Better-feeling alcohol-based rub-in hand sanitizer composition

Abstract

The present invention provides an alcohol-based rub-in hand sanitizer composition with a good feel in use. The alcohol-based rub-in hand sanitizer composition of the present invention is a liquid or viscous composition having a pH of 5.5 to 7.5 and comprising the following components: (A) a lower alcohol: 50 to 90 vol%; (B) at least one polyhydric alcohol selected from the group consisting of glycerin, 1,3-butylene glycol, and propylene glycol: 0.01 to 1.0 mass%; (C) isopropyl myristate and a glycerin fatty acid ester: each 0.01 to 0.12 mass%; and (D) water.

Description

Alcohol-based hand rub disinfectant composition with improved usability

[0001] The present invention relates to an alcohol-based hand rub-type disinfectant composition based on a lower alcohol such as ethanol.

[0002] As the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) spreads worldwide, there is growing awareness of the importance of hand hygiene as an infection prevention measure. In response, the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare issued a notice stating that high-concentration alcohol (ethanol concentration: 70-83 vol%) is effective. This has led to an increase in demand for alcohol-based disinfectants based on lower alcohols, not only for hand washing but also for disinfecting in everyday life.

[0003] On the other hand, as the use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers has increased, many problems with alcohol-based hand sanitizers have been pointed out. First, a general problem with alcohol-based hand sanitizers is that as the alcohol evaporates, moisture in the skin decreases, causing dehydration and "roughening of the hands." Furthermore, problems have been pointed out with liquid hand sanitizers (liquid type), such as "overflowing from the hands" and "splashing" when sprayed. On the other hand, viscous hand sanitizers (gel type) can solve the problems of the liquid type, but they also have new problems such as a poor feel when used, such as "stickiness."

[0004] Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are extremely useful not only for the novel coronavirus, but also for combating seasonal influenza, food poisoning, etc. Therefore, in order to widely establish alcohol-based hand sanitizer as a daily habit even after the COVID-19 pandemic has subsided, it is necessary to develop an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that can be used comfortably every day by resolving the above-mentioned problems.

[0005] Various compositions for hand disinfection based on lower alcohols such as ethanol have been proposed. For example, Patent Document 1 describes a viscous disinfectant composition with high practical value, which has an easy-to-use, moderate viscosity, excellent durability of disinfecting effect after use, and leaves hands smooth (smooth to the touch). The composition is composed of 50 to 95% by volume of ethanol, 0.1 to 3.0% by weight of a carboxyvinyl polymer, 0.01 to 2.0% by weight of an alkanolamine, and 5 to 50% by volume of water, and has a pH of 5 to 8. It also describes that a quaternary ammonium salt or a fatty acid ester can be blended. However, there is no description or suggestion of using a glycerin fatty acid ester and isopropyl myristate in combination in a specific ratio as the fatty acid ester.

[0006] Furthermore, Patent Document 2 describes an inexpensive topical germicidal disinfectant that has bactericidal activity effective against a wide range of microorganisms, is safe (low toxicity), and prevents rough hands when used for hand disinfection, and contains 80 to 85 vol% ethanol, 3.7 to 10 vol% isopropanol, and one or more moisturizing ingredients selected from glycerin, propylene glycol, sorbitol, 1,3-butylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, hyaluronate, and urea to prevent rough hands. However, there is no mention or suggestion of blending a fatty acid ester or using a glycerin fatty acid ester and isopropyl myristate in combination in a specific ratio as the fatty acid ester.

[0007] Furthermore, Patent Document 3 describes that in a hand rub antiseptic composition containing ethanol as a lower alcohol, at least 0.2 wt% isopropyl myristate can be added as an anti-pilling agent, and glycol and / or phenoxyethanol can also be added to improve the feel on the skin. Patent Document 3 also describes that in a gel-type hand rub antiseptic composition containing 70 v / v% ethanol, 0.3 w / w% Carbopol, 0.5 w / w% dipropylene glycol, and 0.2 w / w% isopropyl myristate, reducing the amount of isopropyl myristate to 0.1 w / w% results in a loss of smoothness and an increased dry feeling compared to when isopropyl myristate is not added (see Table 8). It also describes that adding the softener glyceryl laurate instead of isopropyl myristate results in a heavy, sticky feel on the skin (Table 4).

[0008] Also available on the market are quick-drying, rub-on hand sanitizers that contain 76.9 to 81.4 v / v% ethanol as an active ingredient, are formulated with phosphoric acid as an additive, and are weakly acidic (pH 3.0 to 4.0), making them effective against a wide range of microorganisms, including non-enveloped viruses (Non-Patent Documents 1 and 2). It has been known that adjusting the pH of an alcoholic solution to an acidic or alkaline range increases its inactivation effect against non-enveloped viruses, while adjusting the pH closer to neutral decreases its inactivation effect (Non-Patent Document 3). For this reason, these quick-drying, rub-on hand sanitizers are disinfectants that take advantage of the properties of alcoholic solutions. These rub-in hand disinfectants are available in two types: a liquid type disinfectant (Non-Patent Document 1) which contains, in addition to the phosphoric acid, glycerin, allantoin, isopropyl myristate, glycerin fatty acid ester, ethyl parahydroxybenzoate, N-cocoyl L-arginine ethyl, and DL-pyrrolidone carboxylate as additives, and a gel type disinfectant (Non-Patent Document 2) which further contains hydroxypropyl cellulose.

[0009] Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 4-305504 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2004-155712 Special Publication No. 2016-505576

[0010] Pharmaceutical interview form "Ravishot (registered trademark) quick-drying rub-in hand sanitizer" Revised June 2016 (3rd edition) Pharmaceutical interview form "Ravigel (registered trademark) quick-drying rub-in hand sanitizer" Revised June 2016 (3rd edition) Matsumura et al., "Efficacy evaluation of virucidal alcohol-based hand sanitizers," Journal of the Japanese Society for Antibacterial and Antifungal Agents, Vol. 41, No. 8, pp. 421-425 (2013)

[0011] The present invention aims to provide an alcohol-based hand rub-type disinfectant composition based on a lower alcohol such as ethanol, which is preferably effective in preventing infectious diseases caused by various microorganisms including the novel coronavirus, and which provides an excellent feel on the hands when used.

[0012] In the course of their daily research and development work, the present inventors discovered that when a liquid disinfectant composition containing 50 to 90 v / v % of a lower alcohol, which is effective in preventing infectious diseases caused by various microorganisms, is blended with a polyhydric alcohol such as glycerin, which is known as a moisturizing agent, the moisture of the hands after rubbing is slightly improved, but there is a problem that the more the amount blended, the more resistance there is to rubbing the composition into the hands and the more creaky the sensation after rubbing. To solve this problem, further investigations were conducted and it was found that by blending a predetermined amount of a polyhydric alcohol in combination with a predetermined amount of isopropyl myristate and a predetermined amount of a glycerin fatty acid ester as fatty acid esters, the resistance to rubbing and the creaky sensation after rubbing are reduced and the moisture is further increased.

[0013] Furthermore, to solve the problem of liquid disinfectant compositions spilling over or splashing around, the inventors have found that by blending a liquid disinfectant composition with a lower alcohol concentration of 50-90% v / v and a thixotropic acrylic acid polymer such as a carboxyl vinyl polymer as a thickener, the composition becomes viscous when dispensed, eliminating the problem, and becomes liquid when rubbed into the hands. On the other hand, they have found that blending a polyhydric alcohol such as glycerin as a moisturizer slightly improves the moisture content of the hands after rubbing, but creates a sense of resistance when rubbed in, and produces a squeaky feeling after rubbing. To solve this problem, the above-mentioned method, i.e., blending a predetermined amount of polyhydric alcohol with a predetermined amount of isopropyl myristate and a predetermined amount of glycerin fatty acid ester as fatty acid esters, is effective. Furthermore, by blending the two in combination, the slimy and sticky feeling caused by blending only one of them is significantly suppressed, resulting in a moist and pleasant feel.

[0014] The present invention was completed based on these findings and further investigations, and includes the following embodiments. (I) Liquid rub-in type hand antiseptic composition (I-1) A rub-in type hand antiseptic composition having a pH of 5.5 to 7.5, containing the following components: (A) 50 to 90% by volume of a lower alcohol, (B) 0.01 to 1.0% by mass of at least one polyhydric alcohol selected from the group consisting of glycerin, 1,3-butylene glycol, and propylene glycol, (C) 0.01 to 0.12% by mass of each of isopropyl myristate and glycerin fatty acid esters, and (D) water. (I-2) The rub-in type hand antiseptic composition according to (I-1), wherein the lower alcohol is at least one selected from ethanol, n-propyl alcohol, and isopropyl alcohol, preferably ethanol. (I-3) A rub-in type hand disinfectant composition according to (I-1) or (I-2), wherein the ratio of isopropyl myristate to glycerin fatty acid ester in component (C) is 8 to 1,200 parts by mass of glycerin fatty acid ester per 100 parts by mass of isopropyl myristate. (I-4) A rub-in type hand disinfectant composition according to any of (I-1) to (I-3), wherein the glycerin fatty acid ester in component (C) is a glycerin fatty acid ester in which a saturated or unsaturated fatty acid having 6 to 16 carbon atoms is ester-bonded to one hydroxy group of glycerin. (I-5) A rub-in type hand disinfectant composition according to any of (I-1) to (I-4), wherein the glycerin fatty acid ester in component (C) is a glycerin fatty acid ester other than a lauric acid fatty acid ester, preferably a capric acid fatty acid ester. (I-6) A rub-in type hand disinfectant composition according to any of (I-1) to (I-5), which is a liquid hand disinfectant composition.

[0015] (II) Viscous rub-in type hand disinfectant composition (II-1) A rub-in type hand disinfectant composition having a pH of 5.5 to 7.5, comprising the following components: (A) a lower alcohol: 50 to 90% by volume, (B) at least one polyhydric alcohol selected from the group consisting of glycerin, 1,3-butylene glycol, and propylene glycol: 0.01 to 1.0% by mass, (C) isopropyl myristate and glycerin fatty acid ester: each 0.01 to 0.12% by mass, (E) at least one acrylic acid polymer selected from the group consisting of a carboxyvinyl polymer and an acrylic acid / alkyl methacrylate copolymer, (F) a pH adjuster, and (D) water. (II-2) The rub-in type hand disinfectant composition according to (II-1), wherein the lower alcohol is at least one selected from ethanol, n-propyl alcohol, and isopropyl alcohol, preferably ethanol. (II-3) A rub-in type hand disinfectant composition according to (II-1) or (II-2), wherein the ratio of isopropyl myristate to glycerin fatty acid ester in component (C) is 8 to 1,200 parts by mass, preferably 10 to 100 parts by mass, of glycerin fatty acid ester per 100 parts by mass of isopropyl myristate. (II-4) A rub-in type hand disinfectant composition according to any of (II-1) to (II-3), wherein the glycerin fatty acid ester in component (C) is a glycerin fatty acid ester in which a saturated or unsaturated fatty acid having 6 to 16 carbon atoms is ester-bonded to one hydroxy group of glycerin. (II-5) A rub-in type hand disinfectant composition according to any of (II-1) to (II-4), wherein the glycerin fatty acid ester in component (C) is a glycerin fatty acid ester other than a lauric acid fatty acid ester, preferably a capric acid fatty acid ester. (II-6) A hand disinfectant composition according to any one of (II-1) to (II-5), in which the carboxyvinyl polymer of component (C) has the following properties: the viscosity of a 0.2 w / v% aqueous solution (pH 7.0-7.5, 20±1°C) measured using a Brookfield rotational viscometer (No. 2 or No. 4, 12 revolutions) is 1500 to 50,000 mPa s, preferably 1500 to 30,000 mPa s, more preferably 1500 to 7,500 mPa s.(II-7) A rub-in type hand disinfectant composition according to any one of (II-1) to (II-6), in which the acrylic acid / alkyl methacrylate copolymer of component (C) is an (acrylates / alkyl acrylate (C10-30)) crosspolymer having the following properties: the viscosity of a 0.5 w / v% aqueous solution (pH 7.0-7.5, 20±1°C) measured using a Brookfield rotational viscometer (No. 2 or No. 4, 12 revolutions) is 25,000 to 65,000 mPa s, preferably 45,000 to 65,000 mPa s. (II-8) The rub-in type hand disinfectant composition according to any one of (II-1) to (II-7), wherein the pH adjuster of component (C) is at least one water-soluble or alcohol-soluble amine compound selected from the group consisting of triethanolamine, aminomethylpropanol, tromethamine, tetrahydroxypropylethylenediamine, diisopropanolamine, and PEG-15 cocamine. (II-9) The rub-in type hand disinfectant composition according to any one of (II-1) to (II-8), which is a viscous hand disinfectant composition.

[0016] The hand disinfectant composition of the present invention is characterized by being gentle on hands and having an excellent feel when used, despite its high alcohol content. Specifically, the liquid hand disinfectant composition has little resistance when rubbed into hands, is easy to rub in, and after rubbing, there is little squeaking and it can impart a moist feeling to the hands. Furthermore, the viscous hand disinfectant composition can spread the gel liquid over the entire object to be disinfected, such as hands, without the problem of overflowing or dripping from the hands that occurs with liquid hand disinfectant compositions. Although it is viscous when discharged, it becomes liquid-like when rubbed into the hands, making it easy to rub in with little resistance. Furthermore, after rubbing, there is little squeaking or stickiness, and it can also impart a moist feeling to the hands. Thus, according to the present invention, it is possible to prepare and provide a hand disinfectant composition that has an excellent feel when used and can effectively disinfect the skin, such as hands.

[0017] The rub-in type hand disinfecting composition of the present invention includes a liquid hand disinfecting composition (liquid type) and a viscous hand disinfecting composition (gel type).

[0018] (I) Liquid rub-in type hand sanitizing composition A liquid hand sanitizing composition characterized by containing the following (A) to (D) and having a pH in the range of 5.5 to 7.5: (A) a lower alcohol present in an amount of 50 to 90% by volume based on the total composition, (B) at least one polyhydric alcohol selected from the group consisting of glycerin, 1,3-butylene glycol, and propylene glycol present in an amount of 0.01 to 1.0% by mass based on the total composition, (C) isopropyl myristate and a glycerin fatty acid ester each present in an amount of 0.01 to 0.12% by mass based on the total composition, and (D) water present in an amount such that the total composition is 100% by mass.

[0019] Each of these components will be described below. (A) Lower Alcohol The lower alcohol used in the present invention is a lower hydrocarbon chain alcohol having a bactericidal effect. Specific examples include ethanol, n-propyl alcohol, and isopropyl alcohol. Ethanol is preferred. These lower alcohols may be used alone or in combination.

[0020] The hand disinfectant composition (100% by volume) of the present invention can contain the lower alcohol in a range of 50 to 90% by volume. The lower limit is not particularly limited, but is preferably 60% by volume or more, more preferably 70% by volume or more, from the viewpoint of bactericidal activity. The upper limit is not particularly limited, but is preferably 85% by volume or less, more preferably 80% by volume or less, but is not particularly limited, but is preferably 85% by volume or less, more preferably 80% by volume or less. When ethanol is used alone as the lower alcohol, specific ranges include, but are not limited to, 50 to 90% by volume, preferably 70 to 85% by volume, and particularly preferably 75 to 82% by volume. When n-propyl alcohol or isopropyl alcohol is used alone as the lower alcohol, specific ranges include, for example, 50 to 90% by volume, preferably 70 to 85% by volume, and particularly preferably 75 to 82% by volume.

[0021] (B) Polyhydric Alcohol The polyhydric alcohol used in the present invention is at least one selected from the group consisting of glycerin, 1,3-butylene glycol, and propylene glycol. These polyhydric alcohols may be used alone or in any combination of two or more. Glycerin is preferred.

[0022] The hand disinfectant composition (100% by mass) of the present invention can contain the polyhydric alcohol in a total amount ranging from 0.01 to 1.0% by mass. By including the polyhydric alcohol in this range, a hand disinfectant composition can be obtained that provides low resistance when rubbed into hands, is easy to rub in, does not leave a squeaky or sticky feeling after rubbing, and can impart a moisturized feeling to hands. The lower limit is not particularly limited, with a limit of 0.01% by mass, but is preferably 0.05% by mass or more, more preferably 0.1% by mass or more. The upper limit is not particularly limited, with a limit of 1.0% by mass, but is preferably 0.8% by mass or less, more preferably 0.5% by mass or less. Specifically, a preferred range is 0.05 to 0.8% by mass, more preferably 0.1 to 0.5% by mass.

[0023] (C) Isopropyl myristate and glycerin fatty acid ester The hand disinfecting composition of the present invention is characterized by containing isopropyl myristate and glycerin fatty acid ester in a specific ratio.

[0024] Isopropyl myristate is a fatty acid ester formed by an ester bond between the carboxy group of myristic acid and the hydroxyl group of isopropyl alcohol. The hand disinfectant composition (100% by mass) of the present invention can contain isopropyl myristate in a range of 0.01 to 0.12% by mass. By containing isopropyl myristate in this range in addition to the aforementioned (A) lower alcohol, (B) polyhydric alcohol, and (C) glycerin fatty acid ester described below, a hand disinfectant composition can be obtained that has low resistance when rubbed into hands, is easy to rub in, does not leave a squeaky or sticky feeling after rubbing, and can impart a moisturizing feeling to hands. The lower limit is not particularly limited, with a limit of 0.01% by mass, but is preferably 0.02% by mass or more, more preferably 0.03% by mass or more. The upper limit is not particularly limited, with a limit of 0.12% by mass, but is preferably 0.10% by mass or less, more preferably 0.08% by mass or less. Specifically, a suitable range is 0.02 to 0.1 mass %, and more preferably 0.03 to 0.08 mass %.

[0025] Glycerin fatty acid esters are monoacylglycerols or diacylglycerols in which a fatty acid is ester-bonded to one or two of the three hydroxyl groups of glycerin. Monoacylglycerols are preferably used in the present invention. Examples of fatty acids bonded to the hydroxyl groups of glycerin include saturated fatty acids having 6 to 16 carbon atoms. Saturated fatty acids having 8 to 14 carbon atoms, more preferably 8 to 12 carbon atoms, and particularly preferably 10 carbon atoms are preferred. The hand disinfectant composition (100% by mass) of the present invention can contain glycerin fatty acid esters in a range of 0.01 to 0.12% by mass. By containing glycerin fatty acid esters in this range in addition to the aforementioned (A) lower alcohol, (B) polyhydric alcohol, and (C) isopropyl myristate, a hand disinfectant composition can be obtained that provides low resistance when rubbed into hands, is easy to rub in, does not leave a squeaky or sticky feeling after rubbing, and provides a moisturized feeling to hands. The lower limit is not particularly limited, but is 0.01% by mass. The upper limit is not particularly limited, but is 0.12% by mass, but is preferably 0.10% by mass or less, and more preferably 0.06% by mass or less. Specifically, a suitable range is 0.01 to 0.1% by mass, and more preferably 0.01 to 0.06% by mass.

[0026] The ratio of isopropyl myristate and glycerin fatty acid ester in component (C) is not limited, but can be selected from 8 to 1,200 parts by mass of glycerin fatty acid ester per 100 parts by mass of isopropyl myristate, and is preferably 10 to 100 parts by mass.

[0027] (D) Water The hand disinfecting composition of the present invention is an aqueous composition containing water as a solvent.

[0028] The hand disinfectant composition of the present invention has antimicrobial (antiviral and antibacterial) effects and is used for disinfecting hands. Therefore, the water used as the solvent must not impair these effects (antimicrobial properties). Specifically, purified water can be used. Here, purified water refers to water purified by subjecting raw water (river water or groundwater as raw material) to the necessary water treatment procedures. Preferably, tap water satisfies the water quality standards set forth in the Water Supply Act and the Ministerial Ordinance on Water Quality Standards or higher. Specific examples include tap water, sterilized water, RO water, ion-exchanged water, sterilized water, distilled water, purified water, alkaline ionized water, and deep-sea water. Purified water is preferred.

[0029] Water can be blended in an amount that makes the total amount of the hand disinfection composition of the present invention 100% by mass.

[0030] (E) pH of the hand antiseptic composition, pH adjuster The hand antiseptic composition of the present invention is characterized by having a pH adjusted to 5.5 to 7.5. A suitable pH range is 6.0 to 7.2, more preferably 6.2 to 7.0, in view of the ease of use and gentleness to the skin of the hands and fingers.

[0031] A pH adjuster can be used as needed to adjust the hand antiseptic composition of the present invention to the above pH range. However, as long as the pH can be adjusted to the above range by blending the aforementioned components (A) to (D), the incorporation of a pH adjuster is not particularly necessary. Here, the pH adjuster can be appropriately selected and used from acids, bases, amines, and / or salts thereof, depending on the pH of the hand antiseptic composition prepared by blending components (A) to (D), etc. Specific examples of acids include inorganic acids such as hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, and nitric acid; organic acids such as lactic acid, citric acid, malic acid, and phosphoric acid; bases include inorganic bases such as sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, and ammonium hydroxide; and amines include triethanolamine, aminomethylpropanol, tromethamine, tetrahydroxypropylethylenediamine, diisopropanolamine, and PEG-15 cocamine. As the amine, triethanolamine, tetrahydroxypropylethylenediamine, diisopropanolamine, di(2-ethylhexyl)amine, and PEG-15 cocamine are preferably used because they have a high affinity for aqueous solutions containing relatively high concentrations of alcohol.

[0032] (G) Other Components In addition to the antimicrobial activity, the hand disinfection composition of the present invention may contain other components, as long as they do not impair the effects of the present invention or the properties of the liquid. Examples of such other components include fragrances, pigments (colorants), antioxidants, and blood circulation promoters.

[0033] As described above, the hand disinfection composition of the present invention does not require the addition of a separate antibacterial agent because the high concentration of lower alcohol components contained therein acts as a disinfectant (antiviral substance, antibacterial substance). However, there is no restriction on the addition of an antibacterial agent, as long as the effects of the present invention are not impaired. However, it is preferable not to add antibacterial agents that are highly irritating to the skin or that may cause rough hands, such as povidone iodine or triclosan. Examples of antibacterial agents that can be added include biguanide antibacterial agents such as chlorhexidine gluconate and olanexidine gluconate; quaternary ammonium salts such as benzalkonium chloride and benzethonium chloride; glycine-based amphoteric surfactants such as dialkylaminoethylglycine; and natural antibacterial agents such as essential oils, plant extracts, polyphenols, catechin, chitin, chitosan, hinokitiol, lysozyme, amino acids, and dipeptides.

[0034] Furthermore, by incorporating the aforementioned components (A) to (D), the hand disinfectant composition of the present invention can be easily rubbed into hands with little resistance, without leaving any squeaky or sticky feeling after rubbing, and can provide a moisturized feeling to hands. Therefore, it is not necessary to separately incorporate other components known as emollients or moisturizers. In fact, it is preferable not to incorporate them, as this would disrupt the balance of the components (A) to (D). The term "emollient" as used herein broadly refers to materials that can maintain or improve the moisture level, compliance, or appearance of skin, such as hands, when applied repeatedly to the skin. In this sense, it also encompasses moisturizers. Emollients include allantoin, amino acids (e.g., glycine, alanine, etc.), sugar alcohols (e.g., sorbitol, erythritol, xylitol, maltitol, lactitol, mannitol), diisobutyl adipate, lanolin, vinyl alcohol, polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyols (e.g., glyceryl oleate or sorbitol), polyethylene glycol, coco-glucoside, fatty alcohols (e.g., cetyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol, lauryl alcohol, myristyl alcohol, Examples of such cosmetic ingredients include glyceryl triisooctanoate, alkoxylated cetyl alcohol, or palmityl alcohol), ceteareth 20, despanthenol, squalene, glycerin triisooctanoate, PEG-7 glyceryl coconut oil fatty acid, ceramide, vegetable oil (for example, jojoba seed oil, sugar squalane, olive oil, etc.), sodium hyaluronate, sodium 2-pyrrolidone-5-carboxylate, urea, sodium lactate, 2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine / butyl methacrylate copolymer solution, and plant extracts such as chamomile extract.

[0035] Furthermore, the hand disinfectant composition of the present invention preferably does not contain any ingredients that are highly irritating to the skin or that cause rough hands, such as preservatives, aldehyde disinfectants such as glutaraldehyde, chlorine disinfectants such as sodium hypochlorite, iodine disinfectants such as povidone-iodine, and phenol disinfectants such as cresol.

[0036] The liquid hand sanitizing composition can be filled into a hinged cap container capable of dispensing the hand sanitizing composition as a liquid, or a spray container capable of dispensing the composition as a mist of droplets, and then sprayed onto hands for use. Examples of spray containers include, without limitation, portable spray containers, hand-operated spray pumps, and containers with dispensers. A non-gas type dispenser is preferred. The liquid properties refer to properties that allow the composition to be filled into a normal spray container (non-gas type container) and dispensed as a spray, and are not particularly limited thereto. The dispenser container that contains the liquid hand sanitizing composition is not limited, but for example, a spray container can be one that can dispense 1 to 3 mL of atomized liquid (volume converted into liquid volume) per push.

[0037] (II) Viscous rub-in type hand disinfecting composition A viscous hand disinfecting composition characterized by containing the following (A) to (F) and having a pH in the range of 5.5 to 7.5: (A) a lower alcohol present in an amount of 50 to 90% by volume based on the total composition, (B) at least one polyhydric alcohol selected from the group consisting of glycerin, 1,3-butylene glycol, and propylene glycol present in an amount of 0.01 to 1.0% by mass based on the total composition, (C) isopropyl myristate and a glycerin fatty acid ester each present in an amount of 0.01 to 0.12% by mass based on the total composition, (E) a pH adjuster, (F) at least one acrylic acid polymer selected from the group consisting of a carboxyvinyl polymer and an acrylic acid / alkyl methacrylate copolymer, and (D) water present in an amount such that the total composition is 100% by mass.

[0038] Of these components, (A) to (E), including their blending ratios, are as described above in the liquid rub-in hand disinfectant composition, and the above description can be used herein.

[0039] (F) Acrylic Acid Polymer The acrylic acid polymer used in the present invention is at least one selected from the group consisting of carboxyvinyl polymers and acrylic acid / alkyl methacrylate copolymers. These acrylic acid polymers may be used alone or in any combination of two or more. Carboxyvinyl polymers are preferred.

[0040] Carboxyvinyl polymers are water-soluble acrylic acid polymers in which acrylic acid is used as a backbone and allyl sucrose, pentaerythritol, or the like is crosslinked. Carboxyvinyl polymers with a carboxyl content of preferably 57.7 to 63.4%, more preferably 58 to 63%, are preferred. Any carboxyvinyl polymer may be used as long as it complies with the Pharmaceutical Excipients Standards 2018 (Pharmaceutical Excipients Evaluation and Licensing Division, Pharmaceutical and Food Safety Bureau, Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, Japan) (hereinafter also referred to as "Pharmaceutical Excipients Standards 2018"). Specifically, 0.4 g of dried carboxyvinyl polymer is dispersed in 200 ml of water, and the sample solution is adjusted to pH 7.0 to 7.5 with aqueous sodium hydroxide (20±0.1°C). The solution is allowed to stand for 10 hours to remove air bubbles. The viscosity of the carboxyvinyl polymer measured using a Brookfield rotational viscometer is 1,500 mPa·s (#2, 12 rpm, 30 seconds) to 50,000 mPa·s (#4, 12 rpm, stable). Preferably, the carboxyvinyl polymer has a viscosity of 1,500 to 30,000 mPa·s, more preferably 1,500 to 7,500 mPa·s.

[0041] The blending ratio in the hand disinfection composition (100% by mass) of the present invention can be appropriately adjusted depending on the viscosity of the carboxyvinyl polymer used. For example, when a carboxyvinyl polymer having a viscosity of 1500 to 10000 mPa·s is used, the blending ratio is 0.01 to 1.0% by mass, preferably 0.05 to 0.9% by mass, more preferably 0.1 to 0.8% by mass; when a carboxyvinyl polymer having a viscosity of 10000 to 30000 mPa·s is used, the blending ratio is 0.01 to 1.0% by mass, preferably 0.05 to 0.8% by mass, more preferably 0.1 to 0.7% by mass; when a carboxyvinyl polymer having a viscosity of 30000 to 50000 mPa·s is used, the blending ratio is 0.01 to 1.0% by mass, preferably 0.05 to 0.7% by mass, more preferably 0.1 to 0.6% by mass.

[0042] Neutralizing a carboxyvinyl polymer with a salt (alkali) creates a negative charge on the carboxyl groups along the polymer backbone, resulting in thickening due to the repulsive force. Therefore, the carboxyvinyl polymer is used in combination with an inorganic base or an amine, among the aforementioned (E) pH adjusters. The (E) pH adjuster used in combination with the carboxyvinyl polymer is preferably an amine. More preferably, triethanolamine, aminomethylpropanol, tetrahydroxypropylethylenediamine, diisopropanolamine, and PEG-15 cocamine are used because of their high affinity for relatively high-concentration alcohol-containing aqueous solutions. Triethanolamine is particularly preferred.

[0043] Acrylic acid / alkyl methacrylate copolymer is a copolymer in which an alkyl methacrylate group having 10 to 30 carbon atoms is introduced into polyacrylic acid. It is also known as (acrylates / alkyl acrylate (C10-30)) chlorpolymer. Any acrylic acid / alkyl methacrylate copolymer may be used as long as it complies with the 2021 Standards for Ingredients for Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices (Pharmaceutical and Food Safety Bureau, Pharmaceutical and Food Safety Bureau, Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, Japan) (hereinafter also referred to as "Standards for Ingredients for Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices 2021"). For example, a 0.5% w / v aqueous solution (pH 7.0-7.5, 20±1°C) may have a viscosity of 25,000 to 65,000 mPa·s, preferably 45,000 to 65,000 mPa·s, when measured using a Brookfield rotational viscometer (No. 2 or No. 4, 12 rotations).

[0044] The blending ratio of the acrylic acid-alkyl methacrylate copolymer to the hand disinfectant composition (100% by mass) of the present invention can be appropriately adjusted depending on the viscosity of the acrylic acid-alkyl methacrylate copolymer used. For example, when an acrylic acid-alkyl methacrylate copolymer with a viscosity of 25,000 to 45,000 mPa·s is used, the blending ratio is 0.01 to 1.0% by mass, preferably 0.05 to 0.8% by mass, and more preferably 0.1 to 0.7% by mass; when an acrylic acid-alkyl methacrylate copolymer with a viscosity of 45,000 to 65,000 mPa·s is used, the blending ratio is 0.01 to 1.0% by mass, preferably 0.05 to 0.7% by mass, and more preferably 0.1 to 0.6% by mass.

[0045] Neutralizing an acrylic acid / alkyl methacrylate copolymer with a salt (alkali) creates a negative charge on the carboxyl groups along the polymer backbone, resulting in thickening due to the repulsive force. For this reason, like carboxyvinyl polymers, acrylic acid / alkyl methacrylate copolymers are used in combination with inorganic bases or amines, among the aforementioned (E) pH adjusters. Amines are preferred as the (E) pH adjusters used in combination with carboxyvinyl polymers. Triethanolamine, aminomethylpropanol, tetrahydroxypropylethylenediamine, diisopropanolamine, and PEG-15 cocamine are more preferred because of their high affinity for relatively high-concentration alcohol-containing aqueous solutions. Triethanolamine is particularly preferred.

[0046] (G) Other Components Similar to the liquid hand disinfectant composition described above, the viscous hand disinfectant composition can contain other components in addition to its antimicrobial activity, provided that the other components do not impair the effects of the present invention or the properties of the viscous (gel) form. As with the liquid hand disinfectant composition, it is preferable to avoid the inclusion of components that impair the effects of the present invention, such as components that are highly irritating to the skin or that cause rough skin. Furthermore, by incorporating the components (A) to (F) described above, the viscous hand disinfectant composition of the present invention provides a hand disinfectant composition that has little resistance when rubbed into hands, is easy to rub in, is free from any squeaky or sticky feeling after rubbing, and can impart a moisturizing feeling to hands. Therefore, similar to the liquid hand disinfectant composition described above, it is not necessary to separately incorporate other components known as emollients or moisturizers. In fact, it is preferable not to incorporate these components, as this would disrupt the balance of the components (A) to (F).

[0047] The viscous hand disinfectant composition can be filled into a container that can dispense the hand disinfectant composition as a gel-like liquid and then dispensed onto hands. Examples of containers include, without limitation, tube containers that can dispense gel, squeeze-type containers (including containers with hinge caps), and containers with hand pumps or dispensers. The dispenser container that contains the viscous hand disinfectant composition is not limited, but can be one that can dispense 1 to 2 mL of gel-like liquid (volume converted into liquid amount) per dispense.

[0048] As described above, the liquid and viscous hand disinfectant compositions of the present invention have an alcohol content of 50% by volume or more, preferably 60% by volume or more, with a maximum of 90% by volume, based on the total volume (100% by volume) of the composition. Therefore, they exhibit antiviral activity against enveloped viruses such as coronaviruses, influenza viruses, herpes viruses, and hepatitis C and B viruses, without the need for other additives (antibacterial agents) with antibacterial activity. Therefore, the hand disinfectant compositions of the present invention can be suitably used for disinfecting skin, including hands (antibacterial and antiviral treatments).

[0049] Furthermore, the hand disinfectant composition of the present invention is characterized by being gentle on hands and having an excellent feel when used, despite its high alcohol content. Specifically, a liquid hand disinfectant composition has little resistance when rubbed into hands, is easy to rub in, and after rubbing, there is little squeaking and it can impart a moist feeling to the hands. Furthermore, a viscous hand disinfectant composition can spread the gel liquid over the entire object to be disinfected, such as hands, without the problem of overflowing or dripping from the hands that occurs with liquid hand disinfectant compositions. Although it is viscous when discharged, it becomes liquid-like when rubbed into the hands, making it easy to rub in with little resistance. Furthermore, after rubbing, there is little squeaking or stickiness, and it can impart a moist feeling to the hands. Thus, according to the present invention, a hand disinfectant composition can be prepared and provided that has an excellent feel when used and can effectively disinfect the skin, such as hands.

[0050] Manufacturing Method The liquid hand disinfectant composition of the present invention can be produced by mixing the above-described (A) to (D) and, if necessary, other ingredients, and adjusting the pH to a desired pH of 5.5 to 7.5. The viscous hand disinfectant composition of the present invention can be produced by mixing the above-described (A) to (F) and, if necessary, other ingredients, and adjusting the pH to a desired pH of 5.5 to 7.5. The hand disinfectant composition of the present invention thus prepared can be prepared as a practical product for actual use by being placed in the above-described discharge container according to its properties. It can also be placed in a refill container.

[0051] (II) Uses of the Disinfecting Composition of the Present Invention The hand disinfecting composition of the present invention can be used as a skin disinfectant, particularly a hand disinfectant, based on its antimicrobial activity as described above. Here, "disinfection" means inhibiting the growth of harmful microorganisms, killing them, or reducing the number of microorganisms. In this sense, "disinfection" is used to encompass "antibacterial (antiviral)" and "sterilization (virus inactivation)." Harmful microorganisms that are particularly targeted by the present invention include, as described above, coronaviruses, influenza viruses, herpes viruses, and enveloped viruses such as hepatitis C virus and hepatitis B virus. Thus, the composition can be effectively used to prevent infectious diseases caused by these viruses. As described above, in this specification, the terms "comprise" and "contain" include the meanings of "consisting of" and "essentially consisting of."

[0052] The present invention will be described below using experimental examples to aid in understanding the configuration and effects of the present invention. However, the present invention is not limited by these experimental examples. Unless otherwise specified, the following experiments were carried out at room temperature (25±5°C) and atmospheric pressure. Unless otherwise specified, "%" and "parts" in the following descriptions mean "% by mass" and "parts by mass," respectively.

[0053] The ingredients used in the following examples are as follows: Ethanol: Japanese Pharmacopoeia ethanol 95 v / v% Isopropyl alcohol: 99% or more n-Propyl alcohol: 99% or more Glycerin: concentrated glycerin (glycerin concentration ≧98%) 1,3-butylene glycol: 99% or more Propylene glycol: 99% or more Isopropyl myristate: NIKKOL IPM-EX (manufactured by Nikko Chemicals Co., Ltd.) Glycerin fatty acid ester: Sunsoft No. 760-C (glyceryl caprate, medium-chain fatty acid monoglyceride: manufactured by Taiyo Kagaku Co., Ltd.) Carboxyvinyl polymer: AQUPEC HV-801EG ([Manufacturer information] 0.2% aqueous solution viscosity: 2,500-6,400 mPa·s, 0.5% aqueous solution viscosity: 5,400-11,400 mPa·s, pH: 2.7-3.3) (manufactured by Sumitomo Seika Chemicals Co., Ltd.) (Acrylates / C10-30 alkyl acrylate) chloropolymer: Carbopol SC-500 Polymer (manufactured by Lubrizol)

[0054] Experimental Example 1 Preparation and Evaluation of Liquid Rub-in Hand Sanitizing Compositions Liquid rub-in hand sanitizing compositions (test samples 1-1 to 1-30, pH 6.5 to 7) were prepared by blending the components shown in Tables 2 and 3. Each of these was placed in a spray container set to a single discharge volume of 1 ml.

[0055] The feel of each of the test samples 1-1 to 1-30 when rubbed into the fingers (during and after rubbing) was evaluated by 10 panelists using the following method. All of these 10 panelists were researchers who had received specialized training in sensory evaluation and had passed the in-house sensory evaluation test.

[0056] [Test Method] 1. Before rubbing in each test sample, both hands were thoroughly washed with 5% potassium soap and running water (tap water) and then lightly wiped dry with a dry paper towel. 2. Next, the test sample contained in a spray container was dispensed once (1 ml) onto the hands, and the hands were rubbed together until the liquid had dried, rubbing it into the entire fingers. 3. After rubbing in, each panel evaluated the feel of use (during and after rubbing in) according to the rating table shown in Table 1. 4. For each evaluation item, the average evaluation score of each panel was calculated and evaluated according to the following criteria: ○: Average value is 2.0 points or more △: Average value is 1.0 to less than 2.0 points ×: Average value is less than 1.0 point

[0057] The 10 panelists discussed the evaluation criteria for each item in the evaluation table shown in Table 1 in advance, and after confirming that all panelists were able to evaluate using the same criteria, the main test was conducted.

[0058] The test results are shown in Tables 2 and 3.

[0059] Although the inclusion of polyhydric alcohol provided slightly more moisture than ethanol alone, there was a slight resistance felt just before drying, making it difficult to rub in, and a slight squeaky feeling was felt after rubbing in (Table 2: Test Samples 1-2 to 1-6). Furthermore, the squeaky feeling tended to increase with increasing the amount of polyhydric alcohol blended (Table 2: Test Samples 1-5 to 1-6). In contrast, when isopropyl myristate and glycerin fatty acid ester were combined in a specific ratio, the resistance felt during rubbing in was eliminated, improving ease of rubbing in, and eliminating the squeaky feeling after rubbing in. Furthermore, moisture was enhanced, resulting in a moist feel (Table 2: Test Samples 1-7 to 1-8, 1-10, 1-12, and 1-13). However, when the blending amount of at least one of isopropyl myristate and glycerin fatty acid ester exceeded 0.12% by mass to 0.15% by mass or more, it was confirmed that a sticky feeling remained after rubbing in, and the feel of use was reduced (Table 2: Test Samples 1-9, 1-11, and 1-14). Furthermore, as shown in Table 3, the same tendency was observed when the ethanol concentration was 50% or 90% by volume, and when isopropyl alcohol or n-propyl alcohol was used as the lower alcohol (Test Samples 1-15 to 1-30).

[0060] Experimental Example 2 Preparation and Evaluation of Viscous Rub-in Hand Sanitizing Compositions Viscous rub-in hand sanitizing compositions (test samples 2-1 to 2-47: pH 6.5 to 7) were prepared by blending the components shown in Tables 4 to 8. Each of these was placed in a dispenser set to a single dispense volume of 1 ml.

[0061] Each of the test samples 2-1 to 2-47 was rubbed into the fingers, and the feel during and after rubbing was evaluated by 10 panelists in the same manner as in Experimental Example 1. The results are shown in Tables 4 to 8.

[0062] As shown in Table 4, a viscous disinfectant composition containing ethanol, a carboxyvinyl polymer as a thickener, and a polyhydric alcohol provided slightly more moisture than ethanol alone (see Table 2: Test Sample 1-1), but there was a sense of resistance just before drying, making it difficult to rub in, and a slight squeaky feeling after rubbing in (Test Samples 2-1 to 2-5). Furthermore, when the amount of polyhydric alcohol was low (0.5% by mass or less), there was a tendency for the resistance to rub-in to be high and for it to be difficult to rub in (Test Samples 2-1 to 2-1). Furthermore, even when either isopropyl myristate or glycerin fatty acid ester was added to this, there was no improvement in the resistance to rub-in (ease of rub-in), squeaky feeling after rub-in, or moisture (Test Samples 2-6 and 2-7).

[0063]

[0064] As shown in Table 5, a viscous disinfectant composition containing ethanol, a carboxyvinyl polymer as a thickener, and a polyhydric alcohol was further formulated with isopropyl myristate and glycerin fatty acid ester in a ratio of 0.01 to 0.12% by mass, respectively. This resulted in a hand disinfectant composition that was easy to rub in without resistance, free of squeaking or stickiness after rubbing, and moisturized and had a good feel when used (Test Samples 2-8 to 10, 2-12 to 13, 2-15 to 16). In contrast, as shown in Tables 5 and 6, when the amount of either isopropyl myristate or glycerin fatty acid ester exceeded 0.12% by mass to 0.15% by mass or more, a stickiness remained after rubbing, and the feel of use was reduced (Test Samples 2-11, 2-14, 2-17 to 21).

[0065]

[0066] As shown in Table 7, when a polyhydric alcohol such as glycerin was blended in a viscous disinfectant composition containing ethanol, carboxyvinyl polymer, isopropyl myristate, and glycerin fatty acid ester at a concentration of 1.5% by mass or more, it was confirmed that the feeling during and after rubbing in was reduced (Test Samples 2-26 to 27), whereas a blending amount of 0.01 to 1.0% by mass was confirmed to provide a good feeling during use (Test Samples 2-22 to 25). In addition, using 1,3-butylene glycol or propylene glycol instead of glycerin also resulted in a rub-in hand disinfectant composition with a similarly good feel (Test Samples 2-28 to 2-30). Furthermore, using a chlorine polymer (acrylates / alkyl acrylate (C10-30)), which is also an acrylic acid copolymer, instead of or in combination with carboxyvinyl polymer, also resulted in a rub-in hand disinfectant composition with a similarly good feel (Table 7: Test Samples 2-31 to 2-32, Table 8: Test Samples 2-33 to 2-38). Furthermore, as shown in Table 8, when the ethanol concentration was 50% or 90% by volume, and when isopropyl alcohol or n-propyl alcohol was used as the lower alcohol, a similarly good feel was observed as with a disinfectant composition with an ethanol concentration of 83% by volume (Test Samples 2-39 to 2-47).

Claims

1. A rubbing type finger disinfection composition having a pH of 5.5 to 7.5 and containing the following components: (A) lower alcohol: 50 to 90% by volume, (B) at least one polyhydric alcohol selected from the group consisting of glycerin, 1,3 - butylene glycol, and propylene glycol: 0.01 to 1.0% by mass, (C) isopropyl myristate and glycerin fatty acid ester: each 0.01 to 0.12% by mass, and (D) water.

2. The rubbing type finger disinfection composition according to claim 1, wherein the lower alcohol is at least one selected from ethanol, n - propyl alcohol, and isopropyl alcohol.

3. The rubbing type finger disinfection composition according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the ratio of isopropyl myristate to glycerin fatty acid ester in component (C) is 8 to 1200 parts by mass of glycerin fatty acid ester with respect to 100 parts by mass of isopropyl myristate.

4. The rubbing type finger disinfection composition according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the glycerin fatty acid ester in component (C) is one in which a saturated or unsaturated fatty acid having 6 to 16 carbon atoms is ester - bonded to one hydroxy group of glycerin.

5. The rubbing type finger disinfection composition according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further containing (E) a pH adjuster.

6. The rubbing type finger disinfection composition according to any one of claims 1 to 5, which is a liquid finger disinfection composition.

7. The rubbing type finger disinfection composition according to claims 1 to 5, further containing the following components: (F) at least one acrylic acid - based polymer selected from the group consisting of carboxyvinyl polymer and acrylic acid - methacrylic acid alkyl copolymer.

8. The rubbing type finger disinfection composition according to claim 7, which is a viscous finger disinfection composition.

9. The rubbing type finger disinfection composition according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the carboxyvinyl polymer in component (F) has the following properties: the viscosity when measuring a 0.2 w / v% aqueous solution (pH 7.0 - 7.5, 20 ± 1 °C) using a Brookfield type rotational viscometer (No. 2 or No. 4, 12 rotations) is 1500 to 50000 mPa·s.

10. The rubbing type finger disinfection composition according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the acrylic acid / alkyl methacrylate copolymer of the component (F) is an (acrylates / alkyl acrylate (C10-30)) cross-polymer having the following characteristics: the viscosity when measuring a 0.5 w / v% aqueous solution (pH 7.0 - 7.5, 20 ± 1 °C) using a Brookfield type rotational viscometer (No. 2 or No. 4, 12 rotations) is 25,000 to 65,000 mPa·s.

11. The rubbing type finger disinfection composition according to any one of claims 7 to 10, wherein the pH adjuster of the component (E) is at least one water-soluble or alcohol-soluble amine compound selected from the group consisting of triethanolamine, aminomethylpropanol, tromethamine, tetrahydroxypropyl ethylenediamine, diisopropanolamine, and PEG-15 cocoamine.