Improvements in or relating to organic compounds

Abstract

The present invention relates to a malodor reducing composition comprising zinc neodecanoate adapted to be delivered from an aqueous medium to a surface containing a malodor source and to provide a sensory perceptible malodor reducing benefit to the surface.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] FIELD OF THE PRESENT APPLICATION The present invention relates to malodor reducing compositions comprising a zinc carboxylate and methods for controlling or eliminating malodor by delivering the malodor reducing compositions from an aqueous medium to a surface containing a malodor source. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Background of the Invention The human sense of smell is complex, and how malodors are perceived can be influenced by many factors. However, the most important factor in detecting and actually eliminating malodors is the gas-phase concentration of the malodor molecules. Malodor suppression or elimination can be achieved by the use of malodor-counteracting agents that chemically modify malodor molecules to produce odorless reaction products, or by the use of malodor neutralizers with antimicrobial activity that are effective against microorganisms that may act as precursors for malodor development. In either case, successful intervention often relies on the delivery of high enough doses of malodor counteracting agents to surfaces containing the malodor source, and on retaining them on the surface for a sufficient period of time to allow them to exert their malodor-counteracting effect.

[0003] Zinc salts, including certain zinc carboxylates, are known to reduce or inhibit malodor by both chemical and antimicrobial means. In particular, zinc neodecanoate has been described as useful as a malodor-reducing active in aerosol-based antiperspirant compositions (WO2018 / 087147). Its excellent deodorant benefits in aerosol-based antiperspirant compositions are at least comparable, if not better, in effectiveness than well-known aluminum-based antiperspirant actives, and may even be employed as a replacement for aluminum chloride in aerosol-based antiperspirant compositions (WO2018 / 087148). However, in both of these cases, zinc neodecanoate was employed in anhydrous formulations that were sprayed directly onto surfaces containing malodor sources. If high concentrations of zinc neodecanoate can be applied directly to the surfaces that need treatment, high deodorant effects can be expected.

[0004] Although zinc neodecanoate has proven to be an effective malodor counteractant when derived from anhydrous formulations, especially when sprayed directly onto the surface to be treated, its broader applicability to other product formats, and especially to aqueous product formats, has been hindered by its extremely poor solubility or dispersibility in aqueous product formats.The difficulty of formulating zinc neodecanoate in an aqueous format, or in a format intended to be mixed with water at high dilution when used by the consumer, means that it has not been able to produce a sensory-perceptible malodor-reducing effect in such formats, and explains why, despite its effectiveness in anhydrous aerosol deodorant formats, it has not been utilized in consumer products, including roll-on deodorants, hand dishwashing products, surface cleaners, and fabric care products, including but not limited to liquid and powder laundry detergents, fabric conditioners, fabric refreshers, and scent boosters. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Summary of the Invention It is an object of the present invention to address the prior art and its attendant problems as they relate to the effectiveness of malodor reducing technologies for use in consumer products, and to provide a malodor reducing composition that can be delivered from an aqueous medium to a surface containing a malodor source to provide a perceptible sensory benefit. A further object of the present invention relates to methods of making and using said malodor reducing compositions.

[0006] Thus, in a first aspect, the present invention provides a malodour reducing composition comprising a zinc carboxylate and one or more ingredients selected from a perfume ingredient, a perfume solvent, a surfactant or mixtures thereof, wherein the composition is adapted to be dispersed in an aqueous medium.

[0007] In a second aspect, the present invention provides a method of providing a malodor antagonizing effect to a surface containing a malodor source, the method comprising the step of delivering a malodor reducing composition comprising a zinc carboxylate from an aqueous medium to the surface. In a third aspect, the present invention provides a consumer product comprising a malodour reducing composition as defined herein.

[0008] The details, examples and preferences provided in connection with any one or more of the described aspects or embodiments of the invention are further explained herein and apply equally to all aspects and embodiments of the invention. Every combination of the embodiments, examples and preferences described herein, in all possible variations, is encompassed by the invention unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. Description of the drawings [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] Perceived Odor Intensity - Results Illustrating Example 6A [Diagram 2] Perceived Malodor Intensity of Refresher Spray Formulation Post-Dosed on Worn T-Shirt Inserts - Results Illustrating Example 6C [Diagram 3]Perceived Intensity of Malodor or Fragrance - Results Illustrating Example 6D DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Detailed Description of the Invention Applicant has surprisingly discovered that despite the poor solubility or dispersibility of zinc carboxylates, particularly zinc neodecanoate, in water, zinc carboxylates can be mixed or combined in a selective manner with perfume ingredients, perfume solvents, surfactants, or technology as more fully described herein to produce a malodor reducing composition that can deliver sufficient concentrations of zinc carboxylates to surfaces containing malodor sources, even when delivered from highly dilute aqueous media, to provide perceptible malodor reducing performance. The performance can be explained by the composition being tailored to deliver high concentrations of zinc carboxylates to the surface being treated. Furthermore, Applicant has surprisingly discovered that by carefully selecting the carboxylate ligand as more fully described herein, zinc carboxylates can exhibit excellent film forming properties on surfaces and resist rinse-off.

[0011] In the first aspect of the present invention, the zinc carboxylate useful in the malodor reducing composition is selected based on its ability to exert an effective malodor reducing effect on a surface containing a malodor source when delivered from an aqueous medium. In the selection, relevant considerations include the solubility of the carboxylate in the oil phase containing one or more of a fragrance solvent, perfume ingredient, surfactant, or mixtures thereof. The more soluble the carboxylate in the oil phase containing these ingredients, the higher its concentration can be in the malodor reducing composition. Other considerations include the ability of the carboxylate to disperse in the aqueous medium and deposit therefrom uniformly on the surface to be treated, its ability to adhere to the surface once deposited, and its volatility. A carboxylate that deposits well on a surface and does not evaporate quickly from the surface once deposited can obviously exert a longer and more effective malodor reducing effect. Another important consideration is the odor of the carboxylate. For obvious reasons, it is undesirable for the malodor reducing composition to contain an active ingredient that is itself a source of malodor.

[0012] Zinc carboxylates with carbon chain lengths of 1-3 carbon atoms are highly soluble in water and incompatible with perfume solvents and perfume ingredients and are less preferred. Zinc carboxylates with carbon chain lengths of 1-7 carbon atoms tend to have pungent or even unpleasant odors and are similarly unpreferred. However, zinc carboxylates in which the carboxylic acid group has 8-12 carbon atoms are preferred as they have optimal odor reduction performance, low volatility, and little or no odor. The most preferred of the zinc carboxylates is zinc neodecanoate. Zinc neodecanoate and methods for its preparation, for example from zinc oxide and the corresponding carboxylic acid, are well known in the art.

[0013] A malodor reducing composition is considered to be adapted to disperse in an aqueous medium for purposes of the present invention if it is readily dispersible in an aqueous medium when it is incorporated into an aqueous consumer product composition, or when it is diluted with water for use by the consumer, by means of the use of certain mixtures of perfume ingredients, solvents or surfactants, and / or the use of certain techniques, such as encapsulation techniques. In a particular embodiment of the present invention, the malodor reducing composition is adapted for dispersion in an aqueous medium by providing the zinc carboxylate in an encapsulated form.

[0014] The encapsulated zinc carboxylate can be presented in the form of multiple microparticles. Microparticles are small particles with diameters generally ranging from about 1 to 1000 microns. Microparticles may have a variety of structures ranging from single core to multicore and may include single or multi-layer shells. The core material may include zinc carboxylate and any other desired ingredients, such as perfume ingredients or perfume solvents, or surfactants. The microparticle core can be loaded with zinc carboxylate at any level up to 100 wt%. However, more specifically, the core can contain zinc carboxylate mixed with perfume ingredients, perfume solvents, surfactants, or mixtures thereof, in which case it can contain zinc carboxylate at about 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, or above 70 wt%.

[0015] The microparticles may be presented in the form of an aqueous slurry in which the microparticles are suspended. To ensure that the microparticles are stably incorporated into the slurry, the aqueous medium may contain suspending agents, preservatives, and any other excipients generally known in the art. If desired, the aqueous slurry may be dehydrated, for example by spray drying, to reduce the level of moisture present, and the microparticles may be presented in powder form. Methods for forming the microparticle slurry or dehydrated microparticles into powder form are well known in the art, and examples of such methods are disclosed in the references cited below in this specification, all of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0016] The shell material used for the microparticles can vary depending on the type of consumer product into which they are incorporated. Conventionally, the shell material can be composed of a thermosetting polymer, such as melamine formaldehyde, melamine urea formaldehyde, polyurea, polyurethane, and polyacrylate. Such a shell of thermosetting polymer can be formed as a shell by known polymerization methods, such as interfacial polymerization around a droplet of core material. Examples of core-shell microcapsules formed from thermosetting polymers useful for preparing encapsulated zinc carboxylates are described in WO2004 / 016234, WO2006 / 056093, WO2007 / 137441, WO2008 / 098387, WO2009 / 100553, WO2017 / 001672, WO2018 / 197266, WO2016 / 207180, WO2018 / 149775, WO2011 / 161229, WO2013 / 092958, WO2016 / 071151, WO2016 / 071150, WO2016 / 071149, WO2017 / 085105, WO2014 / 064252, WO2014 / 064255, and WO2014 / 032290, all of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0017] Another common method for forming core-shell microparticles useful in the present invention is coacervation.Coacervation is a well-known method in which a colloid forms and hardens around a droplet of core material to form a capsule.So-called simple coacervation uses a single hydrocolloid, whereas complex coacervation uses two hydrocolloids.Coacervate microparticles useful in the present invention are disclosed in WO2015 / 150370 and WO2013 / 068581, which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0018] Furthermore, the encapsulation composition can be formed by spray drying an emulsion including a zinc carboxylate and a shell-forming polymer such as starch, cellulose, etc. Examples of such microparticles and methods for preparing them are disclosed in WO2020 / 149192, WO2015 / 189296, and WO2020 / 201258, all of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0019] More recently, the perfume industry has been moving towards biodegradable microparticles that are free or substantially free of microplastics, and such microparticles are useful for encapsulating zinc carboxylates according to the present invention. Biodegradable microparticles can be formed by coacervation or complex coacervation processes using various proteins and / or polysaccharides. Examples of biodegradable microparticles useful in the present invention are disclosed in WO2020 / 233887, which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0020] The encapsulated form of zinc carboxylate can also be presented in the form of multiple pastilles or prills, which can be formed when the zinc carboxylate is dissolved or dispersed in a water-soluble matrix material and the resulting mixture is shaped, for example by extrusion and cutting. Alternatively, molten droplets of the matrix material and zinc carboxylate can be dropped into a suitable liquid bath to harden the droplets and form prills, which can be collected by filtration.

[0021] The water-soluble matrix can be made of various materials useful in the preparation of fragrance booster compositions, as is generally known in the art. An example of a suitable matrix material is a mixture of polyethylene glycol, a filler, and optionally clay or salt or mixtures thereof. Such compositions are described in US2017 / 226690, which is incorporated herein by reference. The zinc carboxylate, and optionally perfume ingredients, perfume solvents and surfactants, can be incorporated into the matrix material either freely or in encapsulated form, as more fully described above. The encapsulated form of zinc carboxylate described herein above can also be incorporated into such a water-soluble matrix.

[0022] In another embodiment of the present invention, the malodor reducing composition may be adapted to disperse in an aqueous medium by dissolving or dispersing a zinc carboxylate in an oil phase comprising a surfactant and optionally at least one perfume ingredient and / or perfume solvent. Although zinc carboxylates are somewhat soluble or miscible in perfume ingredients or perfume solvents, they are practically insoluble in water, and therefore it is necessary to present the zinc carboxylates in admixture with a surfactant in order to be able to disperse effective concentrations of the zinc carboxylates in water-based consumer products, or in consumer products that are intended to be diluted with water in use.

[0023] Preferred surfactants are nonionic surfactants.Suitable nonionic surfactants include any that are commonly used in consumer products, including roll-on deodorants, hand dishwashing detergents, surface cleaners, deodorants, and fabric care products, including but not limited to liquid and powder laundry detergents, fabric conditioners, fabric refreshers, and fragrance boosters.Particularly preferred nonionic surfactants include ethoxylated fatty acids, and in particular those that have the same or similar chain length as that of the zinc carboxylate that is used.An example of a particularly preferred nonionic surfactant is Lutensol TO10 or Synperonic 13 / 9.

[0024] According to a second aspect of the invention, the malodour reducing composition is delivered from an aqueous medium to a surface containing a source of malodour. In a specific embodiment of the present invention, the malodor reducing composition described herein above is in finished form, i.e., the malodor reducing composition is a finished article of manufacture intended to be incorporated into a consumer product base. For example, in a particular embodiment, the malodor reducing composition in the form of an aqueous slurry including a plurality of particulates can be mixed into an aqueous consumer product base to form a consumer product.

[0025] Similarly, a malodor reducing composition in the form of a dry powder comprising a plurality of zinc carboxylate-containing microparticles can be mixed into a dry powder consumer product base to form a consumer product in the form of a dry powder. An example of such a consumer product is a dry powder detergent, which can be dissolved or dispersed in an aqueous medium during use.

[0026] In another embodiment of the invention, the malodor reducing composition is not itself a finished product, but each component of the composition may be added separately in sequential or simultaneous steps to a consumer product base to form the malodor reducing composition in situ. For example, an oil phase containing a zinc carboxylate dissolved in one or more perfume ingredients or perfume solvents or mixtures thereof may be added to a consumer product base already containing a non-ionic surfactant, thereby forming a finished malodor reducing composition in situ at the same time that the consumer product is formed in essentially the same manufacturing operation. Alternatively, a mixture of zinc carboxylate and non-ionic surfactant may be added to a consumer product base already containing perfume ingredients.

[0027] Zinc carboxylates can be delivered by means of the present invention from aqueous media to any type of surface containing a source of malodour. Surfaces include human or animal skin or hair, or inanimate surfaces including all types of household surfaces such as hard surfaces, floors, bathrooms and toilets, dishes, cutlery and other kitchen utensils, fabrics etc. Malodours found on such surfaces include malodours from food, body odours and malodours from human and animal waste. Malodor sources include, but are not limited to, personal odors such as underarm sweat, foot odor, female (vaginal) odor, scalp / hair odor, urine odor, garbage odor, indoor air odor, odors from mold and mildew, and laundry odors.

[0028] In a third embodiment of the present invention, consumer products into which the malodor reducing composition may be added include, but are not limited to, carpet sprays, fabric sprays, all-purpose cleaners, bathroom cleaners, kitchen cleaners, floor cleaners, hand dish cleaners, diapers, feminine hygiene products, cat litter, roll-on deodorants, roll-on antiperspirants, liquid soaps, bar soaps, body washes, detergent bars, detergent pastes / creams, detergent powder tablets, liquid detergents, liquid detergent capsules, detergent powders, fabric fresheners, scent boosters, ironing water, and liquid fabric softeners.

[0029] The malodor reducing composition can be added to the aforementioned consumer products at a level to deliver an effective amount of zinc carboxylate onto the surface to provide an effective malodor reducing effect. In a specific embodiment, the dosage of the malodor reducing composition is such that the total weight of zinc carboxylate in the consumer product is about 10 wt% or less, particularly 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 3, 2, 1, 0.5, 0.4, 0.3, 0.2 or 0.1 wt% or less based on the total weight of the consumer product. The invention will be further described and illustrated with reference to the following non-limiting examples.

[0030] Example 1 (Synthesis of Melamine Urea Formaldehyde Capsules Containing Malodor-Reducing Composition) The malodor reducing composition (1 wt. % fragrance, 19 wt. % isopropyl myristate, and 80 wt. % zinc neodecanoate) is encapsulated in melamine urea formaldehyde to form 1 Kg of slurry according to the following method:

[0031] The reactor is set to 20° C. and filled with deionized water (600 g). Resorcinol (10 g) as crosslinker, positively charged polymeric colloidal stabilizer (2 g) and melamine formaldehyde precondensate (Luracoll SD) (5 g). The stirring speed is set to 400 rpm. At this stage, 360 g of malodor reducing composition (50 wt % in medium chain triglycerides) is added and dispersed in the water phase. The polymerization was carried out in the following manner: formic acid (10%) is added to the slurry until the pH reaches 4, and the slurry is stirred for 1 hour at 35° C. Then, the temperature of the reactor is increased to 90° C. for 1 hour.

[0032] Finally, the slurry is cooled and the pH is adjusted to within the range of 3-5 by the addition of ammonia (1 g). The volume of the slurry is finally brought to 1 L by the final addition of deionized water. The resulting encapsulated composition slurry is discharged from the reactor. The malodor reducing composition has been successfully encapsulated in a slurry.

[0033] Example 2 Synthesis of Starch Capsules Containing Malodor-Reducing Compositions Tap water (55.0 g) was weighed into a stainless steel beaker. Starch Sodium Octenyl Succinate E1450 (18.7 g), Starch Modified Hi-Cap 100 (2.2 g) and Maltodextrin Glucidex IT-19 (5.3 g) were then weighed into the same beaker. The resulting mixture was first manually stirred with a stainless steel rod and then homogenized with an IKA T25 Ultra-Turrax Homogenizer at 13,500 rpm to obtain a homogenous solution. To the resulting mixture was added the malodor reducing composition of Example 1 (17.8 g). High shear mixing was then performed using the same homogenizer at 22,000-24,000 rpm for 20-30 minutes to produce an emulsion. Dynamic light scattering was used to determine that the droplet size was between 0.5-2 microns.

[0034] The emulsion was subjected to spray drying using a LabPlant SD-06 spray dryer. The parameters of the spray drying process were as follows: inlet temperature: 190° C.; outlet temperature: 90° C.; peristaltic pump speed: 485 mL / h; and air flow rate: 3.7 m / s. The resulting spray-dried powder was mixed with silicon dioxide Aerosil 200 (0.5 g) in a closed mixing vessel. The malodor reducing composition has been successfully encapsulated into a dry powder.

[0035] Example 3 (Synthesis of scent booster composition containing malodor reducing composition) A scent booster composition was prepared by blending fumed silica (Aerosil 200) @ 5 wt%, CMC (Blanose) @ 5 wt%, and sodium chloride @ 80 wt. 10 wt% and the malodor reducing composition of Example 1 were added on top of the scent booster mixture and the whole was blended until a free-flowing powder was achieved. (Aerosil is fumed silica (a trademark of Degussa) and "Blanose" is carboxymethylcellulose (a trademark of Hercules).

[0036] Example 4 (Deposition of Zinc Neodecanoate onto Fabric from the Scent Booster Formulation of Example 3) Use of metallochromic indicators to determine deposition on fabrics. Eriochrome Black T is a metallochromic indicator that can be used in complex titrations with a variety of metal ions. It is typically used with a pH 10 buffer where it quickly changes the solution from blue to red when complexed with a metal ion such as zinc. The percentage of Eriochrome Black T complexed determines the shade of the indicator solution. Any uncomplexed indicator present will remain blue, which may mask the red complexed form. It is therefore important to use as little indicator as possible to make the test as sensitive as possible. However, this requires careful balancing with using enough indicator to perceive either color.

[0037] A series of solutions of zinc neodecanoate in ethanol were prepared (10% to 0.00001% in logarithmic steps). An additional series of vials was prepared with 2 mL of pH 9.41 buffer and 10 μL of Eriochrome Black T solution (1% in ethanol). 10 μL of the zinc neodecanoate solution was added to the vial containing the Eriochrome Black T solution. The color of the resulting solution demonstrates that zinc neodecanoate can be detected at concentrations of 0.1% and above, with 0.01% producing a weak positive result.

[0038] Simulated wash cycle test 10 wt% of the malodor reducing composition (10 wt% zinc neodecanoate in Dowanol TPM) is added to the scent booster composition described in Example 3 and mixed thoroughly. Samples using only Dowanol TPM and the scent booster composition were also prepared. 150 mg of each scent booster composition was added to 50 mL of distilled water in a 60 g glass bottle. Four small terry towels (total 14 cm 2 ) was added to each jar and placed on a roller for 1 hour.

[0039] The indicator solutions were prepared in clear glass vials (7.5 mL) by adding buffer solution (1 mL, pH 9.21) and Eriochrome Black T solution (1% in ethanol). One terry towel from each bottle was added to a separate vial containing the indicator solution. The vials were swirled and the resulting color was recorded. Additional indicator (10 μL of 1% Eriochrome in ethanol) was added to each vial and the colors became more distinct.

[0040] The remaining terry towel pieces were transferred to new clear glass bottles (60 mL) containing distilled water (50 mL). The bottles were placed on rollers for an additional hour. One terry towel was removed from each bottle and tested with indicator solution as before (10 μL of 1% Eriochrome in ethanol in 1 mL of pH 9.21 buffer). It was still possible to distinguish the colors of the resulting solutions. This demonstrates that zinc neodecanoate was deposited on the fabric and remained there after rinsing.

[0041] The remaining two swatches were allowed to air dry overnight and tested using the same procedure as before. The cloth washed with the scent booster containing zinc neodecanoate still tested positive for the presence of zinc. This experiment demonstrated that zinc neodecanoate can be deposited on fabric and remain there after rinsing and drying.

[0042] Example 5 (Demonstrated odor reduction performance on fabric - trigger spray formulation) A colorless, transparent model trigger spray formulation was prepared using zinc neodecanoate (0.75 wt%), Dowanol TPM (0.25 wt%) as a solvent, Lutensol TO 10 (9 wt%) and water (90 wt%). Controls were prepared by replacing Dowanol TPM and zinc neodecanoate with diethyl phthalate (1 wt%).

[0043] T-shirt inserts are pretreated with model formulations and controls.The inserts are dried and placed under the arms of T-shirts, which are then worn by a panel of volunteers for a full day without using any fragranced product.Then, the T-shirt inserts are olfactory evaluated by a trained sensory panel for malodor intensity. It was found that those inserts treated with the model trigger spray formulation exhibited a significant reduction in malodour intensity compared to those inserts treated with the control formulation.

[0044] Example 6 (Demonstration of odor reduction performance on fabrics - washing test) A. Deodorizing terry towels preparation Three different test compositions (1-3) were prepared according to the compositions given in Table 1. Samples NU67, MO48 and QC29 (1000 μL) are applied to the center of separate fabric swatches (70 mm x 70 mm terry towel squares) together with 250 μL of 0.006% 3-mercapto-3-methylbutan-1-ol (MMB) in Dowanol TPM as malodor. As a control, samples ED71 and WC14 are applied to the center of separate fabric swatches (70 mm x 70 mm terry towel squares) without any malodor. A label was attached to the top right corner of each fabric piece.

[0045] result: The fabric pieces were rated for malodor intensity by a trained panel of 15 raters using a scale of 0 to 100 with the control set at 70 and a 1 minute interval between ratings. The samples were rated in a randomized order (randomization was created using DesignExpress). The mean intensity rating for the hidden control (NU67) was 63. Panel reliability was very good (G=0.98, phi=0.98, inter-rater reliability=0.76).

[0046] [Table 1]

[0047] B. Deodorization by application of refresher spray - pre-dose onto T-shirt insert Methods – Test Formulations Two refresher sprays were formulated, one with and one without zinc neodecanoate, by mixing the ingredients in the order presented from top to bottom in Table 2.

[0048] [Table 2]

[0049] Method - Insert Preparation The fabric inserts are pre-washed, de-sized, labeled, have poppers sewn in, and hung on a clothes drying rail. A fabric refresher formulation is applied to each T-shirt insert: 2 sprays of formulation, followed by 2 more sprays 5 minutes later. The inserts are then allowed to dry and then attached to T-shirts, randomized to either the side with (+TECH) or without (W / O) the technology present, as shown in Table 3.

[0050] [Table 3]

[0051] The T-shirts are then provided to volunteers who wear them for one work day without using any fragranced products or deodorants, and are then returned the next day for evaluation. Methodology – Trained sensory panel evaluation Remove the inserts from the T-shirts and place them around two separate tables (one for the left insert and one for the right insert). A trained sensory panel (n=16) evaluates each insert individually for odor intensity using an open scoring scale from 0 to 100, in a randomized order defined by an evaluation sheet.

[0052] result 23 T-shirts were returned (one of which had not been worn but was included as an unseen control) and evaluated by a trained sensory panel. Some of the inserts were noted to smell like fragrance and were subsequently removed from the results. The reliability of the panel ratings was checked using the Panel Reliability Program (v2-8), and no raters had to be excluded (G = 0.93, phi = 0.91, interrater reliability = 0.47).

[0053] T-shirt insert pairs with LS means below 20 were considered to have too low odor intensities and were removed. The remaining data set was analyzed by ANOVA. The geometric mean malodor intensity was calculated for each insert along with the standard error and the difference between the left and right sides. The perceived malodor intensity was measured and the overall result was that the intensity of the T-shirt insert predosed with zinc neodecanoate was lower, with a value of 42.5, than the intensity of the T-shirt insert without zinc neodecanoate, which had a value of 45.2.

[0054] C. Deodorization by application of refresher spray - postdose onto T-shirt insert after wearing Methods – Test Formulations Two refresher sprays were formulated, one with and one without zinc neodecanoate, by mixing the ingredients in the order presented from top to bottom in Table 4.

[0055] [Table 4]

[0056] Technique - Insert Preparation (Before Wearing) The fabric inserts are pre-washed, de-starched, labeled, have poppers sewn into them, and are attached to the underarm areas of white T-shirts (also pre-washed and de-starched). The T-shirts are then provided to volunteers who wear them for one work day without using any fragranced products or deodorants. The T-shirts are then returned for further processing and evaluation.

[0057] Method - Insert Preparation (After Wearing) The fabric inserts were pre-screened by a trained panel of three internal sensory evaluators to ensure that there was a perceptible amount of malodor on the insert but no fragrance. To the remaining inserts, the fabric refresher formulation is applied: approximately 4 pumps of the selected fabric refresher. A different fabric refresher is applied to either the left or right insert. The inserts are then allowed to dry and then attached to a t-shirt, randomized to either the side with (+TECH) or without (W / O) the technology present, as shown in Table 5.

[0058] [Table 5]

[0059] Methodology – Trained sensory panel evaluation The inserts are allowed to dry and then arranged in pairs for olfactory evaluation. A trained sensory panel evaluates each insert for odor intensity using an open scoring scale of 0 to 100 in a randomized order defined by an evaluation sheet.

[0060] result There were 17 pairs of T-shirt inserts that were evaluated by a trained sensory panel (n=15). The odor intensity data provided by a trained internal sensory panel were checked using a panel reliability program (v2-8). The results show that no assessors had to be excluded (G=0.93, phi=0.90, interrater reliability=0.48).

[0061] T-shirt insert pairs with LS means below 20 were considered to have too low odor intensities and were removed. The remaining data set was analyzed by ANOVA. The geometric mean malodor intensity was calculated for each insert along with the standard error and the difference between the left and right sides. The perceived malodor intensity was measured and the overall result was that the intensity of the T-shirt insert postdosed with zinc neodecanoate was lower with a value of 37.3 than the intensity of the T-shirt insert without zinc neodecanoate which had a value of 44.4 (Figure 2).

[0062] D. Socks and fabric conditioner Test preparation Two sets of fabric conditioners were formulated, one with and one without zinc decanoate. The fragrances chosen were "typical" fabric conditioner type fragrances.

[0063] [Table 6]

[0064] Method - Washing socks Sixty pairs of socks (30 men's and 30 women's) were separated and washed such that either the left or right side was treated with (+TECH) or without (W / O) the technology as per Table 7. A standard wash cycle was used with unfragranced detergent. Fabric conditioner (35 g) was placed directly into the drum during the appropriate part of the wash cycle.

[0065] [Table 7]

[0066] Methodology – Wearing and Self-Assessment The socks were provided to volunteers (naive panelists) to be worn for one working day, then rated for fragrance and malodor (on a fixed scale of 0 to 10), and the preferred socks were selected.

[0067] result Thirty pairs of men's and 29 pairs of women's socks were returned with evaluation sheets. There was no clear preference for socks washed using fabric conditioner with zinc decanoate compared to those without (16 men with, 13 men without, 15 women with, and 13 women without).

[0068] Some of the socks were self-assessed to have no malodor at all and were removed from the data set. Using the resulting data set, the fragrance intensity and malodor intensity of samples were compared with and without the presence of zinc decanoate. Although this was not statistically significant, a suggestive benefit in malodor intensity was found. There was no difference in perceived fragrance intensity (Figure 3).

Claims

1. A malodor-reducing composition comprising a zinc carboxylate and one or more ingredients selected from a perfume ingredient, a perfume solvent, a surfactant or a mixture thereof, wherein the composition is adapted to be dispersed in an aqueous medium.

2. 10. The malodor-reducing composition of claim 1, wherein the zinc carboxylate is in encapsulated form.

3. 3. The malodor reducing composition of claim 2 in the form of an aqueous slurry of core-shell microparticles, the core containing a zinc carboxylate.

4. 10. The malodor-reducing composition of claim 1, wherein the zinc carboxylate is dissolved or dispersed in an oil phase comprising a surfactant and optionally at least one perfume ingredient and / or perfume solvent.

5. 5. The malodor-reducing composition of claim 4, wherein the surfactant is a nonionic surfactant.

6. 5. The malodor-reducing composition of claim 4, wherein the surfactant is an ethoxylated fatty acid.

7. The odor-reducing composition of claim 5, wherein the surfactant is an ethoxylated fatty acid.

8. A consumer product comprising the malodor-reducing composition of any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. 9. The consumer product of claim 8, wherein the consumer product is selected from the group consisting of carpet spray, fabric spray, all-purpose cleaner, bathroom cleaner, kitchen cleaner, floor cleaner, hand dish cleaner, diapers, feminine hygiene products, cat litter, roll-on deodorant, roll-on antiperspirant, liquid soap, bar soap, body wash, detergent bar, detergent paste / cream, detergent powder tablet, liquid detergent, liquid detergent capsule, detergent powder, fabric freshener, scent booster, ironing water, and liquid fabric softener.

10. A method for providing a malodor-antagonizing effect to a surface containing a malodor source, the method comprising the step of delivering a malodor-reducing composition containing a zinc carboxylate to the surface from an aqueous medium.

11. 11. The method of claim 10, wherein the surface is selected from human or animal skin or hair, or inanimate surfaces including hard surfaces, floors, all types of household surfaces such as bathrooms and toilets, dishes, cutlery and other kitchen utensils and fabrics.

12. 12. The method of claim 10 or 11, wherein the malodor is selected from body odour, scalp malodour, malodour from food waste or from human or animal waste.

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