Cleansing Composition

Abstract

The present invention relates to cleansing compositions, in particular cleansing compositions that provide excellent antimicrobial, e.g., antibacterial, efficacy within consumer-relevant contact times, e.g., less than 5 minutes, e.g., 10 to 30 seconds, and provide the requisite viscosity.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a cleansing composition, and more particularly to a cleansing composition that exhibits excellent antibacterial and other antimicrobial effects. [Background technology]

[0002] WO2018121946 (Unilever) discloses an antimicrobial composition at skin pH comprising (a) 5-40% by weight of an ammonium salt having at least one covalently bonded hydrogen attached to nitrogen, or an anionic surfactant having an ammonium group as counterion, or a mixture thereof, and (b) 0.1-20% by weight of a carboxylic acid having a pKa value greater than 4.5. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2018-121946 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the carboxylic acids discussed in the prior art have a pKa greater than 4.5, such as hexanoic acid (pKa=4.72) and octanoic acid (pKa=4.89). As discussed in the prior art, they provide good antimicrobial efficacy in the presence of anionic surfactant systems, but are less preferred because they are medium chain fatty acids, expensive, and have a distinctive odor. When using such acids, the odor must be addressed with a fragrance system, further increasing costs.

[0005] On the other hand, carboxylic acids such as aromatic carboxylic acids such as benzoic acid, cinnamic acid, etc. are sometimes used in cleansing compositions, however the use of these acids affects the viscosity of the cleansing composition.

[0006] Thus, there is a need to provide a cleansing composition that overcomes one or more of the shortcomings associated with the prior art.

[0007] It has now been found that the addition of ammonium salts, e.g., ammonium chloride, significantly improves the antimicrobial effect of aromatic carboxylic acids, e.g., benzoic acid, and facilitates their incorporation into cleansing compositions without odor problems. Moreover, it has been found that the antimicrobial effect is achieved in a short time, e.g., 10 to 30 seconds, e.g., 20 seconds. It has also been found that the addition of ammonium salts provides the necessary viscosity for cleansing compositions, even when the compositions contain aromatic carboxylic acids, e.g., benzoic acid. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a method for producing a composition comprising the steps of: a. 0.1 to 10% by weight of an ammonium salt selected from ammonium chloride, ammonium benzoate, ammonium citrate, ammonium carbonate, ammonium acetate, ammonium sulfate, isopropylammonium chloride, and mixtures thereof; and b. 0.01 to 10 weight percent of an aromatic carboxylic acid selected from benzoic acid, 2-hydroxybenzoic acid, 3-hydroxybenzoic acid, 4-hydroxybenzoic acid, cinnamic acid, and mixtures thereof. A cleansing composition comprising: The cleansing composition has a pH in the range of 2.5 to 4.5.

[0009] In a second aspect, the present invention provides a method for producing a composition comprising the steps of: i. applying the composition of the first aspect to a surface; and ii. Optionally, rinsing the surface to which the composition has been applied. The present invention relates to a method for providing an antimicrobial effect comprising the steps of:

[0010] In a third aspect, the present invention relates to the use of a composition of the first aspect to provide an antimicrobial effect.

[0011] In a fourth aspect, the present invention relates to the use of an ammonium salt as an enhancer of the antimicrobial efficacy of a cleansing composition, said cleansing composition comprising an aromatic carboxylic acid selected from benzoic acid, 2-hydroxybenzoic acid, 3-hydroxybenzoic acid, 4-hydroxybenzoic acid, cinnamic acid, and mixtures thereof.

[0012] In a fifth aspect, the present invention relates to the use of the ammonium salt of the first aspect as a viscosity modifier in a liquid cleansing composition. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0013] Any feature of one aspect of the invention can be utilized in any other aspect of the invention. The term "comprising" means "including" and does not necessarily mean "consisting of" or "composed of". In other words, the steps or options described need not be all-inclusive. Except in the Examples and Comparative Examples, or unless expressly indicated, all numbers in this Detailed Description describing amounts of materials or reaction conditions, physical properties of materials and / or uses should be understood as being modified by the word "about". Numerical ranges expressed in the format "from x to y" are understood to be inclusive of x and y. When multiple preferred ranges for a particular feature are described in the format "from x to y", it is understood that all ranges combining the different endpoints are also contemplated. Unless otherwise specified, amounts used herein are expressed as weight percent based on the total weight of the composition and are abbreviated as "wt%". The use of any examples or exemplary language, such as "such as," provided herein is intended only to better describe the invention and in no way limits the scope of the invention as otherwise claimed.

[0014] In the context of the present invention, the terms "antimicrobial benefit" or "antimicrobial effect" or "antimicrobial efficacy" can be used interchangeably and denote the same meaning. Preferably, "antimicrobial benefit" or "antimicrobial effect" or "antimicrobial efficacy" refers to a reduction in the number of microorganisms, such as bacteria, fungi, viruses, etc. Such an antimicrobial benefit is obtained when the composition of the present invention is applied to a surface, which may preferably be an inanimate or animate surface. More preferably, the composition is applied to a biological substrate, such as human skin. As used herein, "skin" is preferably meant to include the skin of any part of the body, such as the face, neck, chest, back, arms, armpits, hands, feet, buttocks, and scalp.

[0015] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a method for producing a composition comprising the steps of: a. 0.1 to 10% by weight of an ammonium salt selected from ammonium chloride, ammonium benzoate, ammonium citrate, ammonium carbonate, ammonium acetate, ammonium sulfate, isopropylammonium chloride, and mixtures thereof; and b. 0.01 to 10 weight percent of an aromatic carboxylic acid selected from benzoic acid, 2-hydroxybenzoic acid, 3-hydroxybenzoic acid, 4-hydroxybenzoic acid, cinnamic acid, and mixtures thereof. A cleansing composition comprising: The cleansing composition has a pH in the range of 2.5 to 4.5.

[0016] Ammonium salts Salts are commonly added as electrolytes to cleansing compositions to provide the appropriate ionic strength. The addition of salts to aqueous solutions of surfactants alters solution properties such as the critical micelle concentration and phase behavior of the surfactants.

[0017] The cleansing composition (composition) according to the present invention comprises an ammonium salt selected from ammonium chloride, ammonium benzoate, ammonium citrate, ammonium carbonate, ammonium acetate, ammonium sulfate, isopropylammonium chloride, or mixtures thereof.

[0018] Preferably, the ammonium salt is selected from ammonium chloride, ammonium citrate, ammonium sulfate, and mixtures thereof. More preferably, the ammonium salt selected is ammonium chloride.

[0019] The composition contains 0.1 to 10% by weight, preferably 0.5 to 9% by weight, more preferably 1 to 8% by weight, even more preferably 1 to 7% by weight, even more preferably 1 to 6% by weight, even more preferably 1 to 5% by weight, even more preferably 1 to 4% by weight, even more preferably 1 to 3% by weight, and even more preferably 1 to 2% by weight of the ammonium salt.

[0020] Ammonium salts have been found to provide synergistic antimicrobial effects when used in combination with aromatic carboxylic acids as described below. A new application of ammonium salts has also been found to provide the required viscosity when used in liquid cleansing compositions. Preferably, the viscosity is in the range of 2000-6000 cps at 25°C.

[0021] Aromatic Carboxylic Acids The composition also includes an aromatic carboxylic acid selected from benzoic acid, 2-hydroxybenzoic acid (also known as salicylic acid), 3-hydroxybenzoic acid (m-salicylic acid), 4-hydroxybenzoic acid, cinnamic acid, and mixtures thereof.

[0022] Preferably, the aromatic carboxylic acid is selected from benzoic acid, 2-hydroxybenzoic acid, 3-hydroxybenzoic acid, and mixtures thereof. More preferably, the aromatic acid selected is benzoic acid.

[0023] The composition contains 0.01 to 10 wt %, preferably 0.1 to 9 wt %, more preferably 0.2 to 8 wt %, even more preferably 0.5 to 7 wt %, even more preferably 1 to 6 wt %, even more preferably 2 to 5 wt %, and even more preferably 3 to 4 wt % of an aromatic carboxylic acid.

[0024] The above ammonium salts have been found to provide a synergistic antimicrobial effect when combined with the above carboxylic acids.

[0025] Anionic surfactants: Preferably, the composition further comprises an anionic surfactant. Preferably, the anionic surfactant is selected from alkyl ether sulfates (AES), alkyl sulfosuccinates and mixtures thereof.

[0026] AES has the general formula: R1-(OR′) n -O-SO3 - M + is an anionic surfactant, R1 is a saturated or unsaturated C8-C 16 , preferably C 12 -C 14 Alkyl chain, preferably R1 is a saturated C8-C 16 , more preferably saturated C 12 -C 14 is an alkyl chain; R' is ethylene; n is 1 to 18, preferably 1 to 15, more preferably 1 to 10, and even more preferably 1 to 5; M + is a suitable cation that provides charge neutrality, preferably sodium, calcium, potassium, or magnesium, more preferably the sodium cation.

[0027] Examples of AES that can be used as an anionic surfactant in the composition include sodium lauryl ether sulfate (SLES), sodium myristyl ether sulfate, and sodium palmityl ether sulfate, and mixtures thereof. Preferred AES are SLES having 1 to 3 ethylene oxide units per molecule. More preferred are SLES having 1 to 2 ethylene oxide units per molecule.

[0028] Examples of alkyl sulfosuccinates that can be used as anionic surfactants include disodium lauryl sulfosuccinate.

[0029] Preferably, the composition comprises 2 to 40% by weight of anionic surfactant, more preferably 5 to 35% by weight, even more preferably 7 to 30% by weight, even more preferably 9 to 20% by weight, even more preferably 10 to 15% by weight.

[0030] Amphoteric surfactants Preferably, the composition further comprises an amphoteric surfactant as a co-surfactant, which enhances lather and improves the feel of the composition. Preferably, the amphoteric surfactant is selected from cocamidopropyl betaine (CAPB), cocamide monoethanolamide (CMEA), cocoamphoacetate, and mixtures thereof.

[0031] Preferably, the composition comprises 0.1 to 10% by weight of an amphoteric surfactant, more preferably 0.5 to 8% by weight, even more preferably 1 to 7% by weight, even more preferably 2 to 5% by weight, even more preferably 3 to 5% by weight.

[0032] Essential oils Preferably, the composition further comprises one or more essential oils. These essential oils can be selected from thymol, terpineol, carvacrol, eugenol, menthol, and mixtures thereof. More preferably, the essential oils can be selected from thymol, terpineol, carvacrol, eugenol, and mixtures thereof. Even more preferably, the essential oils can be selected from thymol, terpineol, eugenol, and mixtures thereof. Even more preferably, the essential oils can be selected from thymol, terpineol, eugenol, and mixtures thereof. Even more preferably, the essential oils can be selected from thymol, terpineol, and mixtures thereof.

[0033] Preferably, the composition comprises 0.0001 to 1% by weight, more preferably 0.001 to 0.5% by weight, even more preferably 0.01 to 0.25% by weight, even more preferably 0.01 to 0.1% by weight of one or more of these essential oils.

[0034] pH of the composition The pH of the composition is in the range of 2.5 to 4.5, more preferably in the range of 3.0 to 4.5, even more preferably in the range of 3.5 to 4.5, even more preferably in the range of 4.0 to 4.5.

[0035] Form of composition: Preferably, the composition is in liquid form, such as a liquid hand wash composition, a liquid body wash composition, etc. Preferably, the liquid cleansing composition has a viscosity at 25° C. in the range of 2000 to 6000, more preferably 2500 to 5500, even more preferably 3000 to 5000, even more preferably 3500 to 4500, even more preferably 3500 to 4000 cP.

[0036] Alternatively, the composition may be in the form of a spray.

[0037] Preferably, the composition further comprises a water-soluble / dispersible polymer. These polymers can be cationic, anionic, amphoteric or nonionic type with molecular weights of more than 100,000 Daltons. They are known to increase the viscosity and stability of liquid cleansing compositions, enhance skin feel during and after use, and increase foam creaminess and foam stability. Such polymers can be used in an amount of preferably 0.1-10% by weight, more preferably 0.1-5% by weight, even more preferably 0.25-3% by weight, even more preferably 0.5-2% by weight.

[0038] Examples of water-soluble and / or water-dispersible polymers include carbohydrate gums such as cellulose gum, microcrystalline cellulose, cellulose gel, hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, sodium carboxymethylcellulose, methylcellulose, ethylcellulose, guar gum, karaya gum, tragacanth gum, arabic gum, acacia gum, agar gum, xanthan gum, and mixtures thereof; modified and unmodified starch granules, and pregelatinized cold water soluble starches; emulsion polymers such as Aculyn® 28, Aculyn® 22, or Carbopol® Aqua SF1; cationic polymers such as modified polysaccharides, including cationic guar, available from Rhone Poulenc under the trade names Jaguar® C13S, Jaguar® C14S, Jaguar® C17, or Jaguar® C16; UCARE® Polymer JR from Amrchol Corporation. cationic modified celluloses such as JR 30 or JR 40 from Hercules; N-Hance® 3000, N-Hance® 3196, N-Hance® GPX215 or N-Hance® GPX196 from Hercules; synthetic cationic polymers such as Merquat® 100, Merquat® 280, Merquat® 281 and Merquat® 550 sold by Nalco; cationic starches such as StaLok® 100, 200, 300, 400 sold by Staley Inc.; cationic galactomannans such as the Galactasol® 800 series by Henkel, Inc.; Quadrosoft® LM-200; and Polyquaternium-24®. High molecular weight polyethylene glycols such as Polyox® WSR-205 (PEG14M), Polyox® WSR-N-60K (PEG45), Polyox® WSR-301 (PEG90M) are also suitable.

[0039] Preferably, the composition further comprises a polymer selected from vinylpyrrolidone / vinyl acetate copolymers.

[0040] Preferably, the composition comprises 60-98% by weight of water, more preferably 65-95% by weight, even more preferably 70-90% by weight, even more preferably 75-85% by weight, even more preferably 80-85% by weight.

[0041] Preferably, the composition further comprises one or more skin lightening agents, which may be selected from aloe extract, ammonium lactate, arbutin, azelaic acid, kojic acid, butyl hydroxyanisole, butyl hydroxytoluene, citric acid esters, 3-diphenylpropane derivatives, ellagic acid, fennel extract, glucopyranosyl-1-ascorbic acid, gluconic acid, glycolic acid, hydroquinone, 4-hydroxyanisole, linoleic acid, magnesium ascorbyl phosphate, 2,4-resorcinol derivatives, 3,5-resorcinol derivatives, vitamins such as vitamin B3, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, vitamin C, vitamin A, resorcinol derivatives, and mixtures thereof.

[0042] Preferably, the composition further comprises a preservative to protect the composition from the growth of potentially harmful microorganisms. Particularly preferred preservatives include hydantoin derivatives, propionate salts, various quaternary ammonium compounds, phenoxyethanol, imidazolidinyl urea, sodium dehydroacetate, and benzyl alcohol. Preservatives are preferably used in an amount ranging from 0.01% to 2% by weight, more preferably from 0.1% to 1% by weight.

[0043] The composition may further comprise stearyl alcohol, glyceryl monoricinoleate, mink oil, cetyl alcohol, isopropyl isostearate, stearic acid, isobutyl palmitate, isocetyl stearate, oleyl alcohol, isopropyl laurate, hexyl laurate, decyl oleate, octadecyl-2-ol, isocetyl alcohol, eicosanyl alcohol, behenyl alcohol, cetyl palmitate, dimethylpolysiloxane, di-n-butyl sebacate, isopropyl myristate, isopropyl palmitate, stearyl alcohol, isopropyl oleate, stearyl alcohol ... In some embodiments, the cosmetic composition may include an emollient such as isopropyl acrylate, butyl stearate, polyethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, lanolin, cocoa butter, corn oil, cottonseed oil, olive oil, palm kernel oil, rapeseed oil, safflower seed oil, evening primrose oil, soybean oil, sunflower seed oil, avocado oil, sesame oil, coconut oil, peanut oil, castor oil, acetylated lanolin alcohol, petrolatum, mineral oil, butyl myristate, isostearic acid, palmitic acid, isopropyl linoleate, lauryl lactate, myristyl lactate, decyl oleate, and myristyl myristate.

[0044] The compositions may further include a wide range of other optional ingredients such as antioxidants, binders, biological additives, buffers, colorants, astringents, fragrances, moisturizers, opacifiers, conditioners, pH adjusting agents, skin soothing agents and skin healing agents.

[0045] In a second aspect, the present invention provides a method for producing a composition comprising the steps of: a. applying the composition of the first aspect to a surface; and b. Optionally, rinsing the surface to which the composition was applied. The present invention relates to a method for providing an antimicrobial effect comprising the steps of:

[0046] The composition of the present invention can be applied to an inanimate surface, such as a hard surface, or to an animate surface, such as human skin, to provide an antimicrobial effect. More preferably, the composition is applied to an animate surface, such as human skin. As used herein, "skin" preferably includes the skin of any part of the body, such as the face, neck, chest, back, arms, armpits, hands, feet, buttocks, and scalp.

[0047] Preferably, in step b, when the surface to which the composition is applied is rinsed with water, the rinsing is carried out within less than 5 minutes, more preferably less than 4 minutes, even more preferably less than 3 minutes, even more preferably less than 1 minute, for example less than 30 seconds or 20 seconds, after the step of applying the composition to the surface.

[0048] Preferably, the method is non-therapeutic and / or cosmetic in nature.

[0049] In a third aspect, the present invention relates to the use of a composition of the first aspect to provide an antimicrobial effect. Preferably, this use is non-therapeutic and / or cosmetic in nature.

[0050] In a fourth aspect, the present invention relates to the use of an ammonium salt as an enhancer of the antimicrobial efficacy of a cleansing composition, said cleansing composition comprising an aromatic carboxylic acid selected from benzoic acid, 2-hydroxybenzoic acid, 3-hydroxybenzoic acid, 4-hydroxybenzoic acid, cinnamic acid, and mixtures thereof. Preferably, the use is non-therapeutic and / or cosmetic in nature.

[0051] In a fifth aspect, the present invention relates to the use of the above ammonium salts as viscosity modifiers in liquid cleansing compositions. Preferably, the viscosity is in the range of 2000-6000 cP at 25°C. Ammonium salts, such as ammonium chloride, ammonium benzoate, ammonium citrate, ammonium carbonate, ammonium acetate, ammonium sulfate, isopropylammonium chloride, have been found to be useful in obtaining the desired viscosity in liquid cleansing compositions. Preferred ammonium salts are ammonium chloride, ammonium citrate, ammonium sulfate, and mixtures thereof. Preferably, the viscosity of the liquid composition is in the range of 2000-6000 cP at 25°C.

[0052] Various features of the invention referred to in individual sections above apply mutatis mutandis to other sections, where appropriate. Thus, features specified in one section may, where appropriate, be combined with features specified in other sections. Section headings are provided for convenience only and are not intended to limit the disclosure in any way.

[0053] The invention is further illustrated by the following non-limiting examples. EXAMPLES

[0054] Protocol The biocidal activity was evaluated using the following protocol. In Vitro Time-Sterilization Protocol - ASTM 2783 Bacterial culture preparation: In these experiments, Escherichia coli ATCC10536, a representative of Gram-negative bacteria, was used for the study. The bacteria were grown overnight on tryptic soy agar (TSA) plates. The bacterial cell density was then adjusted to a calibrated optical density at 620 nm and a final count of 10 in saline (0.86% NaCl) was obtained using a spectrophotometer. 9 cfu / mL was obtained.

[0055] Assay Protocol: 9.9 mL of the compositions of the different examples (mentioned above) were taken in different sample containers, and immediately before performing the assay, 0.1 mL of bacterial culture was added to each of these containers and mixed well to obtain a mixture. Immediately after adding the culture, a timer was started. The mixture was kept in a certain contact state for a period ranging from 10 seconds to 30 seconds, for example 20 seconds.

[0056] After completion of each contact time, the antimicrobial activity of the samples was immediately neutralized by adding 1 mL of each of the above mixtures to 9 mL of the appropriate neutralization medium validated for the test system. The neutralized samples were then serially diluted up to 5-fold dilutions in neutralizer broth and plated in duplicate on TSA (40 gpL-Difco).

[0057] Log reduction was calculated by comparison with a bacterial control. The bacterial control used for this purpose was a mixture prepared by adding 0.1 mL of bacterial culture to 9.9 mL of saline, which was then serially diluted and plated on TSA. After the TSA plates solidified, the plates were incubated at 37°C for 48 hours. The colonies on the plates were counted.

[0058] A log reduction of >5 means a 99.99% reduction in CFU counts, while a log reduction of <0.5 means no reduction in CFU counts and no antibacterial efficacy at all. A log reduction of >5 also means total germs.

[0059] Viscosity measurement A zero calibration was performed each time the viscometer was used (calibration without spindle). The spindle RV-5 was fixed to the viscometer. The RPM was set to 20 and the measurement time was set to 30 seconds. The spindle was immersed in the test sample (composition) up to the mark written on the spindle. When the measurement was started, the spindle rotated in the sample, the corresponding torque was measured and the instrument displayed the calculated viscosity. The viscosity was measured after 30 seconds and was measured at room temperature, i.e. 25°C. For this, a Brookfield RV viscometer (20 RPM, 30 seconds) with a RV-5 spindle was used.

[0060] Preparation of the compositions shown in the table below: Briefly, the compositions shown in the table below were prepared by mixing the surfactants in water at 70-75° C., followed by addition of the salt and carboxylic acid, and optionally the polymer, at 35-45° C., e.g., 40° C. Minor ingredients such as fragrance, if any, were added after the composition had cooled to room temperature, e.g., 25° C.

[0061] The compositions shown in Table 1 below were prepared and their antimicrobial efficacy evaluated according to the protocol described above.

[0062] Table 1 [Table 1]

[0063] The viscosity of the composition of Example 1, measured as described above, was 2380 cps at 25°C.

[0064] The data in Table 1 demonstrate the synergistic antimicrobial effect obtained when using ammonium salts according to the present invention with aromatic carboxylic acids.

[0065] Additionally, the antimicrobial efficacy of a commercially available liquid hand wash product was evaluated using the same protocol described above, with the results shown in Table 2 below.

[0066] Table 2 [Table 2]

[0067] The composition according to the invention provided antibacterial efficacy superior to that obtained using commercially available products.

[0068] Additionally, compositions shown in Examples 3 to 8 according to the invention and Comparative Example E were prepared and their antibacterial efficacy was measured as described above.

[0069] Table 3 [Table 3]

[0070] The data in Table 3 above demonstrates the antimicrobial efficacy obtained when ammonium salts of the invention are used in combination with carboxylic acids of the invention, and also demonstrates the specificity of the ammonium salts, since the composition of Example E, made with sodium chloride, a salt not according to the invention, did not demonstrate antimicrobial efficacy comparable to that exhibited by the other examples of the invention.

[0071] Additionally, the compositions shown in Examples F and 9 were prepared and the viscosities measured as described above.

[0072] Table 4 [Table 4]

[0073] The data in Table 4 above shows that the composition of Example 9, which includes an ammonium salt, such as ammonium chloride, exhibits improved viscosity compared to that exhibited by Example F.

Claims

1. a. 0.1 to 10% by weight of an ammonium salt selected from ammonium chloride, ammonium benzoate, ammonium citrate, ammonium carbonate, ammonium acetate, ammonium sulfate, isopropylammonium chloride, and mixtures thereof; and b. 0.01 to 10% by weight of an aromatic carboxylic acid selected from benzoic acid, 2-hydroxybenzoic acid, 3-hydroxybenzoic acid, 4-hydroxybenzoic acid, cinnamic acid, and mixtures thereof. A cleansing composition comprising: A cleansing composition, wherein the composition has a pH in the range of 2.5 to 4.

5.

2. The composition of claim 1 wherein the ammonium salt is ammonium chloride.

3. 3. The composition of claim 1, wherein the carboxylic acid is selected from benzoic acid, 2-hydroxybenzoic acid, 3-hydroxybenzoic acid, and mixtures thereof.

4. The composition according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the carboxylic acid is benzoic acid.

5. The composition of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the composition further comprises from 2 to 40% by weight of an anionic surfactant selected from alkyl ether sulfates, alkyl sulfosuccinates, and mixtures thereof.

6. The composition of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the composition further comprises 0.1 to 10% by weight of an amphoteric surfactant selected from cocamidopropyl betaine, cocamide monoethanolamide, cocoamphoacetate, and mixtures thereof.

7. The composition of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the composition further comprises an essential oil selected from thymol, terpineol, carvacrol, eugenol, menthol, and mixtures thereof.

8. The composition according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the composition is a liquid cleansing composition.

9. The composition according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the viscosity of the composition is in the range of 2000 to 6000 cP at 25°C.

10. The composition according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the composition is in the form of a spray.

11. a. applying the composition of any one of claims 1 to 10 to a surface; and b. Optionally, rinsing the surface to which the composition was applied. A method for providing an antibacterial effect comprising:

12. 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the step of rinsing the surface occurs within 5 minutes of applying the composition to the surface.

13. 1. Use of an ammonium salt as an enhancer of the antimicrobial efficacy of a cleansing composition, said cleansing composition comprising an aromatic carboxylic acid selected from benzoic acid, 2-hydroxybenzoic acid, 3-hydroxybenzoic acid, 4-hydroxybenzoic acid, cinnamic acid, and mixtures thereof.

14. Use of an ammonium salt as a viscosity modifier in a liquid cleansing composition.

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