Solubilizer and use method thereof, as well as solubilization composition

Abstract

To provide a solubilizer having a wide choice option of usable addition components in a reaction system that solubilizes an oily component and capable of stably sustaining an excellent solubilized state in a wide temperature range, a use method thereof and a solubilization composition.SOLUTION: A solubilizer for solubilizing oily components in water contains a polyoxyalkylene nonionic surfactant (A) and a hydroxyl group-containing nonionic surfactant (B). The polyoxyalkylene nonionic surfactant (A) is one or more selected from polyoxyalkylene alkyl ethers (a1), polyoxyalkylene hydrogenated castor oils (a2) and polyoxyalkylene sorbitan fatty acid esters (a3), and the hydroxyl group-containing nonionic surfactant (B) is selected from one or more of alkyl glucamide (b1), alkyl polyglucoside (b2) and polyglycerin fatty acid esters (b3).SELECTED DRAWING: None

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a solubilizing agent and a method for using the same, as well as a solubilizing composition. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, many solubilizers have been studied and proposed as a way to prevent separation of oily ingredients such as fragrances in aqueous solvents in fragrances, cosmetics, etc. In particular, attempts have been made to solubilize oily ingredients using polyoxyalkylene-based nonionic surfactants with high solubilizing ability, and examples of such known solubilizers include alkylene oxide adducts of higher alcohols containing branched alkyl or alkenyl groups (see Patent Document 1), ethylene oxide or propylene oxide adducts of phenols (see Patent Document 2), blends of alkylene oxide adducts of aliphatic alcohols and ethylene oxide adducts of triglycerides (see Patent Document 3), and ethylene oxide adducts of alkylphenols and ethylene oxide adducts of hydrogenated castor oil (see Patent Document 4).

[0003] Polyoxyalkylene-based nonionic surfactants have a high temperature sensitivity in aqueous solution as an essential physical property, and exhibit a clouding point phenomenon at a relatively low temperature. Therefore, they have a problem in that they can only be solubilized within a narrow temperature range. To solve this problem, solubilizers that combine a specific nonionic surfactant and a specific anionic surfactant in a specific blend ratio (see Patent Document 5), solubilizers that contain a high blend ratio of anionic surfactant (see Patent Document 6), etc. are known. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 54-132491 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 57-70197 [Patent Document 3] Special Publication No. 2003-534431 [Patent Document 4] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 9-301844 [Patent Document 5] JP 2006-320883 A [Patent Document 6] International Publication No. 2016 / 157459 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In order to solve the problem that polyoxyalkylene-based nonionic surfactants can solubilize oily components only within a narrow temperature range, the technique of using an anionic surfactant in combination with the polyoxyalkylene-based nonionic surfactant as described above is known.

[0006] However, because anionic surfactants have ionic properties, they are prone to precipitation, clouding, and discoloration due to reactions with other additives, such as cationic additives, that are present in the same reaction system as the oil component, and therefore there is a concern that the additives that can be used may be limited.

[0007] The present invention aims to provide a solubilizing agent that has a wide range of options for additive components that can be used in a reaction system for solubilizing oily components and that can stably maintain an excellent solubilized state over a wide temperature range, a method for using the solubilizing agent, and a solubilized composition. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a solubilizing agent for solubilizing an oily component in water, the solubilizing agent comprising a polyoxyalkylene-based nonionic surfactant (A) and a hydroxyl group-containing nonionic surfactant (B), the polyoxyalkylene-based nonionic surfactant (A) being one or more selected from polyoxyalkylene alkyl ether (a1), polyoxyalkylene hydrogenated castor oil (a2) and polyoxyalkylene sorbitan fatty acid ester (a3), and the hydroxyl group-containing nonionic surfactant (B) being one or more selected from alkyl glucamide (b1), alkyl polyglycoside (b2) and polyglycerin fatty acid ester (b3).

[0009] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a solubilizer according to the above aspect, which contains at least the above polyoxyalkylene alkyl ether (a1) and the above polyoxyalkylene hydrogenated castor oil (a2) as the polyoxyalkylene-based nonionic surfactant (A).

[0010] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a solubilizing agent according to the above aspect, wherein the blending ratio of the polyoxyalkylene alkyl ether (a1) to the polyoxyalkylene hydrogenated castor oil (a2) is within the range of (a1) / (a2)=0.1 to 2 by mass ratio.

[0011] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a solubilizer according to any one of the above aspects, wherein the blending ratio of the polyoxyalkylene-based nonionic surfactant (A) to the hydroxyl group-containing nonionic surfactant (B) is within the range of (A) / (B)=0.5 to 4 by mass ratio.

[0012] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided the solubilizer according to any one of the above aspects, wherein the oily component is a fragrance.

[0013] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a solubilizer according to any of the above aspects, which contains at least one plant-derived component as the polyoxyalkylene-based nonionic surfactant (A) and at least one plant-derived component as the hydroxyl group-containing nonionic surfactant (B).

[0014] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for using the solubilizer according to any one of the above aspects, comprising solubilizing the oily component in water by causing the oily component and the solubilizer to coexist in water.

[0015] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for using the solubilizer according to the above aspect, comprising blending the oily component and the solubilizer in water so that the blending ratio (oily component / (A+B)) of the oily component to the sum of the polyoxyalkylene-based nonionic surfactant (A) and the hydroxyl group-containing nonionic surfactant (B) is within the range of 0.05 to 5 by mass.

[0016] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of using the solubilizer according to any of the above aspects, wherein the oily component is a fragrance.

[0017] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a solubilized composition comprising the solubilizer according to any one of the above aspects, the oily component, and water, wherein the oily component is solubilized in the water.

[0018] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a solubilized composition according to the above aspect, in which the blending ratio of the oily component to the sum of the polyoxyalkylene-based nonionic surfactant (A) and the hydroxyl group-containing nonionic surfactant (B) (oily component / (A+B)) is within a mass ratio of 0.05 to 5, and the content of the oily component relative to the total mass of the solubilized composition is within a mass ratio of 0.05 to 5%.

[0019] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a solubilized composition according to any of the above aspects, wherein the solubilized composition is a fragrance. Effect of the Invention

[0020] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a solubilizing agent which has a wide range of additive options that can be used in a reaction system for solubilizing an oily component and which can stably maintain a solubilized state over a wide temperature range, a method for using the solubilizing agent, and a solubilized composition. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0021] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described. [Solubilizers and their uses] The solubilizer according to the first embodiment of the present invention is preferably used to solubilize highly hydrophobic oily components in water. The solubilizer according to this embodiment contains a polyoxyalkylene-based nonionic surfactant (A) and a hydroxyl group-containing nonionic surfactant (B), and contains one or more selected from polyoxyalkylene alkyl ether (a1), polyoxyalkylene hydrogenated castor oil (a2) and polyoxyalkylene sorbitan fatty acid ester (a3) ​​as the polyoxyalkylene-based nonionic surfactant (A), and one or more selected from alkyl glucamide (b1), alkyl polyglycoside (b2) and polyglycerin fatty acid ester (b3) as the hydroxyl group-containing nonionic surfactant (B).

[0022] Polyoxyalkylene-based nonionic surfactants having polyether chains such as polyoxyethylene as hydrophilic groups have excellent solubilizing ability for a wide range of oily components, depending on the combination of the number of polyoxyethylenes added and the number of carbon atoms in the alkyl chain. Their aqueous solutions are stable in a single liquid phase at low temperatures and are transparent or translucent, but when heated, the solubility of the polyether chains in water decreases, and they separate from the water (phase separation) to cause precipitation or cloudiness. Due to this cloud point phenomenon, polyoxyalkylene-based nonionic surfactants have the problem that they can only solubilize oily components within a narrow temperature range.

[0023] Through intensive research by the present inventors, it has been found that the cloud point phenomenon at high temperatures (e.g., 40°C to 60°C) is suppressed by using one or more of polyoxyalkylene-based nonionic surfactants (A) selected from polyoxyalkylene alkyl ethers (a1), polyoxyalkylene hydrogenated castor oils (a2) and polyoxyalkylene sorbitan fatty acid esters (a3) ​​in combination with one or more hydroxyl-containing nonionic surfactants (B) selected from alkyl glucamides (b1), alkyl polyglycosides (b2) and polyglycerin fatty acid esters (b3). Suppression of the cloud point phenomenon at high temperatures leads to a wider temperature range in which the solubilized state can be stably maintained. In a solubilized composition in which oily components are solubilized, it is important that the appearance does not change in the actual temperature range, and the solubilizer according to this embodiment increases the commercial value. Furthermore, since it is not necessary to use an anionic surfactant in combination with the polyoxyalkylene-based nonionic surfactant to widen the solubilization temperature range thereof as in the past, there is no restriction on the additives used in the solubilized composition. The components contained in the solubilizer according to this embodiment will be described in detail below.

[0024] <(A) Polyoxyalkylene-based nonionic surfactant> The solubilizer according to this embodiment contains, as the polyoxyalkylene-based nonionic surfactant (A), one or more selected from polyoxyalkylene alkyl ether (a1), polyoxyalkylene hydrogenated castor oil (a2), and polyoxyalkylene sorbitan fatty acid ester (a3).

[0025] (a1) Polyoxyalkylene alkyl ether The polyoxyalkylene alkyl ether (a1) may be, for example, a compound represented by the following general formula (1). [ka] In general formula (1), R represents a hydrocarbon group and contains at least one hydrocarbon group selected from an alkyl group and an alkenyl group. EO represents an ethylene oxide unit, and PO represents a propylene oxide unit. m and l represent the average degrees of polymerization of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide, respectively, m is within the range of 0 to 5, and l+m satisfies 7 to 25.

[0026] The general formula (1) will now be described in more detail. The alkyl or alkenyl group contained in the hydrocarbon group R may have either a straight-chain structure or a branched structure. In the hydrocarbon group R, the alkyl or alkenyl groups having 6 to 18 carbon atoms preferably account for 90% or more by mass, more preferably 95% or more by mass, and even more preferably 98% or more by mass. In the following, for example, an alkyl group having 8 to 16 carbon atoms may be expressed as a "C6-C18 alkyl group".

[0027] When the proportion of alkyl or alkenyl groups having 6 to 18 carbon atoms in the entire hydrocarbon groups R is less than 90 mass% because the proportion of hydrocarbon groups having more than 18 carbon atoms in the entire hydrocarbon groups R is greater than 90 mass%, even if a solubilized composition is obtained using a solubilizer, problems with low-temperature stability may easily occur and the composition may tend to become cloudy. Conversely, when the proportion of alkyl or alkenyl groups having 6 to 18 carbon atoms in the entire hydrocarbon groups R is greater than 90 mass% because the proportion of hydrocarbon groups having less than 8 carbon atoms in the entire hydrocarbon groups R is greater than 90 mass%, the solubilizing ability may tend to be reduced.

[0028] EO and PO respectively mean an ethylene oxide unit, which is a divalent structural unit derived from ethylene oxide and obtained by ring-opening of the epoxy group, and a propylene oxide unit, which is a divalent structural unit derived from propylene oxide and obtained by ring-opening of the epoxy group. l (PO) mThe polymerization mode may be any of block polymerization, random polymerization and alternating polymerization, and these polymerization modes may be mixed.

[0029] As described above, m and l represent the average polymerization degree of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide, respectively. m is 0 to 5, preferably 0 to 3.5. m being 5 or less is preferable from the viewpoint of suppressing an increase in the proportion of propylene oxide units and suppressing excessive hydrophobicity. l+m is 7 to 25, preferably 7 to 20, and more preferably 13 to 20. l+m being 7 or more is preferable from the viewpoint of high temperature stability. On the other hand, l+m being 25 or less is preferable from the viewpoint of low temperature stability. In the present invention, a high temperature in the high temperature stability means, for example, 40°C to 50°C. A low temperature in the low temperature stability means, for example, -5°C to 5°C.

[0030] Specific examples of such polyoxyalkylene alkyl ethers (a1) include polyoxyethylene lauryl ether, polyoxyethylene myristyl ether, polyoxyethylene cetyl ether, polyoxyethylene decyl ether, polyoxyethylene octyl ether, polyoxyethylene isododecyl ether, polyoxyethylene isotetradecyl ether, polyoxyethylene isocetyl ether, polyoxyethylene isodecyl ether, polyoxyethylene isooctyl ether, polyoxyethylene-2-ethylhexyl ether, polyoxyethylene tridecyl ether, polyoxyethylene oleyl ether, polyoxyethylene stearyl ether, polyoxyethylene isostearyl ether, polyoxyethylene oleyl cetyl ether, polyoxyethylene secondary alkyl (C12-C15) ether, polyoxyethylene secondary alkyl (C10-C12) ... Examples of the polyoxyalkylene alkyl ethers include polyoxyethylene polyoxypropylene lauryl ether, polyoxyethylene polyoxypropylene myristyl ether, polyoxyethylene polyoxypropylene cetyl ether, polyoxyethylene polyoxypropylene decyl ether, polyoxyethylene polyoxypropylene octyl ether, polyoxyethylene polyoxypropylene isododecyl ether, polyoxyethylene polyoxypropylene isotetradecyl ether, polyoxyethylene polyoxypropylene isocetyl ether, polyoxyethylene polyoxypropylene isodecyl ether, polyoxyethylene polyoxypropylene isooctyl ether, polyoxyethylene polyoxypropylene-2-ethylhexyl ether, polyoxyethylene polyoxypropylene secondary alkyl (C12-C15) ether, polyoxyethylene polyoxypropylene secondary alkyl (C10-C12) ether, etc. These polyoxyalkylene alkyl ethers (a1) may be used alone or in combination of two or more. In the above examples, the portion in parentheses indicates the number of carbon atoms in the alkyl group described immediately before it.

[0031] (a2) Polyoxyalkylene hydrogenated castor oil The polyoxyalkylene hydrogenated castor oil (a2) is a nonionic surfactant obtained by reacting castor oil and / or hydrogenated castor oil with an alkylene oxide.

[0032] The degree of hydrogenation of the hydrogenated castor oil is not particularly limited, and it may be completely hydrogenated (hydrogenated) or partially hydrogenated.

[0033] The type of alkylene oxide used in the above reaction may be, for example, ethylene oxide and / or propylene oxide. When two or more types of alkylene oxides are used, the polymerization method may be any of block polymerization, random polymerization, and alternating polymerization, or these polymerization methods may be mixed.

[0034] In the polyoxyalkylene hydrogenated castor oil (a2), when the average polymerization degrees of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide are n and p, respectively, n+p is preferably in the range of 10 to 120, more preferably in the range of 25 to 80, even more preferably in the range of 25 to 60, and particularly preferably in the range of 25 to 40. n+p being 10 or more is preferable from the viewpoint of high temperature stability. On the other hand, n+p being 120 or less is preferable from the viewpoint of low temperature stability. Also, p is preferably in the range of 0 to 15, more preferably in the range of 0 to 10. p being 15 or less is preferable from the viewpoint of suppressing the proportion of propylene oxide units from becoming too large and suppressing excessive hydrophobicity.

[0035] Specific examples of such polyoxyalkylene hydrogenated castor oil (a2) include polyoxyethylene hydrogenated castor oil, polyoxyethylene castor oil, polyoxyethylene polyoxypropylene hydrogenated castor oil, polyoxyethylene polyoxypropylene castor oil, etc. These polyoxyalkylene hydrogenated castor oils (a2) may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0036] (a3) Polyoxyalkylene sorbitan fatty acid ester The polyoxyalkylene sorbitan fatty acid ester (a3) ​​is an alkylene oxide adduct of a sorbitan fatty acid ester, and can be obtained, for example, by a method of esterifying sorbitan with a fatty acid and then adding an alkylene oxide, or by a method of adding an alkylene oxide to sorbitan and then esterifying it with a fatty acid.

[0037] The type of alkylene oxide used in the above reaction may be, for example, ethylene oxide and / or propylene oxide. When two or more types of alkylene oxide are used, the polymerization method may be any of block polymerization, random polymerization, and alternating polymerization, or these polymerization methods may be mixed. The average polymerization degree of the alkylene oxide may be, for example, in the range of 4 to 30, or in the range of 15 to 25.

[0038] The constituent fatty acid may be, for example, a saturated or unsaturated fatty acid having 8 to 26 carbon atoms, and specific examples include lauric acid, stearic acid, isostearic acid, palmitic acid, oleic acid, myristic acid, behenic acid, and erucic acid.

[0039] The polyoxyalkylene sorbitan fatty acid ester (a3) ​​may be any of monoester, diester, triester, and tetraester or higher esters, or a mixture thereof. Specific examples of the polyoxyalkylene sorbitan fatty acid ester (a3) ​​include polyoxyethylene sorbitan monolaurate, polyoxyethylene sorbitan monopalmitate, polyoxyethylene sorbitan monostearate, polyoxyethylene sorbitan tristearate, polyoxyethylene sorbitan triisostearate, polyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate, and polyoxyethylene sorbitan trioleate. The polyoxyalkylene sorbitan fatty acid ester (a3) ​​may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0040] The solubilizer according to the present embodiment preferably contains at least polyoxyalkylene alkyl ether (a1) or polyoxyalkylene hydrogenated castor oil (a2) as the polyoxyalkylene-based nonionic surfactant (A) in terms of high solubilizing ability, and more preferably contains both polyoxyalkylene alkyl ether (a1) and polyoxyalkylene hydrogenated castor oil (a2). When the solubilizer contains both polyoxyalkylene alkyl ether (a1) and polyoxyalkylene hydrogenated castor oil (a2), the blending ratio is preferably within the range of (a1) / (a2)=0.1 to 2 in mass ratio, more preferably within the range of 0.25 to 1. The solubilizer according to the present embodiment is suitably used as a solubilizer for solubilizing highly hydrophobic oily components. The blending ratio (a1) / (a2) being within the above range is preferable because it is possible to solubilize oily components in water with a relatively small amount of surfactant, and to stably maintain the solubilized state over a wide temperature range.

[0041] (B) Hydroxyl-containing nonionic surfactant The solubilizer according to this embodiment contains, as the hydroxyl group-containing nonionic surfactant (B), one or more selected from alkyl glucamides (b1), alkyl polyglycosides (b2), and polyglycerol fatty acid esters (b3).

[0042] (b1) Alkyl glucamide Alkyl glucamide (b1) is a nonionic surfactant having an amide bond between a sugar and a fatty acid. The alkyl glucamide (b1) may be, for example, a compound represented by the following general formula (2):

[0043] [ka]

[0044] In general formula (2), Ra represents a linear or branched alkyl group or an alkenyl group, the alkyl group and the alkenyl group preferably having 5 to 22 carbon atoms, and more preferably having 11 to 14 carbon atoms. Rb represents an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms; n represents an integer of 2 to 5.

[0045] The alkyl glucamide (b1) is more preferably N-C6-C18 alkanoyl-N-methyl glucamide. Here, "C6-C18 alkanoyl" means that the number of carbon atoms contained in the RaCO group in the general formula (2) is within the range of 6 to 18. The alkyl glucamide (b1) is further preferably N-C12-C14 alkanoyl-N-methyl glucamide.

[0046] Specific examples of alkyl glucamide (b1) include N-capryloyl-N-methyl glucamide, N-caproyl-N-methyl glucamide, N-decanoyl-N-methyl glucamide, N-lauroyl-N-methyl glucamide, N-myristoyl-N-methyl glucamide, and N-palmitoyl-N-methyl glucamide. and N-oleoyl-N-methylglucamide, and the like, preferably N-lauroyl-N-methylglucamide, N-myristoyl-N-methylglucamide, and the like. The alkyl glucamide (b1) can be a component derived from coconut oil. The alkyl glucamide (b1) may be used alone or in combination of two or more kinds.

[0047] (b2) Alkyl polyglycoside Alkyl polyglycoside (b2) is a nonionic surfactant composed of higher alcohol and glucose. The alkyl polyglycoside (b2) is, for example, a compound represented by the following general formula (3).

[0048] [ka]

[0049] In general formula (3), R represents a hydrocarbon group, and contains at least one type of hydrocarbon group selected from an alkyl group and an alkenyl group. The alkyl group and the alkenyl group may have either a linear structure or a branched structure. In this hydrocarbon group R, alkyl groups or alkenyl groups having 8 to 16 carbon atoms preferably account for 90% or more by mass of the whole, more preferably 95% or more by mass, and even more preferably 98% or more by mass. m may be in the range of 1 to 5, and may also be in the range of 1 to 3.

[0050] Specific examples of alkyl polyglycosides (b2) include coconut oil alkyl polyglycosides, lauryl polyglycosides, myristyl polyglycosides, decyl polyglycosides, caprylyl polyglycosides, capryl polyglycosides, palmityl polyglycosides, oleyl polyglycosides, and stearyl polyglycosides. The higher alcohols constituting the alkyl polyglycosides (b2) can be plant-derived ingredients. The alkyl polyglycosides (b2) can be used alone or in combination of two or more kinds.

[0051] (b3) Polyglycerol fatty acid ester The polyglycerol fatty acid ester (b3) is a product in which a fatty acid is esterified to one or more hydroxyl groups of polyglycerol obtained by heating, dehydrating and polymerizing glycerol using an alkali catalyst, and is represented, for example, by the following general formula (4).

[0052] [ka]

[0053] In general formula (4), R1 represents an acyl group represented by RCO-, where R represents an alkyl group or an alkenyl group. Here, the alkyl group or the alkenyl group preferably has 8 to 20 carbon atoms and may have either a linear structure or a branched structure. R2 represents a hydrogen atom or an acyl group represented by RCO-, and R represents an alkyl group or an alkenyl group. Here, the alkyl group or the alkenyl group preferably has 8 to 20 carbon atoms and may have either a linear structure or a branched structure. R3 represents a hydrogen atom or an acyl group represented by RCO-, and R represents an alkyl group or an alkenyl group. Here, the alkyl group or the alkenyl group preferably has 8 to 20 carbon atoms and may have either a linear structure or a branched structure. However, at least one of R2 and R3 is a hydrogen atom. n represents the degree of polymerization and is preferably in the range of 1 to 12.

[0054] Specific examples of the polyglycerol fatty acid ester (b3) include polyglyceryl caprate, polyglyceryl laurate, polyglyceryl dioleate, polyglyceryl myristate, polyglyceryl oleate, polyglyceryl pentaoleate, etc. The polyglycerol fatty acid ester (b3) may be used alone or in combination of two or more kinds.

[0055] The blending ratio (A) / (B) of the polyoxyalkylene-based nonionic surfactant (A) and the hydroxyl group-containing nonionic surfactant (B) is preferably within the range of 0.5 to 4, more preferably within the range of 0.5 to 2, by mass ratio. As described above, the solubilizer according to the present embodiment is preferably used as a solubilizer for solubilizing highly hydrophobic oily components. The blending ratio (A) / (B) being within the above range is preferable for solubilizing highly hydrophobic oily components in water and maintaining a stable solubilized state over a wide temperature range.

[0056] In recent years, efforts to realize a sustainable society have begun to spread around the world due to concerns about the global and natural environments. In product development and provision in various fields, importance is being placed on ensuring sustainability from the perspective of environmental consideration and corporate social responsibility, and development of products using bio-based surfactants made of plant-derived components is also being promoted for solubilizers. From this perspective, the solubilizer of this embodiment preferably contains at least one plant-derived component as the polyoxyalkylene-based nonionic surfactant (A) and at least one plant-derived component as the hydroxyl group-containing nonionic surfactant (B), and more preferably all nonionic surfactants contained in the solubilizer of this embodiment are plant-derived components.

[0057] The solubilizer according to the present embodiment preferably contains, for example, the following nonionic surfactants as plant-derived components: Plant-derived components of the polyoxyalkylene-based nonionic surfactant (A) include polyoxyethylene alkyl ethers (a1) such as polyoxyethylene alkyl ethers, polyoxyethylene hydrogenated castor oils (a2) such as polyoxyethylene hydrogenated castor oils, and polyoxyalkylene sorbitan fatty acid esters (a3) ​​such as polyoxyethylene sorbitan monolaurate, polyoxyethylene sorbitan monostearate, and polyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate. Examples of plant-derived components of the hydroxyl group-containing nonionic surfactant (B) include alkyl glucamides (b1) such as (capryloyl / caproyl) methyl glucamide and (lauroyl / myristoyl) methyl glucamide, and examples of alkyl polyglycosides (b2) such as lauryl polyglycoside, myristyl polyglycoside, decyl polyglycoside, caprylyl polyglycoside, capryl polyglycoside, and palmityl polyglycoside.

[0058] The solubilizer according to the present embodiment may contain other surfactants. The other surfactants are not limited to nonionic surfactants, and may be anionic surfactants, cationic surfactants, amphoteric surfactants, etc., and are appropriately selected from these surfactants in consideration of the improvement of solubilizing ability and the relationship with other components contained in the solubilized composition to which the solubilizer is applied. Specific examples of other surfactants are listed below.

[0059] Examples of nonionic surfactants include polyoxyalkylene alkylphenyl ethers, sorbitan fatty acid esters, glycol fatty acid esters, glycerin fatty acid esters, sucrose fatty acid esters, and fatty acid alkanolamides.

[0060] Examples of the anionic surfactant include alkylbenzenesulfonate, α-olefinsulfonate, alkyl (or alkenyl) sulfate, polyoxyethylene alkyl (or alkenyl) ether sulfate, acylmethyltaurate, dialkyl (or alkenyl) sulfosuccinate, and acylisethionate. Examples of the anionic surfactant include α-olefinsulfonate, alkyl sulfate, polyoxyethylene alkyl ether sulfate, dialkyl sulfosuccinate, and more preferably polyoxyethylene alkyl ether sulfate and dialkyl sulfosuccinate. These anionic surfactants may be used alone or in combination of two or more. In addition, when the anionic surfactant is a salt, it indicates an alkali metal salt and / or a triethanolamine salt. In addition, the organic group of the alkyl group, alkenyl group, and acyl group contained in the anionic surfactant may have a straight chain structure or a branched structure. The number of carbon atoms of the alkyl group, alkenyl group, and acyl group is preferably 8 to 18.

[0061] Examples of cationic surfactants include ethyl lanolin fatty acid aminopropylethyldimethylammonium ethyl sulfate, alkyltrimethylammonium chloride, dialkyldimethylammonium chloride, distearyldimethylammonium chloride, stearyldimethylbenzylammonium chloride, stearyltrimethylammonium chloride, benzalkonium chloride, and benzethonium chloride.

[0062] Examples of amphoteric surfactants include amine oxides such as alkyldimethylamine oxide, sulfobetaines such as alkyldimesylsulfobetaine, and carbobetaines.

[0063] The oily components that are solubilized in water by the solubilizing agent according to this embodiment will be described below. An oily component means a flammable substance that is insoluble or poorly soluble in water, and since oily components are practically insoluble in water, there is a need for solubilization technology. Here, poorly soluble means a state in which the oily component is insoluble even if an attempt is made to prepare an aqueous solution with a concentration of about 0.1% by mass at room temperature, particularly around 25°C.

[0064] The oily component may be either liquid or solid, but is preferably liquid.The oily component may be, for example, plant extract oil, blended fragrance, natural fragrance, synthetic fragrance, essential oil, fragrance such as terpene, mineral oil, aliphatic hydrocarbon oil, aromatic hydrocarbon oil, ester oil, amide compound, etc.These oily components may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0065] Specific examples of fragrances include plant extract oils such as lavender oil, orange oil, lemon oil, rose extract oil, lime oil, cypress extract oil, and herb extract oil; compound fragrances that are artificially blended with various ingredients such as rose, citrus, lemon, coffee, apricot, floral, and peach to give them a similar scent; essential oils such as camphor white oil, cypress essential oil, turpentine, eucalyptus oil, and peppermint oil; p-menthadiene, d-limonene, p-menthane, terpineol, linalool, terpinyl acetate, dihydroterpineol, dihydroterpinyl acetate, myrtenal, myrtenol, perillaldehyde, rose oxide, borneol, camphor, carbeol, etc. Examples of the aromatic components include terpene aromatic components such as methyl methyl ester, methyl anthranilate, methyl methyl ester ...

[0066] Specific examples of mineral oils include liquid paraffin, light oil, spindle oil, and the like.

[0067] Specific examples of the aliphatic hydrocarbon oil include hexane, heptane, isooctane, and octane, and examples of the aromatic hydrocarbon oil include toluene and xylene.

[0068] Specific examples of the ester oil include isopropyl palmitate, isopropyl myristate, methyl laurate, octyl palmitate, 2-ethylhexyl palmitate, 2-ethylhexyl palmitate, isostearyl myristate, isocetyl myristate, isotridecyl myristate, octyldodecyl myristate, cetyl myristate, decyl myristate, butyl myristate, octyldodecyl oleate, isodecyl oleate, ethyl oleate, and butyl lactate.

[0069] A specific example of the amide compound is N,N-diethyltoluamide.

[0070] In the method of using the solubilizer according to the second embodiment of the present invention, when the solubilizer according to the first embodiment is used to solubilize an oily component in water, the oily component and the solubilizer are made to coexist in water. Specifically, the oily component and the solubilizer are made to coexist in water contained in the solubilized composition according to the third embodiment described later. In this case, the blending ratio (oil component / (A+B)) of the oily component contained in the water to the total of the polyoxyalkylene-based nonionic surfactant (A) and the hydroxyl group-containing nonionic surfactant (B) is preferably within the range of 0.05 to 5 by mass ratio, more preferably within the range of 0.1 to 2, even more preferably within the range of 0.1 to 1.8, and particularly preferably within the range of 0.5 to 1.

[0071] If the mass ratio of the oily component is large, it may be difficult to solubilize the oily component in a wide temperature range. On the other hand, if the mass ratio of the oily component is small, the essential physical properties expected of the obtained solubilized composition may not be expressed, and in that case, the commercial value is reduced, which is not preferable. For example, when the solubilized composition is a fragrance, there may be a problem of insufficient fragrance. In addition, when the solubilized composition is a fragrance, after volatile substances such as water and fragrances evaporate, the polyoxyalkylene-based nonionic surfactant (A) or the hydroxyl group-containing nonionic surfactant (B) may remain in the container, and in this case, if the oily component is small, the appearance after use may be poor, which may lead to a decrease in commercial value. In addition, when the solubilized composition is a lotion, it is not preferable that the mass ratio of the oily component is small from the viewpoint of safety such as skin irritation.

[0072] Hereinafter, the maximum mass ratio represented by oily component / (A+B) at which the solubilizer can solubilize the oily component in water is referred to as the "maximum solubilization amount". Here, "capable of solubilizing the oily component in water" means that the solubilized state can be stably maintained over a wide temperature range. A large maximum solubilization amount in a solubilizer means that the relative amount of the solubilizer containing a surfactant to the oily component such as a fragrance can be kept low. A solubilizer with a large maximum solubilization amount can be suitably used in products such as fragrances and lotions.

[0073] The solubilizer according to the present embodiment may contain other components than the above-mentioned surfactants to the extent that the physical properties are not impaired. Examples of such other components include water-soluble solvents such as alkylene glycol, ethanol, and 3-methoxy-3-methyl-1-butanol, water, gelling inhibitors, hydrotropes, antibacterial agents, preservatives, pigments, dyes, defoamers, viscosity adjusters, moisturizers, pH adjusters, ultraviolet absorbers, chelating agents, and other surfactants.

[0074] When oily components are solubilized using the solubilizer according to the present embodiment, gelation may occur in some cases, but the solubilizer can effectively prevent gelation by further containing the above-mentioned water-soluble solvent.In particular, when the solubilized composition obtained by solubilization is an aromatic, the water-soluble solvent contributes to the adjustment of the volatilization speed of volatile components.In addition, for the same reason, it is preferable that the solubilized composition described below also contains a water-soluble solvent.

[0075] [Solubilized composition] The solubilized composition according to the third embodiment of the present invention contains the solubilizer according to the first embodiment, an oily component, and water, and the oily component is solubilized in water. In the solubilized composition according to this embodiment, the oily component is solubilized in water by the solubilizer according to the first embodiment, and can stably maintain a solubilized state over a wide temperature range. Here, the oily component being solubilized in water refers to a state in which an oily substance that is insoluble or poorly soluble in water is apparently dissolved to a degree equal to or greater than its solubility in water. In this specification, when the absorbance is measured using a quartz cell with an optical path length of 2 cm, a state in which the absorbance for light having a wavelength of 550 nm is less than 0.2 is considered to be a solubilized state.

[0076] In the solubilized composition of this embodiment, the blending ratio of the oil component to the sum of the polyoxyalkylene-based nonionic surfactant (A) and the hydroxyl group-containing nonionic surfactant (B) (oil component / (A+B)) is, for the reasons described above, preferably within a mass ratio of 0.05 to 5, more preferably within a mass ratio of 0.1 to 2, even more preferably within a mass ratio of 0.1 to 1.8, and particularly preferably within a mass ratio of 0.5 to 1.

[0077] In this embodiment, the blending ratio of the oily component in the whole solubilized composition is preferably in the range of 0.05 to 5 mass%, more preferably in the range of 0.1 to 2 mass%. If the oily component is too much, the solubilization by the solubilizer may be insufficient, resulting in cloudiness, or the effect of maintaining the solubilized state stably in a wide temperature range may be reduced, even if the solubilized composition is solubilized by the solubilizer. On the other hand, if the oily component is too little, the essential physical properties expected of the solubilized composition may not be expressed, and the commercial value may decrease, which is not preferable.

[0078] The solubilized composition according to the present invention may further contain components other than the solubilizer, oily component, and water according to the first embodiment, to the extent that the physical properties are not impaired. Examples of the components include water-soluble solvents such as alkylene glycol, ethanol, and 3-methoxy-3-methyl-1-butanol, gelation inhibitors, hydrotropes, antibacterial agents, preservatives, pigments, dyes, gelling agents, water-absorbent resins, defoamers, viscosity adjusters, thickeners, moisturizers, pH adjusters, ultraviolet absorbers, chelating agents, and other surfactants.

[0079] The solubilized composition according to this embodiment is used, for example, as a commercial product such as a fragrance, a lotion, a repellent, an insecticide, an attractant, a pesticide, an insect repellent, a deodorant, a cleansing agent, or a detergent.

[0080] The method for producing the solubilized composition according to the present embodiment is not particularly limited, and the composition can be produced using a known method.

[0081] The state of the solubilized composition according to the present embodiment is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, a liquid state, a solid state solidified with a gelling agent or the like, or a state absorbed in a water-absorbent resin, etc. Examples of cases in which the solubilized composition is solidified with a gelling agent or the like or absorbed in a water-absorbent resin or the like include cases in which added value is added to the appearance of a product, and cases in which it is not preferable to make the composition liquid, such as when there is a risk of the composition leaking out if the composition is in liquid form. EXAMPLES

[0082] Hereinafter, the embodiment of the present invention will be specifically described with reference to examples. <Test Example 1: Preparation of solubilizer (1)> [Example 101] Polyoxyethylene (POE) alkyl ether (a1) and POE hydrogenated castor oil (a2) shown in Table 1 were mixed, and alkyl glucamide (b1) was gradually added thereto while stirring to prepare solubilizer 101 shown in the same table. The mixture of POE alkyl ether and POE hydrogenated castor oil may be heated to, for example, about 40°C. The numerical values ​​of each component shown in Table 1 indicate the mass blend ratio.

[0083] [Comparative Example 101] The POE alkyl ether (a1), POE alkyl (C12-C14) ether (a1), and POE hydrogenated castor oil (a2) shown in Table 1 were mixed to prepare solubilizer R101 shown in the same table.

[0084] [Table 1]

[0085] <Test Example 2: Preparation of solubilized composition (1)> [Examples 201 to 217 and Comparative Examples 201 to 210] The solubilizer 101 or solubilizer R101 prepared in Test Example 1 was mixed with linalool and / or limonene as fragrances as oily components, and water to produce the solubilized compositions shown in Table 2 (Examples 201 to 217 and Comparative Examples 201 to 210). The components were mixed by adding the fragrance to the solubilizer, and gradually adding water to the resulting mixture under stirring. The numerical values ​​of each component shown in Table 2 indicate the blending ratio (mass%). The absorbance of each of the solubilized compositions obtained as a sample was measured under the measurement conditions described below, and the solubilizing ability and solubilization stability were evaluated according to the evaluation methods described below.

[0086] [Measurement conditions] After storing each sample at 25°C and 50°C for one week, the absorbance (wavelength 550 nm, optical path length 2 cm) was measured using a spectrophotometer V-650 (manufactured by JASCO Corporation). The lower the absorbance, the lower the turbidity and the better the transparency. For the samples stored at 50°C for one week, they were left at room temperature (approximately 25°C) for about four hours, and the absorbance was measured when they were returned to room temperature.

[0087] [Evaluation: Solubilization ability] After storage at 25° C. for one week, the samples were measured for solubilization ability according to the following criteria. The results are shown in Table 2. A: Absorbance (turbidity) less than 0.2. B: Absorbance (turbidity) is 0.2 or more.

[0088] [Evaluation: Solubilization stability] After storage at 50° C. for one week, the samples were evaluated for solubilization stability according to the following criteria. The results are shown in Table 2. A: Absorbance (turbidity) less than 0.2. B: Absorbance (turbidity) is 0.2 or more

[0089] [Table 2-1]

[0090] [Table 2-2]

[0091] The fragrances used here, linalool and limonene, are representative fragrances with opposing properties, the former being an alcohol-based polar substance having a hydroxyl group, and the latter being a non-polar substance. The solubilized compositions of Examples 201 to 217 containing the solubilizer 101 according to the present embodiment had high transparency both after storage at 25°C and after storage at 50°C. From these, it can be seen that the solubilizer according to the present embodiment can stably maintain an excellent solubilized state for a wide range of fragrances over a wide temperature range. On the other hand, the solubilized compositions of Comparative Examples 201 to 210 containing the solubilizer R101 of the comparative example have solubilizing ability at 25°C, but become cloudy at 50°C due to the cloud point phenomenon, and the transparency does not return even when the temperature is returned to normal temperature, so that it is found that there is a problem in commercializing them.

[0092] <Test Example 3: Preparation of solubilizer (2)> [Examples 301 to 312] POE alkyl ether (a1) and POE hydrogenated castor oil (a2) were mixed, and alkyl glucamide (b1) was gradually added thereto while stirring, to prepare solubilizers 301 to 312 shown in Table 3. The numerical values ​​of each component shown in Table 3 indicate the mass blend ratio.

[0093] [Comparative Examples 301 to 305] By mixing POE alkyl ether (a1) and POE hydrogenated castor oil (a2), solubilizers R301, 302, 304 and 305 shown in Table 3 were prepared. POE hydrogenated castor oil was also prepared as solubilizer R303. [Table 3-1]

[0094] [Table 3-2]

[0095] <Test Example 4: Preparation of solubilized composition (2)> [Examples 401 to 409 and Comparative Examples 401 to 405] The solubilized compositions (Examples 401 to 409 and Comparative Examples 401 to 405) shown in Table 5 were produced by mixing the solubilizers shown in Table 5 from among the solubilizers 301 to 312 and R301 to R305 prepared in Test Example 3, the fragrance 1 shown in Table 4 as an oil component, and water. The mixing of each component was performed by adding the fragrance to the solubilizer and gradually adding water to the resulting mixture under stirring. The numerical values ​​of each component shown in Table 4 indicate the blending ratio (mass%), and "DPG" indicates dipropylene glycol. The numerical values ​​of each component shown in Table 5 indicate the blending ratio (mass%). The absorbance of each of the solubilized compositions obtained as a sample was measured under the measurement conditions described below, and the solubilizing ability and solubilization stability were evaluated according to the evaluation methods described below.

[0096] [Measurement conditions] After storing each sample at temperatures of 25°C and 60°C for one week, the absorbance (Abs.) was measured in the same manner as in Test Example 2. For the samples stored at 60°C for one week, the absorbance was measured for the samples immediately after storage before returning to room temperature (about 25°C) and for the samples after being left at room temperature (about 25°C) for four hours.

[0097] [Evaluation: Solubilization ability] After storage at 25° C. for one week, the samples were measured for solubilization ability according to the following criteria. The results are shown in Table 5. A: Absorbance (turbidity) less than 0.2. B: Absorbance (turbidity) is 0.2 or more.

[0098] [Evaluation: Solubilization stability] The solubilization stability of the samples immediately after storage at 60°C for one week and after returning to room temperature was evaluated according to the following criteria. The results are shown in Table 5. A: Absorbance (turbidity) less than 0.2. B: Absorbance (turbidity) is 0.2 or more.

[0099] [Table 4]

[0100] [Table 5-1]

[0101] [Table 5-2]

[0102] The solubilized compositions of Examples 401, 402, 405 to 408 according to this embodiment had high transparency after storage at 25° C., immediately after storage at 60° C., and after storage at 60° C. and returning to room temperature. The solubilized compositions of Examples 403, 404 and 409 were cloudy immediately after storage at 60° C., but regained transparency after returning to room temperature. From these results, it can be seen that the solubilizer according to this embodiment can stably maintain an excellent solubilized state over a wide temperature range and is suitable for commercialization.

[0103] <Test Example 5: Preparation of solubilized composition (3)> [Examples 501 to 508] Solubilized compositions (Examples 501 to 508) shown in Table 7 were produced by mixing the solubilizers shown in Table 7 from among solubilizers 301 to 312 and R301 to R305 prepared in Test Example 3, fragrance 2 shown in Table 6 as an oil component, and water. The components were mixed by adding the fragrance to the solubilizer and gradually adding water to the resulting mixture under stirring. The numerical values ​​of each component shown in Table 6 indicate the blending ratio (mass%), and "DPG" indicates dipropylene glycol. The numerical values ​​of each component shown in Table 7 indicate the blending ratio (mass%). The absorbance of each of the solubilized compositions obtained as a sample was measured under the measurement conditions described below, and the solubilizing ability was evaluated according to the evaluation method described below.

[0104] [Measurement conditions] After storing each sample at 25° C. for one week, the absorbance (Abs.) was measured in the same manner as in Test Example 2.

[0105] [Evaluation: Solubilization ability] After storage at 25° C. for one week, the samples were measured for solubilization ability according to the following criteria. The results are shown in Table 7. A: Absorbance (turbidity) less than 0.2. B: Absorbance (turbidity) is 0.2 or more.

[0106] [Table 6]

[0107] [Table 7]

[0108] <Test Example 6: Preparation of solubilized composition (4)> [Examples 601 to 609] Solubilizers shown in Table 9 were selected from solubilizers 301 to 312 and R301 to R305 prepared in Test Example 3, and fragrance 3 shown in Table 8 as an oil component was mixed with water to produce solubilized compositions (Examples 601 to 609) shown in Table 9. The components were mixed by adding the fragrance to the solubilizer and gradually adding water to the resulting mixture under stirring. The numerical values ​​of each component shown in Table 8 indicate the blending ratio (mass%), and "DPG" indicates dipropylene glycol. The numerical values ​​of each component shown in Table 9 indicate the blending ratio (mass%). The absorbance of each of the solubilized compositions obtained as a sample was measured under the following measurement conditions, and the solubilizing ability was evaluated according to the following evaluation method.

[0109] [Measurement conditions] After storing each sample at 25° C. for one week, the absorbance (Abs.) was measured in the same manner as in Test Example 2.

[0110] [Evaluation: Solubilization ability] After storage at 25° C. for one week, the samples were measured for solubilization ability according to the following criteria. The results are shown in Table 7. A: Absorbance (turbidity) less than 0.2. B: Absorbance (turbidity) is 0.2 or more.

[0111] [Table 8]

[0112] [Table 9]

[0113] <Test Example 7: Preparation of solubilizer (3)> [Examples 701-712] A mixture of one or two selected from POE alkyl ether (a1), POE monooleyl ether (a1), POE (25) hydrogenated castor oil (a2), POE (40) hydrogenated castor oil (a2) and POE sorbitan fatty acid ester (a3) ​​was prepared, and one selected from alkyl glucamide (b1), C8-C16 alkyl polyglycoside (b2), C8-C10 alkyl polyglycoside (b2) and polyglycerin fatty acid ester (b3) was gradually added thereto while stirring to prepare solubilizers 701 to 712 shown in Table 10. The numerical values ​​of each component shown in Table 10 indicate the mass blending ratio.

[0114] [Comparative Examples 701 to 706] Solubilizers R701, 702 and 707 shown in Table 10 were prepared by selecting and mixing two of POE alkyl ether (a1), POE monooleyl ether (a1) and POE (25) hydrogenated castor oil (a2). In addition, POE sorbitan fatty acid ester (a3) ​​was prepared as solubilizers R703 and R704, POE (25) hydrogenated castor oil (a2) was prepared as solubilizer R705, and C8-C16 alkyl polyglycoside (b2) was prepared as solubilizer R706. Note that the numerical values ​​of the components shown in Table 10 for solubilizers R703 to R706 have the meaning of the mass blending ratio when used to prepare the solubilized composition in the following Test Example 8.

[0115] [Table 10-1]

[0116] [Table 10-2]

[0117] <Test Example 8: Preparation of solubilized composition (5)> [Examples 801 to 812 and Comparative Examples 801 to 806] The solubilized compositions shown in Table 11 (Examples 801 to 812 and Comparative Examples 801 to 806) were produced by mixing the solubilizers shown in Table 11 from among the solubilizers 701 to 712 and R701 to R707 prepared in Test Example 7, the fragrance 1 shown in Table 4 as an oil component, and water. The mixing of each component was performed by adding the fragrance to the solubilizer and gradually adding water to the resulting mixture under stirring. In the solubilized compositions of Examples 803, 804, and 812, ethanol was further added at the stage of mixing the solubilizer and the fragrance. The numerical values ​​of each component shown in Table 11 indicate the blending ratio (mass%). The absorbance of each of the solubilized compositions obtained as a sample was measured under the measurement conditions described below, and the solubilizing ability and solubilization stability were evaluated according to the evaluation methods described below.

[0118] [Measurement conditions] After each sample was stored at 25°C and 50°C for one week, the absorbance (Abs.) was measured in the same manner as in Test Example 2. For the samples stored at 50°C for one week, the absorbance was measured immediately after storage before returning to room temperature (about 25°C) and after leaving at room temperature (about 25°C) for four hours.

[0119] [Evaluation: Solubilization ability] After storage at 25° C. for one week, the samples were measured for solubilization ability according to the following criteria. The results are shown in Table 11. A: Absorbance (turbidity) less than 0.2. B: Absorbance (turbidity) is 0.2 or more.

[0120] [Evaluation: Solubilization stability] The solubilization stability of the samples immediately after storage at 50°C for one week and after returning to room temperature was evaluated according to the following criteria. The results are shown in Table 11. A: Absorbance (turbidity) less than 0.2. B: Absorbance (turbidity) is 0.2 or more.

[0121] [Table 11-1]

[0122] [Table 11-2]

[0123] The solubilized compositions of Examples 801 to 812 according to this embodiment had high transparency both after storage at 25° C. and after returning to room temperature after storage at 50° C. From this, it can be seen that the solubilizer according to this embodiment can stably maintain an excellent solubilized state over a wide temperature range and is suitable for commercialization.

[0124] <Test Example 9: Preparation of solubilized composition (6)> [Example 901 and Comparative Example 901] Example 901 The solubilizing agent 705 prepared in Test Example 7, fragrance 1 shown in Table 4 as an oil component, polyhexamethylene biguanide (PHMB) as a cationic preservative, ethanol, and water were mixed to produce a solubilized composition (Example 901) shown in Table 12. The components were mixed by mixing the solubilizing agent, fragrance, and ethanol, gradually adding water to the resulting mixture under stirring, and then adding PHMB.

[0125] The absorbance of each of the solubilized compositions obtained as a sample was measured under the measurement conditions described below, and the solubilizing ability and solubilization stability were evaluated according to the evaluation methods described below.

[0126] [Measurement conditions] The samples were stored at 25° C. and 50° C. for one week, and then the absorbance (Abs.) was measured in the same manner as in Test Example 2.

[0127] [Evaluation: Solubilization ability] After storage at 25° C. for 1 week, the samples were evaluated for solubilizing ability according to the same criteria as in Test Example 2. The results are shown in Table 12.

[0128] [Evaluation: Solubilization stability] After storing at 50° C. for one week, the samples were returned to room temperature and the solubilizing ability was evaluated according to the same criteria as in Test Example 2. The results are shown in Table 12.

[0129] Comparative Example 901 The solubilizer R707 prepared in Test Example 7, fragrance 1 shown in Table 4 as an oil component, polyhexamethylene piguanide (PHMB) as a cationic preservative, dioctyl sodium sulfosuccinate as an anionic surfactant, ethanol, and water were mixed to produce a solubilized composition (Comparative Example 901) shown in Table 12. The components were mixed by mixing the solubilizer, anionic surfactant, ethanol, and fragrance, and gradually adding water to the resulting mixture while stirring.

[0130] The solubilized composition of Comparative Example 901 obtained became cloudy immediately after production. This was because the anionic surfactant and the cationic preservative reacted to form an association. Furthermore, the solubilized composition of Comparative Example 901 had poor preservative performance of the composition itself. This is presumably because the antibacterial effect of the cationic preservative was inactivated by the above-mentioned reaction between the anionic surfactant and the cationic preservative.

[0131] In contrast, the solubilized composition of Example 901 according to this embodiment does not contain a component that inactivates the cationic preservative, such as an anionic surfactant, and therefore can stably maintain the excellent solubilization state of the fragrance over a wide temperature range without inhibiting the preservative effect of the cationic preservative, making it suitable for commercialization as an air freshener.

[0132] [Table 12]

[0133] <Test Example 10: Preparation of solubilized composition (7)> [Examples 1001 to 1004 and Comparative Examples 1001 to 1004] ·Examples 1001 to 1004 The solubilizing agent 712 prepared in Test Example 7, a citrus fragrance as an oil component, water, and ethanol were mixed to produce solubilized compositions of Examples 1001 to 1004 shown in Table 13. The solubilized compositions of Examples 1001 to 1004 differ from each other only in the blending ratio of the fragrance. The numerical values ​​of each component shown in Table 13 indicate the blending ratio (mass%).

[0134] Comparative Examples 1001 to 1003 Solubilizer R1 shown in Table 13 was prepared by mixing POE alkyl ether, which is a nonionic surfactant, and sodium dioctyl sulfosuccinate, which is an anionic surfactant, shown in the same table.

[0135] The solubilized compositions of Comparative Examples 1001 to 1003 were produced in the same manner as in Example 1001, except that the solubilizer 712 in Example 1001 was changed to solubilizer R1 and the blending ratio of the citrus fragrance was changed. The solubilized compositions of Comparative Examples 1001 to 1003 differ from each other only in the blending ratio of the fragrance.

[0136] Comparative Example 1004 The POE monooleyl ether (a1) and POE (40) hydrogenated castor oil shown in Table 13 were mixed to prepare the solubilizer R2 shown in the same table.

[0137] A solubilized composition of Comparative Example 1004 was produced in the same manner as in Example 1001, except that the solubilizer 712 was changed to solubilizer R2 and the blending ratio of the citrus fragrance was changed.

[0138] The absorbance of each of the solubilized compositions obtained as a sample was measured under the measurement conditions described below, and the solubilizing ability and solubilization stability were evaluated according to the evaluation methods described below.

[0139] [Measurement conditions] The samples were stored at 25° C. and 40° C. for one week, and then the absorbance (Abs.) was measured in the same manner as in Test Example 2.

[0140] [Evaluation: Solubilization ability] After storage at 25° C. for one week, the samples were measured for solubilization ability according to the following criteria. The results are shown in Table 13. A: Absorbance (turbidity) less than 0.2. B: Absorbance (turbidity) is 0.2 or more.

[0141] [Evaluation: Solubilization stability] After storing at 40°C for one week, the samples were returned to room temperature and evaluated for solubilization stability according to the following criteria. The results are shown in Table 13. A: Absorbance (turbidity) less than 0.2. B: Absorbance (turbidity) is 0.2 or more

[0142] [Table 13]

[0143] The solubilized compositions of Examples 1001 to 1004 containing the solubilizer 712 according to this embodiment have fragrance / surfactant (solubilizer) mass ratios of 1.22, 1.39, 1.57, and 1.74, respectively, and all of the compositions had high transparency both after storage at 25° C. and after storage at 40° C. and then returned to room temperature. On the other hand, the solubilized compositions of Comparative Examples 1001 to 1003 containing the solubilizer R1 of the comparative example have fragrance / surfactant (solubilizer) mass ratios of 1.04, 1.22, and 1.39, respectively, but the solubilized composition of Comparative Example 1003 with the mass ratio of 1.39 became cloudy when stored at 25° C. and did not have solubilizing ability. In addition, the solubilized composition of Comparative Example 1004 containing Comparative Example solubilizer R2 had a mass ratio of fragrance / surfactant (solubilizer) of 1.04, but became cloudy when stored at 25°C and did not have solubilizing ability. From these, it can be seen that the solubilizer of this embodiment has a high maximum solubilization amount, and can maintain a stable and excellent solubilized state over a wide temperature range with a small amount of solubilizer relative to the oily component. The solubilizer of this embodiment can be suitably used in products such as fragrances and lotions.

[0144] The present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment, and can be modified in various ways without departing from the gist of the present invention. The embodiments may be combined as appropriate, and in that case, the combined effect can be obtained. Furthermore, the above-mentioned embodiment includes various inventions, and various inventions can be extracted by combinations selected from the multiple components disclosed. For example, if the problem can be solved and the effect can be obtained even if some components are deleted from all the components shown in the embodiment, the configuration from which the components are deleted can be extracted as an invention.

Claims

1. A solubilizing agent for solubilizing an oily component in water, comprising a polyoxyalkylene-based nonionic surfactant (A) and a hydroxyl group-containing nonionic surfactant (B), wherein the polyoxyalkylene-based nonionic surfactant (A) is one or more selected from polyoxyalkylene alkyl ethers (a1), polyoxyalkylene hydrogenated castor oil (a2) and polyoxyalkylene sorbitan fatty acid esters (a3), and the hydroxyl group-containing nonionic surfactant (B) is one or more selected from alkyl glucamides (b1), alkyl polyglycosides (b2) and polyglycerin fatty acid esters (b3).

2. The solubilizer according to claim 1, wherein the polyoxyalkylene-based nonionic surfactant (A) contains at least the polyoxyalkylene alkyl ether (a1) and the polyoxyalkylene hydrogenated castor oil (a2).

3. The solubilizer according to claim 2, wherein the blending ratio of the polyoxyalkylene alkyl ether (a1) to the polyoxyalkylene hydrogenated castor oil (a2) is within the range of (a1) / (a2)=0.1 to 2 by mass ratio.

4. The solubilizer according to claim 1, wherein the blending ratio of the polyoxyalkylene-based nonionic surfactant (A) to the hydroxyl group-containing nonionic surfactant (B) is in the range of (A) / (B) = 0.5 to 4 by mass ratio.

5. The solubilizer according to claim 1 , wherein the oily component is a fragrance.

6. The solubilizing agent according to claim 1, wherein the polyoxyalkylene-based nonionic surfactant (A) contains at least one plant-derived component, and the hydroxyl group-containing nonionic surfactant (B) contains at least one plant-derived component.

7. A method for using the solubilizer according to any one of claims 1 to 6, A method of use comprising: causing the oily component and the solubilizing agent to coexist in water to solubilize the oily component in the water.

8. 8. The method for using the solubilizer according to claim 7, comprising blending the oily component and the solubilizer in the water so that a blending ratio (oily component / (A+B)) of the oily component to the sum of the polyoxyalkylene-based nonionic surfactant (A) and the hydroxyl group-containing nonionic surfactant (B) is within a range of 0.05 to 5 by mass.

9. The method for using the solubilizer according to claim 7, wherein the oily component is a fragrance.

10. A solubilized composition comprising the solubilizer according to any one of claims 1 to 6, an oily component, and water, wherein the oily component is solubilized in the water.

11. The solubilized composition according to claim 10, wherein a blending ratio (oil component / (A+B)) of the oil component to the sum of the polyoxyalkylene-based nonionic surfactant (A) and the hydroxyl group-containing nonionic surfactant (B) is within a range of 0.05 to 5 in terms of mass ratio, and a content of the oil component relative to the total mass of the solubilized composition is within a range of 0.05 to 5 mass%.

12. The solubilized composition according to claim 10, wherein the solubilized composition is a fragrance.

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