Spray compositions and spray products

Abstract

The present invention provides a spray composition and spray product that can maintain a stable solubilized state of oily components over a wide temperature range, and that suppresses the occurrence of stickiness and ring stains caused by the sprayed composition remaining on the surface to which it is applied. [Solution] The spray composition according to the embodiment of the present invention contains an oily component, a first nonionic surfactant, a second nonionic surfactant, and water. The first nonionic surfactant is a combination of two specific polyoxyalkylene-based nonionic surfactants (A), or a combination of a specific polyoxyalkylene-based nonionic surfactant (A) and a hydroxyl group-containing nonionic surfactant (B).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a composition for spray and a spray product.

Background Art

[0002] Spray products are used in products in a wide range of fields such as detergents, antiperspirants, hair styling agents, cosmetics, insecticides, deodorants, and fragrances. And many spray products are commercialized by filling a liquid composition into a spray device. Many of the liquid compositions filled into the spray device contain a solubilizer for preventing the separation of oily components such as fragrances in an aqueous solvent.

[0003] Conventionally, various techniques using surfactants as solubilizers have been studied and proposed. Polyoxyalkylene-based nonionic surfactants have high solubilizing ability, but as their essential physical properties, they have a large temperature sensitivity in an aqueous solution and show a cloud point phenomenon at a relatively low temperature. For this reason, it has been pointed out that they can only be solubilized within a narrow temperature range. To solve this problem, a solubilizer in which an anionic surfactant is combined with a nonionic surfactant at a specific mixing ratio (for example, see Patent Document 1), a solubilizer containing an anionic surfactant at a high mixing ratio (see Patent Document 2), etc. are known.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] Because anionic surfactants are ionic, they are prone to precipitation, turbidity, and discoloration when reacting with other additives present in the same reaction system as oily components, such as cationic additives. Therefore, in technologies using polyoxyalkylene-based nonionic surfactants and anionic surfactants in combination, the types of additives that can be used may be limited.

[0006] Furthermore, while using a high concentration of surfactant as a solubilizer usually increases the degree of solubilization of oily components, surfactants are non-volatile components, so the sprayed composition may remain on surfaces such as floors and textiles, causing stickiness and ring stains. Thus, in spray compositions in which oily components are solubilized, it has been difficult to achieve both the ability to solubilize oily components and the suppression of stickiness and ring stains on the surface to which the composition is applied.

[0007] The present invention aims to provide a spray composition and spray product that can maintain a stable solubilized state of oily components over a wide temperature range, and that suppresses the occurrence of stickiness and ring stains caused by the sprayed composition remaining on the surface to which it is applied. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] According to one aspect of the present invention, a spray composition is provided which contains an oily component, a first nonionic surfactant, a second nonionic surfactant, and water, wherein the first nonionic surfactant is a polyoxyalkylene-based nonionic surfactant (A) selected from any of three groups consisting of polyoxyalkylene alkyl ether (a1), polyoxyalkylene hydrogenated castor oil (a2), and polyoxyalkylene sorbitan fatty acid ester (a3), and the second nonionic surfactant is a polyoxyalkylene-based nonionic surfactant (A) selected from a group different from the group to which the first nonionic surfactant belongs among the three groups, or a hydroxyl group-containing nonionic surfactant (B) selected from any of three groups consisting of alkyl glucamide (b1), alkyl polyglycoside (b2), and polyglycerin fatty acid ester (b3).

[0009] According to another aspect of the present invention, a spray composition is provided in which the oily component is a fragrance.

[0010] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, a spray composition relating to the above aspect is provided, which contains a hydrophilic fragrance as the fragrance.

[0011] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, the above-mentioned hydrophilic fragrance is included as fragrance A in composition (I) below, resulting in a fragrance in composition (I) below that exhibits an absorbance of less than 0.2 at a wavelength of 550 nm, and is included as fragrance A in composition (II) below, resulting in a fragrance in composition (II) below that exhibits an absorbance of 0.2 or more at a wavelength of 550 nm. Composition (I): A mixture of 0.3 parts by mass of fragrance A, 0.15 parts by mass of polyoxyethylene hydrogenated castor oil with an HLB value of 11 to 14, 6.5 parts by mass of ethanol, and 93.05 parts by mass of water. Composition (II): A mixture of 0.3 parts by mass of fragrance A, 0.15 parts by mass of polyoxyethylene hydrogenated castor oil with an HLB value of 8 or more and less than 11, 6.5 parts by mass of ethanol, and 93.05 parts by mass of water.

[0012] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, a spray composition relating to the above aspect is provided, which contains a lavender-based fragrance as the hydrophilic fragrance.

[0013] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, a spray composition relating to the above aspect is provided, which contains a hydrophobic fragrance as the fragrance.

[0014] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, the above-mentioned hydrophobic fragrance is included as fragrance A in composition (I) below, resulting in a fragrance in composition (I) below that exhibits an absorbance of 0.2 or more at a wavelength of 550 nm, and is included as fragrance A in composition (II) below, resulting in a fragrance in composition (II) below that exhibits an absorbance of less than 0.2 at a wavelength of 550 nm. Composition (I): A mixture of 0.3 parts by mass of fragrance A, 0.15 parts by mass of polyoxyethylene hydrogenated castor oil with an HLB value of 11 to 14, 6.5 parts by mass of ethanol, and 93.05 parts by mass of water. Composition (II): A mixture of 0.3 parts by mass of fragrance A, 0.15 parts by mass of polyoxyethylene hydrogenated castor oil with an HLB value of 8 or more and less than 11, 6.5 parts by mass of ethanol, and 93.05 parts by mass of water.

[0015] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, a spray composition relating to the above aspect is provided, which contains a rose-based fragrance as the hydrophobic fragrance.

[0016] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, a spray composition is provided relating to any of the above aspects, wherein the first nonionic surfactant is the polyoxyalkylene alkyl ether (a1) and the second nonionic surfactant is the polyoxyalkylene hydrogenated castor oil (a2).

[0017] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, a spray composition is provided wherein the first nonionic surfactant is the polyoxyalkylene alkyl ether (a1), the second nonionic surfactant is the polyoxyalkylene hydrogenated castor oil (a2), and the blending ratio of the polyoxyalkylene alkyl ether (a1) to the polyoxyalkylene hydrogenated castor oil (a2) satisfies the relationship a2 / a1 > 1 by mass ratio.

[0018] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, a spray composition is provided wherein the first nonionic surfactant is the polyoxyalkylene alkyl ether (a1), the second nonionic surfactant is the polyoxyalkylene hydrogenated castor oil (a2), and the blending ratio of the polyoxyalkylene alkyl ether (a1) to the polyoxyalkylene hydrogenated castor oil (a2) satisfies the relationship a2 / a1 ≤ 1 by mass ratio.

[0019] According to still another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a spray composition according to any one of the above aspects, wherein the first nonionic surfactant is a polyoxyalkylene nonionic surfactant (A), and the second nonionic surfactant is the hydroxyl group-containing nonionic surfactant (B).

[0020] According to still another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a spray composition according to the above aspect, wherein the first nonionic surfactant is the polyoxyalkylene hydrogenated castor oil (a2), and the second nonionic surfactant is the alkyl polyglycoside (b2).

[0021] According to still another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a spray composition according to the above aspect, wherein the first nonionic surfactant is the polyoxyalkylene hydrogenated castor oil (a2), the second nonionic surfactant is the alkyl polyglycoside (b2), and the mixing ratio of the polyoxyalkylene hydrogenated castor oil (a2) and the alkyl polyglycoside (b2) satisfies the relationship (a2) / (b2)>1 in terms of mass ratio.

[0022] According to still another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a spray composition according to the above aspect, wherein the first nonionic surfactant is the polyoxyalkylene hydrogenated castor oil (a2), the second nonionic surfactant is the alkyl polyglycoside (b2), and the mixing ratio of the polyoxyalkylene hydrogenated castor oil (a2) and the alkyl polyglycoside (b2) satisfies the relationship (a2) / (b2)<1 in terms of mass ratio.

[0023] According to still another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a spray composition according to any one of the above aspects, wherein the mixing ratio of the oily component to the total of the first nonionic surfactant (S1) and the second nonionic surfactant (S2) (oily component / (S1 + S2)) is within the range of 0.01 to 5 in terms of mass ratio, and the content of the oily component in the total mass of the spray composition is within the range of 0.01 to 5% by mass.

[0024] According to still another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a spray composition according to any one of the above aspects, further containing ethanol.

[0025] According to still another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a spray composition according to any one of the above aspects, in which the mixing ratio of the ethanol to the total of the first nonionic surfactant (S1) and the second nonionic surfactant (S2) (ethanol / (S1 + S2)) is in the range of 6.5 to 134 in terms of mass ratio, and the content rate of the ethanol with respect to the total mass of the spray composition is in the range of 1 to 20% by mass.

[0026] According to still another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a spray product including a spray container and the spray composition according to any one of the above aspects accommodated in the spray container.

[0027] According to still another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a spray product according to the above aspect, in which the spray container is a non-aerosol spray container.

[0028] According to still another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a spray product according to any one of the above aspects, in which the amount of spray per time is in the range of 0.05 to 5 g.

Advantages of the Invention

[0029] According to the present invention, there are provided a spray composition and a spray product capable of maintaining a stable solubilized state of an oily component in a wide temperature range and suppressing the occurrence of stickiness and ring dim caused by the sprayed composition remaining on an adhesion surface.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0030] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic view showing an example of a spray product according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0031] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below. 1. Composition for spray The spray composition according to the first embodiment of the present invention is an aqueous liquid composition containing an oily component, a first nonionic surfactant, a second nonionic surfactant, and water, and can be used as a spray agent by filling it into a spray container. The terms "aqueous liquid composition," "liquid composition," etc., described below are synonymous with the spray composition according to this embodiment.

[0032] In the spray composition according to this embodiment, the oily component is solubilized in water. The first nonionic surfactant and the second nonionic surfactant act as solubilizers that make the highly hydrophobic oily component solubilized in water. Here, "solubilized in water" means that an oily substance that is insoluble or sparingly soluble in water appears to be dissolved in water in a state greater than its solubility in water. In this specification, a state in which the absorbance for light rays with a wavelength of 550 nm is less than 0.2 when measured in a quartz cell with a path length of 2 cm is defined as a solubilized state.

[0033] The first nonionic surfactant is a polyoxyalkylene-based nonionic surfactant (A) selected from one of three groups consisting of polyoxyalkylene alkyl ethers (a1), polyoxyalkylene hydrogenated castor oil (a2), and polyoxyalkylene sorbitan fatty acid esters (a3).

[0034] Furthermore, the second nonionic surfactant used in combination with the first nonionic surfactant is, in one form, a polyoxyalkylene-based nonionic surfactant (A) selected from a group different from the group to which the first nonionic surfactant belongs among the three groups (a1) to (a3) ​​above. In other forms, the second nonionic surfactant is a hydroxyl group-containing nonionic surfactant (B) selected from any of the three groups consisting of alkylglucamide (b1), alkylpolyglycoside (b2), and polyglycerin fatty acid ester (b3).

[0035] In other words, the spray composition according to this embodiment contains, as the first nonionic surfactant and the second nonionic surfactant described above, a specific combination of two types selected from different groups among the three groups (a1) to (a3) ​​belonging to polyoxyalkylene-based nonionic surfactants (A), or a combination of one type selected from the three groups (a1) to (a3) ​​belonging to polyoxyalkylene-based nonionic surfactants (A) and one type selected from the three groups (b1) to (b3) belonging to hydroxyl group-containing nonionic surfactants (B). Hereinafter, the surfactant consisting of the combination of the first nonionic surfactant and the second nonionic surfactant may be referred to as a "solubilizer".

[0036] A solubilizer comprising a combination of a first nonionic surfactant and a second nonionic surfactant enables the stable maintenance of the solubilization of oily components in water over a wide temperature range. Therefore, when an aqueous liquid composition in which oily components are solubilized is exposed to low or high temperatures, the separation (phase separation) of the oily components, which can cause precipitation or turbidity, can be suppressed.

[0037] By increasing the surfactant concentration in an aqueous liquid composition, it is possible to increase the solubility of oily components and suppress the occurrence of clouding to some extent. However, a higher surfactant concentration increases the stickiness of the aqueous liquid composition. When a highly sticky liquid composition is used as a spray composition, the sprayed composition is likely to leave stickiness and ring stains on surfaces such as floors and textile products after drying.

[0038] In contrast, a solubilizer consisting of a combination of a first nonionic surfactant (S1) and a second nonionic surfactant (S2) has a high maximum solubilization amount, which means the maximum mass ratio expressed as oily component / solubilizer (S1+S2). In other words, the relative amount of surfactant used relative to the oily component can be kept low, and therefore the concentration of surfactant in the spray composition can also be kept low. For this reason, the spray composition according to this embodiment is prevented from becoming a highly sticky liquid composition due to a high concentration of surfactant. As a result, when sprayed onto cloth or textile products as a spray agent, no ring stains occur after drying, and when sprayed into the air, the floor does not become sticky due to fallen droplets. Thus, the spray composition according to this embodiment can maintain a stable solubilized state of oily components over a wide temperature range, and when used as a spray agent, it can suppress stickiness and ring stains on the sprayed surface.

[0039] In particular, droplets sprayed from non-aerosol spray containers generally have a larger particle size than droplets sprayed from aerosol spray containers, and tend to result in uneven coating and ring stains. The average particle size of spray particles from typical aerosol products is approximately 10 to 30 μm in one example, while the average particle size of spray particles from non-aerosol products can reach 400 μm. The spray composition according to this embodiment is less likely to cause uneven coating and ring stains even when the average particle size of droplets sprayed from the spray product is 400 μm. For this reason, the spray composition according to this embodiment is particularly useful for filling non-aerosol spray containers. The average particle size of spray particles in a non-aerosol spray product filled with the spray composition according to this embodiment may be in the range of 20 to 400 μm in one example, and in the range of 20 to 100 μm in other examples.

[0040] Furthermore, the spray composition according to this embodiment does not require the use of an anionic surfactant in combination with the polyoxyalkylene-based nonionic surfactant to broaden the solubilization temperature range, as is done in the conventional method, and therefore is not subject to the limitations of additives used in aqueous liquid compositions. The components contained in the spray composition according to this embodiment will be described in detail below.

[0041] <(A) Polyoxyalkylene-based nonionic surfactant> In one embodiment, the spray composition according to this embodiment contains, as a first nonionic surfactant, one polyoxyalkylene nonionic surfactant (A) selected from three groups consisting of polyoxyalkylene alkyl ether (a1), polyoxyalkylene hydrogenated castor oil (a2), and polyoxyalkylene sorbitan fatty acid ester (a3). In another embodiment, the spray composition according to this embodiment contains, as a first nonionic surfactant and a second nonionic surfactant, two polyoxyalkylene nonionic surfactants (A) selected from mutually different groups among the three groups (a1) to (a3).

[0042] (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 includes at least one hydrocarbon group selected from alkyl and alkenyl groups. EO represents an ethylene oxide unit, and PO represents a propylene oxide unit. m and l represent the average degree of polymerization of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide, respectively, where m is in the range of 0 to 5, and l + m satisfies the range of 7 to 25.

[0043] Let's explain general formula (1) in more detail. The alkyl or alkenyl group contained in the hydrocarbon group R may have either a linear or branched structure. Preferably, alkyl or alkenyl groups having 6 to 18 carbon atoms account for 90% or more by mass of the hydrocarbon group R, more preferably 95% or more by mass, and even more preferably 98% or more by mass. In the following, for example, alkyl groups having 8 to 16 carbon atoms may be referred to as "C6-C18 alkyl groups".

[0044] If hydrocarbon groups with more than 18 carbon atoms make up a large proportion of the hydrocarbon group R, and the proportion of alkyl or alkenyl groups with 6 to 18 carbon atoms to the total hydrocarbon group R is less than 90% by mass, then even if an aqueous liquid composition is obtained using a solubilizer, it is prone to problems with low-temperature stability and may tend to become cloudy. Conversely, if hydrocarbon groups with fewer than 8 carbon atoms make up a large proportion of the hydrocarbon group R, and the proportion of alkyl or alkenyl groups with 6 to 18 carbon atoms to the total hydrocarbon group R is less than 90% by mass, then the solubilizing ability may tend to be low.

[0045] EO and PO refer to the ethylene oxide unit, a divalent structural unit derived from ethylene oxide and obtained by ring-opening of its epoxy group, and the propylene oxide unit, a divalent structural unit derived from propylene oxide and obtained by ring-opening of its epoxy group, respectively. Also, (EO) l (PO) m The polymerization mode may be block polymerization, random polymerization, or alternating polymerization, and these polymerization modes may be mixed.

[0046] As described above, m and l represent the average degree of polymerization of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide, respectively. m is 0 to 5, preferably 0 to 3.5. A value of m of 5 or less is preferable from the viewpoint of suppressing an increase in the proportion of propylene oxide units and preventing excessive hydrophobicity. l+m is 7 to 25, preferably 7 to 20, and more preferably 13 to 20. A value of l+m of 7 or more is preferable from the viewpoint of high-temperature stability. On the other hand, a value of l+m of 25 or less is preferable from the viewpoint of low-temperature stability. In this invention, high temperature in high-temperature stability means, for example, 40°C to 50°C. Low temperature in low-temperature stability means, for example, -5°C to 5°C.

[0047] 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) ether, poly Examples 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, and polyoxyethylene polyoxypropylene secondary alkyl (C10-C12) ether. These polyoxyalkylene alkyl ethers (a1) may be used individually or in combination of two or more. In the examples above, the parts enclosed in parentheses indicate the number of carbon atoms in the alkyl group described immediately before them.

[0048] (a2) Polyoxyalkylene hydrogenated castor oil Polyoxyalkylene hydrogenated castor oil (a2) is a nonionic surfactant obtained by reacting castor oil and / or hydrogenated castor oil with alkylene oxide.

[0049] There are no particular limitations on the degree of hardening of the castor oil; it may be fully hardened (hydrogenated) or partially hardened.

[0050] The type of alkylene oxide used in the above reaction may be, for example, ethylene oxide and / or propylene oxide. Furthermore, when two or more types of alkylene oxide are used, the polymerization method may be block polymerization, random polymerization, or alternating polymerization, and these polymerization methods may be mixed.

[0051] In polyoxyalkylene hydrogenated castor oil (a2), when the average degrees of polymerization 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. An n+p of 10 or more is preferable from the viewpoint of high-temperature stability. On the other hand, an n+p of 120 or less is preferable from the viewpoint of low-temperature stability. Furthermore, p is preferably in the range of 0 to 15, and even more preferably in the range of 0 to 10. A p of 15 or less is preferable from the viewpoint of suppressing an increase in the proportion of propylene oxide units and suppressing excessive hydrophobicity.

[0052] Specific examples of such polyoxyalkylene hydrogenated castor oil (a2) include polyoxyethylene hydrogenated castor oil, polyoxyethylene castor oil, polyoxyethylene polyoxypropylene hydrogenated castor oil, and polyoxyethylene polyoxypropylene castor oil. These polyoxyalkylene hydrogenated castor oils (a2) may be used individually or in combination of two or more types.

[0053] (a3) Polyoxyalkylene sorbitan fatty acid ester Polyoxyalkylene sorbitan fatty acid ester (a3) ​​is an alkylene oxide adduct of sorbitan fatty acid ester, and can be obtained, for example, by esterifying sorbitan with a fatty acid and then adding an alkylene oxide, or by adding an alkylene oxide to sorbitan and then esterifying it with a fatty acid.

[0054] The type of alkylene oxide used in the above reaction may be, for example, ethylene oxide and / or propylene oxide. Furthermore, when two or more types of alkylene oxide are used, the polymerization method may be block polymerization, random polymerization, or alternating polymerization, and these polymerization methods may be mixed. The average degree of polymerization of the alkylene oxide may be, for example, in the range of 4 to 30, or in the range of 15 to 25.

[0055] The constituent fatty acids may be saturated or unsaturated fatty acids 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.

[0056] The polyoxyalkylene sorbitan fatty acid ester (a3) ​​may be a monoester, diester, triester, or tetraester or higher ester, or a mixture thereof. Specific examples of 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 types.

[0057] When the first nonionic surfactant and the second nonionic surfactant are a combination of two polyoxyalkylene nonionic surfactants (A) selected from different groups among the above-mentioned three groups (a1), (a2) and (a3), the preferred mixing ratio of the two polyoxyalkylene nonionic surfactants (A) is appropriately set according to the types of surfactants and the types of oil components, etc.

[0058] In one embodiment of the present invention, the combination of the two polyoxyalkylene nonionic surfactants (A) constituting the solubilizer is preferably polyoxyalkylene alkyl ether (a1) and polyoxyalkylene hydrogenated castor oil (a2). The preferred mixing ratio of these two polyoxyalkylene nonionic surfactants (A) is appropriately set according to the type of oil component, etc. For example, when the oil component is a fragrance, it can be appropriately set according to the degree of affinity to water and oil.

[0059] That is, when the oil component is a hydrophilic fragrance, the mixing ratio of polyoxyalkylene alkyl ether (a1) and polyoxyalkylene hydrogenated castor oil (a2) preferably satisfies a2 / a1>1 in terms of mass ratio, more preferably satisfies 15>a2 / a1>1, and even more preferably satisfies 4>a2 / a1>1.

[0060] Also, when the oil component is a hydrophobic fragrance, the mixing ratio of polyoxyalkylene alkyl ether (a1) and polyoxyalkylene hydrogenated castor oil (a2) preferably satisfies a2 / a1≦1 in terms of mass ratio, more preferably satisfies 0.1<a2 / a1≦1, and even more preferably satisfies 0.3<a2 / a1≦1.

[0061] Here, the criterion for the classification of "hydrophilic" and "hydrophobic" in the fragrance is determined according to the relationship between the absorbance in the absorption spectrum measured for a sample containing the fragrance and polyoxyethylene hydrogenated castor oil and the HLB value of polyoxyethylene hydrogenated castor oil under the following test conditions.

[0062] In other words, under the following test conditions, a fragrance is defined as a "hydrophilic fragrance" if, in composition (I) containing a fragrance and polyoxyethylene hydrogenated castor oil with an HLB value in the range of 11 to 14, the absorbance at a wavelength of 550 nm is less than 0.2, and in composition (II) containing a fragrance and polyoxyethylene hydrogenated castor oil with an HLB value of 8 to less than 11, the absorbance at a wavelength of 550 nm is 0.2 or more.

[0063] The hydrophilic fragrance may consist of only one type of fragrance, or it may be a blended fragrance containing two or more types of fragrances. An example of a hydrophilic fragrance that may be contained in the spray composition according to this embodiment is a lavender-based fragrance. The lavender-based fragrance may consist of only lavender, or it may be a blended fragrance containing lavender and other fragrances, as long as it satisfies the definition of a hydrophilic fragrance described above.

[0064] Furthermore, under the following test conditions, a fragrance is defined as a "hydrophobic fragrance" if, in composition (I) containing a fragrance and polyoxyethylene hydrogenated castor oil having an HLB value in the range of 11 to 14, the absorbance at a wavelength of 550 nm is 0.2 or higher, and in composition (II) containing a fragrance and polyoxyethylene hydrogenated castor oil having an HLB value in the range of 8 to less than 11, the absorbance at a wavelength of 550 nm is less than 0.2.

[0065] A hydrophobic fragrance may consist of only one fragrance, or it may be a blended fragrance containing two or more fragrances. An example of a hydrophobic fragrance that may be contained in the spray composition according to this embodiment is a rose-based fragrance. As long as the definition of a hydrophobic fragrance described above is met, the rose-based fragrance may consist only of rose, or it may be a blended fragrance containing rose and other fragrances.

[0066] <Test Conditions> Compositions (I) and (II) described below are prepared, and their absorbance at a wavelength of 550 nm is measured using a UV-Vis spectrophotometer. Composition (I): A mixture of 0.3 parts by mass of fragrance, 0.15 parts by mass of polyoxyethylene hydrogenated castor oil with an HLB value of 11 to 14, 6.5 parts by mass of ethanol, and 93.05 parts by mass of water. Composition (II): A mixture of 0.3 parts by mass of fragrance, 0.15 parts by mass of polyoxyethylene hydrogenated castor oil with an HLB value of 8 or more and less than 11, 6.5 parts by mass of ethanol, and 93.05 parts by mass of water.

[0067] Here, the HLB (Hydrophile Lipophile Balance) value represents the affinity of polyoxyethylene hydrogenated castor oil, a nonionic surfactant, to water and oil, and is calculated using Griffin's formula. A higher HLB value indicates higher hydrophilicity.

[0068] <(B) Hydroxyl group-containing nonionic surfactant> The spray composition according to this embodiment preferably contains, as a second nonionic surfactant, a hydroxyl group-containing nonionic surfactant (B) selected from any of the three groups consisting of alkyl glucamide (b1), alkyl polyglycoside (b2), and polyglycerin fatty acid ester (b3), in a form used in combination with a polyoxyalkylene-based nonionic surfactant (A) selected from any of the three groups (a1), (a2), and (a3) ​​described above. The solubilizer in this combination can exhibit excellent solubilization performance even in harsh environments where the actual operating temperature fluctuates, for example, in the range of -20°C to 40°C.

[0069] • (b1) Alkylglucamide Alkylglucamide (b1) is a nonionic surfactant having a structure in which a sugar and a fatty acid are linked by an amide bond. Alkylglucamide (b1) may be, for example, a compound represented by the following general formula (2).

[0070] [ka]

[0071] In general formula (2), Ra represents a linear or branched alkyl or alkenyl group. The alkyl and alkenyl groups preferably have 5 to 22 carbon atoms, and more preferably 11 to 14 carbon atoms. Rb represents an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, and n represents an integer from 2 to 5.

[0072] Alkylglucamide (b1) is more preferably N-C6-C18 alkanoyl-N-methylglucamide. Here, "C6-C18 alkanoyl" means that the number of carbon atoms in the RaCO group in general formula (2) is in the range of 6 to 18. Alkylglucamide (b1) is even more preferably N-C12-C14 alkanoyl-N-methylglucamide.

[0073] Specific examples of alkylglucamides (b1) include N-capryloyl-N-methylglucamide, N-caproyl-N-methylglucamide, N-decanoyl-N-methylglucamide, N-lauroyl-N-methylglucamide, N-myristoyl-N-methylglucamide, N-palmitoyl-N-methylglucamide, Examples include N-oleoyl-N-methylglucamide, and preferably N-lauroyl-N-methylglucamide, N-myristoyl-N-methylglucamide, etc. Alkylglucamide (b1) can be a component derived from coconut oil. Alkylglucamide (b1) may be used alone or in combination of two or more types.

[0074] (b2) Alkyl polyglycoside Alkyl polyglycosides (b2) are nonionic surfactants composed of higher alcohols and glucose. Examples of alkyl polyglycosides (b2) include compounds represented by the following general formula (3).

[0075] [ka]

[0076] In general formula (3), R represents a hydrocarbon group and includes at least one hydrocarbon group selected from alkyl groups and alkenyl groups. The alkyl group and alkenyl group may have either a linear or branched structure. Preferably, alkyl groups or alkenyl groups having 8 to 16 carbon atoms account for 90% or more by mass of the hydrocarbon group R, 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, or in the range of 1 to 3.

[0077] 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 alkyl polyglycosides (b2) can be derived from plants. Alkyl polyglycosides (b2) may be used individually or in combination of two or more types.

[0078] (b3) Polyglycerin fatty acid ester Polyglycerol fatty acid ester (b3) is obtained by esterifying one or more hydroxyl groups of polyglycerol, which is produced by heating and dehydrating glycerol using an alkaline catalyst and polymerizing it, and is represented, for example, by the following general formula (4).

[0079] [ka]

[0080] In general formula (4), R1 represents an acyl group denoted as RCO-, and R represents an alkyl group or alkenyl group. Here, the alkyl group or alkenyl group preferably has 8 to 20 carbon atoms and may have either a linear or branched structure. R2 represents a hydrogen atom or an acyl group represented by RCO-, and R represents an alkyl group or alkenyl group. Here, the alkyl group or alkenyl group preferably has 8 to 20 carbon atoms and may have either a linear or branched structure. R3 represents a hydrogen atom or an acyl group represented by RCO-, and R represents an alkyl group or alkenyl group. Here, the alkyl group or alkenyl group preferably has 8 to 20 carbon atoms and may have either a linear or 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.

[0081] Specific examples of polyglycerol fatty acid esters (b3) include polyglyceryl caprate, polyglyceryl laurate, polyglyceryl dioleate, polyglyceryl myristate, polyglyceryl oleate, and polyglyceryl pentaoleate. Polyglycerol fatty acid esters (b3) may be used individually or in combination of two or more types.

[0082] When the first nonionic surfactant and the second nonionic surfactant are a combination of the polyoxyalkylene-based nonionic surfactant (A) and the hydroxyl group-containing nonionic surfactant (B) described above, the preferred blending ratio of the polyoxyalkylene-based nonionic surfactant (A) and the hydroxyl group-containing nonionic surfactant (B) is appropriately set according to the type of surfactant and the type of oily component, etc.

[0083] In one embodiment of the present invention, the combination of the polyoxyalkylene-based nonionic surfactant (A) and the hydroxyl group-containing nonionic surfactant (B) is preferably a combination of polyoxyalkylene hydrogenated castor oil (a2) and alkyl polyglycoside (b2). The preferred blending ratio of these two nonionic surfactants is appropriately set depending on the type of oily component, etc.

[0084] For example, when the oily component is a hydrophilic fragrance such as the lavender-based fragrance described above, the mixing ratio of polyoxyalkylene hydrogenated castor oil (a2) and alkyl polyglycoside (b2) preferably satisfies a2 / b2 > 1 in terms of mass ratio, more preferably satisfies 16 > a2 / b2 > 1, and even more preferably satisfies 16 > a2 / b2 > 2.

[0085] Also, for example, when the oily component is a hydrophobic fragrance such as the rose-based fragrance described above, the mixing ratio of polyoxyalkylene hydrogenated castor oil (a2) and alkyl polyglycoside (b2) preferably satisfies the relationship of a2 / b2 < 1 in terms of mass ratio, more preferably satisfies 0.15 < a2 / b2 < 1, and even more preferably satisfies 0.35 < a2 / b2 < 0.8.

[0086] In recent years, due to the awareness of issues regarding the global environment and the natural environment, efforts towards realizing a sustainable society have begun to spread worldwide. In the development and provision of products in various fields, ensuring sustainability from the perspectives of environmental consideration and corporate social responsibility is being increasingly emphasized. In the case of solubilizers, the development of products using bio-based surfactants composed of plant-derived components is also underway. From this perspective, the spray composition according to this embodiment preferably contains at least one plant-derived component as the polyoxyalkylene-based nonionic surfactant (A) or the hydroxyl group-containing nonionic surfactant (B), and it is more preferable that all the nonionic surfactants contained in the spray composition are plant-derived components.

[0087] The spray composition according to this embodiment preferably contains, for example, the following nonionic surfactants as plant-derived components. Examples of plant-derived components of the polyoxyalkylene nonionic surfactant (A) include polyoxyethylene alkyl ether (a1) as a polyoxyalkylene alkyl ether, polyoxyethylene hydrogenated castor oil (a2) as a polyoxyalkylene hydrogenated castor oil, and polyoxyalkylene sorbitan fatty acid ester (a3) ​​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 alkylglucamide (b1) such as (capryloyl / caproyl)methylglucamide and (lauroyl / myristoyl)methylglucamide, and examples of alkyl polyglycoside (b2) such as lauryl polyglycoside, myristyl polyglycoside, decyl polyglycoside, caprylyl polyglycoside, capryl polyglycoside, and palmityl polyglycoside.

[0088] The spray composition according to this embodiment may contain other surfactants. These other surfactants are not limited to nonionic surfactants, but may include anionic surfactants, cationic surfactants, amphoteric surfactants, etc., as long as they do not impair the properties of the surfactants. They are selected from among these surfactants as appropriate, taking into consideration the improvement of solubilizing ability and the relationship with other components contained in the aqueous liquid composition. Specific examples of other surfactants are given below.

[0089] 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.

[0090] Examples of anionic surfactants include alkylbenzene sulfonates, α-olefin sulfonates, alkyl (or alkenyl) sulfate salts, polyoxyethylene alkyl (or alkenyl) ether sulfate salts, acylmethyl taurates, dialkyl (or alkenyl) sulfosuccinates, and acyl isethionates. Preferred anionic surfactants include α-olefin sulfonates, alkyl sulfate salts, polyoxyethylene alkyl ether sulfate salts, and dialkyl sulfosuccinates, with polyoxyethylene alkyl ether sulfate salts and dialkyl sulfosuccinates being more preferred. These anionic surfactants may be used individually or in combination of two or more. When the anionic surfactant is a salt, it refers to an alkali metal salt and / or a triethanolamine salt. Furthermore, the alkyl, alkenyl, and acyl organic groups contained in the anionic surfactant may be linear or branched. The number of carbon atoms in the alkyl, alkenyl, and acyl groups is preferably 8 to 18.

[0091] Examples of cationic surfactants include ethyl sulfate lanolin fatty acid aminopropyl ethyldimethylammonium, alkyltrimethylammonium chloride, dialkyldimethylammonium chloride, distearyldimethylammonium chloride, stearyldimethylbenzylammonium chloride, stearyltrimethylammonium chloride, and benzalkonium chloride and benzethonium chloride.

[0092] Examples of amphoteric surfactants include amine oxides such as alkyldimethylamine oxide, sulfobetaines such as alkyldimethyl sulfobetaine, and carbobetines.

[0093] <Oily components> The oily components that can be made water-soluble by solubilizing agents are described below. Oily components refer to flammable substances that are insoluble or sparingly soluble in water. Because oily components are virtually insoluble in water, solubilization technology is necessary. Here, sparing solubility means that the substance cannot be dissolved even when attempting to prepare an aqueous solution with a concentration of approximately 0.1% by mass at room temperature, especially around 25°C.

[0094] The oily component may be either a liquid or a solid, but a liquid is preferred. Examples of oily components include plant extracts, natural fragrances, synthetic fragrances, essential oils, terpenes, and other fragrances; blended fragrances containing two or more fragrances; mineral oil; aliphatic hydrocarbon oil; aromatic hydrocarbon oil; ester oil; amide compounds, etc. These oily components may be used individually or in combination of two or more.

[0095] Specifically, the fragrances include plant extracts such as lavender oil, orange oil, lemon oil, rose extract, lime oil, cypress extract, and herb extracts; blended fragrances that mimic the scents of rose, citrus, lemon, coffee, apricot, floral, and peach by artificially combining various components; essential oils such as camphor oil, cypress essential oil, turpentine oil, eucalyptus oil, and peppermint oil; and p-mentadiene, d-limonene, p-menthane, terpineol, linalool, terpinyl acetate, dihydroterpineol, dihydroterpinyl acetate, myrthenal, myrtenol, perillaldehyde, rose oxide, borneol, camphor, and carbeau. Examples of fragrance components include terpene compounds such as citronellol, carbone oxide, carbyl acetate, caryophyllene, cineole, citronella oil, citronellal, citronellol, isoeugenol, geranyl acetate, citral, cymene, cymene-8-ol, dihydrocarbeol, dihydrocarbone, dihydrocarbyl acetate, limonene oxide, furanoids, pyranoids, menthone, menthyl acetate, myrthenal, myrthenol, myrthenyl acetate, periryl alcohol, periryl acetate, pinene, pinene oxide, geraniol, isoamyl acetate, amyl cinnamaldehyde, menthol, and methyl anthranilate. Fragrances may be used individually or as a blend of two or more.

[0096] Examples of mineral oils include liquid paraffin, diesel fuel, and spindle oil.

[0097] Examples of aliphatic hydrocarbon oils include hexane, heptane, isooctane, and octane, while examples of aromatic hydrocarbon oils include toluene and xylene.

[0098] Examples of ester oils 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.

[0099] Examples of amide compounds include N,N-diethyltoluamide.

[0100] In one embodiment, the spray composition according to this embodiment preferably contains the above-mentioned lavender-based fragrance as a hydrophilic fragrance. In another embodiment, the spray composition according to this embodiment preferably contains the above-mentioned rose-based fragrance as a hydrophobic fragrance.

[0101] In this embodiment, the content of oily components in the overall spray composition is preferably in the range of 0.01 to 5% by mass, and more preferably in the range of 0.1 to 1% by mass. If there is too much oily component, solubilization by the solubilizer may be insufficient, resulting in cloudiness, or even if solubilization occurs, the effect of maintaining a stable solubilized state over a wide temperature range may be reduced. On the other hand, if there is too little oily component, the essential physical properties expected of the spray composition will not be exhibited, which is undesirable as it reduces the commercial value. For example, if the spray composition is a fragrance, there is a risk of insufficient fragrance. Also, if the spray composition is a lotion, a small mass ratio of oily components is undesirable from the viewpoint of safety, such as skin irritation.

[0102] As described above, the solubilizer consisting of a combination of a first nonionic surfactant and a second nonionic surfactant has a high maximum solubilization amount for oily components, thus allowing the relative amount of surfactant used relative to the oily components to be kept low. For this reason, in the spray composition according to this embodiment, the mixing ratio of the oily component to the sum of the first nonionic surfactant (S1) and the second nonionic surfactant (S2) (oily component / (S1+S2)) is preferably in the range of 0.0.01 to 5 by mass ratio, more preferably in the range of 0.1 to 4, and even more preferably in the range of 1 to 2.5.

[0103] When the relative amount of surfactant used relative to the oily component is within the above range, it is possible to maintain a stable solubilized state of the oily component over a wide temperature range while suppressing the adverse effects caused by high surfactant concentrations. In other words, ring stains and stickiness are less likely to occur on the applied surface after spray drying.

[0104] <Water-soluble solvent> The spray composition according to this embodiment may further contain water-soluble solvents such as alkylene glycol, ethanol, and 3-methoxy-3-methyl-1-butanol, with ethanol being particularly preferred. The use of such water-soluble solvents is preferable from the viewpoint of suppressing the occurrence of ring stains or stickiness after spraying. Furthermore, gelation may occur in some cases when solubilizing oily components with a solubilizer, but gelation can be effectively prevented by further containing a water-soluble solvent such as ethanol in the spray composition. In particular, when the spray composition is a fragrance, the water-soluble solvent contributes to adjusting the evaporation rate of volatile components.

[0105] When the spray composition according to this embodiment contains ethanol, the ethanol content relative to the total mass of the spray composition is preferably in the range of 1 to 20% by mass, and more preferably in the range of 5 to 10% by mass. Furthermore, in the spray composition according to this embodiment, the blending ratio of ethanol to the sum of the first nonionic surfactant (S1) and the second nonionic surfactant (S2) (ethanol / (S1+S2)) is preferably in the range of 6.5 to 134 by mass, and more preferably in the range of 33 to 67.

[0106] <Other ingredients> The spray composition according to this embodiment may further contain components other than those described above, to the extent that they do not impair its physical properties. Examples of such other components include gelling inhibitors, hydrotropes, antibacterial agents, preservatives, pigments, dyes, gelling agents, water-absorbing resins, defoaming agents, viscosity modifiers, thickeners, humectants, pH adjusters, UV absorbers, chelating agents, and other surfactants. If the spray composition is a non-aerosol agent, it does not contain propellants such as liquefied gas or compressed gas.

[0107] The spray composition according to this embodiment can be used as a product in a wide range of fields, such as detergents, cleaning agents, antiperspirants, hair styling agents, hair treatment agents, cosmetics, paints, gardening agents, repellents (insecticides), cleaners, deodorizers, and fragrances.

[0108] The method for producing the spray composition according to this embodiment is not particularly limited and can be produced using known methods.

[0109] 2. Spray products The spray composition according to the first embodiment of the present invention is filled into a spray container equipped with a spraying mechanism to become a spray product. When using the spray product according to the second embodiment of the present invention, the spray composition is sprayed in a mist form. Typically, a non-aerosol spray container is used. The spraying mechanism is realized by a member attached to the opening of the container, for example, a pump-type dispenser or a trigger-type dispenser.

[0110] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a spray product according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The spray product 10 shown in Figure 1 comprises a spray container 1 and a spray composition (not shown) according to a first embodiment of the present invention contained in the spray container 1. The spray container 1 comprises a container body 2 and a trigger dispenser 3 provided on the upper part of the container body 2. The trigger dispenser 3 comprises a cap portion 4 that is screwed onto the container body 2 and a spray portion (not shown) provided on the upper part of the cap portion 4. The spray portion comprises an intake pipe (not shown) extending downward toward the interior of the container body 2, a pump mechanism (not shown) communicating with the upper end of the intake pipe, and a trigger 6 for operating the pump mechanism. The pump mechanism is a conventionally known manual pump configured to operate by pulling the trigger 6. A nozzle 5 is provided at the front end of the spray portion, and the spray composition is sprayed in a mist from the nozzle 5.

[0111] Droplets sprayed from non-aerosol spray containers generally have a larger particle size than droplets sprayed from aerosol spray containers. Larger spray particle sizes tend to cause stickiness and are more likely to form ring stains and uneven coating. The spray composition according to this embodiment is excellent at suppressing the formation of ring stains due to stickiness, and is therefore useful as a non-aerosol agent to be filled into non-aerosol spray containers.

[0112] The average particle size of droplets sprayed in a mist-like manner from the spray product according to this embodiment is in the range of 20 to 400 μm in one example and in the range of 20 to 100 μm in another example. Here, the average particle size of the droplets was measured by spraying the spray composition from the nozzle of the spray container toward a spray particle size distribution measuring device, and measuring the average particle size of the sprayed droplets using the laser diffraction-scattering method. The average particle size is the calculated value of the diameter of a theoretical sphere obtained from the equivalent surface area.

[0113] Furthermore, the amount of spray composition sprayed in a single spray operation of the dispenser is preferably in the range of 0.05 to 5 g, and more preferably in the range of 0.1 to 3 g. If the amount sprayed in a single operation is too large, stickiness is likely to occur and ring stains are likely to form. [Examples]

[0114] Embodiments of the present invention will be specifically described below with reference to examples. 1. Test Example 1: Here, the hydrophilicity and hydrophobicity of the lavender-based fragrance used in Test Example 2 and the rose-based fragrance used in Test Example 3 were determined by evaluating their solubility in three types of polyoxyethylene hydrogenated castor oil with different HLB values.

[0115] 1-1. Preparation of compositions using lavender-based fragrances <Example 101> Composition 101 was prepared by mixing 0.3 parts by mass of the lavender-based fragrance used in Test Example 2, 0.15 parts by mass of polyoxyethylene hydrogenated castor oil (Brownon® CW-10, manufactured by Aoki Oil & Fat Industry Co., Ltd.) with an HLB value of 6.4, and 6.5 parts by mass of ethanol, and then gradually adding 93.05 parts by mass of ion-exchanged water to the resulting mixture.

[0116] <Example 102> Composition 102 was prepared in the same manner as in Example 101, except that the polyoxyethylene hydrogenated castor oil with an HLB value of 6.4 was replaced with polyoxyethylene hydrogenated castor oil with an HLB value of 10.8 (Brownon CW-25, manufactured by Aoki Oil & Fat Industry Co., Ltd.).

[0117] <Example 103> Composition 103 was prepared in the same manner as in Example 101, except that the polyoxyethylene hydrogenated castor oil with an HLB value of 6.4 was replaced with polyoxyethylene hydrogenated castor oil with an HLB value of 13.1 (Brownon® CW-40, manufactured by Aoki Oil & Fat Industry Co., Ltd.).

[0118] 1-2. Preparation of a composition using rose-based fragrance <Example 201> Composition 201 was prepared in the same manner as in Example 101, except that the lavender-based fragrance was replaced with the rose-based fragrance used in Test Example 3.

[0119] <Example 202> Composition 202 was prepared in the same manner as in Example 102, except that the lavender-based fragrance was replaced with the rose-based fragrance used in Test Example 3.

[0120] <Example 203> Composition 203 was prepared in the same manner as in Example 103, except that the lavender-based fragrance was replaced with the rose-based fragrance used in Test Example 3.

[0121] 1-3. Measurement of absorbance After storing each sample overnight at 25°C, the absorbance (wavelength 550 nm, path length 2 cm) was measured using a V-650 spectrophotometer (JASCO Corporation). Solubility was evaluated from the measured absorbance according to the following criteria. The results are shown in Table 1. A: Absorbance (turbidity) is less than 0.2. B: Absorbance (turbidity) is 0.2 or higher.

[0122] 1-4. Determination of hydrophilicity and hydrophobicity The hydrophilicity and hydrophobicity of lavender and rose fragrances were determined according to the following criteria. The results are shown in Table 1. Hydrophilicity: A fragrance in which the absorbance at a wavelength of 550 nm is less than 0.2 in a composition using polyoxyethylene hydrogenated castor oil with an HLB value of 13.1, and the absorbance at a wavelength of 550 nm is 0.2 or more in a composition using polyoxyethylene hydrogenated castor oil with an HLB value of 10.8. Hydrophobic: A fragrance in which the absorbance at a wavelength of 550 nm is 0.2 or higher in a composition using polyoxyethylene hydrogenated castor oil with an HLB value of 13.1, and the absorbance at a wavelength of 550 nm is less than 0.2 in a composition using polyoxyethylene hydrogenated castor oil with an HLB value of 10.8.

[0123] [Table 1]

[0124] 2. Test Example 1 2-1. Manufacture of spray compositions <Example 1> A solubilizer was prepared by mixing POE(13) monooleyl ether (a1) and POE(40) hydrogenated castor oil (a2) as listed in Table 2. Next, a lavender-based fragrance and ethanol were added to this solubilizer as oily components, and deionized water was gradually added to the resulting mixture under stirring to produce spray composition 1. The numerical values ​​for each component shown in Table 2 represent the blending ratio (mass%).

[0125] <Examples 2 through 5> Spray compositions 2 to 5 were manufactured in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the type or blending ratio of surfactants was changed as shown in Table 2.

[0126] <Comparative Example 1> A spray composition R1 was prepared by mixing POE(13) monooleyl ether (a1) listed in Table 2 with a lavender-based fragrance and ethanol as oily components, and then gradually adding deionized water to the resulting mixture under stirring.

[0127] <Comparative Examples 2 to 4> Spray compositions R2 to R4 were manufactured in the same manner as in Comparative Example 1, except that the type or blending ratio of surfactants was changed as shown in Table 2.

[0128] 1-2. Evaluation Each of the obtained spray compositions was used as a sample, and its solubilizing ability and ability to suppress ring stains on the application surface were evaluated by the following method.

[0129] <Solubilization ability> Each sample was stored for one week at three different temperatures (-5°C, 25°C, and 40°C), and then its absorbance (wavelength 550 nm, path length 2 cm) was measured using a V-650 spectrophotometer (manufactured by JASCO). Lower absorbance indicates lower turbidity and superior transparency. For samples stored at -5°C and 40°C for one week, the absorbance was measured after allowing them to return to room temperature (approximately 25°C) for about 4 hours.

[0130] The solubilizing ability was evaluated from the measured absorbance according to the following criteria. The results are shown in Table 2. A: Absorbance (turbidity) is less than 0.2. B: Absorbance (turbidity) is 0.2 or higher.

[0131] <Suppression of water ring stains> Each sample was filled into a trigger-type dispenser pump spray container. Each sample was sprayed multiple times from a distance of 30 cm onto a 10 cm x 10 cm square piece of cotton cloth, with the total spray volume being 6 ml. After being left to dry for 1 hour, the presence or absence of ring stains on the surface was visually determined.

[0132] The ability to suppress ring stains was evaluated according to the following criteria. The results are shown in Table 2. A: No ring-shaped stains were observed. B: Ring-shaped stains were observed.

[0133] [Table 2]

[0134] 3. Test Example 3 3-1. Manufacturing of spray compositions <Example 6> A solubilizer was prepared by mixing POE(13) monooleyl ether (a1) and POE(40) hydrogenated castor oil (a2) as listed in Table 3. Next, rose-based fragrance and ethanol were added to this solubilizer as oily components, and deionized water was gradually added to the resulting mixture under stirring to produce spray composition 6. The numerical values ​​for each component shown in Table 3 represent the blending ratio (mass%).

[0135] <Examples 7 and 8> Spray compositions 7 and 8 were prepared in the same manner as in Example 6, except that the type and blending ratio of surfactants were changed as shown in Table 3.

[0136] <Comparative Example 5> Spray composition R5 was prepared by mixing POE(13) monooleyl ether (a1) listed in Table 3 with a rose-based fragrance and ethanol as oily components, and then gradually adding deionized water to the resulting mixture under stirring.

[0137] <Comparative Example 6> Spray composition R6 was prepared in the same manner as in Comparative Example 5, except that the type and blending ratio of surfactants were changed as shown in Table 3.

[0138] 3-2. Evaluation (Solubilizing ability, presence or absence of ring stain formation) Each of the obtained spray compositions was used as a sample, and its solubilizing ability and the presence or absence of ring stain formation on the application surface were evaluated using the same method as in Test Example 1. The results are shown in Table 3. [Table 3]

[0139] 4. Test Example 4 From the samples prepared in Test Examples 2 and 3, the solubilizing ability of spray compositions 1 to 5, 7, 8, R1, and R5 was evaluated under conditions different from those in Test Examples 2 and 3.

[0140] <Evaluation (Solubilizing ability)> The sample was stored at -20°C for 12 hours, followed by storage at 40°C for 12 hours. This refrigeration cycle was repeated five times. The sample was then left at room temperature (approximately 25°C) for about 4 hours, and its absorbance (wavelength 550 nm, path length 2 cm) was measured after it had returned to room temperature. The solubilizing ability was evaluated from the measured absorbance according to the following criteria. The results are shown in Table 4. A: Absorbance (turbidity) is less than 0.2. B: Absorbance (turbidity) is 0.2 or higher.

[0141] [Table 4]

[0142] It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and can be modified in various ways during implementation without departing from its essence. Furthermore, each embodiment may be combined as appropriate, and in that case, the combined effects can be obtained. Moreover, the above embodiments include various inventions, and various inventions can be extracted by selecting combinations from the multiple constituent elements disclosed. For example, if the problem can be solved and effects obtained even if some constituent elements are deleted from all the constituent elements shown in the embodiment, then the configuration with these deleted constituent elements can be extracted as an invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0143] 1. Spray container, 2. Container body, 3. Trigger dispenser, 4. Cap, 5. Nozzle, 6. Trigger, 10. Spray product

Claims

1. It contains an oily component, a first nonionic surfactant and a second nonionic surfactant, and water. The first nonionic surfactant is a polyoxyalkylene-based nonionic surfactant (A) selected from any of the three groups consisting of polyoxyalkylene alkyl ether (a1), polyoxyalkylene hydrogenated castor oil (a2), and polyoxyalkylene sorbitan fatty acid ester (a3). A spray composition wherein the second nonionic surfactant is a polyoxyalkylene-based nonionic surfactant (A) selected from a group different from the group to which the first nonionic surfactant belongs among the three groups, or a hydroxyl group-containing nonionic surfactant (B) selected from any of the three groups consisting of alkylglucamide (b1), alkylpolyglycoside (b2), and polyglycerin fatty acid ester (b3).

2. The spray composition according to claim 1, wherein the oily component is a fragrance.

3. The spray composition according to claim 2, which contains a hydrophilic fragrance as the fragrance.

4. The spray composition according to claim 3, wherein the hydrophilic fragrance, when included as fragrance A in the following composition (I), exhibits an absorbance of less than 0.2 at a wavelength of 550 nm in the following composition (I), and when included as fragrance A in the following composition (II), exhibits an absorbance of 0.2 or more at a wavelength of 550 nm in the following composition (II). Composition (I): A mixture of 0.3 parts by mass of fragrance A, 0.15 parts by mass of polyoxyethylene hydrogenated castor oil with an HLB value of 11 or more and 14 or less, 6.5 parts by mass of ethanol, and 93.05 parts by mass of water. Composition (II): A mixture of 0.3 parts by mass of fragrance A, 0.15 parts by mass of polyoxyethylene hydrogenated castor oil with an HLB value of 8 or more and less than 11, 6.5 parts by mass of ethanol, and 93.05 parts by mass of water.

5. The spray composition according to claim 3, which contains a lavender-based fragrance as the hydrophilic fragrance.

6. The spray composition according to claim 2, which contains a hydrophobic fragrance as the aforementioned fragrance.

7. The spray composition according to claim 6, wherein the hydrophobic fragrance, when contained as fragrance A in the following composition (I), exhibits an absorbance of 0.2 or more at a wavelength of 550 nm in the following composition (I), and when contained as fragrance A in the following composition (II), exhibits an absorbance of less than 0.2 at a wavelength of 550 nm in the following composition (II). Composition (I): A mixture of 0.3 parts by mass of fragrance A, 0.15 parts by mass of polyoxyethylene hydrogenated castor oil with an HLB value of 11 or more and 14 or less, 6.5 parts by mass of ethanol, and 93.05 parts by mass of water. Composition (II): A mixture of 0.3 parts by mass of fragrance A, 0.15 parts by mass of polyoxyethylene hydrogenated castor oil with an HLB value of 8 or more and less than 11, 6.5 parts by mass of ethanol, and 93.05 parts by mass of water.

8. The spray composition according to claim 6, which contains a rose-based fragrance as the hydrophobic fragrance.

9. The spray composition according to claim 1, wherein the first nonionic surfactant is the polyoxyalkylene alkyl ether (a1) and the second nonionic surfactant is the polyoxyalkylene hydrogenated castor oil (a2).

10. The spray composition according to claim 3, wherein the first nonionic surfactant is the polyoxyalkylene alkyl ether (a1), the second nonionic surfactant is the polyoxyalkylene hydrogenated castor oil (a2), and the blending ratio of the polyoxyalkylene alkyl ether (a1) to the polyoxyalkylene hydrogenated castor oil (a2) satisfies the relationship a2 / a1 > 1 by mass ratio.

11. The spray composition according to claim 6, wherein the first nonionic surfactant is the polyoxyalkylene alkyl ether (a1), the second nonionic surfactant is the polyoxyalkylene hydrogenated castor oil (a2), and the blending ratio of the polyoxyalkylene alkyl ether (a1) to the polyoxyalkylene hydrogenated castor oil (a2) satisfies the relationship a2 / a1 ≤ 1 by mass ratio.

12. The spray composition according to claim 1, wherein the first nonionic surfactant is a polyoxyalkylene-based nonionic surfactant (A), and the second nonionic surfactant is the hydroxyl group-containing nonionic surfactant (B).

13. The spray composition according to claim 12, wherein the first nonionic surfactant is the polyoxyalkylene hydrogenated castor oil (a2), and the second nonionic surfactant is the alkyl polyglycoside (b2).

14. The spray composition according to claim 3, wherein the first nonionic surfactant is the polyoxyalkylene hydrogenated castor oil (a2), the second nonionic surfactant is the alkyl polyglycoside (b2), and the blending ratio of the polyoxyalkylene hydrogenated castor oil (a2) to the alkyl polyglycoside (b2) satisfies the relationship (a2) / (b2) > 1 by mass ratio.

15. The spray composition according to claim 6, wherein the first nonionic surfactant is the polyoxyalkylene hydrogenated castor oil (a2), the second nonionic surfactant is the alkyl polyglycoside (b2), and the blending ratio of the polyoxyalkylene hydrogenated castor oil (a2) to the alkyl polyglycoside (b2) satisfies the relationship (a2) / (b2) < 1 by mass ratio.

16. The spray composition according to claim 1, wherein the blending ratio of the oily component to the sum of the first nonionic surfactant (S1) and the second nonionic surfactant (S2) (oily component / (S1 + S2)) is within the range of 0.01 to 5 by mass, and the content of the oily component relative to the total mass of the spray composition is within the range of 0.01 to 5% by mass.

17. The spray composition according to claim 1, further containing ethanol.

18. The spray composition according to claim 17, wherein the blending ratio (ethanol / (S1+S2)) of the ethanol and the sum of the first nonionic surfactant (S1) and the second nonionic surfactant (S2) is in the range of 6.5 to 134 by mass, and the content of the ethanol relative to the total mass of the spray composition is in the range of 1 to 20% by mass.

19. A spray product comprising a spray container and a spray composition according to any one of claims 1 to 18 contained in the spray container.

20. The spray product according to claim 19, wherein the spray container is a non-aerosol spray container.

21. The spray product according to claim 19, wherein the amount sprayed per application is in the range of 0.05 to 5 g.

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