Substantially anhydrous concentrated surfactant composition

Abstract

1. A substantially anhydrous concentrated surfactant composition comprising a sugar-based surfactant, an amino acid-based surfactant, a polyglycerol ester, a polyhydroxy ether, or a combination of a polyglycerol ester and a polyhydroxy ether, and optionally, a glycol, wherein the substantially anhydrous concentrated surfactant composition contains less than about 12 percent by weight of water.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 929,738, filed November 1, 2019, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 002,031, filed March 30, 2020, each of which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0002] The present disclosure is directed to surfactant compositions, more particularly to substantially anhydrous concentrated surfactant compositions capable of producing stable foam. Methods for producing stable foam are also disclosed. [Background technology]

[0003] Foam is an important characteristic of cleansing compositions, especially in personal care compositions such as hair shampoos, body gels, soaps, dentifrices, and shaving creams. Aesthetically, foam is an important characteristic because consumers perceive thick, long-lasting foam as a sign of a high-quality product that performs well. Functionally, foam is an important characteristic because it first functions as a carrier to deliver cleansing surfactants to the skin or hair, and then functions as a carrier to help remove emulsified dirt and sebum from the cleansed skin or hair.

[0004] However, to achieve these aesthetic and functional goals, the foam must exist in a wet, or spherical, form. If the foam generated is unstable, it will change from a wet form to a dry, or hexagonal, form relatively quickly, i.e., in less than about 2 minutes. Because the bubbles in a dry foam break quickly, a dermatologically acceptable composition will not provide the aesthetic and functional foam characteristics typically required for consumer acceptance of the composition.

[0005] Foams are created by dispersing air or gas in a surfactant-containing liquid. The mechanism for dispersing a gas in a surfactant-containing liquid is similar to the dispersion of two immiscible liquids during the formation of an emulsion. Thus, gas bubbles dispersed in a liquid are stabilized in the same way as emulsions, namely, by the formation of a surfactant layer at the gas-liquid interface. The surfactant layer keeps the gas bubbles separated and prevents "coalescence," i.e., the coalescence of small gas bubbles to form larger gas bubbles. In general, a denser, more compact surfactant layer results in the formation of smaller bubbles and slows the coalescence mechanism.

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

[0007] Over time, the liquid present in the gaps between the individual gas bubbles will drain away due to gravity. Depending on the nature and chemical structure of the surfactant in the liquid, a lamellar liquid crystal layer will form and be located at the gas-liquid interface. If the viscosity of the lamellar layer is low, the surfactant-containing liquid between the individual gas bubbles will drain away relatively easily, and the spherical morphology of the bubbles can change relatively quickly to a hexagonal morphology. The hexagonal bubbles will rapidly break down. The transition from a spherical morphology to a hexagonal morphology due to bubble aging can be visually observed. A hexagonal morphology of the bubbles is called a "dry foam." Dry foam is unstable, and the bubbles break down quickly, resulting in a rapid decrease in volume.

[0008] However, if the lamellar surfactant layer has a relatively high viscosity, the transition from spherical to hexagonal foam morphology can be delayed. The rate of foam transition from spherical to hexagonal foam morphology determines how the foam is used in practical applications and how the foam is perceived aesthetically. For example, for shampoos and shower gels, a foam transition time of approximately 2 minutes or less, i.e., a metastable foam structure, is desirable. Foam stability is controlled by many factors related to the physicochemical properties of the surfactant solution, such as surface tension, thin film surface tension (lamellar foam), surface viscosity, and elasticity, among others. A less stable foam can result in insufficient wetting and distribution of surfactant on the skin or hair. During application of shampoo or shower gel to the skin or hair, some of the foam transitions to a hexagonal state, allowing surfactant to escape between the bubbles and wet the hair or skin upon contact. New foam bubbles are then generated by continuously rubbing the shampoo or shower gel against the skin or hair. The foam bubbles act as a carrier to lift and remove dirt and sebum from the skin or hair, and additional water rinses it away. Aesthetically, spherical bubbles are desirable. Functionally, the transition to a hexagonal shape and regeneration of spherical bubbles provides cleansing.

[0009] Other foam applications, such as shaving foam, require much higher stability of foam, because the foam applied cannot be regenerated by continuous friction, and it takes a relatively long time to complete the entire shaving process.In addition, smooth shaving requires conditioning and sufficient wetting of hair and skin.Sufficient wetting of surfactant foaming can only occur when surfactant-containing liquid can flow out of the foam film and contact with skin, and flowing out occurs more easily when foam bubbles are spherical.

[0010] The structural differences between wet, spherical bubbles and dry, hexagonal bubbles are illustrated in Figures 3 and 4 of US 5,911,811. Figure 3 of US 5,911,811 clearly shows both the lamellar liquid crystalline surfactant structure that stabilizes each bubble in the wet foam and the large amount of surfactant-containing liquid between the individual bubbles. The relatively thick surfactant structure shown in Figure 3 also retards the coalescence of adjacent bubbles into a single, larger bubble. In contrast, Figure 4 of US 5,911,811 shows the lack of stabilizing surfactant structure around the hexagonal bubbles and the relative lack of surfactant-containing liquid between the bubbles.

[0011] The most commonly used sulfated anionic surfactants are well known for their ability to produce large amounts of stable foam and emulsify dirt and oil, making them effective skin and hair cleansers. Sulfated anionic surfactants include anionic sulfates and anionic sulfonates. As a result of these properties, sulfated anionic surfactants have been the primary surfactants used in shampoos and other skin and hair cleansing products. However, sulfated anionic surfactants have disadvantages. For example, sulfated anionic surfactants can strip hair of the natural oils that condition it, thereby damaging the hair and leaving it feeling dry after shampooing. Sulfated anionic surfactants are also too harsh on the skin and eyes; therefore, sulfated anionic surfactants are generally unsuitable for use in baby shampoos and pet products.

[0012] Amphoteric and nonionic surfactants are relatively gentle on the skin and eyes and do not strip the hair of its natural oils. However, amphoteric and nonionic surfactants usually do not generate as much foam as sulfated anionic surfactants. Therefore, shampoos and similar cleansers based primarily on amphoteric and nonionic surfactants have not been well received by consumers. However, amphoteric and nonionic surfactants have been used in combination with sulfated anionic surfactants in an attempt to provide shampoos that utilize the foaming properties of sulfated anionic surfactants while mitigating the unfavorable properties of sulfated anionic surfactants with nonionic or amphoteric surfactants. However, ethoxylated nonionic surfactants are poorly biodegradable and, like sulfated anionic surfactants, can strip hair of its natural oils, thereby damaging it and causing dryness in newly shampooed hair. Furthermore, these surfactants are not preferred because dioxane is produced during their manufacture. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

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

[0014] Furthermore, the substantially anhydrous concentrated surfactant compositions disclosed herein can produce surprising amounts of foam when combined together, i.e., the substantially anhydrous concentrated surfactant compositions disclosed herein can advantageously exhibit a synergistic foaming effect when compared with their individual components. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the substantially anhydrous concentrated surfactant compositions disclosed herein can exhibit a shear-thickening effect, which can stabilize wet foam for a longer period of time, for example, when water is added to generate foam. This can be particularly desirable in certain applications (e.g., when washing hair or applying body wash). Such rheopectic fluids are a rare class of non-Newtonian fluids that exhibit an increase in viscosity over time, thickening or solidifying when shaken or agitated. The longer a rheopectic fluid is subjected to shear forces, the higher its viscosity becomes, as the rheopectic fluid's microstructure builds under continued shear (presumably due to shear-induced crystallization).

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

[0016] As used herein, the term "free" means that a component is not intentionally added to the substantially anhydrous surfactant composition according to the present disclosure, but may be present as a by-product or contaminant such that the surfactant composition according to the present disclosure may contain up to about 0.1 wt. % of the particular component, based on the weight of the substantially anhydrous surfactant composition.

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

[0018] As used herein, the term "about" means + / - 10% of any recited value, or in alternative embodiments, + / - 5% of any recited value. As used herein, the term modifies a recited value, range of values, or one or more of the endpoints of a range.

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

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

[0021] When weight percentages are given herein, they are given in terms of 100% active ingredient. Consequently, the weight percentages given herein can also be stated as the "percent actives" of a given ingredient, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0022] The sugar-based surfactant can be selected from C8-C16 alkylglucosides, C8-C16 alkylpolyglucosides, or a combination of C8-C16 alkylglucosides and C8-C16 alkylpolyglucosides. The sugar-based surfactant containing at least one of C8-C16 alkylglucosides and / or C8-C16 alkylpolyglucosides can be a non-ionic sugar-based (i.e., glucose-based) surfactant, but can also be a salt of the sugar-based surfactant. A combination of a non-ionic sugar-based surfactant and a salt of the sugar-based surfactant can also be used as the sugar-based surfactant. The sugar-based surfactant may be present in the substantially anhydrous surfactant composition according to the present disclosure in an amount of about 5 weight percent (wt%) to about 50 wt%, about 7.5 weight percent (wt%) to about 50 wt%, about 10 weight percent (wt%) to about 50 wt%, about 10 weight percent (wt%) to about 40 wt%, about 15 wt% to about 30 wt%, and / or 17.5 wt% to about 25 wt%, e.g., about 20 wt%, based on the total weight of the composition.

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

[0024] Amino acid-based surfactants are anionic surfactants derived from amino acids and C8-C16 fatty acids. Typically, amino acid-based surfactants are derived from amino acids such as sarcosine, glutamine, glycine, alanine, or glycine. C8-C16 acyl sarcosinate, C8-C16 acyl glutamate, C8-C16 acyl alaninate, and / or C8-C16 acyl glycinate are suitable amino acid surfactants. The amino acid-based surfactant may be present in the substantially anhydrous surfactant composition disclosed herein in an amount of about 10 weight percent (wt%) to about 40 wt%, about 10 wt% to about 30 wt%, about 15 wt% to about 30 wt%, and / or 17.5 wt% to about 25 wt%, for example, about 20 wt%, based on the total weight of the composition.

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

[0026] In a preferred embodiment, C8-C16 acyl sarcosinates are preferred because their solubility in glycols and / or polyhydroxyethers allows the amount of water to be minimized. In a further preferred embodiment, the disclosed substantially anhydrous surfactant composition does not include sodium cocoyl isethionate, sodium lauroyl glutamate, sodium cocoyl glycinate, and / or potassium cocoyl glycinate.

[0027] When included, polyglycerol esters are important components in that they can provide synergistic foam-boosting and shear-thickening properties to the substantially anhydrous surfactant compositions disclosed herein, particularly compared to the combination of other components of the composition. Furthermore, the incorporation of polyglycerol ester components into the substantially anhydrous surfactant compositions disclosed herein advantageously solubilizes various other ingredients, thereby minimizing the amount of water and / or glycol carrier solvent in the composition. Polyglycerol esters may be present in the substantially anhydrous surfactant compositions according to the present disclosure in an amount of about 15 weight percent (wt%) to about 45 wt%, about 20 wt% to about 40 wt%, and / or 25 wt% to about 35 wt%, e.g., about 30 wt%. Suitable polyglycerol esters include, but are not limited to, polyglycerol 2 caprate, polyglycerol 2 caprylate, polyglycerol 3 caprate, polyglycerol 3 caprylate, polyglycerol 2 laurate, polyglycerol 3 laurate, polyglycerol 3 cocoate, polyglycerol 4 caprate, polyglycerol 4 caprylate, polyglycerol 4 laurate, polyglycerol 4 cocoate, and combinations of the foregoing. In one embodiment, the polyglycerol ester is the primary surfactant in the composition, i.e., the polyglycerol ester is present in an amount greater than the other surfactants in the composition (based on the amount of active agent present in the composition). Polyglycerol 2 caprate is a preferred polyglycerol ester for use in the substantially anhydrous concentrated surfactant compositions according to the present disclosure.

[0028] When included, polyhydroxyethers are also important components in that they can provide a synergistic foam-boosting effect to the substantially anhydrous surfactant compositions disclosed herein, particularly compared to the combination of other components in the composition. Furthermore, the incorporation of polyhydroxyether components into the substantially anhydrous surfactant compositions disclosed herein advantageously solubilizes various other components, thereby minimizing the amount of water and / or glycol carrier solvent in the composition. Polyhydroxyethers may be present in the substantially anhydrous surfactant compositions according to the present disclosure in an amount of about 10 weight percent (wt%) to about 45 wt%, about 15 wt% to about 40 wt%, and / or 20 wt% to about 35 wt%, e.g., about 25 wt%. Suitable polyhydroxyethers include, but are not limited to, glycerol ethers, alkyl glycerols, and combinations of the foregoing. Generally, the alkyl groups in the glycerol ethers and alkyl glycerols contain 5 or fewer carbon atoms. In one embodiment, the polyhydroxyether is the primary surfactant in the composition, i.e., the polyhydroxyether is present in an amount greater than the other surfactants in the composition (based on the amount of active agent present in the composition). Diglycerol, also known as diglycerol, more formally known as (3-(2,3-dihydroxypropoxy)propane-1,2-diol), is a preferred polyhydroxyether for use in the substantially anhydrous concentrated surfactant compositions according to the present disclosure.

[0029] Because the amino acid-based surfactants in the substantially anhydrous concentrated surfactant compositions according to the present disclosure are generally powders, a carrier is typically required to help solubilize the composition. Accordingly, glycols are typically included in the substantially anhydrous surfactant compositions according to the present disclosure in amounts of about 10 weight percent (wt%) to less than 40 wt%, about 15 wt% to about 35 wt%, 20 wt% to about 35 wt%, and / or 20 wt% to about 30 wt%, e.g., about 25 wt% or about 30 wt%. Suitable glycols include, but are not limited to, propylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, propanediol, and combinations thereof. Glycols in amounts greater than 40 wt% should be avoided. Furthermore, the substantially anhydrous concentrated surfactant compositions according to the present disclosure may contain less than 5 wt% of other glycols, such as butylene glycol, pentylene glycol, hexylene glycol, and glycerin, but are more preferably free of them.

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

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

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

[0033] In embodiments, the disclosed substantially anhydrous surfactant compositions are free of betaine and / or sulfonated surfactants. For example, the disclosed substantially anhydrous surfactant compositions may be free of disodium lauryl sulfosuccinate, sodium C14-16 olefin sulfonate, and / or lauramidopropyl betaine.

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

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

[0036] As used herein, any reference to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular element, feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. The appearances of the phrase "in one embodiment" in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment.

[0037] Additionally, the use of "a" or "an" is used to describe elements and components of embodiments herein. This is done merely for convenience and to give a general sense of the description. This specification, and the claims that follow, should be read to include one or at least one, and the singular includes the plural unless it is clear that otherwise is meant.

[0038] While the foregoing text sets forth detailed descriptions of many different embodiments, it should be understood that the legal scope of the present invention is defined by the language of the claims at the end of this patent. The detailed description should be construed as merely exemplary and does not describe every possible embodiment, as doing so would be impractical, if not impossible. Many alternative embodiments may be implemented using either current technology or technology developed after the filing date of this patent, and still fall within the scope of the claims.

[0039] Example 1 A surfactant composition according to the present disclosure was prepared by combining the following ingredients in the amounts shown in Table 1. [Table 1]

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

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

[0042] Δv=v3min-v1min [Table 2]

[0043] The temperature of a mixture containing the surfactant composition according to Example 1 and added water was monitored. In the following experiment, the addition of water to the surfactant composition causes a 4°C increase in temperature. 30 to 50 g of the surfactant composition of Example 1 was added to 100 g of water at 25°C, and the temperature was 29°C after mixing for 1 minute. To 100 g of water at 20°C, 30 to 50 g of the surfactant composition of Example 1 was added, and the temperature was 24°C after mixing for 1 minute.

[0044] The demonstrated temperature increase is easily perceptible to the consumer, so that when applying the composition, the change can actually be felt, creating an experience where the consumer can perceive that the product is performing its intended cleaning purpose.

[0045] Example 2 Additional surfactant compositions according to the present disclosure were prepared by combining the following ingredients in the amounts shown in Table 2: [Table 3]

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

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

[0048] Δv=v3min-v1min [Table 4]

[0049] The temperature of a mixture containing the surfactant composition according to Example 1 and added water was monitored. In the following experiment, the addition of water to the surfactant composition causes a 4°C increase in temperature. 30 to 50 g of the surfactant composition of Example 2 was added to 100 g of water at 25°C, and the temperature was 29°C after mixing for 1 minute. 30 to 50 g of the surfactant composition of Example 2 was added to 100 g of water at 20°C, and the temperature was 24°C after mixing for 1 minute.

[0050] The demonstrated increase in temperature is easily perceptible to the consumer, and thus, when applying the composition, this change can actually be felt, creating an experience where the consumer can perceive that the product is performing its intended cleaning purpose.

Claims

1. 1. A substantially anhydrous concentrated surfactant composition comprising: A sugar-based surfactant; Amino acid-based surfactants, at least one of at least one polyglycerol ester and / or at least one polyhydroxy ether; glycol, the substantially anhydrous surfactant composition is a rheopectic fluid containing less than 12 weight percent water; the sugar-based surfactant comprises a C8-C16 alkyl glucoside, a C8-C16 alkyl polyglucoside, or a combination of a C8-C16 alkyl glucoside and a C8-C16 alkyl polyglucoside present in an amount of 5 weight percent (wt. %) to 50 wt. % based on the total weight of the composition; the amino acid-based surfactant comprises a C8-C16 acyl sarcosinate, a C8-C16 acyl glutamate, a C8-C16 acyl alaninate, a C8-C16 acyl glycinate, or a combination thereof, present in an amount of 10 weight percent (wt. %) to 40 wt. %, based on the total weight of the composition; the polyglycerol ester, when present, comprises polyglycerol 2 caprate, polyglycerol 2 caprylate, polyglycerol 3 caprate, polyglycerol 3 caprylate, polyglycerol 2 laurate, polyglycerol 3 laurate, polyglycerol 3 cocoate, polyglycerol 4 caprate, polyglycerol 4 caprylate, polyglycerol 4 laurate, polyglycerol 4 cocoate, or combinations thereof, present in an amount of 10 weight percent (wt. %) to 45 wt. %, based on the total weight of the composition; the polyhydroxyether, when present, comprises a glycerol ether, or an alkylglycerol, or a combination thereof, present in an amount of 10 weight percent (wt. %) to 45 wt. %, based on the total weight of the composition, wherein the alkyl group of the glycerol ether and the alkylglycerol comprises 5 or fewer carbon atoms; 1. A substantially anhydrous concentrated surfactant composition comprising propylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, propanediol, or a combination thereof, wherein the glycol is present in an amount of 10 weight percent (wt. %) to 40 wt. %, based on the total weight of the composition.

2. 10. The substantially anhydrous concentrated surfactant composition of claim 1, wherein the sugar-based surfactant comprises decyl glucoside, heptyl glucoside, octyl glucoside, lauryl glucoside, coco glucoside, coco glucoside disodium citrate, coco glucoside sodium tartrate, coco glucoside sodium succinate, or combinations thereof.

3. 3. The substantially anhydrous concentrated surfactant composition of claim 1, wherein the sugar-based surfactant is present in an amount of 10 weight percent (wt. %) to 40 wt. %, based on the total weight of the composition.

4. The amino acid-based surfactant may be sodium lauroyl sarcosinate, sodium cocoyl sarcosinate, sodium myristoyl sarcosinate, ammonium lauroyl sarcosinate, ammonium cocoyl sarcosinate, isopropyl lauroyl sarcosinate, potassium cocoyl sarcosinate, potassium lauroyl sarcosinate, sodium lauroyl glutamate, sodium cocoyl glutamate, sodium myristoyl glutamate, ammonium lauroyl glutamate, ammonium cocoyl glutamate, isopropyl lauroyl glutamate, potassium cocoyl glutamate, potassium lauroyl glutamate, sodium lauroyl alanine, 4. The substantially anhydrous concentrated surfactant composition of claim 1, comprising sodium cocoyl alaninate, sodium myristoyl alaninate, ammonium lauroyl alaninate, ammonium cocoyl alaninate, isopropyl lauroyl alaninate, potassium cocoyl alaninate, potassium lauroyl alaninate, and combinations thereof; sodium lauroyl glycinate, sodium cocoyl glycinate, sodium myristoyl glycinate, ammonium lauroyl glycinate, ammonium cocoyl glycinate, isopropyl lauroyl glycinate, potassium cocoyl glycinate, potassium lauroyl glycinate, and combinations thereof.

5. 5. A substantially anhydrous concentrated surfactant composition according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the amino acid-based surfactant is present in an amount of from 15% to 30% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition.

6. 6. A substantially anhydrous concentrated surfactant composition according to claim 1, wherein said polyhydroxyether is present.

7. 7. A substantially anhydrous concentrated surfactant composition according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the polyhydroxyether is the primary surfactant in the composition.

8. 8. A substantially anhydrous concentrated surfactant composition according to claim 1, wherein the polyhydroxyether is diglycerin.

9. 9. A substantially anhydrous concentrated surfactant composition according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the polyhydroxyether is present in an amount of from 20% to 40% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition.

10. 10. A substantially anhydrous concentrated surfactant composition according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the glycol is present in an amount of from 15% to 35% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition.

11. 11. The substantially anhydrous concentrated surfactant composition according to claim 1, wherein the substantially anhydrous concentrated surfactant composition contains less than 5 wt. % glycol other than propylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, propanediol, or combinations thereof, based on the total weight of the composition.

12. 12. The substantially anhydrous concentrated surfactant composition according to claim 1, wherein the substantially anhydrous concentrated surfactant composition contains less than 5% by weight of water, based on the total weight of the composition.

13. 13. A personal care composition comprising the substantially anhydrous concentrated surfactant composition of any one of claims 1 to 12, which is free of sulfated anionic surfactants.

14. 14. The personal care composition of claim 13, wherein the personal care composition is selected from the group consisting of shaving foam, dentifrice, shampoo, shower gel, soap, and hair care foam.

15. 1. A substantially anhydrous concentrated surfactant composition comprising: A sugar-based surfactant; Amino acid-based surfactants, Polyglycerol esters, glycol, the substantially anhydrous surfactant composition is a rheopectic fluid containing less than 12 weight percent water; the sugar-based surfactant comprises a C8-C16 alkyl glucoside, a C8-C16 alkyl polyglucoside, or a combination of a C8-C16 alkyl glucoside and a C8-C16 alkyl polyglucoside present in an amount of 5 weight percent (wt. %) to 50 wt. % based on the total weight of the composition; the amino acid-based surfactant comprises a C8-C16 acyl sarcosinate, a C8-C16 acyl glutamate, a C8-C16 acyl alaninate, a C8-C16 acyl glycinate, or a combination thereof, present in an amount of 10 weight percent (wt. %) to 40 wt. %, based on the total weight of the composition; the polyglycerol ester comprises polyglycerol 2 caprate, polyglycerol 2 caprylate, polyglycerol 3 caprate, polyglycerol 3 caprylate, polyglycerol 2 laurate, polyglycerol 3 laurate, polyglycerol 3 cocoate, polyglycerol 4 caprate, polyglycerol 4 caprylate, polyglycerol 4 laurate, polyglycerol 4 cocoate, or combinations thereof, present in an amount of 10 weight percent (wt. %) to 45 wt. %, based on the total weight of the composition; 1. A substantially anhydrous concentrated surfactant composition comprising propylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, propanediol, or a combination thereof, wherein the glycol is present in an amount of 10 weight percent (wt. %) to 40 wt. %, based on the total weight of the composition.

16. 16. The substantially anhydrous concentrated surfactant composition of claim 15, wherein the sugar-based surfactant comprises decyl glucoside, heptyl glucoside, octyl glucoside, lauryl glucoside, coco glucoside, coco glucoside disodium citrate, coco glucoside sodium tartrate, coco glucoside sodium succinate, or combinations thereof.

17. 17. The substantially anhydrous concentrated surfactant composition of any one of claims 15-16, wherein the sugar-based surfactant is present in an amount of 10 weight percent (wt. %) to 40 wt. %, based on the total weight of the composition.

18. The amino acid-based surfactant may be sodium lauroyl sarcosinate, sodium cocoyl sarcosinate, sodium myristoyl sarcosinate, ammonium lauroyl sarcosinate, ammonium cocoyl sarcosinate, isopropyl lauroyl sarcosinate, potassium cocoyl sarcosinate, potassium lauroyl sarcosinate, sodium lauroyl glutamate, sodium cocoyl glutamate, sodium myristoyl glutamate, ammonium lauroyl glutamate, ammonium cocoyl glutamate, isopropyl lauroyl glutamate, potassium cocoyl glutamate, potassium lauroyl glutamate, sodium lauroyl alanine, 18. The substantially anhydrous concentrated surfactant composition of any one of claims 15 to 17, comprising sodium cocoyl alaninate, sodium myristoyl alaninate, ammonium lauroyl alaninate, ammonium cocoyl alaninate, isopropyl lauroyl alaninate, potassium cocoyl alaninate, potassium lauroyl alaninate, and combinations thereof; sodium lauroyl glycinate, sodium cocoyl glycinate, sodium myristoyl glycinate, ammonium lauroyl glycinate, ammonium cocoyl glycinate, isopropyl lauroyl glycinate, potassium cocoyl glycinate, potassium lauroyl glycinate, and combinations thereof.

19. 19. The substantially anhydrous concentrated surfactant composition of any one of claims 15 to 18, wherein the amino acid-based surfactant is present in an amount of from 15% to 30% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition.

20. 20. The substantially anhydrous concentrated surfactant composition of any one of claims 15 to 19, wherein the polyglycerol ester is the primary surfactant in the composition.

21. 21. A substantially anhydrous concentrated surfactant composition according to any one of claims 15 to 20, wherein the polyglycerol ester is present in an amount of from 20% to 40% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition.

22. 22. A substantially anhydrous concentrated surfactant composition according to any one of claims 15 to 21, wherein the glycol is present in an amount of from 15% to 35% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition.

23. 23. The substantially anhydrous concentrated surfactant composition according to any one of claims 15 to 22, wherein the substantially anhydrous concentrated surfactant composition contains less than 5 wt. % glycol other than propylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, propanediol, or combinations thereof, based on the total weight of the composition.

24. 24. The substantially anhydrous concentrated surfactant composition according to any one of claims 15 to 23, wherein the substantially anhydrous concentrated surfactant composition contains less than 5 wt. % water, based on the total weight of the composition.

25. 25. A personal care composition comprising the substantially anhydrous concentrated surfactant composition of any one of claims 15 to 24, which is free of sulfated anionic surfactants.

26. 26. The personal care composition of claim 25, wherein the personal care composition is selected from the group consisting of shaving foam, dentifrice, shampoo, shower gel, soap, and hair care foam.

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