Concentrate for aqueous compositions

Abstract

The present invention relates to a concentrate for use in an aqueous cleaning composition, an aqueous cleaning composition containing the concentrate, a method of making the composition, and non-therapeutic uses of the concentrate and composition described herein.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to concentrates for use in aqueous cleaning compositions, aqueous cleaning compositions containing said concentrates, methods for preparing said compositions, and non-therapeutic methods and uses of the concentrates and compositions described herein. Background Technology

[0002] Household cleaning products are ubiquitous, and it's not uncommon for consumers in modern homes to possess a vast array of products for various household appliances and surfaces requiring cleaning. Such cleaning products may be designed for, for example, cleaning mirrors, windows, bathroom surfaces (e.g., bathtubs, sinks), kitchen surfaces, wooden furniture, floors, and so on. Different products for each room and / or surface type not only burden consumers but are also harmful to the environment because these products often utilize strong chemicals to achieve their cleaning effect and are supplied in single-use containers. The ingredients in conventional cleaning products are also often harmful to the environment in terms of their production or disposal and may be toxic or otherwise cause health and safety problems for consumers, such as headaches and irritation to the eyes, skin, throat, and / or lungs.

[0003] However, products designed to improve consumer safety or reduce environmental impact may suffer from poor cleaning efficacy and / or poor stability. Such products may also require complex formulations, continue to include toxic or irritating chemical components, or be limited in the types of surfaces they can be used on. Such products are also frequently associated with unpleasant sensory experiences for consumers, such as barely perceptible odors or fragrances, or artificial or otherwise unpleasant odors or fragrances.

[0004] Therefore, there is a need in the art for simple, versatile, and low-environmentally-impact cleaning products that are stable and effective on a wide range of household surfaces. There is also a need for products that provide a pleasant sensory experience for consumers, such as improved odor compared to known cleaning products. This invention addresses this need by providing a concentrate that can be easily diluted with water and then used as a non-toxic, aqueous cleaning composition for effective cleaning on a wide range of surfaces. The concentrate and composition are also simple to prepare, stable, and provide a pleasant sensory experience for consumers. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In a first aspect, a concentrate for an aqueous composition is provided, wherein the concentrate comprises: (i) at least two nonionic surfactants selected from polyoxyalkylene fatty acid esters, polyoxyalkylene glycol fatty acid esters, sucrose fatty acid esters, polyoxyalkylene hydrogen carbonate castor oils, polyoxyalkylene alkyl esters, glucosides, glycosides, glycerides or ethers, glycol esters or ethers, and alcohol ethoxylates; (ii) An optional third surfactant, selected from anionic surfactants, amphoteric surfactants, and nonionic surfactants; and (iii) At least one essential oil or blend thereof; wherein the at least one essential oil or blend thereof is present in the concentrate in an amount of at least about 5% by weight based on the total weight of the concentrate; and wherein the surfactant in the concentrate is in a weight ratio of about 2:1 to about 15:1 to the essential oil, the weight of the surfactant being based on the total active ingredients.

[0006] In a second aspect, a concentrate for use in an aqueous cleaning composition is provided, wherein the concentrate comprises: (i) A first surfactant, which is nonionic and selected from polyoxyalkylene fatty acid esters, polyoxyalkylene glycol fatty acid esters, sucrose fatty acid esters, polyoxyalkylene bicarbonate castor oil, polyoxyalkylene alkyl esters, glucosides, glycosides, glycerides or ethers, glycol esters or ethers and alcohol ethoxylates. (ii) A second surfactant, which is anionic or amphoteric, wherein the anionic surfactant is selected from fatty acids, fatty acid salts, sulfates, sulfonates, sulfosuccinates, sarcosine salts, hydroxyethyl sulfonates, glutamates, and taurines; and the amphoteric surfactant is selected from alkylamphoteric acid salts, alkylamphoteric diacetates, alkylamphoteric propionates, alkylamphoteric dipropionates, alkyl betaine, alkylamido betaine, alkylamphoteric hydroxypropyl sulfanes, and amine oxides; (iii) At least one essential oil or blend thereof; wherein the at least one essential oil or blend thereof is present in the concentrate in an amount of at least about 1% by weight based on the total weight of the concentrate; and wherein the surfactant in the concentrate is in a weight ratio of about 2:1 to about 25:1 to the essential oil; and optionally wherein the nonionic surfactant is in a weight ratio of about 1:1 to about 20:1 to the anionic surfactant, the weight of the surfactant being based on the total active matter.

[0007] In another aspect, a composition is provided comprising a concentrate and water as defined herein.

[0008] In another aspect, a container is provided that contains a concentrate or a composition as defined herein.

[0009] In another aspect, a kit of parts is provided, which includes containers, concentrates as defined herein, and cloths, wiping materials, sponges, and / or towels.

[0010] In another aspect, a method for preparing a composition is provided, wherein the method includes providing a concentrate as defined herein, and mixing the concentrate with water to prepare the composition.

[0011] On another front, concentrates, as defined herein, are provided for non-therapeutic uses for cleaning surfaces.

[0012] In another aspect, compositions as defined herein are provided for non-therapeutic uses for cleaning surfaces.

[0013] In another aspect, a method for cleaning a surface is provided, wherein the method includes applying a composition as defined herein to the surface.

[0014] These aspects and their embodiments are set forth in the appended independent and dependent claims. It should be understood that the features of the dependent claims can be combined with each other, and can be combined with the features of the independent claims in combinations other than those expressly set forth in the claims. Furthermore, the methods described herein are not limited to the specific embodiments set forth below, but include and are contemplated any combination of the features given herein.

[0015] The foregoing and other aspects, embodiments, features, and advantages of this disclosure will become more fully apparent from the specific embodiments described below. In this regard, certain portions of the specification should not be interpreted in isolation from the others. Detailed Implementation

[0016] While various exemplary embodiments are described or suggested herein, the general inventive concept encompasses other exemplary embodiments utilizing methods and materials similar to or equivalent to those described or suggested herein. For the sake of brevity, features or embodiments of conventional implementations may not be discussed or described in detail. It will therefore be appreciated that features of the apparatus, product, or method described herein that are not described in detail can be implemented using any conventional techniques for implementing those features in the appropriate context.

[0017] As used herein and in the claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural indicators unless the context clearly specifies otherwise. Unless otherwise stated, the term “about” for modifying the amount of a component refers to possible variations in numerical quantity, for example, by means of typical measurement and operating procedures used in the real world to manufacture concentrates, mixtures, or solutions; by means of unintentional errors in these procedures; by means of differences in the manufacture, origin, or purity of the materials used, or by means of the method; and so on. The term “about” also covers different amounts resulting from different equilibrium conditions of the composition produced by a particular initial mixture. Whether or not modified by the term “about,” the claims include equivalents of the stated amount. As used herein, the terms “at least” and “from” include the end of a specified range. For example, “at least 10% by weight” or “from 10% by weight” includes a value of 10% by weight.

[0018] The ranges provided herein should be understood as exemplary amounts for each component. Each of these ranges may be used alone or in combination with one or more other component ranges.

[0019] As used herein, as a basis for calculating percentages, weight % means "percentage by weight". Unless otherwise stated, all % values ​​are based on weight calculations and are provided with reference to the total weight of the product in which the substance is present. For example, depending on the case, based on the total weight of the concentrate or composition.

[0020] As used herein, the term "one or more" refers to individual components as well as mixtures or combinations.

[0021] As used herein, “substantially free” means no more than trace amounts, i.e., the amount of the substance is negligible. In various embodiments, “substantially free” means no more than 1000 ppm, preferably no more than 100 ppm, more preferably no more than 10 ppm, and even more preferably no more than 1 ppm of the substance.

[0022] In all respects of this disclosure, this disclosure includes, where appropriate, all enantiomers and tautomers of the compounds disclosed herein. Those skilled in the art will recognize compounds exhibiting optical properties (one or more chiral carbon atoms) or tautomer characteristics. The corresponding enantiomers and / or tautomers can be isolated / prepared by methods known in the art.

[0023] Some of the compounds disclosed herein can exist as stereoisomers and / or geometric isomers, for example, they can have one or more asymmetric and / or geometric centers, and thus can exist in two or more stereoisomeric and / or geometric forms. This disclosure contemplates all individual stereoisomers and geometric isomers of those compounds and mixtures thereof. The terms used in the claims include these forms.

[0024] Concentrate As defined above, this disclosure provides two concentrates. The concentrate of the first aspect comprises at least two nonionic surfactants as defined in the appended claims, an optional third surfactant, and at least about 5% by weight of an essential oil or a blend thereof. The concentrate is further defined by the weight ratio of the surfactant to the essential oil. The concentrate of the second aspect comprises at least two surfactants, but unlike the first aspect, these are a nonionic surfactant as defined in the appended claims and an anionic or amphoteric surfactant as defined in the appended claims. For this combination of surfactants, the concentrate of the second aspect comprises at least about 1% by weight of an essential oil or a blend thereof, and is defined by the weight ratio of the surfactant to the essential oil. Despite containing different levels of essential oil, both concentrates relate to the same overall inventive concept that they are versatile, stable, and suitable for aqueous cleaning compositions that are nontoxic and have a lower environmental impact than conventional cleaning products, while providing a pleasant sensory experience to consumers and being effective for cleaning a wide range of household surfaces. Both concentrates also comprise at least one nonionic surfactant as defined in the appended claims and require a specific weight ratio of surfactant to essential oil. Surprisingly, the combination and defined weight ratio of surfactants were found to contribute to the stability of the observed concentrate and aqueous compositions, which provide consumers with an improved sensory experience while effectively cleaning a wide range of surfaces.

[0025] While not wishing to be bound by theory, it should be noted that both concentrates can be in the form of emulsions. Due to the specific combination of surfactants and the relative amounts of surfactants and essential oils, these emulsions deliver a perceptible and pleasant aroma provided by the essential oils or their blends, while being stable and dilutable with water to prepare effective aqueous cleansing compositions. The stability of the concentrates and compositions can be visually assessed, as the formation of clear concentrates and compositions is known in the art as an indicator of stability. Conversely, opaque formulations are substantially unstable and unsuitable for storage or dilution with water to form aqueous cleansing compositions. When used according to the instructions, the cleansing composition is also non-toxic to humans and may not irritate the skin or eyes.

[0026] In some embodiments, the combination of surfactants can be synergistic, meaning that the cleaning efficiency and / or stability of the surfactants is greater than the additive effect. When two or more active substances are used in combination, the synergistic effect is unpredictable. It can be measured in several ways consistent with the generally accepted view that "the synergistic effect is greater than the additive effect." Combinations of surfactants can, for example, yield clarified and therefore stable formulations (e.g., emulsions) containing essential oils or blends thereof, and further provide stable, and in some embodiments, more effective aqueous cleaning compositions compared to surfactants used alone. The synergistic effect is beneficial because it may enable the reduction of surfactant concentration and the surfactant-to-essential-oil weight ratio to improve the ability to provide the concentrate in small volumes (e.g., 50 ml or less), which facilitates transport, etc., without sacrificing any of the advantages discussed herein. The concentrate, even after dilution, remains effectively balanced between sensory effects and cleaning power, while being versatile, easy to prepare, stable, and effective on a wide range of surfaces.

[0027] This concentrate can be used directly after dilution with water. This is advantageous because it makes it simple for consumers to prepare cleaning compositions at home and avoids the need for toxic solvents. It also allows consumers to reuse application devices, such as spray bottles. This provides environmental benefits. Therefore, this disclosure provides a stable concentrate that is not only simple, quick, and effective in use, but also has a lower environmental impact than conventional cleaning products. Aqueous cleaning compositions are discussed further below. This concentrate is also simple to prepare, by mixing the components together at ambient temperature, optionally with simultaneous stirring.

[0028] In view of the environmental concerns of this disclosure, the aqueous cleaning composition may be described as non-toxic, and "non-toxic" is defined herein. The aqueous cleaning composition and / or concentrate may alternatively or additionally be described as naturally derived, and "naturally derived" is defined herein.

[0029] The term "naturally derived" refers to products whose starting materials are derived from plants, minerals, microorganisms, or animal byproducts. From a sustainability perspective, naturally derived products are beneficial, and their use may contribute to the environmental certification of this invention. In some embodiments, the term "naturally derived" can be quantified by the Renewable Carbon Index (RCI). The Renewable Carbon Index, or RCI, measures sustainability by dividing the number of carbon atoms derived from renewable sources by the total number of carbon atoms in the product. For example, high-RCI surfactants contain a high percentage of carbon atoms from natural sources. Ingredients with high RCI are preferred for promoting sustainability and reducing environmental impact. These ingredients are available from a variety of sources.

[0030] In some embodiments, the concentrate described herein may have a renewable carbon index of approximately 85% or higher. In a preferred embodiment, the concentrate described herein may have a renewable carbon index of approximately 90% or higher. In some embodiments, the composition described herein may have a renewable carbon index of approximately 85% or higher. In a preferred embodiment, the composition described herein may have a renewable carbon index of approximately 90% or higher.

[0031] The term "non-toxic" refers to a product that does not contain concentrations of ingredients associated with toxic reactions in humans and animals, such as hormone disruption. Aqueous cleaning compositions prepared by diluting a concentrate with water may, for example, exclude concentrations of compounds that cause endocrine disruption. Endocrine disruptors are chemicals that can interfere with the endocrine system. The European Chemicals Agency defines them as "chemicals that may interfere with the hormonal system and thus have harmful effects on humans and wildlife." A list of these compounds exists at https: / / echa.europa.eu / ed-assessment. The aqueous cleaning composition may also be described as non-irritating to the skin, respiratory system, and / or eyes.

[0032] In some embodiments, the aqueous cleaning composition can be described as having no acute toxicity (via oral or dermal route or via inhalation), no reproductive toxicity, no specific target organ toxicity, and / or no inhalation toxicity. The aqueous cleaning composition may also not cause skin corrosion, eye damage, and / or respiratory sensitization. The aqueous cleaning composition can be further described as non-mutagenic and non-carcinogenic.

[0033] In addition to surfactants and essential oils or blends thereof as defined in the appended claims, the concentrates of this disclosure may also include one or more additional components. These components are optional and may include, but are not limited to, solvents, colorants, pH adjusters, chelating agents, buffers, preservatives, antimicrobial agents, acids (preferably naturally derived organic acids as defined herein), film-forming agents, fragrances or aromas, and mixtures thereof. This list is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to be inclusive or exclusive. Suitable amounts of these optional components may be determined based on actual needs, but those skilled in the art will recognize that such amounts and components are selected so as not to adversely affect the environmental certification of the compositions described herein.

[0034] In some embodiments, the optional component may therefore be naturally derived. In other embodiments, the optional component may be synthetically derived. In some embodiments, the optional component may be non-toxic. The optional component may, for example, be synthetically derived and non-toxic, or naturally derived and non-toxic. The terms "naturally derived" and "non-toxic" are as defined above.

[0035] In some embodiments, the concentrate may contain a solvent. There are no particular limitations on the solvent. Preferably, the solvent may be non-toxic as defined above. The solvent may alternatively or additionally be naturally derived as defined above. Non-toxic and / or naturally derived solvents are known in the art. In some embodiments, the solvent may be aqueous. In other embodiments, the solvent may be non-aqueous. The term "aqueous" means at least 50% by volume water.

[0036] In some embodiments, the concentrate may contain a preservative, which may be a naturally derived preservative. The term "naturally derived preservative" means a preservative derived from plant, mineral, animal, or microbial sources; it does not include synthetic preservatives such as benzisothiazolin-3-one or bromonitrile glycol. However, a preservative is not essential to this disclosure. When included, the amount of preservative is not limited. In some embodiments, the preservative may be present in the concentrate in an amount from about 1% to about 20% by weight, based on the total weight of the concentrate.

[0037] In some embodiments, the concentrate may contain an acid, preferably a naturally derived organic acid. There is no particular limitation on naturally derived organic acids; it refers to any acid derived from a natural source. It can be, but is not limited to, tartaric acid, acetic acid, glycolic acid, lactic acid, malic acid, citric acid, or combinations thereof. The inclusion of naturally derived organic acids may be particularly advantageous for the concentrate in the second aspect, but is not limited thereto. The amount of naturally derived organic acids is not limited when present. In some embodiments, the naturally derived organic acids may be present in an amount from about 1% by weight to about 40% by weight, based on the total weight of the concentrate. In a preferred embodiment, the naturally derived organic acids may be present in an amount from about 5% by weight to about 40% by weight, based on the total weight of the concentrate.

[0038] In some embodiments, the concentrate may contain a pH adjuster and / or a buffer. Suitable compounds are known in the art. The pH adjuster and / or buffer may be naturally derived and / or non-toxic. In some embodiments, the concentrate may contain a chelating agent. The chelating agent may be naturally derived and / or non-toxic. Examples include sodium citrate, sodium gluconate, and chelating compounds derived from rice, wheat, corn, citrus fruits, sweet potatoes, sucrose, apples, etc. In some embodiments, the concentrate may contain one or more antimicrobial compounds. The antimicrobial compound may be naturally derived and / or non-toxic. In some embodiments, the concentrate does not contain any antimicrobial compounds. Quaternary ammonium surfactants are generally considered useful antimicrobial compounds. In some embodiments, the concentrate may not contain quaternary ammonium surfactants.

[0039] Essential oils or their blends The concentrates of the first and second aspects include essential oils or blends thereof. As used herein, the term "essential oil" refers to a concentrated hydrophobic liquid containing volatile chemical compounds or active substances obtained from a plant by expression or distillation. The term "essential" is used in the art to refer to the essence of a plant's aroma, that is, the characteristic aroma of the plant from which the oil is derived. Essential oils are generally lipophilic compounds that are immiscible with water. In this regard, those skilled in the art will recognize that the term "essential oil," as used herein, does not refer to a single lipophilic compound, such as a terpene, but rather to a complex mixture of lipophilic compounds.

[0040] As used herein, the term "blend" refers to a mixture or combination of two or more essential oils. In some embodiments, the essential oil may be a blend of at least two essential oils. In some embodiments, the essential oil may be a blend of at least three essential oils. There is no upper limit to the number of essential oils that may be included in the concentrates of this disclosure.

[0041] Essential oils or blends thereof are not limited in this disclosure. While not wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that essential oils or blends thereof provide users with a pleasant fragrance, thereby improving the sensory experience of using the cleaning composition. The content of essential oils is balanced relative to the amount of surfactant to provide a stable product that is easy to use in aqueous cleaning compositions.

[0042] Essential oils or blends thereof are plant essential oils. Such oils are known in the art and are available from a variety of sources. There are no limitations on plant essential oils; they can be obtained from any suitable plant and any part of said suitable plant, such as leaves, roots, stems, bark, flowers, fruits, etc. Exemplary oils include, but are not limited to, lemon essential oil, geranium essential oil, lavender essential oil, rose essential oil, rosemary essential oil, bergamot essential oil, clove essential oil, peppermint essential oil, cinnamon essential oil, thyme essential oil, orange essential oil, coriander essential oil, grapefruit essential oil, frankincense essential oil, myrrh essential oil, sweet marjoram essential oil, sage essential oil, lemongrass essential oil, lime essential oil, cedarwood essential oil, lemongrass essential oil, eucalyptus essential oil, peppermint essential oil, neroli essential oil, oregano essential oil, juniper essential oil, cardamom essential oil, basil essential oil, and combinations thereof.

[0043] The essential oil or its blend depends on the desired fragrance of the aqueous cleaning composition. In some embodiments, the essential oil is also selected based on its sustainability certification. For example, it is known in the art that some essential oils are produced unsustainably from dwindling natural resources. In some embodiments, the essential oil is selected to be non-toxic as defined herein.

[0044] Given the focus on sensory experience, the amount of essential oil in the concentrates disclosed herein is important. Based on the total weight of the concentrate, the essential oil or blend thereof may be present in an amount of at least about 1% by weight. In some embodiments, based on the total weight of the concentrate, the essential oil or blend thereof may be present in the concentrate in an amount of at least about 2% by weight. In some embodiments, based on the total weight of the concentrate, the essential oil or blend thereof may be present in the concentrate in an amount of at least about 3% by weight. In some embodiments, based on the total weight of the concentrate, the essential oil or blend thereof may be present in the concentrate in an amount of at least about 4% by weight. In some embodiments, based on the total weight of the concentrate, the essential oil or blend thereof may be present in the concentrate in an amount of at least about 5% by weight.

[0045] The upper limit of the essential oil content is not limited in this disclosure, provided that the weight ratio of the surfactant to the essential oil is within the claimed range to stabilize the concentrate and composition. In some embodiments, the essential oil or blend thereof may be present in an amount not exceeding about 30% by weight based on the total weight of the concentrate. In some embodiments, the essential oil or blend thereof may be present in an amount not exceeding about 28% by weight based on the total weight of the concentrate. In some embodiments, the essential oil or blend thereof may be present in an amount not exceeding about 25% by weight based on the total weight of the concentrate. In some embodiments, the essential oil or blend thereof may be present in an amount not exceeding about 20% by weight based on the total weight of the concentrate. In some embodiments, the essential oil or blend thereof may be present in an amount not exceeding about 18% by weight based on the total weight of the concentrate.

[0046] In some embodiments, the essential oil or blend thereof may be present in the concentrate at an amount of about 1% by weight to about 30% by weight, based on the total weight of the concentrate. In some embodiments, the essential oil or blend thereof may be present in the concentrate at an amount of about 2% by weight to about 28% by weight, based on the total weight of the concentrate. In some embodiments, the essential oil or blend thereof may be present in the concentrate at an amount of about 3% by weight to about 25% by weight, based on the total weight of the concentrate. In some embodiments, the essential oil or blend thereof may be present in the concentrate at an amount of about 4% by weight to about 20% by weight, based on the total weight of the concentrate. In some embodiments, the essential oil or blend thereof may be present in the concentrate at an amount of about 5% by weight to about 18% by weight, based on the total weight of the concentrate.

[0047] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the essential oil or blend thereof may be present in the concentrate in an amount of about 5% by weight to about 25% by weight, based on the total weight of the concentrate. In a preferred embodiment, the essential oil or blend thereof may be present in the concentrate in an amount of about 5% by weight to about 20% by weight, based on the total weight of the concentrate. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the essential oil or blend thereof may be present in the concentrate in an amount of about 7% by weight to about 18% by weight, based on the total weight of the concentrate.

[0048] In some embodiments of the second aspect, the essential oil or blend thereof may be present in the concentrate in an amount of about 1% to about 25% by weight, based on the total weight of the concentrate. In a preferred embodiment, the essential oil or blend thereof may be present in the concentrate in an amount of about 1% to about 20% by weight, based on the total weight of the concentrate. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the essential oil or blend thereof may be present in the concentrate in an amount of about 1% to about 18% by weight, based on the total weight of the concentrate.

[0049] These essential oil concentrations can be combined with the surfactant concentrations and weight ratios discussed herein. They can also be combined with the number of essential oils; for example, in some embodiments of the first aspect, the essential oil or blend thereof may be present in the concentrate in an amount of about 5% to about 25% by weight based on the total weight of the concentrate, and includes at least two essential oils. In a preferred embodiment, the essential oil or blend thereof may be present in the concentrate in an amount of about 5% to about 20% by weight based on the total weight of the concentrate, and includes at least two essential oils. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the essential oil or blend thereof may be present in the concentrate in an amount of about 7% to about 18% by weight based on the total weight of the concentrate, and includes at least two essential oils.

[0050] In some embodiments of the second aspect, the essential oil or blend thereof may be present in the concentrate in an amount of about 1% to about 25% by weight based on the total weight of the concentrate, and comprises at least two essential oils. In a preferred embodiment, the essential oil or blend thereof may be present in the concentrate in an amount of about 1% to about 20% by weight based on the total weight of the concentrate, and comprises at least two essential oils. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the essential oil or blend thereof may be present in the concentrate in an amount of about 1% to about 18% by weight based on the total weight of the concentrate, and comprises at least two essential oils.

[0051] surfactants Surfactants are widely used in the cosmetics, hygiene, food, and petroleum industries as detergents, emulsifiers, wetting agents, foaming agents, and dispersants. As surface-active agents, surfactants are amphiphilic; they contain both hydrophilic and hydrophobic components, thereby reducing interfacial tension. Surfactants are generally classified based on their polar head groups, and four known categories exist: nonionic surfactants, anionic surfactants, cationic surfactants, and amphoteric surfactants. The surfactants of interest in this disclosure are nonionic surfactants, anionic surfactants, and amphoteric surfactants, each of which is discussed further below. In some embodiments, the concentrate may be free of cationic surfactants, such as quaternary ammonium compounds.

[0052] Unless otherwise stated, all surfactant concentrations and weight percentages involving surfactants are based on total active ingredient. Surfactants are not typically sold as “pure” ingredients. They are usually diluted in water and reported as active ingredient concentrations. For example, if the active ingredient concentration of a surfactant is 30%, this means that the ingredient contains 30% surfactant and 70% solvent (e.g., water). The 30% active ingredient concentration is used when calculating total concentrations and weight percentages as defined herein.

[0053] In the concentrates disclosed herein, for stability, the weight ratio of surfactant to essential oil in the concentrate is defined. Those skilled in the art will understand that "essential oil" in this case refers to the total amount of essential oil, and "surfactant" in this case refers to the total amount of surfactant (based on the active ingredient). As described above and supported by the examples herein, it has been surprisingly found that the defined weight ratio contributes to the observed stability and provides an aqueous composition with a pleasant fragrance and effective cleaning of a wide range of surfaces during use.

[0054] In some embodiments, the weight ratio of surfactant to essential oil, based on total active ingredients, can be from about 2:1 to about 25:1. This means that the concentrate contains more active surfactant than essential oil. In a preferred embodiment, the weight ratio of surfactant to essential oil can be from about 2:1 to 20:1. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the weight ratio of surfactant to essential oil can be from about 2:1 to about 15:1.

[0055] In some embodiments, the concentrate contains from about 1% to about 30% by weight of essential oil, based on the total weight of the concentrate, wherein the weight ratio of surfactant to essential oil may be from about 2:1 to about 25:1. In a preferred embodiment, the concentrate contains from about 2% to about 28% by weight of essential oil, based on the total weight of the concentrate, wherein the weight ratio of surfactant to essential oil may be from about 2:1 to about 20:1. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the concentrate contains from about 3% to about 25% by weight of essential oil, based on the total weight of the concentrate, wherein the weight ratio of surfactant to essential oil may be from about 2:1 to about 15:1. In any of these embodiments, the concentrate may contain a blend of at least two essential oils.

[0056] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the weight ratio of surfactant to essential oil, based on total active ingredients, can be from about 2:1 to about 15:1. In a preferred embodiment, the weight ratio of surfactant to essential oil, based on total active ingredients, can be from about 2:1 to 12:1. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the weight ratio of surfactant to essential oil, based on total active ingredients, can be from about 2:1 to about 10:1.

[0057] In some embodiments, the concentrate contains approximately 5% to approximately 25% by weight of essential oils based on the total weight of the concentrate, wherein the weight ratio of surfactant to essential oils based on the total active ingredients may be approximately 2:1 to approximately 15:1. In a preferred embodiment, the concentrate contains approximately 5% to approximately 20% by weight of essential oils based on the total weight of the concentrate, wherein the weight ratio of surfactant to essential oils based on the total active ingredients may be approximately 2:1 to approximately 12:1. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the concentrate contains approximately 7% to approximately 18% by weight of essential oils based on the total weight of the concentrate, wherein the weight ratio of surfactant to essential oils based on the total active ingredients may be approximately 2:1 to approximately 10:1. In any of these embodiments, the concentrate may contain a blend of at least two essential oils.

[0058] In some embodiments of the second aspect, the weight ratio of surfactant to essential oil, based on total active ingredients, can be from about 2:1 to about 25:1. In a preferred embodiment, the weight ratio of surfactant to essential oil, based on total active ingredients, can be from about 5:1 to 20:1. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the weight ratio of surfactant to essential oil, based on total active ingredients, can be from about 5:1 to about 15:1.

[0059] In some embodiments, the concentrate contains approximately 1% to approximately 25% by weight of essential oils based on the total weight of the concentrate, wherein the weight ratio of surfactant to essential oils based on the total active ingredients may be approximately 2:1 to approximately 25:1. In a preferred embodiment, the concentrate contains approximately 1% to approximately 20% by weight of essential oils based on the total weight of the concentrate, wherein the weight ratio of surfactant to essential oils based on the total active ingredients may be approximately 5:1 to approximately 20:1. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the concentrate contains approximately 1% to approximately 18% by weight of essential oils based on the total weight of the concentrate, wherein the weight ratio of surfactant to essential oils based on the total active ingredients may be approximately 5:1 to approximately 15:1. In any of these embodiments, the concentrate may contain a blend of at least two essential oils.

[0060] Nonionic surfactants Nonionic surfactants are used in personal and home care applications. They are structurally combined with uncharged hydrophilic and hydrophobic groups, making them effective for wetting and spreading, and acting as emulsifiers and foaming agents. Concentrates in the first and second aspects each comprise nonionic surfactants selected from polyoxyalkylene fatty acid esters, polyoxyalkylene glycol fatty acid esters, sucrose fatty acid esters, polyoxyalkylene bicarbonate castor oil, polyoxyalkylene alkyl ethers, glucosides, glycosides, glycerides or ethers, glycol esters or ethers, and alcohol ethoxylates. These types of surfactants are known in the art and are commercially available. The terms "glucoside" and "glycoside" respectively include polyglucosides and polysaccharides.

[0061] The inventors have discovered that nonionic surfactants are particularly advantageously included in concentrates as defined in the appended claims. Specifically, nonionic surfactants selected from polyoxyalkylene fatty acid esters, polyoxyalkylene glycol fatty acid esters, sucrose fatty acid esters, polyoxyalkylene bicarbonate castor oil, polyoxyalkylene alkyl ethers, glucosides, glycosides, glycerides or ethers, glycol esters or ethers, and alcohol ethoxylates have been found to stabilize essential oils in concentrates while providing effective cleaning power on a wide range of surfaces. Synergistic effects with one or more other surfactants in the concentrate have also been observed.

[0062] In a preferred embodiment, the nonionic surfactant may be selected from polyoxyethylene fatty acid esters, polyoxyethylene glycol fatty acid esters, sucrose fatty acid esters, polyoxyethylene bicarbonate castor oil, polyoxyethylene alkyl ethers, alkyl glucosides, fatty acid glucosides, alkyl glycerides or ethers, fatty acid glycerides or ethers, alkyl glycol esters or ethers, fatty acid glycol esters or ethers, and alcohol ethoxylates. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the nonionic surfactant may be selected from polyoxyethylene fatty acid esters, polyoxyethylene glycol fatty acid esters, alkyl glucosides, fatty acid glucosides, alkyl glycerides or ethers, and fatty acid glycerides or ethers.

[0063] In some embodiments, at least one of the two nonionic surfactants required in the first aspect or the nonionic surfactant in the second aspect may be selected from polyoxyalkylene fatty acid esters, polyoxyalkylene glycol fatty acid esters, sucrose fatty acid esters, polyoxyalkylene bicarbonate castor oil, and polyoxyalkylene alkyl ethers. In a preferred embodiment, at least one of the two nonionic surfactants required in the first aspect or the nonionic surfactant in the second aspect may be selected from polyoxyethylene fatty acid esters, polyoxyethylene glycol fatty acid esters, sucrose fatty acid esters, polyoxyethylene bicarbonate castor oil, and polyoxyethylene alkyl ethers. In a particularly preferred embodiment, at least one of the two nonionic surfactants required in the first aspect or the nonionic surfactant in the second aspect may be selected from polyoxyethylene fatty acid esters and polyoxyethylene glycol fatty acid esters.

[0064] In some embodiments, at least one of the two nonionic surfactants in the first aspect or the nonionic surfactant in the second aspect may be selected from glucosides, glycosides, glycerides, glyceryl ethers, glycol esters, and glycol ethers. In a preferred embodiment, at least one of the two nonionic surfactants may be selected from glucosides, glycosides, glycerides, and glyceryl ethers.

[0065] The concentration of the nonionic surfactant is not limited in this disclosure. However, in some embodiments, including a minimum amount of nonionic surfactant may be advantageous. In such embodiments, the nonionic surfactant may be present in the concentrate at a level of at least about 25% by weight based on the total weight of the concentrate and the active ingredient. In a preferred embodiment, the nonionic surfactant may be present at a level of at least about 30% by weight based on the total weight of the concentrate and the active ingredient. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the nonionic surfactant may be present at a level of at least about 35% by weight based on the total weight of the concentrate and the active ingredient.

[0066] There is no maximum limit to the amount of nonionic surfactant; it may, for example, depend on the weight ratio of the surfactant to the essential oil in the concentrate and the concentration of the essential oil or its blend. As those skilled in the art will recognize, if an optional third surfactant is absent in the concentrate of the first aspect and the essential oil concentration is 10% by weight, the maximum amount of nonionic surfactant based on the total weight of the concentrate is 90% by weight of the active ingredient. In some embodiments, the nonionic surfactant may be present in an amount not greater than about 95% by weight of the active ingredient based on the total weight of the concentrate. In a preferred embodiment, the nonionic surfactant may be present in an amount not greater than about 90% by weight of the active ingredient based on the total weight of the concentrate. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the nonionic surfactant may be present in an amount not greater than about 85% by weight of the active ingredient based on the total weight of the concentrate.

[0067] In some embodiments, the nonionic surfactant may be present in an amount of about 25% by weight to about 95% by weight of the active ingredient, based on the total weight of the concentrate. In a preferred embodiment, the nonionic surfactant may be present in an amount of about 30% by weight to about 90% by weight of the active ingredient, based on the total weight of the concentrate. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the nonionic surfactant may be present in an amount of about 35% by weight to about 85% by weight of the active ingredient, based on the total weight of the concentrate.

[0068] In some embodiments, the concentrate comprises about 5% to about 25% by weight of essential oil and about 25% to about 95% by weight of nonionic surfactant, wherein the weight ratio of surfactant to essential oil may be about 2:1 to about 15:1. In a preferred embodiment, the concentrate comprises about 5% to about 20% by weight of essential oil and about 30% to about 90% by weight of nonionic surfactant, wherein the weight ratio of surfactant to essential oil may be about 2:1 to about 12:1. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the concentrate comprises about 7% to about 18% by weight of essential oil and about 35% to about 85% by weight of nonionic surfactant, wherein the weight ratio of surfactant to essential oil may be about 2:1 to about 10:1. In any of these embodiments, the concentrate may comprise a blend of at least two essential oils.

[0069] In some embodiments, the weight ratio of nonionic surfactant to essential oil in the concentrate may be defined. This can be, for example, from about 2:1 to about 20:1, with the surfactant weight based on total active ingredients. In a preferred embodiment, it can be from about 2:1 to about 18:1, with the surfactant weight based on total active ingredients. In a particularly preferred embodiment, it can be from about 2:1 to about 10:1, with the surfactant weight based on total active ingredients.

[0070] In other embodiments, such as those of the second aspect, the nonionic surfactant may be present in the concentrate at a level of at least about 5% by weight, based on the total weight of the concentrate and the amount of the active ingredient. In a preferred embodiment, the nonionic surfactant may be present at a level of at least about 8% by weight, based on the total weight of the concentrate and the amount of the active ingredient. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the nonionic surfactant may be present at a level of at least about 10% by weight, based on the total weight of the concentrate and the amount of the active ingredient.

[0071] There is no maximum limit to the amount of nonionic surfactant; it can, for example, depend on the weight ratio of the surfactant to the essential oil in the concentrate and the concentration of the essential oil or its blend. In some embodiments, the nonionic surfactant may be present in an amount not exceeding about 50% by weight of the active ingredient, based on the total weight of the concentrate. In a preferred embodiment, the nonionic surfactant may be present in an amount not exceeding about 45% by weight of the active ingredient, based on the total weight of the concentrate. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the nonionic surfactant may be present in an amount not exceeding about 40% by weight of the active ingredient, based on the total weight of the concentrate.

[0072] In some embodiments, the nonionic surfactant may be present in an amount of about 5% to about 50% by weight of the active ingredient, based on the total weight of the concentrate. In a preferred embodiment, the nonionic surfactant may be present in an amount of about 8% to about 45% by weight of the active ingredient, based on the total weight of the concentrate. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the nonionic surfactant may be present in an amount of about 10% to about 40% by weight of the active ingredient, based on the total weight of the concentrate.

[0073] In some embodiments, the concentrate comprises about 1% to about 25% by weight of essential oil and about 5% to about 50% by weight of nonionic surfactant, wherein the weight ratio of surfactant to essential oil may be about 2:1 to about 25:1. In a preferred embodiment, the concentrate comprises about 1% to about 20% by weight of essential oil and about 8% to about 45% by weight of nonionic surfactant, wherein the weight ratio of surfactant to essential oil may be about 5:1 to about 20:1. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the concentrate comprises about 1% to about 18% by weight of essential oil and about 10% to about 40% by weight of nonionic surfactant, wherein the weight ratio of surfactant to essential oil may be about 5:1 to about 15:1. In any of these embodiments, the concentrate may comprise a blend of at least two essential oils.

[0074] In some embodiments, the weight ratio of nonionic surfactant to essential oil in the concentrate may be defined. This can be, for example, from about 2:1 to about 20:1, with the surfactant weight based on total active ingredients. In a preferred embodiment, it can be from about 2:1 to about 18:1, with the surfactant weight based on total active ingredients. In a particularly preferred embodiment, it can be from about 2:1 to about 10:1, with the surfactant weight based on total active ingredients.

[0075] Technicians will recognize that the concentrations and weight ratios specified above are generally applicable, as they apply to all types of nonionic surfactants and all essential oils as defined herein.

[0076] Anionic surfactants Anionic surfactants have negatively charged head groups and are used in personal care, detergent, and cleaning product formulations. Linear alkylbenzene sulfonates are among the most commonly used synthetic anionic surfactants, but other exemplary classes include alcohol sulfates, sulfonates, phosphates, and carboxylates.

[0077] In each of the first and second aspects, anionic surfactants may include all forms of lipophilic oligomeric hydrocarbons and polyethoxylates having negatively charged hydrophilic head groups, such as carboxyl, sulfate, sulfonate, sulfonated esters, sulfated esters, sulfated amides, carboxylated amides, or phosphate anionic head groups. Examples include fatty acids, fatty acid salts, sulfates, sulfonates, sulfosuccinates, sarcosinates, hydroxyethyl sulfonates, glutamates, taurines, sulfonates, sulfonic acid salts, phosphates, carboxylates, phosphates, and phosphate esters.

[0078] In some embodiments, the anionic surfactant may be selected from fatty acids, fatty acid salts, sulfates, sulfonates, sulfosuccinates, sarcosinates, hydroxyethyl sulfonates, glutamates, taurines, alkylbenzene sulfonates, sulfonates, phosphate esters, carboxylates, phosphates, and phosphate esters. In a preferred embodiment, the anionic surfactant may be selected from fatty acids, fatty acid salts, sulfates, sulfonates, sulfosuccinates, sarcosinates, hydroxyethyl sulfonates, glutamates, and taurines. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the anionic surfactant may be selected from sarcosinates, hydroxyethyl sulfonates, glutamates, and taurines, i.e., sulfate-free anionic surfactants. In some embodiments, the concentrate may therefore be sulfate-free.

[0079] In some embodiments, the anionic surfactant may be selected from fatty acid sulfates, fatty acid sulfonates, fatty acid sulfosuccinates, fatty acid glutamates, fatty acid sarcosinates, fatty acid hydroxyethyl sulfonates, and fatty acid taurines. The fatty acid may contain 8 to 24 carbon atoms, preferably 10 to 20 carbon atoms, more preferably 12 to 18 carbon atoms. The salt may be an alkali metal or alkaline earth metal salt, preferably an alkali metal salt. The alkali metal may be, for example, sodium or potassium. The fatty acid salt (e.g., fatty acid sulfates, sulfonates, sulfosuccinates, glutamates, sarcosinates, hydroxyethyl sulfonates, taurines) may be saturated or unsaturated. When unsaturated, the degree of unsaturation may be monounsaturated or diunsaturated, i.e., the fatty acid may be a monounsaturated fatty acid or a diunsaturated fatty acid. Examples of fatty acids include stearic acid, ricinoleic acid, oleic acid, levulinic acid, palmitic acid, erucic acid, benzyl acid, lauric acid, myristic acid, and linoleic acid.

[0080] In some embodiments, the anionic surfactant may be selected from fatty acid sulfates, fatty acid sulfonates, fatty acid sulfosuccinates, fatty acid glutamates, fatty acid sarcosinates, fatty acid hydroxyethyl sulfonates, and fatty acid taurines. The fatty acid may contain 8 to 24 carbon atoms, preferably 10 to 20 carbon atoms, more preferably 12 to 18 carbon atoms. The salt may be an alkali metal or alkaline earth metal salt, preferably an alkali metal salt. The alkali metal may be, for example, sodium or potassium. The fatty acid salt (e.g., fatty acid glutamate, sarcosinate, hydroxyethyl sulfonate, taurine; or fatty acid sulfate or fatty acid sulfonate) may be saturated or unsaturated. When unsaturated, the degree of unsaturation may be monounsaturated or diunsaturated, i.e., the fatty acid may be a monounsaturated fatty acid or a diunsaturated fatty acid. Examples of fatty acids include stearic acid, ricinoleic acid, oleic acid, levulinic acid, palmitic acid, erucic acid, benzyl acid, lauric acid, myristic acid, and linoleic acid.

[0081] In some embodiments, the concentrate includes one or more sulfate surfactants. This may be advantageous for the second aspect, but is not limited thereto. In some embodiments, the anionic surfactant may be selected from sulfates, sulfonates, and sulfosuccinates. In such embodiments, it may be advantageous to include one or more natural organic acids as defined above. Sulfates, sulfonates, and sulfosuccinates may be fatty acid sulfates, fatty acid sulfonates, and fatty acid sulfosuccinates, wherein the fatty acid may contain 8 to 24 carbon atoms, preferably 10 to 20 carbon atoms, more preferably 12 to 18 carbon atoms. The salt may be an alkali metal or alkaline earth metal salt, preferably an alkali metal salt. The alkali metal may be, for example, sodium or potassium. The fatty acid salt (e.g., fatty acid sulfate, sulfonate, sulfosuccinate, glutamate, sarcosinate, hydroxyethyl sulfonate, taurine) may be saturated or unsaturated. When unsaturated, the degree of unsaturation may be monounsaturated or diunsaturated, i.e., the fatty acid may be a monounsaturated fatty acid or a diunsaturated fatty acid. Examples of fatty acids include stearic acid, ricinoleic acid, oleic acid, transoleic acid, palmitic acid, erucic acid, benzolic acid, lauric acid, myristic acid, and linoleic acid.

[0082] The concentrate in the second aspect may include anionic surfactants as a second surfactant, as defined above. The amount of anionic surfactant is not limited in this case and may depend on the concentration of the essential oil or its blend, the amount of nonionic surfactant, the weight ratio of surfactant to essential oil, and optionally, the weight ratio of nonionic surfactant to anionic surfactant in the concentrate. For example, an exemplary essential oil concentration of 2%, a nonionic surfactant concentration of 5% by weight, and a surfactant-to-essential oil weight ratio of 3:1 will yield a 1% by weight anionic surfactant concentration. The weight ratio of nonionic surfactant to anionic surfactant is 5:1 (assuming the surfactant is 100% active).

[0083] In some embodiments, the anionic surfactant may be present at least about 1% by weight of the active ingredient, based on the total weight of the concentrate. In a preferred embodiment, the anionic surfactant may be present at at least about 2% by weight of the active ingredient, based on the total weight of the concentrate. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the anionic surfactant may be present at at least about 3% by weight of the active ingredient, based on the total weight of the concentrate.

[0084] There is no particular upper limit on the amount of anionic surfactant. As mentioned above, it can depend on the concentration of the essential oil or its blend, the amount of nonionic surfactant, the weight ratio of surfactant to essential oil, and optionally, the weight ratio of nonionic surfactant to anionic surfactant in the concentrate. However, in some embodiments, the anionic surfactant may be present in an amount not exceeding about 20% by weight of the active ingredient, based on the total weight of the concentrate. In a preferred embodiment, the anionic surfactant may be present in an amount not exceeding about 15% by weight of the active ingredient, based on the total weight of the concentrate. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the anionic surfactant may be present in an amount not exceeding about 10% by weight of the active ingredient, based on the total weight of the concentrate.

[0085] In some embodiments, the anionic surfactant may be present in an amount of about 1% to about 20% by weight of the active ingredient, based on the total weight of the concentrate. In a preferred embodiment, the anionic surfactant may be present in an amount of about 2% to about 15% by weight of the active ingredient, based on the total weight of the concentrate. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the anionic surfactant may be present in an amount of about 3% to about 10% by weight of the active ingredient, based on the total weight of the concentrate.

[0086] In some embodiments, the weight ratio of anionic surfactant to essential oil can be defined. It can be, for example, from about 1:10 to about 5:1, with the surfactant weight based on total active ingredients. In a preferred embodiment, the weight ratio of anionic surfactant to essential oil based on total active ingredients can be from about 1:5 to 5:1. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the weight ratio of anionic surfactant to essential oil based on total active ingredients can be from about 1:1 to about 5:1.

[0087] In some embodiments, the anionic surfactant may be present in an amount of about 1% to about 20% by weight of the active ingredient, based on the total weight of the concentrate, and the weight ratio of the anionic surfactant to the essential oil may be about 1:10 to about 5:1. In a preferred embodiment, the anionic surfactant may be present in an amount of about 2% to about 15% by weight of the active ingredient, based on the total weight of the concentrate, and the weight ratio of the anionic surfactant to the essential oil may be about 1:5 to 5:1. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the anionic surfactant may be present in an amount of about 3% to about 10% by weight of the active ingredient, based on the total weight of the concentrate, and the weight ratio of the anionic surfactant to the essential oil may be about 1:1 to about 5:1. In any of these embodiments, the essential oil may be a blend of at least two essential oils; the anionic surfactant may be as defined above.

[0088] A third surfactant in each concentrate is optional. The third surfactant may be selected from anionic, amphoteric, and nonionic surfactants. In some embodiments, the third surfactant may be selected from anionic and nonionic surfactants. In some embodiments, the third surfactant may be anionic. The anionic and nonionic surfactants are as defined herein. Anionic surfactants may be advantageous because they can produce synergistic effects in combination with the other two surfactants in the concentrate (e.g., the two nonionic surfactants in the concentrate of the first aspect). Synergistic effects can be observed through the stability of the concentrate and / or the composition and / or through cleaning efficacy. As described above, synergistic effects between surfactants can make it possible to reduce the amount of surfactant in the concentrate, thereby improving ease of manufacture, transport, etc.

[0089] For example, the third surfactant may be selected from anionic surfactants, such as sarcosine, hydroxyethyl sulfonate, glutamate, or taurine, and nonionic surfactants, such as polyoxyalkylene fatty acid esters, polyoxyalkylene glycol fatty acid esters, sucrose fatty acid esters, polyoxyalkylene bicarbonate castor oil, polyoxyalkylene alkyl ethers, glucosides, glycosides, glycerides, or ethers or glycol esters or ethers. In a preferred embodiment, the third surfactant may be selected from anionic surfactants, such as sarcosine, hydroxyethyl sulfonate, glutamate, or taurine, and nonionic surfactants, such as polyoxyalkylene fatty acid esters, polyoxyalkylene glycol fatty acid esters, polyoxyalkylene alkyl ethers, glucosides, glycosides, glycerides, or ethers or glycol esters or ethers.

[0090] As those skilled in the art will recognize, the definitions, concentrations, and weight ratios specified above still apply when the third surfactant is nonionic. For example, the concentrate may include at least three nonionic surfactants selected from polyoxyalkylene fatty acid esters, polyoxyalkylene bicarbonate castor oil, polyoxyalkylene alkyl ethers, glucosides, glycosides, glycerides or ethers, glycol esters or ethers, and alcohol ethoxylates. The concentrate may further include an optional fourth surfactant, which may be nonionic, amphoteric, or anionic. Nonionic surfactants, amphoteric surfactants, and anionic surfactants are as defined herein. In a preferred embodiment, the optional fourth surfactant may be amphoteric or anionic. For example, the fourth surfactant may be selected from anionic surfactants, which are sarcosine salts, hydroxyethyl sulfonates, glutamate salts, or taurine salts, or amphoteric surfactants, which are alkyl amphoteric acetates, alkyl amphoteric diacetates, alkyl amphoteric propions, alkyl amphoteric dipropions, alkyl betaine, alkyl amide betaine, or alkyl amphoteric hydroxypropyl sulfobetaine, wherein the alkyl group may be a straight-chain or branched alkyl or alkenyl group having 6 to 24 carbon atoms. Amphoteric surfactants are further discussed below.

[0091] In some embodiments, the third surfactant may be an anionic surfactant, and the concentrate optionally further comprises a fourth surfactant, which may be anionic, nonionic, or amphoteric. Anionic surfactants, nonionic surfactants, and amphoteric surfactants are as defined herein. In some embodiments, the third surfactant may be anionic, and the fourth surfactant may be a nonionic or amphoteric surfactant. In some embodiments, the third surfactant may be anionic, and the fourth surfactant may be nonionic. For example, the anionic surfactant may be selected from sarcosine salts, hydroxyethyl sulfonates, glutamate salts, or taurine salts, and the nonionic surfactant may be selected from polyoxyalkylene fatty acid esters, polyoxyalkylene glycol fatty acid esters, sucrose fatty acid esters, polyoxyalkylene bicarbonate castor oil, polyoxyalkylene alkyl ethers, glucosides, glycosides, glycerides, or ethers or glycol esters or ethers. In a preferred embodiment, the anionic surfactant may be selected from sarcosine salts, hydroxyethyl sulfonates, glutamate salts, or taurine salts, and the nonionic surfactant may be selected from polyoxyalkylene fatty acid esters, polyoxyalkylene glycol fatty acid esters, polyoxyalkylene alkyl ethers, glucosides, glycosides, glycerides, ethers, glycol esters, or ethers.

[0092] Anionic surfactants and nonionic or amphoteric fourth surfactants as the third surfactant may be advantageous because they can synergize with the other two surfactants in the concentrate (e.g., the two nonionic surfactants in the concentrate of the first aspect), and further synergistic effects can exist between the third anionic surfactant and the fourth nonionic or amphoteric surfactant. These synergies can be observed through the stability of the concentrate and / or the composition and / or through cleaning efficacy. As mentioned above, synergistic effects between surfactants can make it possible to reduce the amount of surfactant in the concentrate, thereby improving ease of manufacturing, transportation, etc. Synergistic effects can also enable the combination of surfactants to be used with a variety of essential oils or blends thereof.

[0093] In some embodiments, the third surfactant may be an anionic surfactant, and the fourth surfactant may be an amphoteric surfactant. For example, the third surfactant may be selected from anionic surfactants, such as sarcosinate, hydroxyethyl sulfonate, glutamate, or taurine, and the fourth surfactant may be selected from amphoteric surfactants, such as alkyl amphoteric acetate, alkyl amphoteric diacetate, alkyl amphoteric propionate, alkyl amphoteric dipropionate, alkyl betaine, alkyl amide betaine, or alkyl amphoteric hydroxypropyl sulfobetaine, wherein the alkyl group may be a straight-chain or branched alkyl or alkenyl group having 6 to 24 carbon atoms.

[0094] Although four surfactants are specifically mentioned and described herein, the concentrate of this disclosure is not limited to four surfactants and may include four or more, five or more, six or more surfactants, provided that they satisfy the requirements of the appended claims. As outlined above for the third and / or fourth surfactants of the concentrate, the addition of further surfactants may also be synergistic.

[0095] The amount of anionic surfactant is not limited in the above embodiments. In some embodiments, it may depend on the amount of nonionic surfactant and / or amphoteric surfactant, the amount of essential oil or blend thereof, and a defined weight ratio of surfactant to essential oil. For example, a concentrate containing 50% by weight of nonionic surfactant and 10% by weight of essential oil or blend thereof on an active ingredient basis (assuming 100% active ingredient) may contain up to 40% by weight of anionic surfactant on an active ingredient basis (assuming 100% active ingredient).

[0096] In some embodiments, the weight ratio of anionic surfactant to essential oil in the concentrate can be defined. For example, it can be from about 1:10 to about 5:1, with the surfactant weight based on the total active ingredient. At an exemplary essential oil concentration of 10% by weight, this corresponds to a range of 1% to 50% by weight of anionic surfactant on an active ingredient basis (assuming the surfactant is 100% active ingredient). In a preferred embodiment, the weight ratio of anionic surfactant to essential oil in the concentrate can be from about 1:10 to about 3:1. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the weight ratio of anionic surfactant to essential oil in the concentrate can be from about 1:10 to about 2:1. In any of these embodiments, the anionic surfactant can be present in an amount from about 1% by weight to about 50% by weight based on the total weight of the concentrate. In a preferred embodiment, the anionic surfactant can be present in an amount from about 2% by weight to about 40% by weight based on the total weight of the concentrate. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the anionic surfactant may be present in an amount of about 2% to about 35% by weight based on the total weight of the concentrate.

[0097] Therefore, in some embodiments, anionic surfactants may be included as a third surfactant. The concentrate may optionally include a fourth surfactant, which may be nonionic or amphoteric. In such embodiments, the anionic surfactant may be sulfate-free and selected from sarcosine salts, hydroxyethyl sulfonates, glutamate salts, and taurine salts as defined above. Anionic surfactants may be further present such that the weight ratio of anionic surfactant to essential oil in the concentrate is approximately 1:10 to approximately 5:1, and nonionic surfactants may be present in an amount of approximately 25% to 95% by weight based on the total weight of the concentrate. In other embodiments, anionic surfactants may be present such that the weight ratio of anionic surfactant to essential oil in the concentrate is approximately 1:10 to approximately 3:1, and nonionic surfactants may be present in an amount of approximately 30% to 90% by weight based on the total weight of the concentrate.

[0098] In other embodiments, including the second aspect, the anionic surfactant may be sulfate-containing and selected from sulfates, sulfonates, and sulfosuccinates as defined above. The anionic surfactant may be further present such that the weight ratio of the anionic surfactant to the essential oil in the concentrate is approximately 1:10 to approximately 5:1, and the nonionic surfactant may be present in an amount of approximately 25% to 95% by weight based on the total weight of the concentrate. In other embodiments, the anionic surfactant may be present such that the weight ratio of the anionic surfactant to the essential oil in the concentrate is approximately 1:10 to approximately 3:1, and the nonionic surfactant may be present in an amount of approximately 30% to 90% by weight based on the total weight of the concentrate.

[0099] Alternatively, the anionic surfactant may be sulfate-containing and selected from sulfates, sulfonates, and sulfosuccinates as defined above. The anionic surfactant may be further present such that the weight ratio of the anionic surfactant to the essential oil in the concentrate is approximately 1:10 to approximately 5:1, and the nonionic surfactant may be present in an amount of approximately 5% to 50% by weight of the active ingredient, based on the total weight of the concentrate. In other embodiments, the anionic surfactant may be present such that the weight ratio of the anionic surfactant to the essential oil in the concentrate is approximately 1:10 to approximately 3:1, and the nonionic surfactant may be present in an amount of approximately 8% to 45% by weight of the active ingredient, based on the total weight of the concentrate.

[0100] In any of these embodiments, the anionic surfactant may be present in an amount of about 1% to about 50% by weight of the active ingredient, based on the total weight of the concentrate. In a preferred embodiment, the anionic surfactant may be present in an amount of about 2% to about 40% by weight of the active ingredient, based on the total weight of the concentrate. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the anionic surfactant may be present in an amount of about 2% to about 35% by weight of the active ingredient, based on the total weight of the concentrate.

[0101] In some implementations, the concentrate of the first aspect can therefore be defined as comprising: (i) at least two nonionic surfactants selected from polyoxyalkylene fatty acid esters, polyoxyalkylene glycol fatty acid esters, sucrose fatty acid esters, polyoxyalkylene bicarbonate castor oil, polyoxyalkylene alkyl ethers, glucosides, glycosides, glycerides or ethers, glycol esters or ethers, and alcohol ethoxylates. (ii) An optional third surfactant, which is an anionic or nonionic surfactant; and (iii) At least one essential oil or a blend thereof; The at least one essential oil or blend thereof is present in the concentrate at least about 5% by weight, based on the total weight of the concentrate; wherein the surfactant in the concentrate is in a weight ratio of about 2:1 to about 15:1 to the essential oil, the weight of the surfactant being based on the total active ingredients; and The nonionic surfactant is present in an amount of about 25% to about 95% by weight of the active ingredient based on the total weight of the concentrate, and the weight ratio of the nonionic surfactant to the essential oil in the concentrate may be about 2:1 to 20:1.

[0102] When present, the anionic surfactant may be present in an amount of about 1% to about 50% by weight, based on the total weight of the concentrate. In such embodiments, the anionic surfactant may be sulfate-free and selected from sarcosinate, glutamate, hydroxyethyl sulfonate, and taurine. Furthermore, the weight ratio of the anionic surfactant to the essential oil in the concentrate may be from about 1:10 to about 5:1. The concentrate may optionally include a fourth surfactant selected from nonionic surfactants, amphoteric surfactants, and anionic surfactants as defined herein.

[0103] In some implementations, the concentrate of the second aspect can be defined as containing: (i) A first nonionic surfactant selected from polyoxyalkylene fatty acid esters, polyoxyalkylene glycol fatty acid esters, sucrose fatty acid esters, polyoxyalkylene bicarbonate castor oil, polyoxyalkylene alkyl ethers, glucosides, glycosides, glycerides or ethers and glycol esters or ethers. (ii) A second surfactant, which is an anionic surfactant and is selected from fatty acids, fatty acid salts, sulfates, sulfonates, sulfosuccinates, sarcosinates, hydroxyethyl sulfonates, glutamates, and taurines; and (iii) At least one essential oil or a blend thereof; Based on the total weight of the concentrate, the at least one essential oil or blend thereof may be present in the concentrate in an amount of at least about 1% by weight; and the weight ratio of the surfactant to the essential oil in the concentrate may be from about 2:1 to about 25:1, the weight of the surfactant being based on the total active ingredients. The nonionic surfactant is present in an amount of about 5% to about 50% by weight of the active ingredient based on the total weight of the concentrate, and the anionic surfactant is present in an amount of about 1% to about 20% by weight of the active ingredient based on the total weight of the concentrate, and the weight ratio of the anionic surfactant to the essential oil in the concentrate may be about 1:10 to 5:1.

[0104] The anionic surfactant in such embodiments may be sulfate-containing and selected from sulfates, sulfonates, and sulfosuccinates. The concentrate may optionally further comprise a third surfactant, which may be a nonionic surfactant, an amphoteric surfactant, or an anionic surfactant as defined herein.

[0105] Unless otherwise stated, those skilled in the art will recognize that the concentrations and weight ratios defined above are generally applicable, as they apply to all kinds of nonionic and anionic surfactants and all essential oils as defined herein.

[0106] Amphoteric surfactants Amphoteric surfactants are surfactants that carry both positive and negative charges. These charges depend on the pH of the solution. In each of the first and second aspects, the amphoteric surfactant can be any amphoteric surfactant known in the art. In some embodiments, the amphoteric surfactant may be selected from alkylamphoteric acetate, alkylamphoteric diacetate, alkylamphoteric propionate, alkylamphoteric dipropionate, alkyl betaine, alkylamido betaine, alkylamphoteric hydroxypropyl sulfobetaine, and amine oxides.

[0107] As used herein, the term "hydrocarbon group" includes groups such as alkyl, aryl, aralkyl, alkylaryl, cycloalkyl, or alkenyl groups, which may be straight-chain or branched, and / or saturated or unsaturated. Hydrocarbon groups are not limited and may contain 6 to 24, 8 to 24, or 10 to 20 carbon atoms. In some embodiments, the hydrocarbon group may be a straight-chain or branched alkyl or alkenyl group, such as a straight-chain or branched alkyl or alkenyl group having 6 to 24 carbon atoms. In some embodiments, the hydrocarbon group may be a fatty acid as defined above for anionic surfactants, such as a fatty acid having 8 to 24 carbon atoms.

[0108] In some embodiments, the amphoteric surfactant may be selected from alkylamphoteric acetate, alkylamphoteric diacetate, alkylamphoteric propionate, alkylamphoteric dipropionate, alkyl betaine, alkylamidobetaine, alkylamphoteric hydroxypropyl sulfobetaine, and amine oxide, wherein the alkyl group is a straight-chain or branched alkyl or alkenyl group having 6 to 24 carbon atoms. In a preferred embodiment, the alkyl group may be a fatty acid having 8 to 24 carbon atoms.

[0109] The salt can be an alkali metal or alkaline earth metal salt, preferably an alkali metal salt. The alkali metal can be, for example, sodium or potassium. The fatty acids in the fatty acid salt can be saturated or unsaturated. When unsaturated, the degree of unsaturation can be monounsaturated or diunsaturated, meaning the fatty acid can be either monounsaturated or diunsaturated. Examples of fatty acids include stearic acid, ricinoleic acid, oleic acid, estric acid, palmitic acid, erucic acid, benzyl acid, lauric acid, myristic acid, and linoleic acid.

[0110] In some embodiments, the amphoteric surfactant may be selected from alkyl betaine, alkyl amide betaine, alkyl amphoteric hydroxypropyl sulfobetaine, and amine oxide, wherein the alkyl group is a straight-chain or branched alkyl or alkenyl group having 6 to 24 carbon atoms. In a preferred embodiment, the alkyl group may be a fatty acid having 8 to 24 carbon atoms. In any of these embodiments, the salt may be an alkali metal salt, such as a sodium or potassium salt.

[0111] In some embodiments, the amphoteric surfactant may be selected from alkyl betaine and alkylamido betaine, wherein the alkyl group is a straight-chain or branched alkyl or alkenyl group having 6 to 24 carbon atoms. In a preferred embodiment, the alkyl group may be a fatty acid having 8 to 24 carbon atoms. In any of these embodiments, the salt may be an alkali metal salt, such as a sodium or potassium salt.

[0112] The amount of amphoteric surfactant in any aspect is not limited. It may depend, for example, on the amount of nonionic surfactant, the amount of essential oil or blend thereof, the weight ratio of surfactant to essential oil, and the amount of any anionic surfactant present. In some embodiments, the amphoteric surfactant may be present at least about 1% by weight of the active ingredient based on the total weight of the concentrate. In a preferred embodiment, the amphoteric surfactant may be present at least about 2% by weight of the active ingredient based on the total weight of the concentrate. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the amphoteric surfactant may be present at at least about 3% by weight of the active ingredient based on the total weight of the concentrate.

[0113] There is no particular upper limit on the amount of amphoteric surfactants. As mentioned above, it can depend on the concentration of the essential oil or its blend, the amount of nonionic surfactant, the weight ratio of surfactant to essential oil, and any anionic surfactants present. However, in some embodiments, the amphoteric surfactant may be present in an amount not exceeding about 20% by weight of the active ingredient, based on the total weight of the concentrate. In a preferred embodiment, the amphoteric surfactant may be present in an amount not exceeding about 15% by weight of the active ingredient, based on the total weight of the concentrate. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the amphoteric surfactant may be present in an amount not exceeding about 10% by weight of the active ingredient, based on the total weight of the concentrate.

[0114] In some embodiments, the amphoteric surfactant may be present in an amount of about 1% to about 20% by weight of the active ingredient, based on the total weight of the concentrate. In a preferred embodiment, the amphoteric surfactant may be present in an amount of about 2% to about 15% by weight of the active ingredient, based on the total weight of the concentrate. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the amphoteric surfactant may be present in an amount of about 3% to about 10% by weight of the total weight of the concentrate.

[0115] In some embodiments, the weight ratio of the amphoteric surfactant to the essential oil can be defined. It can be, for example, from about 1:10 to about 5:1, with the surfactant weight based on total active ingredients. In a preferred embodiment, the weight ratio of the amphoteric surfactant to the essential oil, based on total active ingredients, can be from about 1:5 to 5:1. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the weight ratio of the amphoteric surfactant to the essential oil, based on total active ingredients, can be from about 1:1 to about 5:1.

[0116] In some embodiments, the amphoteric surfactant may be present in an amount of about 1% to about 20% by weight of the active ingredient, based on the total weight of the concentrate, and the weight ratio of the amphoteric surfactant to the essential oil may be about 1:10 to about 5:1. In a preferred embodiment, the amphoteric surfactant may be present in an amount of about 2% to about 15% by weight of the concentrate, and the weight ratio of the amphoteric surfactant to the essential oil may be about 1:5 to 5:1. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the amphoteric surfactant may be present in an amount of about 3% to about 10% by weight of the concentrate, and the weight ratio of the amphoteric surfactant to the essential oil may be about 1:1 to about 5:1. In any of these embodiments, the essential oil may be a blend of at least two essential oils; the amphoteric surfactant may be as defined above.

[0117] As described above, the third surfactant in each concentrate is optional and can be selected from anionic surfactants, amphoteric surfactants, and nonionic surfactants. When the third surfactant is an amphoteric surfactant, the concentration and weight ratios defined above apply. In some embodiments, the third surfactant can be selected from amphoteric surfactants and nonionic surfactants. In some embodiments, the third surfactant can be an amphoteric surfactant. Amphoteric surfactants and nonionic surfactants are as defined herein. For example, the third surfactant can be selected from amphoteric surfactants such as alkyl betaine, alkyl amide betaine, alkyl amphoteric hydroxypropyl sulfobetaine, or amine oxide, wherein the alkyl group is a straight-chain or branched alkyl or alkenyl group having 6 to 24 carbon atoms, or nonionic surfactants such as polyoxyalkylene fatty acid esters, polyoxyalkylene glycol fatty acid esters, sucrose fatty acid esters, polyoxyalkylene bicarbonate castor oil, polyoxyalkylene alkyl ethers, glucosides, glycosides, glycerides, or ethers or glycol esters or ethers. In a preferred embodiment, the third surfactant may be selected from an amphoteric surfactant, which is a hydrocarbon betaine or a hydrocarbon amide betaine, wherein the hydrocarbon group is a straight-chain or branched alkyl or alkenyl group having 6 to 24 carbon atoms, and a nonionic surfactant, which is a polyoxyalkylene fatty acid ester, a polyoxyalkylene glycol fatty acid ester, a polyoxyalkylene alkyl ether, a glucoside, a glycoside, a glycerol ester or an ether or a glycol ester or an ether.

[0118] The concentrate may further include an optional fourth surfactant, which may be nonionic, amphoteric, or anionic. Nonionic surfactants, amphoteric surfactants, and anionic surfactants are as defined herein. In a preferred embodiment, the optional fourth surfactant may be amphoteric or anionic. For example, the fourth surfactant may be selected from anionic surfactants, which are sarcosinates, hydroxyethyl sulfonates, glutamates, or taurines, or amphoteric surfactants, which are alkyl amphoteric acetates, alkyl amphoteric diacetates, alkyl amphoteric propions, alkyl amphoteric dipropions, alkyl betaine, alkyl amide betaine, or alkyl amphoteric hydroxypropyl sulfobetaine, wherein the hydrocarbon group may be a straight-chain or branched alkyl or alkenyl group having 6 to 24 carbon atoms. As described above, there may be advantages associated with including a fourth surfactant.

[0119] In some embodiments, the weight ratio of the anionic surfactant to the amphoteric surfactant can be defined, for example, from about 1:10 to about 10:1 on an active ingredient basis. In a preferred embodiment, the weight ratio of the anionic surfactant to the amphoteric surfactant on an active ingredient basis can be from about 1:10 to about 5:1. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the weight ratio of the anionic surfactant to the amphoteric surfactant on an active ingredient basis can be from about 1:10 to about 2:1.

[0120] Therefore, in some embodiments, an anionic or nonionic surfactant may be included as a third surfactant, and the concentrate may optionally include a fourth surfactant, which may be nonionic or amphoteric. In such embodiments, the anionic surfactant may be sulfate-free and selected from sarcosine salts, hydroxyethyl sulfonates, glutamate salts, and taurine salts as defined above; the nonionic surfactant may be selected from polyoxyalkylene fatty acid esters, polyoxyalkylene glycol fatty acid esters, sucrose fatty acid esters, polyoxyalkylene bicarbonate castor oil, polyoxyalkylene alkyl ethers, glucosides, glycosides, glycerides or ethers, glycol esters or ethers, and alcohol ethoxylates; and the amphoteric surfactant may be selected from alkyl amphoteric acetates, alkyl amphoteric diacetates, alkyl amphoteric propionates, alkyl amphoteric dipropionates, alkyl betaine, alkyl amide betaine, alkyl amphoteric hydroxypropyl sulfobetaine (sehydrocarbylamphohydroxypropylsulfaines), and amine oxides, wherein the hydrocarbon group is a straight-chain or branched alkyl or alkenyl group having 6 to 24 carbon atoms. In a preferred embodiment, the anionic surfactant may be selected from sarcosine salts, hydroxyethyl sulfonates, glutamate salts, and taurine salts as defined above, and the nonionic surfactant may be selected from polyoxyethylene fatty acid esters, polyoxyethylene glycol fatty acid esters, sucrose fatty acid esters, polyoxyethylene bicarbonate castor oil, polyoxyethylene alkyl ethers, alkyl glucosides, fatty acid glucosides, alkyl glycosides, fatty acid glycosides, glycerol fatty acid esters or ethers, glycol fatty acid esters or ethers, and alcohol ethoxylates. The amphoteric surfactant may be selected from alkyl amphoteric acetates, alkyl amphoteric diacetates, alkyl amphoteric propionates, alkyl amphoteric dipropionates, alkyl betaine, alkyl amide betaine, alkyl amphoteric hydroxypropyl sulfobetaine, and amine oxides, wherein the alkyl group is a fatty acid having 6 to 24 carbon atoms.

[0121] Amphoteric surfactants may be further present such that the weight ratio of anionic surfactant to amphoteric surfactant in the concentrate is approximately 1:10 to approximately 10:1 on an active ingredient basis, and nonionic surfactants may be present in an amount of approximately 25% to approximately 95% by weight on an active ingredient basis, based on the total weight of the concentrate. In a preferred embodiment, the weight ratio of anionic surfactant to amphoteric surfactant is approximately 1:10 to approximately 5:1 on an active ingredient basis, and nonionic surfactants may be present in an amount of approximately 30% to approximately 90% by weight on an active ingredient basis.

[0122] Alternatively, the anionic surfactant may be sulfate-containing and selected from sulfates, sulfonates, and sulfosuccinates as defined above; the nonionic surfactant may be selected from polyoxyalkylene fatty acid esters, polyoxyalkylene glycol fatty acid esters, sucrose fatty acid esters, polyoxyalkylene bicarbonate castor oil, polyoxyalkylene alkyl ethers, glucosides, glycosides, glycerides or ethers, glycol esters or ethers, and alcohol ethoxylates; and the amphoteric surfactant may be selected from alkylamphoteric acetates, alkylamphoteric diacetates, alkylamphoteric propionates, alkylamphoteric dipropionates, alkyl betaine, alkyl amide betaine, alkylamphoteric hydroxypropyl sulfobetaine, and amine oxides, wherein the alkyl group is a straight-chain or branched alkyl or alkenyl group having 6 to 24 carbon atoms. In a preferred embodiment, the anionic surfactant may be selected from sulfates, sulfonates, and sulfosuccinates as defined above, and the nonionic surfactant may be selected from polyoxyethylene fatty acid esters, polyoxyethylene glycol fatty acid esters, sucrose fatty acid esters, polyoxyethylene bicarbonate castor oil, polyoxyethylene alkyl ethers, alkyl glucosides, fatty acid glucosides, alkyl glycosides, fatty acid glycosides, glycerol fatty acid esters or ethers, glycol fatty acid esters or ethers, and alcohol ethoxylates. The amphoteric surfactant may be selected from alkyl amphoteric acetates, alkyl amphoteric diacetates, alkyl amphoteric propionates, alkyl amphoteric dipropionates, alkyl betaine, alkyl amide betaine, alkyl amphoteric hydroxypropyl sulfobetaine, and amine oxides, wherein the alkyl group is a fatty acid having 6 to 24 carbon atoms.

[0123] Amphoteric surfactants may be further present such that the weight ratio of anionic surfactant to amphoteric surfactant in the concentrate is approximately 1:10 to approximately 10:1 on an active ingredient basis, and nonionic surfactants may be present in an amount of approximately 5% to approximately 50% by weight on an active ingredient basis, based on the total weight of the concentrate. In a preferred embodiment, the weight ratio of anionic surfactant to amphoteric surfactant is approximately 1:10 to approximately 5:1 on an active ingredient basis, and nonionic surfactants may be present in an amount of approximately 8% to approximately 45% by weight on an active ingredient basis.

[0124] In any of these embodiments, the anionic surfactant may be present in an amount of about 1% to about 50% by weight based on the active ingredient, and the amphoteric surfactant may be present in an amount of about 1% to about 20% by weight based on the active ingredient. In a preferred embodiment, the anionic surfactant may be present in an amount of about 2% to about 40% by weight based on the active ingredient, and the amphoteric surfactant may be present in an amount of about 2% to about 15% by weight based on the active ingredient. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the anionic surfactant may be present in an amount of about 2% to about 35% by weight based on the active ingredient, and the amphoteric surfactant may be present in an amount of about 3% to about 10% by weight based on the active ingredient.

[0125] Unless otherwise stated, those skilled in the art will recognize that the concentrations and weight ratios specified above are generally applicable, as they apply to all types of nonionic surfactants, anionic surfactants, amphoteric surfactants, and all essential oils as defined herein.

[0126] In some implementations, the concentrate of the first aspect can therefore be defined as comprising: (i) at least two nonionic surfactants selected from polyoxyalkylene fatty acid esters, polyoxyalkylene glycol fatty acid esters, sucrose fatty acid esters, polyoxyalkylene bicarbonate castor oil, polyoxyalkylene alkyl ethers, glucosides, glycosides, glycerides or ethers, glycol esters or ethers, and alcohol ethoxylates. (ii) A third surfactant, which is an anionic surfactant or a nonionic surfactant, wherein the nonionic surfactant is selected from polyoxyalkylene fatty acid esters, polyoxyalkylene glycol fatty acid esters, sucrose fatty acid esters, polyoxyalkylene bicarbonate castor oil, polyoxyalkylene alkyl ethers, glucosides, glycosides, glycerides or ethers, glycol esters or ethers and alcohol ethoxylates, and the anionic surfactant is sulfate-free and selected from sarcosinate, glutamate, hydroxyethyl sulfonate and taurine; (iii) An optional fourth surfactant, which is an amphoteric surfactant; and (iv) At least one essential oil or a blend thereof; The at least one essential oil or blend thereof is present in the concentrate at least about 5% by weight, based on the total weight of the concentrate; wherein the surfactant in the concentrate is in a weight ratio of about 2:1 to about 15:1 to the essential oil, the surfactant weight being based on the total active ingredient; wherein a nonionic surfactant is present at about 25% to about 95% by weight, based on the total weight of the concentrate, and wherein anionic surfactant is present at about 1% to about 50% by weight, based on the total weight of the concentrate.

[0127] In some embodiments, the weight ratio of the anionic surfactant to the essential oil in the concentrate may be from about 1:10 to about 5:1. When present, the amphoteric surfactant may be in an amount from about 1% to about 20% by weight. The weight ratio of the anionic surfactant to the amphoteric surfactant may be from about 1:10 to about 10:1, and the amphoteric surfactant may be selected from alkylamphoteric acetate, alkylamphoteric diacetate, alkylamphoteric propionate, alkylamphoteric dipropionate, alkyl betaine, alkylamido betaine, alkylamphoteric hydroxypropyl sulfobetaine, and amine oxide, wherein the alkyl group is a straight-chain or branched alkyl or alkenyl group having 6 to 24 carbon atoms.

[0128] In some implementations, the concentrate of the second aspect can be defined as containing: (i) A first nonionic surfactant selected from polyoxyalkylene fatty acid esters, polyoxyalkylene glycol fatty acid esters, sucrose fatty acid esters, polyoxyalkylene bicarbonate castor oil, polyoxyalkylene alkyl ethers, glucosides, glycosides, glycerides or ethers and glycol esters or ethers. (ii) A second surfactant, which is an anionic surfactant and is selected from fatty acids, fatty acid salts, sulfates, sulfonates, sulfosuccinates, sarcosinates, hydroxyethyl sulfonates, glutamates and taurines; (iii) An optional third surfactant, which is a nonionic surfactant or an amphoteric surfactant, wherein the nonionic surfactant is selected from polyoxyalkylene fatty acid esters, polyoxyalkylene glycol fatty acid esters, sucrose fatty acid esters, polyoxyalkylene bicarbonate castor oil, polyoxyalkylene alkyl ethers, glucosides, glycosides, glycerides or ethers, glycol esters or ethers and alcohol ethoxylates, and the amphoteric surfactant is selected from alkyl amphoteric acetates, alkyl amphoteric diacetates, alkyl amphoteric propionates, alkyl amphoteric dipropionates, alkyl betaine, alkyl amide betaine, alkyl amphoteric hydroxypropyl sulfobetaine and amine oxides, wherein the alkyl group is a straight-chain or branched alkyl or alkenyl group having 6 to 24 carbon atoms; (iv) At least one essential oil or a blend thereof; Based on the total weight of the concentrate, the at least one essential oil or blend thereof may be present in the concentrate in an amount of at least about 1% by weight; and the weight ratio of the surfactant to the essential oil in the concentrate may be from about 2:1 to about 25:1, the weight of the surfactant being based on the total active ingredients. The nonionic surfactant is present in an amount of about 5% to about 50% by weight based on the total weight of the concentrate, and the anionic surfactant is present in an amount of about 1% to about 20% by weight based on the total weight of the concentrate, and the weight ratio of the anionic surfactant to the essential oil in the concentrate may be about 1:10 to about 5:1.

[0129] In some embodiments, the weight ratio of anionic surfactant to essential oil in the concentrate may be from about 1:10 to about 5:1. When present, the amphoteric surfactant may be in an amount from about 1% to about 20% by weight. The weight ratio of anionic surfactant to amphoteric surfactant may be from about 1:10 to about 10:1.

[0130] Water-based cleaning composition In one aspect, compositions comprising a concentrate as defined herein and water are provided. In some embodiments, the composition consists essentially of a concentrate as defined herein and water, or of a concentrate as defined herein and water. This composition may be advantageous because it can be prepared simply, quickly, and efficiently, while having a lower environmental impact than conventional cleaning products. The concentration of water and the dilution of the concentrate depend on the form of the composition, i.e., whether it is a liquid, a gel, or a semi-solid.

[0131] In some embodiments, the composition may be in liquid form and may contain approximately 50% to approximately 99.9% water based on the total weight of the composition. In such embodiments, the composition may contain approximately 60% to approximately 99.9% water based on the total weight of the composition, preferably approximately 65% ​​to approximately 99.9% water.

[0132] In some other embodiments, the composition may be in the form of a gel and may contain about 1% to about 20% by weight of water. In other embodiments, the composition may be in the form of a semi-solid, such as a paste, and may contain about 20% to about 40% by weight of water.

[0133] In some embodiments, the composition may have a pH between approximately pH 3 and approximately pH 8. For example, if the concentrate includes a natural organic acid, the pH of the composition may be between approximately pH 3 and approximately pH 7. In a preferred embodiment, the composition may have a pH between approximately pH 3 and approximately pH 6. In the absence of a natural organic acid, a preferred embodiment of the composition may have a pH between approximately pH 6 and approximately pH 8. Therefore, the composition can be described as having a “neutral” pH. This is beneficial for the environment and for avoiding skin and / or eye irritation during use. pH measurement is well known in the art; it can be performed using a calibrated pH meter at 25°C. This method is used in the following examples.

[0134] The compositions disclosed herein exhibit significant cleaning power on a wide range of surfaces. This means they can be used on diverse surface types and in various household environments. Furthermore, the concentrate and its compositions can be associated with one or more of the following advantageous properties: ease of use, suitability for repeated long-term use, non-irritating, non-toxic, and rapid onset of action. The sensory experience provided to the user is also improved compared to conventional cleaning products. The preparation of the compositions is simple and requires no specialized equipment. The concentrate described herein can be simply diluted with water, and the compositions are ready to use.

[0135] Process, Method and Use In one aspect, this disclosure provides a method for preparing a composition, wherein the method includes providing a concentrate as defined herein, and mixing the concentrate with water to prepare the composition. The composition may be an aqueous cleaning composition as defined herein.

[0136] In one aspect, this disclosure provides for the non-therapeutic use of concentrates or compositions as defined herein for cleaning surfaces. The surface is not limited and can be any physical or hard surface known to those skilled in the art. The surface can be a household or domestic physical surface, such as a countertop, table, window, mirror, bathtub, sink, floor, etc. This use can also be defined as a method, such as a non-therapeutic method for cleaning a surface, said method comprising applying a concentrate or composition as defined herein to the surface.

[0137] When applied, the composition can be sprayed onto the surface to be cleaned and then wiped away with a suitable material such as a cloth, towel, sponge, or wiping agent. The composition or concentrate may also be placed in a container before use. Therefore, in another aspect, a container is provided containing a concentrate or composition as defined herein. The container may be made of a chemically inert material. The container may be at least partially opaque. A kit is also provided; this kit includes a container, a concentrate as defined herein, and a cloth, wiping agent, sponge, and / or towel. Example

[0138] Experiment 1 The following concentrates are prepared according to the present invention. The difference between these essential oil blends lies in the plant essential oils they are based on and, consequently, the fragrance they provide to the user.

[0139] Table 1a .

[0140] Each concentrate in Table 1a is prepared as a cleaning composition by including 5 to 20% by weight of the concentrate and the balance 80 to 95% by weight of water in the composition. Each concentrate and diluted composition is clear in appearance. The pH of the aqueous cleaning composition is approximately 6.

[0141] The stability of each concentrate and diluted composition was tested. The stability of the concentrates and compositions was visually evaluated by assessing any changes in appearance (color, texture, any signs of separation, etc.) over a minimum of 3 months (accelerated testing at elevated temperatures, T~35°C) and ideally over 1 year at ambient temperatures. Odor characteristics were also evaluated. Each concentrate and diluted composition was stable for at least 3 months under accelerated testing and for at least 2 years under ambient conditions, retaining the odor characteristics of an essential oil blend throughout this period.

[0142] The cleaning properties of the composition were also evaluated. This evaluation was conducted multiple times during stability testing and in real-life scenarios by a trained sensory review panel using diluted compositions on various surfaces in the home, such as wood, glass, natural stone, bathroom fixtures, and hard plastics. A composition failed if common household stains, such as hard water, toothpaste, food / oil / other kitchen stains, were not removed, if excessive streaks were observed (e.g., on windows or mirrors), or if any residue was left on the test surfaces. The review panel also evaluated the odor characteristics of the cleaning composition throughout the testing period.

[0143] All three concentrates in Table 1a were used to prepare water-based cleaning compositions that provide highly effective cleaning on a variety of household surfaces, while having a pleasant fragrance that can be detected by all members of a trained sensory review panel.

[0144] Experiment 2 The following concentrates were prepared according to the present invention.

[0145] Table 1b .

[0146] Each concentrate in Table 1b is prepared as a cleaning composition by including 5 to 20% by weight of the concentrate and the balance 80 to 95% by weight of water in the composition. Each concentrate and diluted composition is clear in appearance. The aqueous cleaning compositions prepared with concentrates 4 and 5 have a pH between 6 and 7. The aqueous cleaning composition prepared with concentrate 6 has a pH of pH 3, and this composition is particularly effective for bathroom surfaces.

[0147] The stability and odor characteristics of each concentrate and diluted composition were tested in the same manner as in Experiment 1. Each concentrate and diluted composition was stable for at least 3 months under accelerated testing and for at least 2 years under ambient conditions. The odor characteristics of the cleaning compositions were also maintained throughout this period and were considered pleasant by all members of the sensory review panel, and highly effective cleaning power was observed on a variety of household surfaces.

[0148] Experiment 3 The following concentrates were prepared according to the present invention.

[0149] Table 1c .

[0150] Each concentrate in Table 1c is prepared as a cleaning composition by including 5 to 20% by weight of the concentrate and the balance 80 to 95% by weight of water in the composition. Each concentrate and diluted composition is clear in appearance.

[0151] The stability and odor characteristics of each concentrate and diluted composition were tested in the same manner as in Experiment 1. Each concentrate and diluted composition was stable for at least 3 months under accelerated testing and for at least 2 years under ambient conditions. The odor characteristics of the cleaning compositions were also maintained throughout this period and were considered pleasant by all members of the sensory review panel; high cleaning power was also observed on a variety of household surfaces.

[0152] Experiment 4 For comparative purposes, reference concentrates were prepared as shown in Table 2. The surfactants in reference concentrates 1 to 3 were the same as those used in the concentrates shown in Tables 1a to 1c.

[0153] Table 2 .

[0154] Each reference concentrate was prepared for use as a cleaning composition by comprising 5 to 20% by weight of the concentrate and the balance 80 to 95% by weight of water in the same manner as the concentrates in Tables 1a to 1c. However, unlike the concentrates in Tables 1a to 1c, the concentrates in Table 2 are not suitable for use in cleaning compositions.

[0155] Reference concentrate 1 does not conform to the present invention due to the concentration of essential oil blend and nonionic surfactant (less than 5% by weight of the concentrate). The weight ratio of nonionic surfactant to essential oil is also not within the desired range. This concentrate is emulsified and therefore unacceptable for use as a consumer product. The "emulsified" concentrate is not only undesirable in appearance, but also indicates that the emulsion is unstable and may separate.

[0156] Reference concentrate 2 does not conform to the present invention due to the weight ratio of surfactant (based on active ingredient) to essential oil. Similar to reference concentrate 1, this concentrate is emulsified and therefore unacceptable for use as a consumer product.

[0157] Reference concentrate 3 is not compatible with this invention because it contains only a single nonionic surfactant. This concentrate is very emulsifiable and therefore unacceptable for use as a consumer product. The diluted composition is similarly cloudy / white and separates overnight.

[0158] The various embodiments described herein are provided only to aid in understanding and teaching the claimed features. These embodiments are provided only as representative examples of embodiments and are not exhaustive and / or exclusive. It is understood that the advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures and / or other aspects described herein should not be considered as limitations on the scope of the invention as defined by the claims or on the equivalents of the claims, and other embodiments can be utilized and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the claimed invention. In addition to those specifically described herein, various embodiments of the invention may suitably include, constitute, or substantially constitute suitable combinations of, the disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, devices, etc. Furthermore, this disclosure may include other inventions not currently claimed but which may be claimed in the future.

[0159] The following numbered paragraphs now describe various preferred features and implementation schemes.

[0160] 1. A concentrate for use in an aqueous composition, wherein the concentrate comprises: (i) at least two nonionic surfactants selected from polyoxyalkylene fatty acid esters, polyoxyalkylene glycol fatty acid esters, sucrose fatty acid esters, polyoxyalkylene bicarbonate castor oil, polyoxyalkylene alkyl ethers, glucosides, glycosides, glycerides or ethers, glycol esters or ethers, and alcohol ethoxylates. (ii) An optional third surfactant, selected from anionic surfactants, amphoteric surfactants, and nonionic surfactants; and (iii) At least one essential oil or a blend thereof; The at least one essential oil or blend thereof is present in the concentrate at an amount of at least about 5% by weight, based on the total weight of the concentrate; and the surfactant in the concentrate is in a weight ratio of about 2:1 to about 15:1 to the essential oil, the weight of the surfactant being based on the total active ingredients.

[0161] 2. The concentrate of paragraph 1, wherein, based on the total weight of the concentrate, the at least one essential oil or blend thereof is present in the concentrate in an amount of about 5% by weight to about 25% by weight.

[0162] 3. The concentrate of paragraph 2, wherein, based on the total weight of the concentrate, the at least one essential oil or blend thereof is present in the concentrate in an amount of about 5% to about 20% by weight.

[0163] 4. The concentrate of paragraph 3, wherein, based on the total weight of the concentrate, the at least one essential oil or blend thereof is present in the concentrate in an amount of about 7% by weight to about 18% by weight.

[0164] 5. A concentrate of any of the preceding paragraphs, wherein the surfactant to essential oil in the concentrate is in a weight ratio of about 2:1 to about 12:1, preferably about 2:1 to about 10:1.

[0165] 6. A concentrate of any of the preceding paragraphs, wherein the weight ratio of the anionic surfactant to the essential oil in the concentrate is approximately 1:10 to approximately 5:1, the surfactant weight being based on total active ingredients.

[0166] 7. A concentrate of any of the preceding paragraphs, wherein the weight ratio of the amphoteric surfactant to the essential oil in the concentrate is approximately 1:10 to approximately 5:1, the surfactant weight being based on total active ingredients.

[0167] 8. A concentrate of any of the preceding paragraphs, wherein the at least two nonionic surfactants are selected from polyoxyethylene fatty acid esters, polyoxyethylene glycol fatty acid esters, sucrose fatty acid esters, polyoxyethylene bicarbonate castor oil, polyoxyethylene alkyl ethers, alkyl glucosides, fatty acid glucosides, alkyl glycerides or ethers, fatty acid glycerides or ethers, alkyl glycol esters or ethers, fatty acid glycol esters or ethers, and alcohol ethoxylates.

[0168] 9. A concentrate of any of the preceding paragraphs, wherein at least one of the two nonionic surfactants is selected from polyoxyethylene fatty acid esters, polyoxyethylene glycol fatty acid esters, sucrose fatty acid esters, polyoxyethylene bicarbonate castor oil, and polyoxyethylene alkyl ethers.

[0169] 10. The concentrate of paragraph 9, wherein at least one of the two nonionic surfactants is selected from polyoxyethylene fatty acid esters and polyoxyethylene glycol fatty acid esters.

[0170] 11. A concentrate of any of the preceding paragraphs, wherein at least one of the two nonionic surfactants is selected from glucosides, glycosides, glycerides, glyceryl ethers, glycol esters, and glycol ethers.

[0171] 12. A concentrate of any of the preceding paragraphs, wherein the nonionic surfactant is present in the concentrate in an amount of at least about 25% by weight of the active ingredient based on the total weight of the concentrate, preferably from about 25% by weight to about 95% by weight of the active ingredient based on the total weight of the concentrate.

[0172] 13. A concentrate of any of the preceding paragraphs, wherein the third surfactant (ii) is selected from anionic surfactants and nonionic surfactants.

[0173] 14. The concentrate of paragraph 13, wherein the third surfactant (ii) is an anionic surfactant, and optionally the concentrate further comprises a fourth surfactant, which is a nonionic surfactant or an amphoteric surfactant.

[0174] 15. A concentrate of any of the preceding paragraphs, wherein the anionic surfactant is selected from fatty acids, fatty acid salts, sulfates, sulfosuccinates, sarcosinates, hydroxyethyl sulfonates, glutamates, taurines, sulfonates, sulfonates, phosphates, carboxylates, phosphates, and phosphate esters.

[0175] 16. The concentrate of paragraph 14 or paragraph 15, wherein the weight ratio of the anionic surfactant (iii) to the fourth surfactant is about 1:10 to about 10:1, preferably about 1:10 to 5:1.

[0176] 17. A concentrate for use in an aqueous cleaning composition, wherein the concentrate comprises: (i) A first surfactant, which is nonionic and selected from polyoxyalkylene fatty acid esters, polyoxyalkylene glycol fatty acid esters, sucrose fatty acid esters, polyoxyalkylene bicarbonate castor oil, polyoxyalkylene alkyl ethers, glucosides, glycosides, glycerides or ethers, glycol esters or ethers and alcohol ethoxylates. (ii) A second surfactant, which is anionic or amphoteric, wherein the anionic surfactant is selected from fatty acids, fatty acid salts, sulfates, sulfonates, sulfosuccinates, sarcosine salts, hydroxyethyl sulfonates, glutamates, and taurines; and the amphoteric surfactant is selected from alkylamphoteric acid salts, alkylamphoteric diacetates, alkylamphoteric propionates, alkylamphoteric dipropionates, alkyl betaine, alkylamido betaine, alkylamphoteric hydroxypropyl sulfobetaine, and amine oxides; (iii) At least one essential oil or a blend thereof; The at least one essential oil or blend thereof is present in the concentrate in an amount of at least about 1% by weight, based on the total weight of the concentrate; wherein the surfactant in the concentrate is in a weight ratio of about 2:1 to about 25:1 to the essential oil; and optionally wherein the nonionic surfactant is in a weight ratio of about 1:1 to about 20:1 to the anionic surfactant, the weight of the surfactant being based on the total active ingredients.

[0177] 18. The concentrate of paragraph 17, wherein the surfactant to essential oil in the concentrate is in a weight ratio of about 5:1 to about 20:1, preferably wherein the surfactant to essential oil in the concentrate is in a weight ratio of about 5:1 to about 15:1.

[0178] 19. The concentrate of paragraph 17 or paragraph 18, wherein the at least one essential oil or blend thereof is present in the concentrate in an amount of about 1% to about 25% by weight, preferably about 1% to about 20% by weight, based on the total weight of the concentrate.

[0179] 20. The concentrate of any one of paragraphs 17 to 19, wherein the nonionic surfactant is present in an amount of at least about 5% by weight of the active ingredient based on the total weight of the concentrate, preferably at least about 8% by weight of the active ingredient based on the total weight of the concentrate.

[0180] 21. The concentrate of any one of paragraphs 17 to 20, wherein the anionic surfactant is present in an amount of at least about 1% by weight of the active ingredient based on the total weight of the concentrate, preferably in an amount of about 1% to about 20% by weight of the active ingredient based on the total weight of the concentrate.

[0181] 22. A concentrate of any of the preceding paragraphs, further comprising a solvent, preferably wherein the solvent is non-aqueous.

[0182] 23. A concentrate of any of the preceding paragraphs, wherein the nonionic surfactant in the concentrate is in a weight ratio of about 2:1 to about 20:1 to the essential oil, the weight of the surfactant being based on total active ingredients.

[0183] 24. A concentrate of any one of paragraphs 17 to 23, wherein the weight ratio of the anionic surfactant to the essential oil in the concentrate is from about 1:10 to about 5:1, the weight of the surfactant being based on total active ingredients.

[0184] 25. A concentrate of any of the preceding paragraphs, further comprising a preservative.

[0185] 26. A concentrate of any of the preceding paragraphs, wherein the preservative is present in the concentrate in an amount of about 1% to about 20% by weight, based on the total weight of the concentrate.

[0186] 27. A concentrate of any of the preceding paragraphs, wherein the essential oil or blend thereof is a plant essential oil.

[0187] 28. A concentrate of any of the preceding paragraphs, wherein the essential oil or blend thereof is selected from lemon essential oil, geranium essential oil, lavender essential oil, rose essential oil, rosemary essential oil, bergamot essential oil, clove essential oil, peppermint essential oil, cinnamon essential oil, thyme essential oil, orange essential oil, coriander essential oil, grapefruit essential oil, frankincense essential oil, myrrh essential oil, sweet marjoram essential oil, sage essential oil, lemongrass essential oil, lime essential oil, cedarwood essential oil, lemongrass essential oil, eucalyptus essential oil, peppermint essential oil, neroli essential oil, oregano essential oil, juniper essential oil, cardamom essential oil, basil essential oil, and combinations thereof.

[0188] 29. A concentrate of any of the preceding paragraphs, wherein the essential oil is a blend of at least two essential oils.

[0189] 30. A concentrate of any of the preceding paragraphs, wherein the concentrate comprises an amphoteric surfactant selected from the group consisting of alkyl amphoteric acetate, alkyl amphoteric diacetate, alkyl amphoteric propionate, alkyl amphoteric dipropionate, alkyl betaine, alkyl amide betaine, and alkyl amphoteric hydroxypropyl sulfobetaine and amine oxide, wherein the alkyl group is a C6 to C24 alkyl group.

[0190] 31. The concentrate of paragraph 30, wherein the amphoteric surfactant is a hydrocarbon betaine or a hydrocarbon amide betaine, wherein the hydrocarbon group is a C6 to C24 hydrocarbon group.

[0191] 32. A concentrate of any of the preceding paragraphs, wherein the concentrate contains an amount of amphoteric surfactant based on the total weight of the concentrate, ranging from about 1% to about 20% by weight of the active ingredient.

[0192] 33. A concentrate of any of the preceding paragraphs, wherein the concentrate comprises an anionic surfactant selected from glutamate, sarcosinate, hydroxyethyl sulfonate and taurine.

[0193] 34. A concentrate of any of the preceding paragraphs, wherein the concentrate is in the form of an emulsion.

[0194] 35. A composition comprising a concentrate according to any of the preceding paragraphs and water.

[0195] 36. The composition of paragraph 35, wherein, based on the total weight of the composition, the composition contains about 50% by weight to about 99.9% by weight of water.

[0196] 37. The composition of paragraph 35 or paragraph 36, wherein the pH of the composition is between about pH 3 and about pH 8, preferably between about pH 5 and about pH 8.

[0197] 38. A container containing a concentrate according to any one of paragraphs 1 to 34.

[0198] 39. A container comprising a composition according to any one of paragraphs 35 to 37.

[0199] 40. A kit comprising a container, a concentrate according to any one of paragraphs 1 to 34, and a cloth, a wiping agent, a sponge, and / or a towel.

[0200] 41. A method for preparing a composition, wherein the method comprises providing a concentrate according to any one of paragraphs 1 to 34, and mixing the concentrate with water to prepare the composition.

[0201] 42. The composition according to any one of paragraphs 35 to 37 for non-therapeutic use in cleaning surfaces.

[0202] 43. A method for cleaning a surface, wherein the method comprises applying a composition according to any one of paragraphs 35 to 37 to the surface.

Claims

1. A concentrate for use in an aqueous composition, wherein the concentrate comprises: (i) at least two nonionic surfactants selected from polyoxyalkylene fatty acid esters, polyoxyalkylene glycol fatty acid esters, sucrose fatty acid esters, polyoxyalkylene bicarbonate castor oil, polyoxyalkylene alkyl ethers, glucosides, glycosides, glycerides or ethers, glycol esters or ethers, and alcohol ethoxylates. (ii) An optional third surfactant, selected from anionic surfactants, amphoteric surfactants and nonionic surfactants; and (iii) At least one essential oil or a blend thereof; The at least one essential oil or blend thereof is present in the concentrate in an amount of at least about 5% by weight, based on the total weight of the concentrate; and the surfactant in the concentrate is in a weight ratio of about 2:1 to about 15:1 to the essential oil, the weight of the surfactant being based on the total active ingredients.

2. The concentrate according to claim 1, wherein, based on the total weight of the concentrate, the at least one essential oil or blend thereof is present in the concentrate in an amount of about 5% to about 25% by weight.

3. The concentrate according to claim 2, wherein, based on the total weight of the concentrate, the at least one essential oil or blend thereof is present in the concentrate in an amount of about 5% to about 20% by weight.

4. The concentrate according to claim 3, wherein, based on the total weight of the concentrate, the at least one essential oil or blend thereof is present in the concentrate in an amount of about 7% to about 18% by weight.

5. The concentrate according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the surfactant to essential oil in the concentrate is in a weight ratio of about 2:1 to about 12:1, preferably about 2:1 to about 10:

1.

6. The concentrate according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the weight ratio of the anionic surfactant to the essential oil in the concentrate is from about 1:10 to about 5:1, the surfactant weight being based on total active ingredients.

7. The concentrate according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the weight ratio of the amphoteric surfactant to the essential oil in the concentrate is from about 1:10 to about 5:1, the surfactant weight being based on total active ingredients.

8. The concentrate according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least two nonionic surfactants are selected from polyoxyethylene fatty acid esters, polyoxyethylene glycol fatty acid esters, sucrose fatty acid esters, polyoxyethylene bicarbonate castor oil, polyoxyethylene alkyl ethers, alkyl glucosides, fatty acid glucosides, alkyl glycerides or ethers, fatty acid glycerides or ethers, alkyl glycol esters or ethers, fatty acid glycol esters or ethers, and alcohol ethoxylates.

9. The concentrate according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the two nonionic surfactants is selected from polyoxyethylene fatty acid esters, polyoxyethylene glycol fatty acid esters, sucrose fatty acid esters, polyoxyethylene bicarbonate castor oil, and polyoxyethylene alkyl ethers.

10. The concentrate according to claim 9, wherein at least one of the two nonionic surfactants is selected from polyoxyethylene fatty acid esters and polyoxyethylene glycol fatty acid esters.

11. The concentrate according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the two nonionic surfactants is selected from glucosides, glycosides, glycerides, glyceryl ethers, glycol esters, and glycol ethers.

12. The concentrate according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the nonionic surfactant is present in the concentrate in an amount of at least about 25% by weight of the active ingredient based on the total weight of the concentrate, preferably from about 25% by weight to about 95% by weight of the active ingredient based on the total weight of the concentrate.

13. The concentrate according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the third surfactant (ii) is selected from anionic surfactants and nonionic surfactants.

14. The concentrate according to claim 13, wherein the third surfactant (ii) is an anionic surfactant, and optionally the concentrate further comprises a fourth surfactant, which is a nonionic surfactant or an amphoteric surfactant.

15. The concentrate according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the anionic surfactant is selected from fatty acids, fatty acid salts, sulfates, sulfosuccinates, sarcosinates, hydroxyethyl sulfonates, glutamates, taurines, sulfonates, sulfonates, phosphates, carboxylates, phosphates, and phosphate esters.

16. The concentrate according to claim 14 or claim 15, wherein the weight ratio of the anionic surfactant (iii) to the fourth surfactant is about 1:10 to about 10:1, preferably about 1:10 to 5:

1.

17. A concentrate for use in an aqueous cleaning composition, wherein the concentrate comprises: (i) A first surfactant, which is nonionic and selected from polyoxyalkylene fatty acid esters, polyoxyalkylene glycol fatty acid esters, sucrose fatty acid esters, polyoxyalkylene bicarbonate castor oil, polyoxyalkylene alkyl ethers, glucosides, glycosides, glycerides or ethers, glycol esters or ethers and alcohol ethoxylates. (ii) A second surfactant, which is anionic or amphoteric, wherein the anionic surfactant is selected from fatty acids, fatty acid salts, sulfates, sulfonates, sulfosuccinates, sarcosine salts, hydroxyethyl sulfonates, glutamates, and taurines; and the amphoteric surfactant is selected from alkylamphoteric acid salts, alkylamphoteric diacetates, alkylamphoteric propionates, alkylamphoteric dipropionates, alkyl betaine, alkylamido betaine, alkylamphoteric hydroxypropyl sulfobetaine, and amine oxides; (iii) At least one essential oil or a blend thereof; The at least one essential oil or blend thereof is present in the concentrate in an amount of at least about 1% by weight, based on the total weight of the concentrate; wherein the surfactant in the concentrate is in a weight ratio of about 2:1 to about 25:1 to the essential oil; and optionally wherein the nonionic surfactant is in a weight ratio of about 1:1 to about 20:1 to the anionic surfactant, the weight of the surfactant being based on the total active ingredients.

18. The concentrate of claim 17, wherein the surfactant to essential oil in the concentrate is in a weight ratio of about 5:1 to about 20:1, preferably wherein the surfactant to essential oil in the concentrate is in a weight ratio of about 5:1 to about 15:

1.

19. The concentrate according to claim 17 or claim 18, wherein the at least one essential oil or blend thereof is present in the concentrate in an amount of about 1% to about 25% by weight, preferably about 1% to about 20% by weight, based on the total weight of the concentrate.

20. The concentrate according to any one of claims 17 to 19, wherein the nonionic surfactant is present in an amount of at least about 5% by weight of the active ingredient based on the total weight of the concentrate, preferably at least about 8% by weight of the active ingredient based on the total weight of the concentrate.

21. The concentrate according to any one of claims 17 to 20, wherein the anionic surfactant is present in an amount of at least about 1% by weight of the active ingredient based on the total weight of the concentrate, preferably in an amount of about 1% to about 20% by weight of the active ingredient based on the total weight of the concentrate.

22. The concentrate according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a solvent, preferably said solvent being non-aqueous.

23. The concentrate according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the weight ratio of the nonionic surfactant to the essential oil in the concentrate is from about 2:1 to about 20:1, the weight of the surfactant being based on total active ingredients.

24. The concentrate according to any one of claims 17 to 23, wherein the weight ratio of the anionic surfactant to the essential oil in the concentrate is from about 1:10 to about 5:1, the weight of the surfactant being based on total active ingredients.

25. The concentrate according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a preservative.

26. The concentrate according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the preservative is present in the concentrate in an amount of about 1% to about 20% by weight, based on the total weight of the concentrate.

27. The concentrate according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the essential oil or blend thereof is a plant essential oil.

28. The concentrate according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the essential oil or blend thereof is selected from lemon essential oil, geranium essential oil, lavender essential oil, rose essential oil, rosemary essential oil, bergamot essential oil, clove essential oil, peppermint essential oil, cinnamon essential oil, thyme essential oil, orange essential oil, coriander essential oil, grapefruit essential oil, frankincense essential oil, myrrh essential oil, sweet marjoram essential oil, sage essential oil, lemongrass essential oil, lime essential oil, cedarwood essential oil, lemongrass essential oil, eucalyptus essential oil, peppermint essential oil, neroli essential oil, oregano essential oil, juniper essential oil, cardamom essential oil, basil essential oil, and combinations thereof.

29. The concentrate according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the essential oil is a blend of at least two essential oils.

30. The concentrate according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the concentrate comprises an amphoteric surfactant selected from the group consisting of alkyl amphoteric acetate, alkyl amphoteric diacetate, alkyl amphoteric propionate, alkyl amphoteric dipropionate, alkyl betaine, alkyl amide betaine, alkyl amphoteric hydroxypropyl sulfobetaine, and amine oxide, wherein the alkyl group is a C6 to C24 alkyl group.

31. The concentrate according to claim 30, wherein the amphoteric surfactant is a hydrocarbon betaine or a hydrocarbon amide betaine, wherein the hydrocarbon group is a C6 to C24 hydrocarbon group.

32. The concentrate according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the concentrate comprises an amount of an amphoteric surfactant based on the total weight of the concentrate, from about 1% by weight to about 20% by weight of the active ingredient.

33. The concentrate according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the concentrate comprises an anionic surfactant selected from glutamate, sarcosinate, hydroxyethyl sulfonate and taurine.

34. The concentrate according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the concentrate is in the form of an emulsion.

35. A composition comprising a concentrate according to any one of the preceding claims and water.

36. The composition of claim 35, wherein the composition contains from about 50% by weight to about 99.9% by weight water based on the total weight of the composition.

37. The composition according to claim 35 or claim 36, wherein the pH of the composition is between about pH 3 and about pH 8, preferably between about pH 5 and about pH 8.

38. A container comprising a concentrate according to any one of claims 1 to 34.

39. A container comprising the composition according to any one of claims 35 to 37.

40. A kit comprising a container, a concentrate according to any one of claims 1 to 34, and a cloth, a wiping agent, a sponge, and / or a towel.

41. A method for preparing a composition, wherein the method comprises providing a concentrate according to any one of claims 1 to 34, and mixing the concentrate with water to prepare the composition.

42. The composition according to any one of claims 35 to 37 for non-therapeutic use in cleaning surfaces.

43. A method for cleaning a surface, wherein the method comprises applying the composition according to any one of claims 35 to 37 to the surface.