Oral composition

Abstract

To provide an oral composition which suppresses white turbidity by sufficiently solubilizing an oil-soluble perfume, has excellent storage stability and reduces a foreign taste derived from a surfactant.SOLUTION: There is provided an oral composition which can suppress white turbidity by sufficiently solubilizing an oil-soluble perfume by blending and solubilizing a polyoxyethylene hardened castor oil and a polyoxyethylene polyoxypropylene alkyl ether together with the oil-soluble perfume, can impart excellent storage stability and reduce a foreign taste derived from a surfactant.SELECTED DRAWING: None

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an oral composition in which an oil-soluble flavoring is sufficiently solubilized to suppress cloudiness, has excellent storage stability, and has reduced unpleasant tastes derived from surfactants. [Background technology]

[0002] In liquid oral compositions such as mouth fresheners, mouthwashes, and liquid dentifrices, oil-soluble flavorings are blended to provide a flavor and a good feeling of use when used. In order to provide a sufficient flavor when used in a liquid oral composition, it is necessary to increase the amount of oil-soluble flavoring blended. However, since oral compositions contain an aqueous base such as water, if the amount of oil-soluble flavoring blended is increased, there is a problem that the oil-soluble flavoring becomes difficult to solubilize, causing cloudiness.

[0003] Therefore, various formulation techniques for stably solubilizing oil-soluble flavors have been studied. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a liquid oral composition that contains an oil-soluble flavor and has transparent properties and excellent stability, the liquid oral composition containing (A) 0.01-0.5% by mass of myristoyl glutamate, (B) at least one or more nonionic surfactants selected from polyoxyethylene hydrogenated castor oil, glycerin fatty acid esters, and sugar fatty acid esters, (C) an oil-soluble flavor, and (D) 90% by mass or more of water, and the mass ratio of component (B) to component (A) ((B) / (A)) is 5-50.

[0004] On the other hand, in recent years, the demands for oral compositions have become more diverse, and there is a demand for oral compositions that have a strong fragrance and a good flavor. Although the fragrance becomes stronger by increasing the amount of oil-soluble flavor, the increase in the amount of oil-soluble flavor requires the incorporation of a surfactant to solubilize the oil-soluble flavor. However, surfactants have a specific unpleasant taste such as bitterness, and the incorporation of a surfactant results in a decrease in the flavor. Therefore, it is required to sufficiently solubilize the oil-soluble flavor with a surfactant, suppress the cloudiness caused by the oil-soluble flavor, and increase the storage stability, while at the same time reducing the unpleasant taste caused by the surfactant, but at present, such a formulation technology has not been established. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] JP 2013-181011 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] The object of the present invention is to provide an oral composition in which oil-soluble flavorings are sufficiently solubilized to suppress cloudiness, which has excellent storage stability, and which has reduced unpleasant tastes derived from surfactants. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The present inventors have conducted extensive research to solve the above problems, and have found that by blending and solubilizing an oil-soluble flavor with polyoxyethylene hydrogenated castor oil and polyoxyethylene polyoxypropylene alkyl ether in an oral composition, the oil-soluble flavor can be sufficiently solubilized, opacity can be suppressed, excellent storage stability can be imparted, and furthermore, the unpleasant taste derived from a surfactant can be reduced. Based on this knowledge, the present invention has been completed through further research.

[0008] That is, the present invention provides the following aspects. Item 1. An oral composition comprising (A) an oil-soluble flavor, (B) polyoxyethylene hydrogenated castor oil, (C) polyoxyethylene polyoxypropylene alkyl ether, and (D) water. Item 2. The oral composition according to Item 1, wherein the component (C) is contained in an amount of 15 to 150 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of the component (B), and the total amount of the components (B) and (C) is 2 to 3.5% by weight. Item 3. The oral composition according to Item 1 or 2, further comprising (E) a monohydric lower alcohol. Item 4. The oral composition according to any one of Items 1 to 3, further comprising (F) a polyhydric alcohol. Item 5. A method for suppressing clouding of an oral composition containing a fat-soluble flavoring, comprising: A method for inhibiting cloudiness, comprising blending an oral composition with (A) an oil-soluble flavoring, (B) polyoxyethylene hydrogenated castor oil, (C) polyoxyethylene polyoxypropylene alkyl ether, and (D) water. Item 6. A method for stabilizing an oral composition containing an oil-soluble flavoring, comprising: A stabilization method comprising blending an oral composition with (A) an oil-soluble flavoring, (B) polyoxyethylene hydrogenated castor oil, (C) polyoxyethylene polyoxypropylene alkyl ether, and (D) water. Item 7. A method for reducing an unpleasant taste of a surfactant in an oral composition containing a surfactant, comprising: A method for reducing an unpleasant taste, comprising blending an oral composition with (A) an oil-soluble flavoring, (B) polyoxyethylene hydrogenated castor oil, (C) polyoxyethylene polyoxypropylene alkyl ether, and (D) water. Effect of the Invention

[0009] According to the oral composition of the present invention, the oil-soluble flavor can be sufficiently solubilized, and thus the cloudiness caused by the oil-soluble flavor can be suppressed, and a good appearance can be presented. In addition, the oral composition of the present invention has excellent storage stability because the solubilized state of the oil-soluble flavor can be stably maintained even during storage. Furthermore, although the oral composition of the present invention contains a surfactant to solubilize the oil-soluble flavor, the unpleasant taste caused by the surfactant can be reduced, and therefore a good feeling of use can be obtained without impairing the flavor of the oil-soluble flavor. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] 1. Oral composition The oral composition of the present invention is characterized by containing (A) an oil-soluble flavor, (B) polyoxyethylene hydrogenated castor oil, (C) polyoxyethylene polyoxypropylene alkyl ether, and (D) water. In the oral composition of the present invention, by using (B) polyoxyethylene hydrogenated castor oil and (C) polyoxyethylene polyoxypropylene alkyl ether in combination with (A) the oil-soluble flavor and (D) water, the oil-soluble flavor is sufficiently solubilized to suppress cloudiness, excellent storage stability is provided, and unpleasant tastes (bitterness, etc.) derived from surfactants can be reduced. The oral composition of the present invention will be described in detail below.

[0011] [(A) Oil-soluble fragrance and content] The oral composition of the present invention contains an oil-soluble flavoring (sometimes referred to as "component (A)"). The type of oil-soluble flavoring used in the present invention is not particularly limited, so long as it is applicable to the oral cavity, and examples thereof include single flavors, essential oils, etc.

[0012] Specific examples of single fragrances include menthol, carvone, anethole, eugenol, cineole, thymol, geraniol, citronellol, vanillin, methyl salicylate, menthone, isomenthone, limonene, pinene, pulegone, menthyl lactate, terpinyl acetate, terpineol, linalool, benzyl succinate, methyl eugenol, ocimene, methyl acetate, citronenyl acetate, ethyl linalool, vanillin, etc. These single fragrances may be synthetic or may be purified from natural sources.

[0013] Specific examples of essential oils include mint oils such as spearmint oil, peppermint oil, and peppermint oil; citrus oils such as lemon oil, mandarin oil, lime oil, yuzu oil, grapefruit oil, and orange oil; herb and spice oils such as sage oil, eucalyptus oil, clove oil, rosemary oil, thyme oil, nutmeg oil, laurel oil, basil oil, shiso oil, estragon oil, parsley oil, celery oil, coriander oil, fennel oil, cinnamon oil, pepper oil, nutmeg oil, mace oil, clove oil, ginger oil, cardamom oil, fennel oil, anise oil, cinnamon oil, wintergreen oil, clove oil, pimento oil, parsley oil, tea tree oil, tabana oil, and star anise oil.

[0014] These fat-soluble flavors may be used alone or in combination of two or more. Furthermore, the fat-soluble flavor may be a combination of two or more single flavors, one or more single flavors and one or more essential oils, or two or more essential oils, which are blended to provide a desired fruit flavor.

[0015] Among these fat-soluble flavorings, preferred are menthol, geraniol, citronellol, limonene, linalool, citrus oils, herb and spice oils, and the like.

[0016] The content of component (A) in the oral cavity composition of the present invention is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, 0.01 to 5.0% by weight, preferably 0.1 to 2.5% by weight, and more preferably 0.5 to 1.5% by weight.

[0017] [(B) Polyoxyethylene hydrogenated castor oil] The oral composition of the present invention contains polyoxyethylene hydrogenated castor oil (sometimes referred to as "component (B)") as a surfactant. Polyoxyethylene hydrogenated castor oil is a compound in which hydrogenated castor oil is etherified with a polyoxyethylene chain.

[0018] The number of moles of ethylene oxide added to the polyoxyethylene chain in the polyoxyethylene hydrogenated castor oil is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, 5 to 100, preferably 10 to 80, and more preferably 20 to 60.

[0019] Specific examples of polyoxyethylene hydrogenated castor oils include PEG-5 hydrogenated castor oil, PEG-10 hydrogenated castor oil, PEG-20 hydrogenated castor oil, PEG-30 hydrogenated castor oil, PEG-40 hydrogenated castor oil, PEG-50 hydrogenated castor oil, PEG-60 hydrogenated castor oil, PEG-70 hydrogenated castor oil, PEG-80 hydrogenated castor oil, PEG-90 hydrogenated castor oil, and PEG-100 hydrogenated castor oil.

[0020] These polyoxyethylene hydrogenated castor oils may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0021] Among these polyoxyethylene hydrogenated castor oils, from the viewpoint of further improving the effect of suppressing cloudiness, storage stability, and the effect of reducing an unpleasant taste derived from a surfactant, preferred are polyoxyethylene hydrogenated castor oils having an added mole number of ethylene oxide of 20 to 60, and more preferred are PEG-50 hydrogenated castor oil and PEG-60 hydrogenated castor oil.

[0022] The content of component (B) in the oral cavity composition of the present invention is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, 0.5 to 5.0% by weight. From the viewpoint of further improving the effect of suppressing clouding, storage stability, and the effect of reducing an unpleasant taste derived from a surfactant, the content of component (B) in the oral cavity composition of the present invention is preferably 0.75.0 to 4.0% by weight, and more preferably 1.0 to 3.5% by weight.

[0023] [(C) Polyoxyethylene polyoxypropylene alkyl ether] The oral composition of the present invention further contains a polyoxyethylene polyoxypropylene alkyl ether (sometimes referred to as "component (C)") as a surfactant. Polyoxyethylene polyoxypropylene alkyl ether is a compound in which a polyoxyethylene polyoxypropylene chain is ether-bonded to an alkyl group.

[0024] The number of moles of ethylene oxide added to the polyoxyethylene polyoxypropylene chain is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, 2 to 100, preferably 10 to 80, and more preferably 12 to 40.

[0025] The number of moles of propylene oxide added to the polyoxyethylene polyoxypropylene chain is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, 1-40, preferably 1-20, and more preferably 1-10.

[0026] The number of carbon atoms in the alkyl group constituting the polyoxyethylene polyoxypropylene alkyl ether is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, 6 to 24, preferably 8 to 22, and more preferably 12 to 20.

[0027] Specific examples of polyoxyethylene polyoxypropylene alkyl ethers include PPG-4 ceteth-1, PPG-4 ceteth-10, PPG-4 ceteth-20, PPG-8 ceteth-20, PPG-6 decyltetradeceth-12, PPG-6 decyltetradeceth-20, and PPG-6 decyltetradeceth-30.

[0028] These polyoxyethylene polyoxypropylene alkyl ethers may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0029] Among these polyoxyethylene polyoxypropylene alkyl ethers, from the viewpoint of further improving the effect of inhibiting white turbidity, storage stability, and the effect of reducing an unpleasant taste derived from a surfactant, preferred are polyoxyethylene polyoxypropylene alkyl ethers having an added mole number of ethylene oxide of 12 to 40, an added mole number of propylene oxide of 1 to 10, and an alkyl group having a carbon number of 12 to 20; more preferred are PPG-4 ceteth-20, PPG-6 decyl tetradeceth-12, PPG-6 decyl tetradeceth-20, and PPG-6 decyl tetradeceth-30.

[0030] The content of component (C) in the oral cavity composition of the present invention is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, 0.1 to 3.0% by weight. From the viewpoint of further improving the effect of suppressing clouding, storage stability, and the effect of reducing an unpleasant taste derived from a surfactant, the content of component (C) in the oral cavity composition of the present invention is preferably 0.5 to 2.0% by weight, and more preferably 0.5 to 1.5% by weight.

[0031] In the oral cavity composition of the present invention, the total content of the (B) and (C) components (the sum of the (B) and (C) components) is not particularly limited as long as it is within the range corresponding to the content of each of the above-mentioned components, but for example, the total content of the (B) and (C) components is 1.0 to 5.0% by weight. From the viewpoint of further improving the effect of suppressing cloudiness, storage stability, and the effect of reducing unpleasant tastes derived from surfactants, the total content of the (B) and (C) components is preferably 1.5 to 4.0% by weight, more preferably 2.0 to 3.0% by weight.

[0032] In the oral cavity composition of the present invention, the ratio of the (B) component to the (C) component is not particularly limited as long as it is within the range according to the content of each component described above, but for example, the (C) component may be 15 to 150 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of the (B) component. From the viewpoint of further improving the effect of suppressing clouding, storage stability, and the effect of reducing an unpleasant taste derived from a surfactant, the (C) component is preferably 20 to 100 parts by weight, more preferably 25 to 100 parts by weight, per 100 parts by weight of the (B) component.

[0033] In the oral cavity composition of the present invention, the ratio of the total amount of the (A) component to the (B) and (C) components is not particularly limited as long as it is within the range according to the content of each component described above, but for example, the total amount of the (B) and (C) components is 100 to 500 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of the (A) component. From the viewpoint of further improving the effect of suppressing cloudiness, storage stability, and the effect of reducing an unpleasant taste derived from a surfactant, the total amount of the (B) and (C) components is preferably 150 to 400 parts by weight, more preferably 200 to 300 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of the (A) component.

[0034] [(D)Water] The oral composition of the present invention contains water (sometimes referred to as "component (D)") as a base. The content of component (D) in the oral composition of the present invention is appropriately set depending on the formulation form, etc., and may be, for example, 30 to 85% by weight, preferably 40 to 75% by weight, and more preferably 50 to 70% by weight.

[0035] [(E) Monohydric lower alcohol] The oral cavity composition of the present invention desirably further contains a monohydric lower alcohol (sometimes referred to as "component (E)"). By containing a monohydric lower alcohol, it becomes possible to stably solubilize the oil-soluble flavoring, and to further improve the effect of suppressing clouding and storage stability.

[0036] The monohydric lower alcohol is not particularly limited as long as it is applicable to the oral cavity, and examples thereof include monohydric alcohols having 2 to 5 carbon atoms, preferably ethanol, propanol, isopropanol, and butanol, and more preferably ethanol.

[0037] These monohydric lower alcohols may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0038] When component (E) is contained in the oral composition of the present invention, its content is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, 5 to 35% by weight, preferably 7.5 to 25% by weight, and more preferably 10 to 15% by weight.

[0039] Furthermore, when the oral composition of the present invention contains component (E), the ratio of component (E) to component (A) is not particularly limited as long as it is within the range corresponding to the content of each component described above. For example, the ratio of component (E) to 100 parts by weight of component (A) is 250 to 3500 parts by weight, preferably 250 to 2500 parts by weight, and more preferably 500 to 1500 parts by weight.

[0040] [(F) Polyhydric alcohol] The oral composition of the present invention desirably further contains a polyhydric alcohol (sometimes referred to as "component (F)"). By containing a polyhydric alcohol, it is possible to stably solubilize the oil-soluble flavoring, and further improve the clouding suppression effect and storage stability.

[0041] The polyhydric alcohol used in the present invention is not particularly limited, so long as it is applicable to the oral cavity, and examples thereof include ethylene glycol, 1,3-butylene glycol, propylene glycol, isoprene glycol, diethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, polypropylene glycol, glycerin, etc.

[0042] These polyhydric alcohols may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0043] Among these polyhydric alcohols, glycerin is preferred from the viewpoint of further improving the effect of suppressing clouding and storage stability.

[0044] When the oral composition of the present invention contains component (F), its content is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, 5 to 35% by weight, preferably 7.5 to 35% by weight, and more preferably 10 to 25% by weight.

[0045] Furthermore, when the oral composition of the present invention contains the (F) component, the ratio of the (F) component to the (A) component is not particularly limited as long as it is within the range corresponding to the content of each of the above-mentioned components. For example, the (F) component may be 250 to 3500 parts by weight, preferably 250 to 3500 parts by weight, and more preferably 500 to 2500 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of the (A) component.

[0046] [(G) Polar oil] The oral composition of the present invention may contain a polar oil (sometimes referred to as "component (G)"). By including a polar oil, it is possible to further improve the effect of suppressing cloudiness, storage stability, and the effect of reducing unpleasant tastes derived from surfactants.

[0047] The polar oil means an oil having an IOB (inorganic / organic balance) in the range of 0.05 to 1.1. The IOB of the polar oil used in the present invention is preferably 0.1 to 0.9, more preferably 0.15 to 0.5, and particularly preferably 0.3 to 0.4.

[0048] The viscosity of the polar oil used in the present invention is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, 5 to 600 mPa·s, preferably 40 to 550 mPa·s, and more preferably 140 to 510 mPa·s at 20° C. In this specification, the viscosity of the polar oil refers to a value measured at a temperature condition of 20° C. using a B-type viscometer "TOKI SANGYO VISCOMETER TVB-10" (manufactured by Toki Sangyo Co., Ltd.) with rotor No. 1 (rotation speed: 12 rpm, time: 30 sec, unit: mPa·s).

[0049] The type of polar oil is not particularly limited as long as it is applicable to the oral cavity, and examples thereof include fatty acid esters, higher fatty acids, higher alcohols, vegetable oils, and the like.

[0050] Among polar oils, examples of fatty acid esters include esters of fatty acids and monohydric or polyhydric alcohols. Examples of fatty acid esters include monoesters in which one fatty acid molecule is bonded to one monohydric or polyhydric alcohol molecule, diesters in which two fatty acid molecules are bonded to one polyhydric alcohol molecule, triesters in which three fatty acid molecules are bonded to one trihydric or higher polyhydric alcohol molecule, tetraesters in which four fatty acid molecules are bonded to one quadrihydric or higher polyhydric alcohol molecule, diesters in which two monohydric alcohol molecules are bonded to one dicarboxylic acid molecule, and fatty acid cholesteryls in which one fatty acid molecule is bonded to one cholesterol molecule.

[0051] In a monoester in which one fatty acid molecule is bonded to one molecule of a monohydric or polyhydric alcohol, the carbon number of the constituent fatty acid is, for example, 4 to 30, preferably 6 to 20, and the carbon number of the constituent monohydric or polyhydric alcohol is, for example, 2 to 34, preferably 2 to 20. Specific examples of the monoester include isopropyl myristate, octyldodecyl myristate, octyldodecyl oleate, dipentaerythritol fatty acid ester, isopropyl adipate, isobutyl adipate, isopropyl sebacate, cetyl ethylhexanoate, palmityl ethylhexanoate, myristyl myristate, octyldodecyl myristate, isopropyl palmitate, cetyl palmitate, ethyl oleate, batyl stearate, hexyldecyl isostearate, isopropyl linoleate, and cetyl octanoate. , butyl stearate, ethyl laurate, hexyl laurate, decyl oleate, hexyldecyl dimethyloctanoate, cetyl lactate, myristyl lactate, lanolin acetate, isocetyl stearate, isocetyl isostearate, dipentaerythritol fatty acid ester, N-alkyl glycol monoisostearate, alkyl benzoate (having 12 to 15 carbon atoms), methyl ester of castor oil fatty acid, oleyl oleate, 2-heptylundecyl palmitate, 2-hexyldecyl myristate, and 2-hexyldecyl palmitate.

[0052] In a diester in which two fatty acid molecules are bonded to one polyhydric alcohol molecule, the carbon number of the constituent fatty acid is, for example, 4 to 30, and preferably 6 to 18, and the carbon number of the constituent polyhydric alcohol is, for example, 2 to 34, and preferably 2 to 6. Specific examples of the diester include propylene glycol dicaprylate, neopentyl glycol dioctanoate, neopentyl glycol diethylhexanoate, glycol diethylhexanoate, neopentyl glycol dicaprate, glycerin diheptylundecanoate, and butylene glycol di(caprylate / caprate).

[0053] In a triester in which three fatty acid molecules are bonded to one molecule of a trivalent or higher polyhydric alcohol, the carbon number of the constituent fatty acid is, for example, 4 to 30, and preferably 6 to 18, and the carbon number of the constituent polyhydric alcohol is, for example, 2 to 34, and preferably 3 to 6. Specific examples of the triester include triethylhexanoin (glyceryl triethylhexanoate), diglyceryl triisostearate, tri(caprylic acid / capric acid)glyceryl, glyceryl triisopalmitate, glyceryl triisooctanoate, trimethylolpropane triethylhexanoate, trimethylolpropane triisostearate, trimethylolpropane triisostearate, glyceryl triisostearate, glycerin trimyristate, and tri-2-heptylundecanoic acid glyceride.

[0054] In a tetraester in which four fatty acid molecules are bonded to one molecule of a polyhydric alcohol having 4 or more valences, the carbon number of the constituent fatty acid is, for example, 4 to 30, and preferably 6 to 10, and the carbon number of one constituent polyhydric alcohol is, for example, 2 to 34, and preferably 4 to 8. Specific examples of the tetraester include pentaerythrityl tetraethylhexanoate and pentaerythrityl tetraoctanoate.

[0055] In a diester in which two molecules of a monohydric alcohol are bonded to one molecule of a dicarboxylic acid, the carbon number of the constituent fatty acid is, for example, 4 to 30, and preferably 4 to 12, and the carbon number of the constituent monohydric or polyhydric alcohol is, for example, 2 to 34, and preferably 2 to 20. Specific examples of the diester include diethyl sebacate, diisopropyl sebacate, di-2-ethylhexyl sebacate, diisostearyl malate, diethylhexyl naphthalene dicarboxylate, di-2-hexyldecyl adipate, di-2-heptylundecyl adipate, and di-2-ethylhexyl succinate.

[0056] In the fatty acid cholesteryl, the carbon number of the constituent fatty acid is, for example, 4 to 30, and preferably 6 to 20. Specific examples of the fatty acid cholesteryl include lanolin fatty acid cholesteryl, hydroxystearate cholesteryl, and macadamia nut fatty acid cholesteryl.

[0057] These fatty acid esters may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0058] Among the polar oils, examples of higher fatty acids include fatty acids having 8 to 30 carbon atoms, preferably 10 to 20 carbon atoms, and specific examples include lauric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, sebacic acid, oleic acid, stearic acid, linoleic acid, etc. These fatty acids may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0059] Among the polar oils, examples of higher alcohols include alcohols having a carbon number of preferably 12 to 22, specifically lauryl alcohol, myristyl alcohol, palmityl alcohol, cetanol, oleyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol, isostearyl alcohol, cetostearyl alcohol, behenyl alcohol, etc. These higher alcohols may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0060] Among polar oils, vegetable oil refers to oils and fats extracted from lipids contained in plants that are liquid at room temperature, mainly containing triglycerides in which fatty acids and glycerin are esterified, and is a component that is distinguished from essential oils used as fat-soluble fragrances (i.e., volatile components distilled from plants and exhibiting aroma). Examples of vegetable oils include sunflower seed oil, jojoba seed oil, olive oil, coconut oil, palm oil, palm kernel oil, safflower oil, castor oil, avocado oil, sesame oil, tea oil, evening primrose oil, wheat germ oil, macadamia nut oil, hazelnut oil, kukui nut oil, rosehip oil, meadowfoam oil, persic oil, tea tree oil, corn oil, rapeseed oil, wheat germ oil, linseed oil, cottonseed oil, soybean oil, peanut oil, rice bran oil, jojoba oil, etc. These vegetable oils may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0061] These polar oils may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0062] Among these polar oils, fatty acid esters are preferred; tetraesters in which four fatty acid molecules are bonded to one molecule of a polyhydric alcohol having a valence of 4 or more are more preferred; and pentaerythritol tetraethylhexanoate is particularly preferred.

[0063] When the oral composition of the present invention contains component (G), its content is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, 0.01 to 1.5% by weight, preferably 0.1 to 0.5% by weight, and more preferably 0.1 to 0.3% by weight.

[0064] Furthermore, when the oral composition of the present invention contains a (G) component, the ratio of the (G) component to the (A) component is not particularly limited as long as it is within the range corresponding to the content of each of the above-mentioned components. For example, the (G) component may be 0.2 to 15,000 parts by weight, preferably 4 to 500 parts by weight, and more preferably 10 to 300 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of the (A) component.

[0065] [Other ingredients] In addition to the above-mentioned components, the oral composition of the present invention may contain components commonly used in the art according to the formulation of the oral composition, within the scope of not impairing the effects of the present invention. Examples of such components include preservatives, bactericides, antibacterial agents, anti-inflammatory agents, abrasives, glucosyltransferase (GTase) inhibitors, plaque inhibitors, hypersensitivity inhibitors, tartar prevention agents, tooth strengthening / remineralization agents, local anesthetics, blood circulation promoters, surfactants other than the components (B) and (C), thickeners, humectants, sweeteners, colorants, deodorants, pH adjusters, etc.

[0066] Examples of preservatives, disinfectants, and antibacterial agents include hinokitiol, benzoic acids, salicylic acids, sorbic acids, parabens, chlorhexidine chloride, chlorhexidine gluconate, isopropylmethylphenol, triclosan, lysozyme chloride, chlorhexidine hydrochloride, and potassium iodide.

[0067] Examples of anti-inflammatory agents include dipotassium glycyrrhizinate, glycyrrhetinic acid, methyl glycyrrhizinate, stearyl glycyrrhizinate, pyridoxine glycyrrhetinate, stearyl glycyrrhetinate, glyceryl glycyrrhetinate, glycyrrhetinic acid monoglucuronide, allantoin, tranexamic acid, epsilon aminocaproic acid, azulene, sodium chloride, and vitamins.

[0068] Examples of the abrasive include anhydrous silicic acid, hydrous silicic acid, aluminum oxide, aluminum hydroxide, calcium hydrogen phosphate, calcium phosphate, calcium pyrophosphate, calcium carbonate, crystalline cellulose, polyethylene powder, and charcoal particles.

[0069] Examples of GTase inhibitors include extracts of plants of the genus Oenothera in the Onagraceae family, extracts of plants of the genus Vitis in the Vitaceae family, dextranase, mutanase, tastein, tannins, ellagic acid, polyphenols, oolong tea extract, green tea extract, Swertia japonica, Chinese laurel, fennel, peony, gentiana, Senso, gentian, Coptis chinensis, and Coptis Rhizome.

[0070] Examples of plaque inhibitors include zinc citrate and gluconic acid.

[0071] Examples of the dentin hypersensitivity inhibitor include potassium nitrate and strontium chloride.

[0072] Anti-tartar agents include, for example, polyphosphates, zeolites, ethanehydroxydiphosphonate, and the like.

[0073] Examples of tooth strengthening / remineralizing agents include fluoride, sodium fluoride, sodium fluorophosphate, and stannous fluoride.

[0074] Examples of local anesthetics include procaine, tetracaine, bupivacaine, mepipacaine, chloroprocaine, proparacaine, meprylcaine or salts thereof, orthocaine, oxethazaine, oxypolyethyleneoxydecane, Scopolia extract, percaminepase, and tesitdesitin.

[0075] Examples of blood circulation promoters include vanillyl nonyl amide, nicotinic acid benzyl ester, capsaicin, and chili pepper extract.

[0076] Surfactants (other than components (B) and (C)) include nonionic surfactants such as glycerin fatty acid esters, polyglycerin fatty acid esters, sorbitan fatty acid esters, sucrose fatty acid esters, polyethylene glycol fatty acid esters, polyoxyethylene sorbitan fatty acid esters, polyoxyethylene sorbit fatty acid esters, polyoxyethylene alkyl ethers, and lecithin derivatives; sodium polyoxyethylene lauryl ether sulfate, sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium myristyl sulfate, sodium N-lauroyl sarcosinate, sodium N-myristyl sarcosinate, sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate, sodium hydrogenated coconut fatty acid monoglyceride monosulfate, sodium lauryl sulfoacetate, and α-olefin sulfonates. anionic surfactants such as sodium sulfonate, sodium N-palmitoyl glutamate, and sodium N-methyl-N-acyltaurate; cationic surfactants such as lauryl trimethyl ammonium chloride, stearyl trimethyl ammonium chloride, benzethonium chloride, benzalkonium chloride, and stearyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride; and amphoteric surfactants such as coconut oil fatty acid amidopropyl betaine, lauryl dimethyl aminoacetate betaine, lauryl dimethyl amine oxide, 2-alkyl-N-carboxymethyl-N-hydroxyethyl imidazolium betaine, N-lauryl diaminoethyl glycine, N-myristyl diaminoethyl glycine, sodium N-alkyl-1-hydroxyethyl imidazoline betaine, and lecithin.

[0077] Examples of thickening agents include polysaccharides such as pullulan, pullulan derivatives, and starch; hydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl methyl cellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose salts (sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, potassium carboxymethyl cellulose, etc.), methyl cellulose, ethyl cellulose, polyacrylic acid, polyacrylates (sodium polyacrylate, acrylic acid / octyl acrylate copolymer, etc.), copolymers of methacrylic acids (methacrylic acid and acrylic acid Examples of such polymeric substances include cellulose-based polymeric substances such as n-butyl polymers, polymers of methacrylic acid and methyl methacrylate, and polymers of methacrylic acid and ethyl acrylate; synthetic polymeric substances such as carboxyvinyl polymers, polyethylene glycol, polyvinyl alcohol, and polyvinylpyrrolidone; natural polymeric substances such as lectin, alginic acid, alginates (sodium alginate, potassium alginate, magnesium alginate, propylene glycol alginate, triethanolamine alginate, triisopropanolamine alginate, ammonium alginate, butylamine alginate, and diamylamine alginate), sodium chondroitin sulfate, agar, chitosan, and carrageenan; amino acid-based polymeric substances such as collagen and gelatin; and rubber-based polymeric substances such as gum arabic, karaya gum, tragacanth gum, xanthan gum, locust bean gum, guar gum, tamarind gum, and gellan gum.

[0078] Wetting agents include, for example, xylitol, maltitol, lactol, erythritol, and the like.

[0079] Examples of sweeteners include sodium saccharin, stevioside, stevia extract, aspartame, xylitol, starch syrup, honey, sorbitol, maltitol, mannitol, erythritol, and sugars (lactose, sucrose, fructose, glucose, etc.).

[0080] The dyes include, for example, natural dyes, synthetic dyes, and mixtures thereof.

[0081] Examples of deodorants include zinc chloride, sodium copper chlorophyllin, coffee bean extract, burdock powder, green tea, roasted rice bran extract, and the like.

[0082] Examples of pH adjusters include acetic acid, hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, nitric acid, citric acid, malic acid, lactic acid, phosphoric acid, benzoic acid, sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, sodium acetate, sodium carbonate, sodium citrate, sodium hydrogen citrate, sodium lactate, calcium lactate, sodium phosphate, sodium hydrogen phosphate, and sodium benzoate.

[0083] When these components are contained in the oral cavity composition of the present invention, the content thereof may be appropriately set within the range generally used in the relevant technical field.

[0084] [Dosage form / formulation] The dosage form of the oral cavity composition of the present invention is not particularly limited as long as it can be applied to the oral cavity, and examples thereof include liquid and semi-solid forms (gel and paste).

[0085] The formulation of the oral composition of the present invention is not particularly limited as long as it can be applied to the oral cavity and remain there for a certain period of time, and examples thereof include oral hygiene agents such as liquid dentifrice, liquid dentifrice, toothpaste, mouthwash (liquid dentifrice and mouthwash are generally called mouth rinse, mouthwash, dental rinse, etc.), mouth fresheners (mouth spray, etc.), oral ointments, etc. Among these, preferred are liquid dentifrice, mouthwash, etc., and more preferred are mouth rinse, mouth spray, etc.

[0086] [Manufacturing method] The oral composition of the present invention can be produced according to a known method for preparing a solubilized preparation. For example, the oral composition of the present invention can be produced by mixing the components (B) and (C), adding the component (A) thereto and mixing, and then adding the component (D) thereto and mixing.

[0087] 2. Method for suppressing cloudiness, stabilization method, and reducing off-taste The method for suppressing cloudiness of the present invention is a method for suppressing cloudiness of an oral composition containing an oil-soluble flavor, and is characterized in that the oral composition is blended with (A) an oil-soluble flavor, (B) a polyoxyethylene hydrogenated castor oil, (C) a polyoxyethylene polyoxypropylene alkyl ether, and (D) water. The method for suppressing cloudiness of the present invention sufficiently solubilizes the oil-soluble flavor, making it possible to suppress cloudiness of the oral composition.

[0088] The stabilization method of the present invention is a method for stabilizing an oral composition containing an oil-soluble flavor, and is characterized in that the oral composition is formulated with (A) an oil-soluble flavor, (B) polyoxyethylene hydrogenated castor oil, (C) polyoxyethylene polyoxypropylene alkyl ether, and (D) water. The stabilization method of the present invention stably solubilizes the oil-soluble flavor, making it possible to impart storage stability to the oral composition.

[0089] The method for reducing an off-flavor of the present invention is a method for reducing the off-flavor of an oral composition containing a surfactant, and is characterized in that the oral composition is formulated with (A) an oil-soluble flavoring, (B) polyoxyethylene hydrogenated castor oil, (C) polyoxyethylene polyoxypropylene alkyl ether, and (D) water. The method for reducing an off-flavor of the present invention reduces the off-flavor (bitterness, etc.) of the surfactant, and makes it possible to improve the usability of the oral composition.

[0090] In the method for inhibiting cloudiness, the method for stabilization, and the method for reducing an unpleasant taste of the present invention, the types and contents of the components (A) to (D), the other components and their contents, the dosage form and preparation form of the oral composition, etc. are as described in the section "1. Oral composition" above. EXAMPLES

[0091] The present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to examples, but the present invention is not limited to these.

[0092] The pentaerythritol tetraethylhexanoate used in the following Examples, Comparative Examples, and Formulation Examples has an IOB value of 0.35 and a viscosity at 20°C of 140 mPa·s.

[0093] Test Example 1 Mouthwashes were prepared with the compositions shown in Tables 1 to 3. Specifically, ethanol and surfactants (polyoxyethylene hydrogenated castor oil, polyoxyethylene polyoxypropylene alkyl ether, polyoxyethylene sorbitan fatty acid ester, polyglycerin fatty acid ester) were first mixed, and then an oil-soluble fragrance and polar oil were added and mixed to this, and then water, glycerin, and sodium saccharin were added and mixed to prepare the mouthwash.

[0094] Each of the obtained mouthwashes was evaluated for appearance, storage stability, and taste using the following methods. <Appearance> The appearance of the mouthwash was observed immediately after preparation and evaluated according to the following criteria. Appearance criteria - : completely transparent. +: Slightly cloudy. ++: Cloudy and semi-transparent. +++: Cloudy, but slightly transparent. ++++: Completely thick and cloudy with no transparency.

[0095] <Storage stability> Immediately after preparation, 50 ml of each mouthwash was placed in a 110 ml transparent glass container (screw tube No. 8, manufactured by Maruemu Co., Ltd.) and stored under light-shielded conditions at 25° C. for 14 days. The appearance of the mouthwash after storage was visually confirmed and evaluated according to the following criteria. - : completely transparent. +: Slightly cloudy. ++: Cloudy and semi-transparent. +++: Cloudy, but slightly transparent. ++++: Completely thick and cloudy with no transparency. <Taste> Immediately after preparation, each mouthwash was filled into a spray container and sprayed three times (approximately 1.0 ml) into the mouths of five panelists (who had previously brushed their mouths for three minutes without using toothpaste). The taste was then scored according to the criteria shown below, using the unpleasant taste (bitterness) derived from the surfactant as an indicator. 5: No bitterness whatsoever. 4: A slight bitterness is felt, but it doesn't bother me at all 3: There is a slight bitterness, but it doesn't bother me. 2: There is a slight bitterness, but it is hardly noticeable. 1: It tastes bitter and bothers me. 0: Very strong bitter taste, unpleasant.

[0096] Furthermore, the scores judged by each panelist were averaged, and the evaluation results were summarized according to the classification criteria shown below. <Score classification criteria> ◎: Average score is 3 or more ○: Average score is between 2 and 3 points △: Average score is 1 or more but less than 2 points ×: Average score is less than 1 point

[0097] The results are shown in Tables 1 to 3. As a result, in the case where polyoxyethylene hydrogenated castor oil and polyoxyethylene polyoxypropylene alkyl ether were contained together with the oil-soluble flavoring (Examples 1 to 8), cloudiness was suppressed, the appearance was good, and the storage stability and taste (bitterness suppression) were also excellent. On the other hand, in the case where either polyoxyethylene hydrogenated castor oil or polyoxyethylene polyoxypropylene alkyl ether was absent (Comparative Examples 1 to 8), although some of the taste (bitterness suppression) was excellent, the appearance and storage stability were not satisfactory. Furthermore, even in the case where polyoxyethylene sorbitan fatty acid ester or polyglycerin fatty acid ester was used as the surfactant (Comparative Examples 9 and 10), and in the case where polyoxyethylene polyoxypropylene alkyl ether and polyglycerin fatty acid ester were used in combination (Comparative Example 11), all of the appearance, storage stability, and taste (bitterness suppression) were not satisfied.

[0098] [Table 1]

[0099] [Table 2]

[0100] Prescription Examples Mouthwashes having the compositions shown in Table 3 were prepared in a manner similar to that of Test Example 1. All of the obtained mouthwashes had reduced cloudiness, good appearance, and excellent storage stability and taste (suppression of bitterness).

[0101] [Table 3]

Claims

1. An oral composition comprising (A) an oil-soluble flavoring, (B) polyoxyethylene hydrogenated castor oil, (C) polyoxyethylene polyoxypropylene alkyl ether, and (D) water (excluding those containing dextranase and those containing potassium nitrate).

2. 2. The oral composition according to claim 1, wherein the amount of the (C) component is 15 to 150 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of the (B) component, and the total amount of the (B) component and the (C) component is 2 to 3.5% by weight.

3. The oral composition according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising (E) a monohydric lower alcohol.

4. The oral composition according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising (F) a polyhydric alcohol.

5. A method for suppressing clouding of an oral composition containing a fat-soluble flavoring (excluding cases where dextranase is also contained and where potassium nitrate is also contained), comprising: A method for inhibiting cloudiness, comprising blending an oral composition with (A) an oil-soluble flavoring, (B) polyoxyethylene hydrogenated castor oil, (C) polyoxyethylene polyoxypropylene alkyl ether, and (D) water.

6. A method for stabilizing an oral composition containing an oil-soluble flavoring (excluding cases where dextranase is also contained and where potassium nitrate is also contained), comprising the steps of: A stabilization method comprising blending an oral composition with (A) an oil-soluble flavoring, (B) polyoxyethylene hydrogenated castor oil, (C) polyoxyethylene polyoxypropylene alkyl ether, and (D) water.

7. A method for reducing an unpleasant taste of a surfactant in an oral composition containing a surfactant (excluding those containing dextranase and those containing potassium nitrate), comprising: A method for reducing an unpleasant taste, comprising blending an oral composition with (A) an oil-soluble flavoring, (B) polyoxyethylene hydrogenated castor oil, (C) polyoxyethylene polyoxypropylene alkyl ether, and (D) water.

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