Substantially anhydrous concentrated surfactant composition

Abstract

The present invention provides a substantially anhydrous concentrated surfactant composition capable of generating stable foam, and a personal care composition containing the said composition. [Solution] A substantially anhydrous concentrated surfactant composition comprising a sugar-based surfactant, an amino acid-based surfactant, a polyglycerol ester, a polyhydroxyether, or a combination of a polyglycerol ester and a polyhydroxyether, and optionally a glycol, wherein the composition contains less than about 12% by weight of water.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Cross - reference to Related Applications This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 929,738, filed on November 1, 2019, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 002,031, filed on March 30, 2020, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present disclosure is directed to surfactant compositions, more specifically substantially anhydrous concentrated surfactant compositions that can generate stable foam. A method for generating stable foam is also disclosed.

Background Art

[0003] Foam is an important property of cleaning compositions, especially in personal care compositions such as hair shampoos, body gels, soaps, toothpastes, shaving creams, etc. Aesthetically, foam is an important property because consumers regard thick and long - lasting foam as a high - quality product that functions well. Functionally, foam is an important property because it first functions as a carrier to deliver the cleaning surfactant to the skin or hair and then functions as a carrier to help remove emulsified dirt and sebum from the cleaned skin or hair.

[0004] However, to achieve these aesthetic and functional goals, the foam needs to be present in a wet form or a spherical form. If the generated foam is unstable, the foam changes from a wet form to a dried or hexagonal form relatively quickly, i.e., in less than about 2 minutes. Since the bubbles of dried foam break immediately, dermatologically preferred compositions do not provide the aesthetic and functional foam properties that consumers typically require to accept the composition.

[0005] Foam is created by dispersing air or gas in a surfactant-containing liquid. The mechanism for dispersing gas in a surfactant-containing liquid is similar to the dispersal of two immiscible liquids during emulsion formation. Therefore, gas bubbles dispersed in a liquid are stabilized in the same way as in an emulsion, namely by the formation of a surfactant layer at the gas-liquid interface. The surfactant layer separates the gas bubbles, preventing them from "combining," that is, from smaller gas bubbles coalescing to form larger gas bubbles. Generally, a denser and more compact surfactant layer forms smaller bubbles and slows down the coalescence mechanism.

[0006] It is well known that because the density difference between dispersed gas and liquid is very large, gas bubbles rise to the top of the liquid. Gas bubbles concentrated at the top of the liquid appear as "bubbles." Initially, all the gas bubbles within the bubble are spherical, and due to the presence of the surfactant-containing liquid, there is sufficient space between each individual spherical gas bubble, causing the bubble to behave like an emulsion. Such bubbles are called "wet foams."

[0007] Over time, the liquid present in the gaps between individual gas bubbles flows out due to gravity. Depending on the properties and chemical structure of the surfactant in the liquid, a layered liquid crystal layer is formed and positioned at the gas-liquid interface. If the viscosity of the layered layer is low, the surfactant-containing liquid between individual gas bubbles flows out relatively easily, and the spherical shape of the bubbles can change relatively quickly to a hexagonal shape. The hexagonal bubbles collapse rapidly. The transition of bubbles from spherical to hexagonal shape due to aging can be observed visually. Bubbles in the hexagonal shape are called "dry foam." Dry foam is unstable, and because the bubbles collapse rapidly, the volume of the bubbles decreases rapidly.

[0008] However, if the layered surfactant layer has a relatively high viscosity, the transition from spherical foam to hexagonal foam can be delayed. The rate of foam transition from spherical to hexagonal foam determines how the foam is used in practical applications and how it is perceived aesthetically. For example, in the case of shampoos and shower gels, foams with a transition time of approximately 2 minutes or less, i.e., metastable foam structures, are desirable. Foam stability is regulated by many factors related to the physicochemical properties of the surfactant solution, such as surface tension, thin-film surface tension (layered foam), surface viscosity, and elasticity, among others. More stable foam can result in insufficient wetting and distribution of the surfactant on the skin or hair. This is because, while applying shampoo or shower gel to the skin or hair, some of the foam transitions to a hexagonal state, allowing the surfactant to flow out from between the bubbles and come into contact with and moisten the hair or skin. Then, by continuously rubbing the shampoo or shower gel onto the skin or hair, new foam bubbles are generated. The bubbles act as carriers, lifting and removing dirt and sebum from the skin or hair, which are then washed away by additional water. Aesthetically, spherical bubbles are desirable. Functionally, cleansing is provided by the transition to a hexagonal shape and the regeneration of spherical bubbles.

[0009] Other applications of foam, such as shaving foam, require a much more stable foam because the applied foam is not regenerated by continuous friction techniques and because a relatively long time is needed to complete the entire shaving operation. Furthermore, a smooth shaving operation requires conditioning and thoroughly wetting the hair and skin. Sufficient wetting when surfactants foam occurs only when the surfactant-containing liquid can flow out of the foam film and come into contact with the skin, and this flow occurs more easily when the bubbles of the foam are spherical.

[0010] The structural differences between wet, spherical bubbles and dry, hexagonal bubbles are shown in Figures 3 and 4 of US5,911,811. Figure 3 of US5,911,811 clearly shows both the layered liquid crystal surfactant structure stabilizing each bubble in the wet foam and the large amount of surfactant-containing liquid between the individual bubbles. The relatively thick surfactant structure shown in Figure 3 also delays the coalescence of adjacent bubbles into a single, larger bubble. In contrast, Figure 4 of US5,911,811 shows the lack of stabilizing surfactant structure around the hexagonal bubbles and the relative lack of surfactant-containing liquid between the bubbles.

[0011] The most commonly used sulfated anionic surfactants are well known for providing a large amount of stable foam and for their excellent ability to emulsify dirt and oil, i.e., for functioning as efficient cleansers for skin and hair. Sulfated anionic surfactants include anionic sulfates and anionic sulfonates. As a result of these properties, sulfated anionic surfactants have been the primary surfactants used in shampoos and other skin and hair cleansing products. However, sulfated anionic surfactants also have drawbacks. For example, sulfated anionic surfactants can remove natural oils from hair that keep it in good condition, thereby damaging the hair and giving it a dry feeling after shampooing. Sulfated anionic surfactants are also too harsh on the skin and eyes, and therefore, sulfated anionic surfactants are generally unsuitable for use in baby shampoos and pet products.

[0012] Amphoteric and nonionic surfactants are relatively gentle on the skin and eyes and do not strip the hair of its natural oils. However, amphoteric and nonionic surfactants generally do not foam as well as sulfated anionic surfactants. Therefore, shampoos and similar cleansers based primarily on amphoteric and nonionic surfactants are not well-received by consumers. However, amphoteric and nonionic surfactants have been used in combination with sulfated anionic surfactants in attempts to provide shampoos that utilize the foaming properties of sulfated anionic surfactants while mitigating the undesirable properties of sulfated anionic surfactants with nonionic or amphoteric surfactants. However, ethoxylated nonionic surfactants have low biodegradability and, like sulfated anionic surfactants, can strip the hair of its natural oils that keep it in good condition, thereby damaging the hair and giving freshly shampooed hair a dry feel. Furthermore, these surfactants are undesirable because dioxane is generated during their manufacture. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0013] This disclosure provides substantially anhydrous concentrated surfactant compositions that produce stable foam and preferably maintain a wet or spherical form for as long as at least equivalent conventional sulfated anionic surfactant-based products and / or equivalent conventional ethoxylated surfactant-based products. Beneficially, the substantially anhydrous concentrated surfactant compositions disclosed are more environmentally friendly (particularly compared to conventional sulfated and / or ethoxylated-based surfactant compositions) and are all natural products not derived from petroleum products. For example, the substantially anhydrous concentrated surfactant compositions disclosed are preferably free of sulfated anionic surfactants (including but not limited to lauryl ether sulfate, lauryl sulfate, and sulfonates), phthalates, betaines, benzene, silicones, preservatives (including but not limited to parabens (parahydroxybenzoate), phenoxyethanol, formaldehyde donors, methylchloroisothiazolinone, methylisothiazolinone, and urea), amines (including but not limited to nitrosamines, diethanolamine, and monoethanolamine), formaldehyde, dioxanes (including but not limited to 1,4-dioxane), and / or ethylene oxides (for example, the components are ethoxylate-free and ethylene glycol-free). Furthermore, the disclosed surfactant compositions do not typically cause harmful skin contact reactions and are therefore suitable for many applications, including but not limited to applications where milder surfactant compositions may be desired, such as baby shampoos and pet products.

[0014] Furthermore, the substantially anhydrous concentrated surfactant compositions disclosed herein can combine to produce a remarkable amount of foam; that is, the substantially anhydrous concentrated surfactant compositions according to this disclosure can advantageously exhibit a synergistic foaming effect compared to their individual components. Moreover, in some embodiments, the substantially anhydrous concentrated surfactant compositions disclosed herein can exhibit a shear thickening effect that can stabilize wet foam for a longer period of time, for example, when water is added to produce foam. This may be particularly desirable for certain applications (e.g., when washing hair or applying body wash). Such rheopectic fluids are a rare class of non-Newtonian fluids that exhibit an increase in viscosity over time, and when shaken or stirred, they thicken or solidify. The longer a rheopectic fluid is subjected to shear force, the higher its viscosity becomes, as the microstructure of the rheopectic fluid is built under continuous shear (perhaps due to crystallization induced by shear).

[0015] A key advantage of the substantially anhydrous concentrated surfactant compositions described herein is their compatibility with environmentally friendly packaging, including but not limited to packets or sachets containing biodegradable materials, such as biodegradable water-soluble encapsulation films, paper-based materials, or combinations thereof. Suitable biodegradable water-soluble encapsulation films may include polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), alginates, chitosan, starch, polylactic acid (PLA), and poly(lactic acid-coglycolic acid) (PGLA), or other materials that dissolve rapidly in water to facilitate single-use applications. Compostable paraffin paper packets are also suitable for single-use applications. Thus, the substantially anhydrous concentrated surfactant compositions disclosed herein can reduce the use of costly packaging that may be harmful to the environment. Typically, 1 to 5 grams of a substantially anhydrous concentrated surfactant composition can be encapsulated in a water-soluble film or paraffin paper packet for single-use applications. Of course, substantially anhydrous concentrated surfactant compositions can also be used in multi-use dispensers, including those often found in bathrooms and showers, but they reduce the amount of packaging required for the same number of uses compared to conventional low-concentration compositions.

[0016] As used herein, the term “not containing” means that a certain component is intentionally not added to the substantially anhydrous surfactant composition of the Disclosure, but that the surfactant composition of the Disclosure may contain a certain component as a by-product or admixture, up to about 0.1% by weight, based on the weight of the substantially anhydrous surfactant composition.

[0017] As used herein, the terms “substantially anhydrous” and “substantially water-free” mean that the substantially anhydrous surfactant compositions of this disclosure contain relatively small amounts of water (at least compared to conventional surfactant compositions). For example, the substantially anhydrous surfactant compositions of this disclosure may contain less than about 12 weight percent ("wt%"), less than about 10 wt%, less than about 7.5 wt%, and / or less than about 5 wt% water based on the total weight of the composition.

[0018] As used herein, the term “approximately” means + / - 10% of any enumerated value, or, in an alternative embodiment, + / - 5% of any enumerated value. As used herein, the term modifies an enumerated value, a range of values, or the endpoint of one or more ranges.

[0019] In one embodiment, the disclosure provides a substantially anhydrous surfactant composition comprising a sugar-based surfactant, an amino acid-based surfactant, and optionally a glycol, wherein the substantially anhydrous surfactant composition contains less than about 12 weight percent water. In one improvement, the substantially anhydrous surfactant composition may further comprise a polyglycerol ester (also referred to as "polyglyceryl ester" according to INCI nomenclature). In an additional improvement, the substantially anhydrous surfactant composition may further comprise a polyhydroxy ether. In yet another improvement, the substantially anhydrous surfactant composition may further comprise a polyglycerol ester and a polyhydroxy ether.

[0020] In another embodiment, the Disclosure provides a method for producing a stable wet foam, comprising: adding a surfactant blend according to the Disclosure to an aqueous composition to provide an aqueous mixture; and forming bubbles from the aqueous mixture in the step of producing a stable wet foam.

[0021] Where weight percentages are given herein, they refer to 100% of the active ingredient. Consequently, weight percentages given herein may also be given as “percentage of active substance” of a given ingredient, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0022] Sugar-based surfactants can be selected from C8-C16 alkyl glucosides, C8-C16 alkyl polyglucosides, or combinations of C8-C16 alkyl glucosides and C8-C16 alkyl polyglucosides. Sugar-based surfactants containing at least one of C8-C16 alkyl glucosides and / or C8-C16 alkyl polyglucosides may be nonionic sugar-based (i.e., glucose-based) surfactants, but may also be salts of sugar-based surfactants. Combinations of nonionic sugar-based surfactants and salts of sugar-based surfactants can also be used as sugar-based surfactants. Sugar-based surfactants may be present in substantially anhydrous surfactant compositions according to this disclosure in amounts of about 5% by weight to about 50% by weight, about 7.5% by weight to about 50% by weight, about 10% by weight to about 50% by weight, about 10% by weight to about 40% by weight, about 15% by weight to about 30% by weight, and / or 17.5% by weight to about 25% by weight, for example, about 20% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0023] Sugar-based surfactants can be prepared / derived from the 6-carbon monosaccharide glucose and C8-C16 alcohols. Preferred C8-C16 alkyl glucosides include, but are not limited to, decyl glucoside, heptyl glucoside, octyl glucoside, lauryl glucoside (or dodecyl glucoside), coco glucoside (which is a mixture of C8-C16 alkyl glucosides), and combinations thereof. Preferred C8-C16 alkyl polyglucosides include, but are not limited to, coco glucoside disodium citrate, coco glucoside sodium tartrate, coco glucoside sodium succinate, and combinations thereof. Combinations of one or more C8-C16 alkyl glucosides and one or more C8-C16 alkyl polyglucosides may also be used. C8-C16 alkyl polyglucosides, particularly disodium cocoglucoside citrate, are preferred sugar-based surfactants for use in the substantially anhydrous concentrated surfactant compositions according to this disclosure.

[0024] Amino acid-based surfactants are anionic surfactants derived from amino acids and C8-C16 fatty acids. Typically, amino acid-based surfactants are derived from amino acids such as sarcosine, glutamine, glycine, alanine, or glycine. C8-C16 acyl sarcosinates, C8-C16 acyl glutamates, C8-C16 acyl alaninates, and / or C8-C16 acyl glycinates are preferred amino acid surfactants. Amino acid-based surfactants may be present in substantially anhydrous surfactant compositions disclosed herein in amounts of about 10% by weight to about 40% by weight, about 10% by weight to about 30% by weight, about 15% by weight to about 30% by weight, and / or 17.5% by weight to about 25% by weight, for example, about 20% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0025] Suitable C8-C16 acyl sarcosinates include, but are not limited to, sodium lauroyl sarcosinate, sodium cocoyl sarcosinate (a mixture of C8-C16 acyl sarcosinates), sodium myristoyl sarcosinate, ammonium lauroyl sarcosinate, ammonium cocoyl sarcosinate, isopropyl lauroyl sarcosinate, potassium cocoyl sarcosinate, potassium lauroyl sarcosinate, and combinations thereof. Suitable C8-C16 acyl glutamates include, but are not limited to, sodium lauroyl glutamate, sodium cocoyl glutamate (a mixture of C8-C16 acyl glutamates), sodium myristoyl glutamate, ammonium lauroyl glutamate, ammonium cocoyl glutamate, isopropyl lauroyl glutamate, potassium cocoyl glutamate, potassium lauroyl glutamate, and combinations thereof. Suitable C8-C16 acylalaninates include, but are not limited to, sodium lauroylalaninate, sodium cocoylalaninate (a mixture of C8-C16 acylalaninates), sodium myristoylalaninate, ammonium lauroylalaninate, ammonium cocoylalaninate, isopropyl lauroylalaninate, potassium cocoylalaninate, potassium lauroylalaninate, and combinations thereof. Suitable C8-C16 acylglycinates include, but are not limited to, sodium lauroylglycinate, sodium cocoylglycinate (a mixture of C8-C16 acylglycinates), sodium myristoylglycinate, ammonium lauroylglycinate, ammonium cocoylglycinate, isopropyl lauroylglycinate, potassium cocoylglycinate, potassium lauroylglycinate, and combinations thereof. For example, a combination of one or more C8-C16 acyl sarcosinates and one or more C8-C16 acyl glycinates can be used. Similarly, for example, a combination of one or more C8-C16 acyl sarcosinates and one or more C8-C16 acyl alaninates can be used.Combinations of one or more C8-C16 acyl sarcosinates, one or more C8-C16 acyl glutamates, one or more C8-C16 acyl alaninates, and one or more C8-C16 acyl glycinates may also be used. C8-C16 acyl sarcosinates, particularly sodium lauroyl sarcosinate, are preferred amino acid-based surfactants for use in the substantially anhydrous concentrated surfactant compositions according to this disclosure.

[0026] In one preferred embodiment, C8-C16 acyl sarcosinates are preferred because their solubility in glycols and / or polyhydroxy ethers allows for a minimal amount of water to be used. In a more preferred embodiment, the substantially anhydrous surfactant composition disclosed is free from sodium cocoyl isethionate, sodium lauroyl glutamate, sodium cocoyl glycinate, and / or potassium cocoyl glycinate.

[0027] When included, polyglycerol esters are important components in that they can provide a synergistic effect that promotes foaming and shear thickening properties to the substantially anhydrous surfactant compositions disclosed herein, particularly when compared to combinations of other components of the composition. Also, the incorporation of polyglycerol ester components into the substantially anhydrous surfactant compositions disclosed herein advantageously solubilizes various other components, thereby minimizing the amount of water and / or glycol carrier solvents in the composition. The polyglycerol esters can be present in the substantially anhydrous surfactant compositions according to the present disclosure in an amount of from about 15 weight percent (wt%) to about 45 wt%, from about 20 wt% to about 40 wt%, and / or from 25 wt% to about 35 wt%, for example, about 30 wt%. Suitable polyglycerol esters include, but are not limited to, polyglycerol 2 caprylate, polyglycerol 2 caprate, polyglycerol 3 caprylate, polyglycerol 3 caprate, polyglycerol 2 laurate, polyglycerol 3 laurate, polyglycerol 3 coconut fatty acid, polyglycerol 4 caprylate, polyglycerol 4 caprate, polyglycerol 4 laurate, polyglycerol 4 coconut fatty acid, and combinations of the foregoing. In one aspect, the polyglycerol ester is the major surfactant in the composition, i.e., the polyglycerol ester is present in a greater amount than other surfactants in the composition (based on the amount of surfactant present in the composition). Polyglycerol 2 caprate is a preferred polyglycerol ester for use in the substantially anhydrous concentrated surfactant compositions according to the present disclosure.

[0028] Where present, polyhydroxyethers are also important components in that they can provide a foam-promoting synergistic effect to the substantially anhydrous surfactant compositions disclosed herein, particularly compared to combinations of other components of the composition. Furthermore, the incorporation of polyhydroxyether components into the substantially anhydrous surfactant compositions disclosed herein allows for the advantageous solubilization of various other components, thereby minimizing the amount of water and / or glycol carrier solvent in the composition. Polyhydroxyethers may be present in the substantially anhydrous surfactant compositions according to this disclosure in amounts of about 10% by weight (wt) to about 45% by weight, about 15% by weight to about 40% by weight, and / or 20% by weight to about 35% by weight, for example, about 25% by weight. Suitable polyhydroxyethers include, but are not limited to, glycerol ethers, alkylglycerols, and the aforementioned combinations. Generally, the alkyl groups of glycerol ethers and alkylglycerols contain five or fewer carbon atoms. In one embodiment, the polyhydroxyether is the primary surfactant in the composition, i.e., the polyhydroxyether is present in greater amounts than other surfactants in the composition (based on the amount of surfactant present in the composition). Diglycerolone, also known as diglycerol and more formally known as (3-(2,3-dihydroxypropoxy)propane-1,2-diol), is a preferred polyhydroxy ether for use in substantially anhydrous concentrated surfactant compositions according to this disclosure.

[0029] The amino acid-based surfactants of the substantially anhydrous concentrated surfactant compositions according to the present disclosure are generally powders and thus usually require a carrier to help solubilize the compositions. Accordingly, glycol is typically included in the substantially anhydrous surfactant compositions according to the present disclosure in an amount of about 10 weight percent (wt.%) to less than 40 wt.%, about 15 wt.% to about 35 wt.%, 20 wt.% to about 35 wt.%, and / or 20 wt.% to about 30 wt.%, such as, for example, about 25 wt.% or about 30 wt.%. Suitable glycols include, but are not limited to, propylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, propane diol, and combinations thereof. An amount of glycol in excess of 40 wt.% should be avoided. Further, the substantially anhydrous concentrated surfactant compositions according to the present disclosure may contain other glycols, such as butylene glycol, pentylene glycol, hexylene glycol, and glycerin, in an amount less than 5 wt.%, but it is more preferred that they are not included.

[0030] Preservatives and / or biocides need not be included in the substantially anhydrous concentrated surfactant compositions. Accordingly, the substantially anhydrous concentrated surfactant compositions may be free of preservatives and biocides.

[0031] Optionally, C8-C14 acyl lactylates may be included in substantially anhydrous concentrated surfactant compositions according to this disclosure. In the surfactant compositions according to this disclosure, C8-C14 acyl lactylates are anionic surfactants that typically function as foam promoters and viscosity enhancers. C8-C14 acyl lactylates may be present in the surfactant compositions according to this disclosure in amounts of about 0% by weight (W) to about 10% by weight, about 0% by weight to about 7.5% by weight, and / or 1% by weight to about 4% by weight. C8-C14 acyl lactylates can be prepared by reacting C8-C14 fatty acids with lactic acid. Suitable C8-C14 acyl lactylates include, but are not limited to, sodium caproyl lactylate, sodium lauroyl lactylate, sodium myristoyl lactylate, and combinations thereof. Of course, other salts, including but not limited to ammonium and potassium salts, can also be used.

[0032] The surfactant compositions according to this disclosure can be used in several different personal care compositions. In particular, the surfactant compositions according to this disclosure can be incorporated into shaving foams, toothpastes, shampoos, shower gels, soaps (both liquid and bar), facial cleansers, hand washes, body washes, and hair care foams such as mousses and dyes.

[0033] In embodiments, the substantially anhydrous surfactant compositions disclosed do not contain betaine and / or sulfonated surfactants. For example, the substantially anhydrous surfactant compositions disclosed do not have to contain disodium lauryl sulfosuccinate, sodium C14-16 olefin sulfonate, and / or lauramidopropyl betaine.

[0034] In the embodiments, the substantially anhydrous surfactant compositions disclosed are free from preservatives such as methylchloroisothiazolinone, methylisothiazolinone, sodium dehydroacetate, and / or dehydroacetic acid.

[0035] In embodiments, the substantially anhydrous surfactant compositions disclosed are free from colorants such as Red #40 and Blue #1, as well as natural colorants such as beetroot, beta-carotene, purple potato, and / or black carrot.

[0036] When used herein, any reference to “one embodiment” or “embodiment” means that the specific elements, features, structures, or characteristics described in conjunction with the embodiment are included in at least one embodiment. The phrase “in one embodiment” appearing in various places herein does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment.

[0037] In addition, the use of "a" or "an" is used to describe elements and components of the embodiments herein. This is done simply for convenience and to give a general meaning to the description. This specification and the subsequent claims should be read as including one or at least one, and the singular includes plural unless it is obvious that it is meant not to.

[0038] While the preceding text provides a detailed description of many different embodiments, it should be understood that the legal scope of the present invention is defined by the claims language set out at the end of this patent. The detailed description should be interpreted as illustrative only and does not describe all possible embodiments, as it would be impractical, if not impossible, to describe all possible embodiments. Many alternative embodiments may be implemented using either the current art or art developed after the filing date of this patent, and these remain within the scope of the claims.

[0039] Example 1 The surfactant composition according to this disclosure was prepared by combining the following components in the amounts shown in Table 1. [Table 1]

[0040] A substantially anhydrous concentrated surfactant composition was found to have excellent foaming properties and not cause skin irritation upon application.

[0041] The viscosity of five batches of the aforementioned surfactant composition was measured to demonstrate the shear-thickening behavior of the surfactant composition, where viscosity increases over time. The following data shows the difference in viscosity measurements at 3 minutes and 1 minute at different spindle speeds (using spindle #3), thereby confirming this advantageous feature of the surfactant composition according to this disclosure. Thus, this surfactant composition exhibits rheopectic behavior in which viscosity increases over time at the same shear rate. This effect can be perceived during use of the surfactant composition, regardless of whether it is a shampoo, hand soap, or body wash containing the surfactant composition according to this embodiment, once water is added.

[0042] Δv=v3min-v1min [Table 2]

[0043] The temperature of a mixture containing the surfactant composition according to Example 1 and added water was monitored. In the following experiment, the temperature of the surfactant composition increased by 4°C when water was added. When 30-50g of the surfactant composition from Example 1 is added to 100g of water at 25°C at 25°C and mixed for 1 minute, the temperature is 29°C. When 30-50g of the surfactant composition from Example 1 is added to 100g of water at 20°C at 20°C and mixed for 1 minute, the temperature is 24°C.

[0044] The demonstrated temperature increase is easily perceptible to consumers, and therefore, when applying the composition, they can actually feel this change, creating an experience in which consumers perceive that the product is performing its intended cleaning purpose.

[0045] Example 2 The additional surfactant compositions according to this disclosure were prepared by combining the following components in the amounts shown in Table 2. [Table 3]

[0046] A substantially anhydrous concentrated surfactant composition was found to have excellent foaming properties and not cause skin irritation upon application.

[0047] The viscosity of five batches of the aforementioned surfactant composition was measured to demonstrate the shear-thickening behavior of the surfactant composition, where viscosity increases over time. The following data shows the difference in viscosity measurements at 3 minutes and 1 minute at different spindle speeds (using spindle #5), thereby confirming this advantageous feature of the surfactant composition according to this disclosure. Thus, this surfactant composition exhibits rheopectic behavior in which viscosity increases over time at the same shear rate. This effect is perceptible during use of the surfactant composition, once water is added, whether in a shampoo, hand soap, or body wash containing the surfactant composition according to this embodiment.

[0048] Δv=v3min-v1min [Table 4]

[0049] The temperature of a mixture containing the surfactant composition according to Example 1 and added water was monitored. In the following experiment, the temperature of the surfactant composition increased by 4°C when water was added. When 30-50g of the surfactant composition from Example 2 was added to 100g of water at 25°C at 25°C and mixed for 1 minute, the temperature was 29°C. When 30-50g of the surfactant composition from Example 2 was added to 100g of water at 20°C at 20°C and mixed for 1 minute, the temperature was 24°C.

[0050] The demonstrated temperature increase is easily perceptible to consumers, and therefore, when applying the composition, they can actually feel this change, creating an experience in which consumers perceive that the product is performing its intended cleaning purpose.

Claims

1. A substantially anhydrous concentrated surfactant composition, Sugar-based surfactants, Amino acid-based surfactants, Polyglycerol esters and It contains polyhydroxy ether, A substantially anhydrous concentrated surfactant composition wherein the substantially anhydrous surfactant composition contains less than about 12 percent by weight of water.

2. The substantially anhydrous concentrated surfactant composition according to claim 1, wherein the sugar-based surfactant comprises a C8-C16 alkyl glucoside, a C8-C16 alkyl polyglucoside, or a combination of a C8-C16 alkyl glucoside and a C8-C16 alkyl polyglucoside.

3. The substantially anhydrous concentrated surfactant composition according to claim 1, wherein the sugar-based surfactant comprises decyl glucoside, heptyl glucoside, octyl glucoside, lauryl glucoside, coco glucoside, coco glucoside disodium citrate, coco glucoside sodium tartrate, coco glucoside sodium succinate, or a combination thereof.

4. A substantially anhydrous concentrated surfactant composition according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the sugar-based surfactant is present in an amount of about 5% by weight to about 50% by weight, about 7.5% by weight to about 50% by weight, about 10% by weight to about 50% by weight, about 10% by weight to about 40% by weight, about 15% by weight to about 30% by weight, and / or 17.5% by weight to about 25% by weight, for example, about 20% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition.

5. A substantially anhydrous concentrated surfactant composition according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the amino acid-based surfactant is derived from an amino acid, preferably sarcosine, glutamine, glycine, alanine, or glycine.

6. A substantially anhydrous concentrated surfactant composition according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the amino acid-based surfactant comprises a C8-C16 acyl sarcosinate, a C8-C16 acyl glutamate, a C8-C16 acyl alaninate, a C8-C16 acyl glycinate, or a combination thereof.

7. The aforementioned amino acid-based surfactants include sodium lauroyl sarcosinate, sodium cocoyl sarcosinate, sodium myristoyl sarcosinate, ammonium lauroyl sarcosinate, ammonium cocoyl sarcosinate, isopropyl lauroyl sarcosinate, potassium cocoyl sarcosinate, potassium lauroyl sarcosinate, sodium lauroyl glutamate, sodium cocoyl glutamate, sodium myristoyl glutamate, ammonium lauroyl glutamate, ammonium cocoyl glutamate, isopropyl lauroyl glutamate, potassium cocoyl glutamate, potassium lauroyl glutamate, and sodium lauroyl alaninate. A substantially anhydrous concentrated surfactant composition according to any one of claims 1 to 6, comprising, , sodium cocoyl alaninate, sodium myristoyl alaninate, ammonium lauroyl alaninate, ammonium cocoyl alaninate, isopropyl lauroyl alaninate, potassium cocoyl alaninate, potassium lauroyl alaninate, and combinations thereof, sodium lauroyl glycinate, sodium cocoyl glycinate, sodium myristoyl glycinate, ammonium lauroyl glycinate, ammonium cocoyl glycinate, isopropyl lauroyl glycinate, potassium cocoyl glycinate, potassium lauroyl glycinate, and combinations thereof.

8. A substantially anhydrous concentrated surfactant composition according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the amino acid-based surfactant is present in an amount of about 10% by weight to about 40% by weight, about 10% by weight to about 30% by weight, about 15% by weight to about 30% by weight, and / or 17.5% by weight to about 25% by weight, for example, about 20% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition.

9. A substantially anhydrous concentrated surfactant composition according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the polyglycerol ester comprises polyglycerol 2 caprate, polyglycerol 2 caprylate, polyglycerol 3 caprate, polyglycerol 3 caprylate, polyglycerol 2 laurate, polyglycerol 3 laurate, polyglycerol 3 coconut fatty acid, polyglycerol 4 caprate, polyglycerol 4 caprylate, polyglycerol 4 laurate, polyglycerol 4 coconut fatty acid, or a combination thereof.

10. The substantially anhydrous concentrated surfactant composition according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the substantially anhydrous concentrated surfactant composition contains less than about 10% by weight, less than about 7.5% by weight, and / or less than about 5% by weight of water based on the total weight of the composition.

11. A personal care composition comprising a substantially anhydrous concentrated surfactant composition according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. The personal care composition according to claim 11, wherein the personal care composition is selected from the group consisting of shaving foam, toothpaste, shampoo, shower gel, soap, and hair care foam.

13. A substantially anhydrous concentrated surfactant composition, Sugar-based surfactants, Amino acid-based surfactants, This includes polyglycerol esters, polyhydroxyethers, or combinations of polyglycerol esters and polyhydroxyethers. A substantially anhydrous concentrated surfactant composition wherein the substantially anhydrous surfactant composition contains less than about 12 percent by weight of water.

14. The substantially anhydrous concentrated surfactant composition according to claim 13, wherein the substantially anhydrous concentrated surfactant composition does not contain glycol.

15. The substantially anhydrous concentrated surfactant composition according to claim 13, wherein the glycol comprises propylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, propanediol, or a combination thereof.

16. A substantially anhydrous concentrated surfactant composition according to any one of claims 13 to 15, comprising the combination of the polyglycerol ester and the polyhydroxy ether.

17. The substantially anhydrous concentrated surfactant composition according to any one of claims 13 to 16, wherein the polyglycerol ester is polyglycerol 2 caprate.

18. The substantially anhydrous concentrated surfactant composition according to any one of claims 13 to 17, wherein the polyhydroxy ether is diglycerin.

19. A substantially anhydrous concentrated surfactant composition according to any one of claims 13 to 18, wherein the amino acid-based surfactant comprises sodium lauroyl sarcosinate.

20. A substantially anhydrous concentrated surfactant composition according to any one of claims 13 to 19, wherein the sugar-based surfactant comprises decyl glucoside, heptyl glucoside, octyl glucoside, lauryl glucoside, coco glucoside, coco glucoside disodium citrate, coco glucoside sodium tartrate, coco glucoside sodium succinate, or a combination thereof.

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