one or more chelating agents, one or more pH adjusting agents, one or more preservatives, one or more antioxidants, one or more additional additives, or a combination thereof. Based on the total weight of the solid cleaning composition, the one or more surfactants may be present in an amount of at least 60 wt %.

[0035] By way of example and not limitation, the one or more additional additives may include one or more colorants, one or more fragrances, one or more leavening / anti-caking agents, one or more skin benefit agents, one or more thickeners, one or more effervescent agents, and combinations thereof.

[0036] Surfactants

[0037] The cleaning composition can include one or more surfactants. In certain embodiments, the cleaning composition can include at least two surfactants, for example, wherein the first surfactant and the second surfactant are different from each other.

[0038] Surfactants suitable for use in the present invention include anionic surfactants such as sulfonates (olefin sulfonates, isethionates, taurates, sulfoacetates, sulfosuccinates, sulfolaurates), amino acid surfactants (glycinates, glutamates and sarcosinates), cryptoanionic surfactants (phosphates, carboxylates, citrates), polymer surfactants (hydrolyzed potato starch sodium dodecenylsuccinate, potassium acrylate copolymers) and combinations thereof. Additional surfactants suitable for use in the present invention include cationic surfactants such as quaternary ammonium salts, amine oxides and esterquats; amphoteric surfactants such as betaines, amide betaines, ester betaines, amphoacetates, amphodiacetates, sulfobetaines; and nonionic surfactants such as alkyl polyglycosides, poloxamers, polysorbates, ethoxylated fatty alcohols, ethoxylated fatty acids, ethoxylated sorbitan esters, ethoxylated glycerides, polyglycerol esters.

[0039] In certain embodiments, the cleaning composition may include at least two or more surfactants. Both of the two or more surfactants may be anionic surfactants, nonionic surfactants, cationic surfactants, or amphoteric surfactants. In certain embodiments, the first surfactant and the second surfactant may be identical in ionic nature. For example, but not limited to, in certain embodiments, the cleaning composition may include a first surfactant and a second surfactant. Both the first surfactant and the second surfactant may be anionic surfactants, for example, the first surfactant may be sodium methyl cocoyl taurate, and the second surfactant may be sodium cocoyl isethionate.

[0040] Based on the gross weight of the cleaning compositions, the surfactant can be present in an amount of at least about 60 wt %, at least about 65 wt %, at least about 70 wt %, at least about 75 wt %, at least about 80 wt %, at least about 85 wt % or at least about 90 wt %. In certain embodiments, based on the gross weight of the cleaning compositions, the surfactant can be present in an amount of about 60 wt % to about 90 wt %, about 60 wt % to about 75 wt % or about 65 wt % to about 85 wt %. In a particular embodiment, based on the gross weight of the cleaning compositions, the cleaning compositions can include a surfactant in an amount of about 60 wt %, about 61 wt %, about 65 wt %, about 70 wt %, about 75 wt %, about 80 wt %, about 85 wt % or about 90 wt %.

[0041] If more than one surfactant is used, each surfactant can exist with the same weight or can exist with different weights. In certain embodiments, the first surfactant and the second surfactant can exist with approximately equal weights to each other. In certain embodiments, based on the gross weight of the cleaning compositions, the first surfactant can exist with at least about 15 wt %, at least about 20 wt %, at least about 25 wt % or at least about 30 wt %. In certain embodiments, based on the gross weight of the cleaning compositions, the first surfactant can exist with an amount of about 10 wt % to about 50 wt %, about 20 wt % to about 30 wt % or about 25 wt % to about 35 wt %. In a specific embodiment, based on the gross weight of the cleaning compositions, the first surfactant can exist with an amount of about 10 wt %, about 1 5 wt %, about 20 wt %, about 25 wt %, about 30 wt %, about 35 wt %, about 40 wt %, about 45 wt % or about 50 wt %. In certain embodiments, the second surfactant may be present in an amount of at least about 15%, at least about 20%, at least about 25%, or at least about 30% by weight, based on the total weight of the cleaning composition. In certain embodiments, the second surfactant may be present in an amount of about 10% to about 50%, about 20% to about 30%, or about 25% to about 35% by weight, based on the total weight of the cleaning composition. In a specific embodiment, the second surfactant may be present in an amount of about 10%, about 15%, about 20%, about 25%, about 30%, about 35%, about 40%, about 45%, or about 50% by weight, based on the total weight of the cleaning composition. The first surfactant and the second surfactant may be present in a weight ratio of about 0.8:1 to about 10:1, about 1:1 to about 8:1, or about 1:1 to about 5:1, respectively. In certain embodiments, the first surfactant and the second surfactant may be present in a weight ratio of about 0.8:1, about 1:1, about 1:1.5, about 5:1, about 8:1, or about 10:1, respectively.

[0042] In certain embodiments, the amount of the first surfactant may be equal to or greater than the amount of the second surfactant. In a particular embodiment, both the first surfactant and the second surfactant may be anionic surfactants, for example, the first surfactant may be sodium methyl cocoyl taurate, and the second surfactant may be sodium cocoyl isethionate. In certain embodiments, the cleaning composition may include sodium methyl cocoyl taurate and sodium cocoyl isethionate present in a weight ratio of about 0.8:1 to about 10:1, respectively. It is surprising and advantageous to find that the presence of sodium methyl cocoyl taurate as the first surfactant in an amount equal to or greater than the presence of sodium cocoyl isethionate as the second surfactant provides increased solubility. Compared to adding sodium methyl cocoyl taurate to sodium cocoyl isethionate, during manufacturing, adding sodium cocoyl isethionate to sodium methyl cocoyl taurate during the blending process also achieves increased solubility.

[0043] 4.2.2. Chelating agents

[0044] The cleaning composition may include one or more chelating agents. Suitable chelating agents for use in the present disclosure include disodium ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), tetrasodium glutamate diacetate, sodium citrate, citric acid, or a combination thereof. In certain embodiments, the chelating agent may be disodium EDTA. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that a variety of chelating agents are suitable for use in the present disclosure.

[0045] In certain embodiments, one or more chelating agents may be present in an amount of about 1 wt % to about 15 wt %, about 1 wt % to about 10 wt %, or about 1 wt % to about 5 wt %, based on the total weight of the cleaning composition. In a specific embodiment, one or more chelating agents may be present in an amount of about 1 wt %, about 3 wt %, about 5 wt %, about 8 wt %, about 10 wt %, or about 15 wt %, based on the total weight of the cleaning composition.

[0046] 4.2.3. pH adjusters

[0047] The cleaning composition may include one or more pH adjusting agents. Suitable pH adjusting agents for the present disclosure include, for example, citric acid, magnesium sulfate, potassium monophosphate, potassium diphosphate, sodium hydroxide, sodium bicarbonate, sodium citrate, or a combination thereof. In some aspects, one or more pH adjusting agents may be acidic. In some aspects, one or more pH adjusting agents may be alkaline in nature. In certain embodiments, one or more pH adjusting agents may include citric acid, magnesium sulfate, or a combination thereof. In a particular embodiment, the cleaning composition may include a combination of citric acid and magnesium sulfate. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that a variety of buffers are suitable for the present disclosure.

[0048] In certain embodiments, one or more pH adjusting agents may be present in an amount of about 1% to about 25%, about 5% to about 20%, or about 5% to about 10% by weight, based on the total weight of the cleaning composition. In specific embodiments, one or more buffering agents may be present in an amount of about 1%, about 5%, about 7%, about 10%, about 14%, about 15%, about 20%, or about 25% by weight, based on the total weight of the cleaning composition.

[0049] 4.2.4. Preservatives

[0050] The cleaning composition may include one or more preservatives. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that a variety of preservatives are suitable for use in the present disclosure. In certain embodiments, the one or more preservatives may include sodium benzoate, potassium sorbate, p-anisic acid, sodium dehydroacetate, benzoic acid, or a combination thereof. In a specific embodiment, the one or more preservatives may include sodium benzoate.

[0051] In certain embodiments, one or more preservatives may be present in an amount of about 1% to about 30%, about 5% to about 25%, or about 15% to about 25% by weight, based on the total weight of the cleaning composition. In a specific embodiment, one or more preservatives may be present in an amount of about 1%, about 5%, about 10%, about 15%, about 20%, about 25%, or about 30% by weight, based on the total weight of the cleaning composition.

[0052] 4.2.5. Antioxidants

[0053] Cleaning compositions may include one or more antioxidants. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that a variety of antioxidants are suitable for use in the present disclosure. In certain embodiments, one or more antioxidants may include ascorbic acid, sodium ascorbyl phosphate, ascorbyl palmitate, tocopherol, ascorbyl glucoside, ascorbyl tetraisopalmitate or a combination thereof. In certain embodiments, one or more antioxidants may include ascorbic acid. In certain embodiments, one or more antioxidants may include sodium ascorbyl phosphate.

[0054] In certain embodiments, one or more antioxidants can be present in an amount of about 0.1% to about 5%, about 0.5% to about 3%, or about 1% to about 2%. In a specific embodiment, one or more antioxidants can be present in an amount of about 0.1%, about 0.5%, about 1%, about 1.5%, about 2%, about 3%, or about 5% by weight based on the total weight of the cleaning composition.

[0055] 4.2.6. Additional additives

[0056] The cleaning composition may include one or more additional additives. In certain aspects, the one or more additional additives may include one or more colorants, one or more fragrances, one or more bulking / anti-caking agents, one or more skin benefit agents, one or more effervescent agents, one or more thickeners, and combinations thereof. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that a variety of additional additives are suitable for use in the present disclosure.

[0057] Colorants

[0058] The cleaning compositions may include one or more coloring agents. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that a variety of coloring agents are suitable for use in the present disclosure. In certain embodiments, the one or more coloring agents may include organic dyes, mineral pigments, or a combination thereof. In certain embodiments, the cleaning compositions may be substantially free of the coloring agent added.

[0059] Based on the gross weight of the cleaning compositions, the cleaning compositions may include one or more coloring agents of an amount of about 0.1 wt %, about 0.5 wt %, about 2 wt %, or about 1 wt % to about 1.5 wt %. In certain embodiments, based on the gross weight of the cleaning compositions, the cleaning compositions may include one or more coloring agents of an amount of about 0.1 wt %, about 0.5 wt %, about 1 wt %, about 1.5 wt %, about 2 wt %, about 2.5 wt %, or about 3 wt %. In a specific embodiment, based on the gross weight of the cleaning compositions, the cleaning compositions may include one or more coloring agents of about 3 wt % or less, about 2 wt % or less, about 1.5 wt % or less, about 1 wt % or less, or about 0.5 wt % or less.

[0060] Fragrance

[0061] The cleaning composition may include one or more fragrances. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that a variety of fragrances are suitable for use in the present disclosure. In certain embodiments, the one or more fragrances may include a single component or a mixture of components having olfactory properties. In certain embodiments, the cleaning composition may be substantially free of added fragrances.

[0062] Based on the total weight of the cleaning composition, the cleaning composition may include one or more fragrances in an amount of about 0.01% to about 1% by weight, about 0.05% to about 0.8% by weight, or about 0.1% to about 0.5% by weight. In certain embodiments, based on the total weight of the cleaning composition, the cleaning composition may include one or more fragrances in an amount of about 0.01%, about 0.02%, about 0.05%, about 0.08%, about 0.1%, about 0.3%, about 0.4%, about 0.5%, about 0.6%, about 0.7%, about 0.8%, about 0.9%, or about 1%. In certain embodiments, the cleaning composition may comprise about 1% or less, about 0.8% or less, about 0.5% or less, about 0.4% or less, about 0.3% or less, about 0.1% or less, about 0.08% or less, or about 0.05% or less of one or more fragrances, based on the total weight of the cleaning composition.

[0063] Leavening / Anti-caking Agents

[0064] Cleaning composition can comprise one or more bulking / anti-caking agents.One or more bulking / anti-caking agents can reduce or prevent the formation of agglomerated materials in powder, and improve the flow during the formation of final product, and be convenient for packaging, transportation and consumption.Some bulking / anti-caking agents are soluble in water, while other bulking / anti-caking agents are soluble in alcohol or other organic solvents.In some aspects, bulking / anti-caking agents can play a role by absorbing excess moisture or by coating particles so that they are more effectively waterproof.Suitable bulking / anti-caking agents for the present disclosure include, for example, cellulose, starch, silicon dioxide and silicate and metal salt.In certain embodiments, one or more bulking / anti-caking agents may include silicon dioxide, calcium silicate, corn starch, aluminum starch octenyl succinate, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, sodium bicarbonate or their combination.Those skilled in the art will appreciate that a variety of bulking / anti-caking agents are applicable to the present disclosure.

[0065] The cleaning composition may include one or more bulking / anti-caking agents in an amount of about 1 wt % to about 20 wt %, about 5 wt % to about 15 wt %, or about 10 wt % to about 18 wt %, based on the total weight of the cleaning composition. In certain embodiments, the cleaning composition may include one or more bulking / anti-caking agents in an amount of about 1 wt %, about 5 wt %, about 10 wt %, about 15 wt %, about 18 wt %, or about 20 wt %, based on the total weight of the cleaning composition.

[0066] Skin Benefit Agents

[0067] Cleaning composition can include one or more active agents that provide one or more skin benefits / ingredients. For example, but not limited to, cleaning composition can include one or more skin benefit agents, including anti-acne agents, anti-aging agents, antimicrobial agents or one or more of their combinations. In some aspects, such skin benefit agents can include, for example, one or more of the following: retinol, retinyl esters, tetronic acid, tetronic acid derivatives, hydroquinone, kojic acid, gallic acid, arbutin, α-hydroxy acid, niacinamide, pyridoxine, ascorbic acid, vitamin E and derivatives, aloe, salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, witch hazel, caffeine, zinc pyrithione, fatty acid esters of ascorbic acid, colloidal oatmeal, acid (such as α-hydroxy acid, polyhydroxy acid and β-hydroxy acid), enzyme (such as chlorella, papaya and papain), N-acetylglucosamine, gluconolactone, willow bark extract, hyaluronic acid, oat extract, aloe extract and amino acids.

[0068] In certain aspects, one or more skin benefit agents may include one or more emulsifiers, one or more silicones, or a combination thereof. One or more emulsifiers may include potassium cetyl phosphate. One or more silicones may include dimethyl siloxane, cyclomethicone, amino dimethicone, or a combination thereof. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that a variety of skin benefit ingredients / carriers are suitable for use in the present disclosure.

[0069] Based on the total weight of the cleaning composition, one or more skin benefit agents can be present in an amount of about 1 wt % to about 30 wt %, about 5 wt % to about 25 wt %, or about 2 wt % to about 5 wt %. In certain embodiments, based on the total weight of the cleaning composition, one or more skin benefit agents can be present in an amount of about 1 wt %, about 2 wt %, about 5 wt %, about 7 wt %, about 10 wt %, about 15 wt %, about 20 wt %, about 25 wt %, or about 30 wt %.

[0070] Effervescent

[0071] The cleaning composition may include one or more effervescent agents. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that a variety of effervescent agents are suitable for use in the present disclosure. For example, but not limited to, one or more effervescent agents may include sodium bicarbonate, citric acid, and combinations thereof. In certain embodiments, one or more effervescent agents may include sodium bicarbonate and citric acid.

[0072] Based on the gross weight of cleaning compositions, one or more effervescent agents can exist in an amount of about 1 wt % to about 60 wt %, about 10 wt % to about 45 wt % or about 15 wt % to about 30 wt %.In certain embodiments, based on the gross weight of cleaning compositions, one or more effervescent agents can exist in an amount of about 5 wt %, about 10 wt %, about 20 wt %, about 30 wt %, about 45 wt %, about 50 wt % or about 60 wt %.In certain embodiments, cleaning compositions may include two or more effervescent agents.Based on the gross weight of cleaning compositions, the first effervescent agent can exist in an amount of about 1 wt % to about 30 wt %, about 5 wt % to about 20 wt % or about 10 wt % to about 15 wt %.Based on the gross weight of cleaning compositions, the second effervescent agent can exist in an amount of about 1 wt % to about 30 wt %, about 5 wt % to about 20 wt % or about 10 wt % to about 15 wt %.In certain embodiments, the first effervescent agent can be sodium bicarbonate, and the second effervescent agent can be citric acid.

[0073] Thickener

[0074] The cleaning composition may include one or more thickeners. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that a variety of thickeners are suitable for use in the present disclosure. In certain embodiments, one or more thickeners may include xanthan gum, carrageenan, acrylates, cross-linked polymers, carbomers, cellulose, or a combination thereof.

[0075] Based on the total weight of the cleaning composition, the one or more thickeners can be present in an amount of about 1 wt % to about 10 wt %, about 3 wt % to about 8 wt %, or about 1 wt % to about 5 wt %. In certain embodiments, based on the total weight of the cleaning composition, the one or more thickeners can be present in an amount of about 1 wt %, about 3 wt %, about 5 wt %, about 8 wt %, or about 10 wt %.

[0076] 4.2.7. Preparation

[0077] In certain embodiments, the cleaning composition may include one or more surfactants, one or more chelating agents, one or more pH adjusting agents, one or more preservatives, one or more antioxidants, or a combination thereof. Based on the total weight of the cleaning composition, the cleaning composition may include about 60% to about 90% by weight of one or more surfactants; about 1% to about 15% by weight of one or more chelating agents; about 1% to about 25% by weight of one or more pH adjusting agents; about 1% to about 30% by weight of one or more preservatives; and about 0.1% to about 5% by weight of one or more antioxidants. In certain embodiments, one or more surfactants may include at least two anionic surfactants, such as sodium methyl cocoyl taurate and sodium cocoyl isethionate. One or more chelating agents may include disodium EDTA. One or more pH adjusting agents may include citric acid and magnesium sulfate. One or more preservatives may include sodium benzoate. One or more antioxidants may include ascorbic acid. In certain embodiments, one or more antioxidants may include sodium ascorbyl phosphate.

[0078] 4.3. Methods for preparing cleaning compositions

[0079] The present disclosure provides a method for preparing a cleaning composition. In certain embodiments, the components of the cleaning composition can be in the form of a powder. If desired, the method for forming the cleaning composition may include an initial step of rolling or grinding each component into a powder form. For example, the first step may be rolling or grinding one or more surfactants into a powder. By way of example, the first surfactant may initially be in the form of flakes, and the second surfactant may be in the form of granules, but each of these surfactants is ground (ground together or separately) to form a powder with a desired particle size.

[0080] When preparing cleaning products as described herein, a surfactant (or multiple surfactants, if used) is added to a dry powder blender. A mixture of other dry components is added to the surfactant. For example, the mixture of other dry components may include a chelating agent, a leavening agent, a buffer, an anti-caking agent and other optional components (such as an anti-acne agent, a coloring agent, a fragrance). These components are then mixed in a blender for sufficient time to achieve uniformity. In some aspects, a uniform flowable powder can be formed. Once mixed, a final product is prepared.

[0081] Whether in loose powder form or in any other form, the final product can be packaged in a suitable container. The container can be substantially airtight or completely airtight. In certain embodiments, the final product can be packaged in a laminated pouch. Once the cleaning product is formed and packaged, it can be distributed to one or more users to provide at least cleaning function during use. In some aspects, the final product can be in the form of a kit, which includes a solid cleaning composition in a suitable package (such as a laminated pouch) and a container suitable for holding a liquid (such as water).

[0082] 4.4. Methods of using the cleaning composition

[0083] Cleaning compositions of the present disclosure can be used in combination with liquid (e.g., water) for example, so that the cleaning compositions (e.g., in powder form) are completely dissolved in the liquid before being applied to the skin of the user. In some aspects, the cleaning compositions of the present disclosure can be completely dissolved in a liquid such as water in about 2 minutes or less, about 1 minute or less, or about 30 seconds or less. Clean water of any suitable type is suitable for cleaning compositions of the present disclosure. In certain embodiments, water has a drinkable quality. Any drinking quality water is suitable for the present disclosure, such as but not limited to tap water, filtered water, purified water, residential well water, or bottled water.

[0084] Once distributed in powder form, the user can add cleaning composition to a certain amount of liquid such as water (for example, about 200mL to 250mL) to form a moistening cleaning product, and smear the moistening cleaning product on the user's hand, finger, body or face. In some aspects, cleaning product can be added to a certain amount of liquid such as water and shake for about 1 minute to 2 minutes to form a moistening product. Cleaning composition and liquid can be mixed in any suitable container, such as an aluminum bottle with a foaming pump. For example, but not limited to, the lid of the container may include a lid, a flip cover, a pump or a self-foaming pump. By smearing the moistening product on the user's hand, finger, body or face, the moistening product performs a cleaning function. In some aspects, the moistening cleaning product may have a foaming property, and may be in the form of gentle foam when applied to the user's skin. When cleaning is complete, the user can rinse the applied moistening cleaning product with water. In certain embodiments, the user can add the cleaning composition to a certain amount of liquid so that the wetted cleaning product comprises from about 1 wt % to about 20 wt % or from about 3 wt % to about 10 wt % of the cleaning composition and from about 80 wt % to about 99 wt % or from about 90 wt % to about 97 wt % of the liquid, based on the total weight of the wetted cleaning product. In a particular embodiment, the final product can comprise about 3 wt % of the cleaning composition and about 97 wt % of the liquid, based on the total weight of the wetted cleaning product.

[0085] 4.5. Characteristics of the cleaning composition

[0086] The present disclosure provides improved cleaning compositions. Such cleaning compositions can be in solid form, such as powder form, including loose powders, crystalline powders or granules. When in such form, the components of the cleaning composition can be ground or rolled to provide the desired form. The cleaning compositions of the present disclosure are suitable for direct application to the skin or face of the user.

[0087] The cleaning compositions herein can be packaged in any desired method or packaging, which may depend on the specific form of the cleaning product. For the form of a flowable powder, the cleaning product can be stored in a disposable airtight package or pouch, or can be stored in a container (such as a tube, jar, bottle or ampoule), whereby the user can dispense the desired amount of cleaning product as required. Therefore, the cleaning product can be stored in a reusable container, whereby the user takes out the desired amount of product for use, or the product can be stored in a disposable container, whereby the packaging dispenses a single amount of cleaning product when the container is opened.

[0088] Cleaning products can be packaged in substantially watertight packaging and airtight packaging. For example, product can be contained in its own disposable packaging, such as pouch, capsule, soluble film, blister pack or other disposable packaging or sealed environment. The user releases the cleaning products from its packaging for use, such as by untying or releasing it from the blister pack, or separating / destroying the capsule, or dissolving the outer membrane. Aspects where the cleaning products are in powder form, the user may not need to manipulate the cleaning products to make it more easily broken.

[0089] The cleaning product can be enclosed in an outer capsule or other shell, can be enclosed in an outer soluble film or shell, wherein the outer material can be separated or broken to release the cleaning product, or dissolved during use, thereby releasing the cleaning components contained therein. In some aspects, the cleaning product is a granular or powdered material that can be dispensed from a storage container before use.

[0090] 5. Examples

[0091] The following examples are intended to explicitly or implicitly illustrate and not limit the disclosed subject matter in any way, shape or form.

[0092] Example 1: Solid Cleaning Composition

[0093] This embodiment provides an exemplary solid cleaning composition according to the present disclosure, as shown in Table 1 and Table 2 (below). A composition (Table 1, Formulation 1) comprises two surfactants of anionic nature (i.e., sodium methyl cocoyl taurate and sodium cocoyl isethionate), and their combined weight is about 61 weight % based on the total weight of the solid cleaning composition. The two surfactants are present in approximately equal weights to each other. The amount of sodium methyl cocoyl taurate (32.5 weight %) is greater than the amount of sodium cocoyl isethionate (28.5 weight %). The composition also comprises a chelating agent (disodium EDTA), a preservative (sodium benzoate), two pH adjusting agents (magnesium sulfate and citric acid) and an antioxidant (ascorbic acid). The composition is in powder form.

[0094] Table 1: Formulation 1

[0095]

[0096] The second composition (Table 2, Formulation 2) comprises two surfactants of anionic nature (i.e., sodium methyl cocoyl taurate and sodium cocoyl isethionate) having a combined weight of about 61 wt % based on the total weight of the solid cleaning composition. The two surfactants are present in approximately equal weights to each other. Sodium methyl cocoyl taurate is present in an amount (32.5 wt %) greater than the amount of sodium cocoyl isethionate (28.5 wt %). The composition also comprises a chelating agent (disodium EDTA), a preservative (sodium benzoate), two pH adjusters (magnesium sulfate and citric acid), and an antioxidant (sodium ascorbyl phosphate). The composition is in powder form.

[0097] Table 2: Formulation 2

[0098]

[0099] Example 2: Manufacturing filling

[0100] This example provides Formulations 3-6 (Table 3). All formulations failed to pass the prediction model or to be filled in the manufacturing field. It was determined that the liquid could not be used in the final formulation.

[0101] Table 3 :

[0102] Preparation 3 Preparation 4 Preparation 5 Preparation 6 Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate Surfactants 29.8 36.3 36.3 36.3 Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate Surfactants 29.5 30.0 29.0 29.0 Disodium EDTA Chelating agents 5.0 5.0 5.0 6.0 Sodium Benzoate preservative 16.7 16.7 16.7 16.7 Magnesium sulfate pH Adjusters 6.0 6.0 9.0 10.0 Phenoxyethanol preservative 13.0 6.0 4.0 2.0 Citric acid pH Adjusters 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 total 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0

[0103] Example 3: Preservative System / Microbiological Testing

[0104] This example provides preservative systems that were evaluated and failed the microbiological test.

[0105] Table 4 :

[0106]

[0107] Example 4: Manufacturing Filling / Microbiological Testing

[0108] This example provides Formulations 7-10 (Table 5). All samples successfully made the manufacturing fill, but failed the microbiological test when reconstituted with hard (high pH) water.

[0109] Table 5 :

[0110] Preparation 7 Preparation 8 Preparation 9 Preparation 10 Preparation 11 Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate Surfactants 37.3 34.0 35.0 34.7 Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate Surfactants 31.0 29.0 29.0 29.0 Disodium EDTA Chelating agents 5.0 5.0 5.0 5.0 Sodium Benzoate preservative 16.7 20.0 20.0 20.0 Magnesium sulfate pH Adjusters 10.0 12.0 10.00 10.0 Citric acid pH Adjusters 0.0 0.0 1.0 1.3 total 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0

[0111] ***

[0112] Although the system and method have been described in conjunction with various embodiments of the specification, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes may be made to the embodiments without departing from the broad inventive concept of the present disclosure. Therefore, it should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, and is intended to cover modifications within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the claims.

[0113] It should be understood that certain features of the present invention are described in the context of separate embodiments for the sake of clarity, but may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. That is, unless clearly incompatible or explicitly excluded, each individual embodiment is considered to be combinable with any other embodiment, and such combination is considered to be another embodiment. Conversely, various features of the present invention are described in the context of a single embodiment for the sake of simplicity, and may also be provided separately or in any sub-combination. Finally, although an embodiment may be described as part of a series of steps or part of a more general structure, each of the steps itself may also be considered an independent embodiment that can be combined with other embodiments.

[0114] It should be understood that the steps of the exemplary methods set forth herein do not necessarily need to be performed in the order described, and the order of the steps of such methods should be understood to be exemplary only. Similarly, additional steps may be included in such methods, and in the method that meets various embodiments of the present invention, some steps may be omitted or combined. Although the elements in the following method claims (if any) are narrated with the specific sequence with corresponding marks, unless the claim narration implies the specific sequence for implementing some or all of those elements in addition, those elements are not necessarily intended to be limited to implementing in this specific sequence.

Claims

1. A solid cleaning composition, comprising: a. at least a first surfactant present by weight of a first surfactant; and b. at least a second surfactant present by weight of the second surfactant, wherein the combined weight of the first surfactant and the second surfactant is at least about 60 wt % based on the total weight of the solid cleaning composition, and Wherein the solid cleaning composition is in powder form.

2. The solid cleaning composition of claim 1, wherein the combined weight of the first surfactant and the second surfactant is from about 60 wt% to about 90 wt%, based on the total weight of the solid cleaning composition.

3. The solid cleaning composition of claim 1, wherein the first surfactant weight and the second surfactant weight are approximately equal to each other.

4. The solid cleaning composition of claim 1, wherein the first surfactant and the second surfactant have the same ionic nature. 5 . The solid cleaning composition according to claim 4 , wherein the first surfactant and the second surfactant are selected from anionic surfactants, nonionic surfactants, cationic surfactants or amphoteric surfactants. The solid cleaning composition according to claim 1 , wherein the first surfactant is taurate.

7. The solid cleaning composition of claim 1, wherein the second surfactant is an isethionate.

8. The solid cleaning composition of claim 1, wherein the solid cleaning composition is substantially free of sulfate surfactants.

9. The solid cleaning composition of claim 1, wherein the solid cleaning composition further comprises one or more pH adjusters, the one or more pH adjusters comprising citric acid, magnesium sulfate, or a combination thereof.

10. The solid cleaning composition of claim 1, wherein the solid cleaning composition is soluble in a liquid.

11. A kit, the kit comprising: include: a. A solid cleaning composition, comprising: i. at least a first surfactant; and ii. at least a second surfactant, wherein the combined weight of the first surfactant and the second surfactant is at least about 60 wt % based on the total weight of the solid cleaning composition, and wherein the solid cleaning composition is in powder form; and b. A container configured to contain a liquid.

12. A cleaning product, comprising: a. Based on the total weight of the cleaning product, from about 2% to about 20% by weight of a solid cleaning composition, the solid cleaning composition comprising: i. at least a first surfactant; and ii. at least a second surfactant, wherein the combined weight of the first surfactant and the second surfactant is at least about 60 wt % based on the total weight of the solid cleaning composition, and wherein the solid cleaning composition is in powder form; and b. From about 80 wt. % to about 98 wt. % of a liquid, based on the total weight of the cleaning product, wherein the cleaning composition is dissolved in the liquid.

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