Sulfate-free personal care compositions

Abstract

The disclosed technology relates to sulfate-free or substantially sulfate-free personal care compositions comprising: a) water; b) at least a zwitterionic or amphoteric surfactant; c) at least an anionic surfactant; and d) at least a fatty ester selected from the group consisting of lauryl lactate or lauryl lactyl lactate. The personal care compositions are suitable for the formulation of hand soaps, body washes and shampoos. Methods for cosmetic non-therapeutic treatment of the skin or hair using said compositions are also disclosed.

Description

SULFATE-FREE PERSONAL CARE COMPOSITIONSFIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to personal care compositions, in particular to sulfate-free personal care compositions. The compositions of the present invention are suitable for the formulation of hand soaps, body washes and shampoos.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Many personal care compositions such as body washes, shampoos or hand soaps are based on sulfate-containing surfactants (such as, but not limited to, sodium lauryl sulphate or sodium lauryl ether sulfate). Said surfactants offer good cleansing and foaming properties, stability and depositions of conditioners. Personal care compositions comprising sulfate-surfactants can be thickened easily with common thickeners such as salt or cellulose materials.

[0003] However, there are growing concerns on the negative effects of sulfate- containing surfactants. In particular, it is believed that they can be irritating to the skin, are harsh on hair, cause increased color fading and drying of hair and scalp.

[0004] Therefore, personal care compositions comprising sulfate-free surfactants (“sulfate-free personal care compositions”) are proposed as an alternative. Nevertheless, using sulfate-free compositions has some drawbacks. They foam poorly, have worse deposition properties and may be less efficient cleansing. Remarkably, building viscosity in sulfate-free personal care compositions is more difficult, which represents an important challenge for formulators.

[0005] There is a need for improved sulfate-free personal care compositions which are sustainable, safe, show effective cleansing properties, and particularly offer satisfactory rheological properties.

[0006] The present invention sets out to meet some or all of the above-identified needs and to solve some or all of the above-identified problems.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The disclosed technology provides sulfate-free or substantially sulfate-free personal care compositions that foam well, provide good cleansing properties, show higher naturality and are readily biodegradable. In particular, the disclosed technology further solves the problem of providing good viscosity, which is especially challenging in personal care compositions based on sulfate-free surfactants.

[0008] In one aspect, the invention provides a personal care composition comprising: a) water; b) at least a zwitterionic or amphoteric surfactant; c) at least an anionic surfactant; d) at least a fatty ester selected from the group consisting of lauryl lactate, lauryl lactyl lactate and combinations thereof; wherein the personal care composition is sulfate-free or substantially sulfate-free.

[0009] The present invention also relates to a method for cosmetic non-therapeutic treatment of the skin or hair comprising i) dispensing the personal care compositions disclosed herein to the skin or hair, and ii) rinsing with water.

[0010] It has been also surprisingly seen that fatty esters such as lauryl lactate and lauryl lactyl lactate provide high efficacy improving the viscosity of sulfate-free personal care compositions.

[0011] Thus, the invention also provides for the use of a fatty ester selected from the group consisting of lauryl lactate, lauryl lactyl lactate and combinations thereof for increasing the viscosity of a sulfate-free or substantially sulfate-free personal care composition comprising water; at least a zwitterionic or amphoteric surfactant; and at least an anionic surfactant.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] Various preferred features and embodiments will be described below by way of non-limiting illustration.

[0013] The articles "a" and "an" are used herein to refer to one or to more than one (i.e., to at least one) of the grammatical object of the article unless the context clearlyindicates otherwise. By way of example, "an element" means one element or more than one element.

[0014] Except in the Examples, or where otherwise explicitly indicated, all numerical quantities in this description specifying amounts of materials, reaction conditions, molecular weights, number of carbon atoms, and the like, are to be understood as modified by the word "about". The term “about” as used herein, e.g., when referring to a measurable value (such as an amount or weight of a particular component or temperature), refers to variations of ±20%, ±10%, ±5%, ±1 %, ±0.5%, or, particularly, ±0.1% of the specified amount. Except where otherwise indicated, all numerical quantities in the description specifying amounts or ratios of materials are on a weight basis.

[0015] As used herein, the term “comprising”, which is inclusive or open-ended and does not exclude additional unrecited elements or method steps, is intended to encompass as alternative embodiments, the phrases “consisting essentially of” and “consisting of” where “consisting of’ excludes any element or step not specified and “consisting essentially of” permits the inclusion of additional unrecited elements or steps that do not materially affect the essential or basic and novel characteristics of the composition or method under consideration.

[0016] The term “personal care” as used herein includes, without being limited thereto, cosmetics, toiletries, cosmeceuticals, beauty aids, insect repellents, sunscreens, UV absorbers, hand sanitizers, personal hygiene and cleansing products (e.g., shampoos, conditioning shampoos, anti-dandruff shampoos, body washes, hand soaps, facial scrubs, and the like) applied to the body, including the skin, hair, scalp, and nails of humans and mammals

[0017] As used herein, “free” or “substantially free” of an ingredient or component refers to a composition or product where the ingredient or component is present in an amount of less than 5.0 wt.%, less than 3.0 wt.%, less than 1.0 wt.%, less than 0.1 wt.%, less than 0.05 wt.%, less than 0.01 wt.%, less than 0.005 wt.%, or less than 0.0001 wt.% based on a total weight of the composition or product.

[0018] The personal care compositions of the invention are free or substantially free of sulfate-surfactants. Typical sulfate-surfactants include, but are not limited to, alkyl sulfate salts, e.g., C1-25 alkyl sulfate salts. In some embodiments, the composition is freeor substantially free of alkyl aryl sulfonate salts, e.g., C1-25 alkyl aryl sulfonate salts, e.g., alkyl benzene sulfonate salts, e.g., sodium dodecyl benzene sulfonate. In some embodiments, the composition is free or substantially free of alkyl sulfate salts, e.g., C1- 25 alkyl sulfate salts, and alkyl aryl sulfonate salts, e.g., C1-25 alkyl aryl sulfonate salts. Particularly, the composition is free or substantially free of sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS). Particularly, the composition is free or substantially free of sodium lauryl ether sulfate (SLES). More particularly, the composition is free or substantially free of sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and sodium lauryl ether sulfate (SLES).Zwitterionic or amphoteric surfactants

[0019] The personal care compositions of the invention comprise at least a zwitterionic or amphoteric surfactant which is sulfate-free.

[0020] The zwitterionic or amphoteric surfactant is typically in a concentration from 1 to 10 wt.%, or from 4 to 8 wt.% based on the total weight of the composition.

[0021] Suitable zwitterionic or amphoteric surfactants according to the invention include, but are not limited to, betaine-based surfactants, sultaine-based surfactants, amphocarboxylate-based surfactants, amine oxides and combinations thereof.

[0022] In particular, the zwitterionic or amphoteric surfactant can be selected from the group consisting of betaine-based surfactants, sultaine-based surfactants, amphocarboxylate-based surfactants, and combinations thereof.

[0023] Suitable examples of betaine-based surfactants include, but are not limited to, alkyl betaines, alkylamido betaines, alkylmidopropyl betaine and cocohexadecyl dimethylbetaine. In particular, the betaine-based surfactant may include one or more of cocobetaine, lauryl betaine, oleyl betaine, lauryl amidopropyl betaine (LAPB), cocodimethylcarboxymethyl betaine, cocam idopropyl betaine (CAPB), lauryldimethylcarboxymethyl betaine, lauryldimethylcarboxyethyl betaine, cetyldimethylcarboxymethyl betaine, lauryl-bis-(2-hydroxyethyl)carboxymethyl betaine, oleyldimethylgammacarboxypropyl betaine, lauryl-bis-(2-hydroxypropyl)-carboxyethyl betaine, stearyl bis-(2-hydroxypropyl) carboxymethyl betaine, cocohexadecyl dimethylbetaine and combinations thereof. More particularly, the betaine can be a cocamidopropyl betaine.

[0024] Non-limiting examples of sultaine-based surfactants (also known as sultaines or sulfobetaines) can include coco dimethyl sulfopropyl betaine, stearyl dimethyl sulfopropyl betaine, lauryl dimethyl sulfoethyl betaine, lauryl bis-(2-hydroxyethyl) sulfopropyl betaine, alkylamidopropylhydroxy sultaines and combinations thereof. In particular, the sultaine-based surfactant can be an alkylamidopropylhydroxy sultaine. More particularly, can be cocam idopropyl hydroxysultaine.

[0025] The foregoing zwitterionic or amphoteric surfactants (i.e., the betaines and sultaines) are disclosed without a counter ion, as one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that under the pH conditions of the compositions containing the amphoteric surfactants, these surfactants are either electrically neutral by virtue of having balancing positive and negative charges, or they contain counter ions such as alkali metal, alkaline earth or ammonium ions as a charge balancing moiety.

[0026] Non-limiting examples of amphocarboxylate-based surfactants (also commonly referred as amphocarboxylates) include, sodium cocoamphoacetate, sodium lauroamphoacetate, sodium capryloamphoacetate, disodium cocoamphodiacetate, disodium lauroamphodiacetate, disodium caprylamphodiacetate, disodium capryloamphodiacetate, disodium cocoamphodipropionate, disodium lauroamphodipropionate, disodium caprylamphodipropionate, disodium capryloamphodipropionate, and combinations thereof. In particular, the amphocarboxylate can be a cocoamphodiacetate, more particularly disodium cocoamphodiacetate.

[0027] Non-limiting examples of amine oxides include, dimethyldodecylamine oxide, oleyldi(2-hydroxyethyl) amine oxide, dimethyltetradecylamine oxide, di(2- hydroxyethyl)- tetradecylamine oxide, dimethylhexadecylamine oxide, behenamine oxide, cocamine oxide, decyltetradecylamine oxide, dihydroxyethyl C12-15 alkoxypropylamine oxide, dihydroxyethyl cocamine oxide, dihydroxyethyl lauramine oxide, dihydroxyethyl stearamine oxide, dihydroxyethyl tallowamine oxide, hydrogenated palm kernel amine oxide, hydrogenated tallowamine oxide, hydroxyethyl hydroxypropyl C12-C15 alkoxypropylamine oxide, lauramine oxide, myristamine oxide, cetylamine oxide, oleamidopropylamine oxide, oleamine oxide, palmitamine oxide, PEG-3 lauramine oxide, dimethyl lauramine oxide, potassium trisphosphonomethylamine oxide,soyamidopropylamine oxide, cocamidopropylamine oxide, stearamine oxide, tallowamine oxide, and combinations thereof.

[0028] In particular, the zwitterionic or amphoteric surfactant may be selected from the group consisting of cocam idopropyl hydroxysultaine, cocamidopropyl betaine, disodium cocoamphodiacetate and combinations thereof.Anionic surfactants

[0029] The personal care compositions of the invention comprise at least an anionic surfactant which is sulfate-free.

[0030] The anionic surfactant is typically in a concentration from 1 to 10 wt.%, or from 3 to 6 wt.% based on the total weight of the composition.

[0031] Suitable anionic surfactants include amino acid surfactants, isethionates, sulfonates, and combinations thereof.

[0032] In one embodiment the anionic surfactant is selected from the group consisting of amino acid surfactants, isethionate-based surfactants, and combinations thereof.

[0033] Suitable amino acid surfactants are selected from a N-acyl amino acid of the formula:O R12R-|3R10— : — i — 1H — (CH2)n— XM+wherein Rwis a saturated or unsaturated, straight or branched alkyl chain containing 7 to 17 carbon atoms, R12 is H or a methyl group, R13 is H, COO"M+, CH2COO"M+or COOH, n is 0 to 2, X is COO" or SO3" and M independently represents H, sodium, potassium, ammonium or triethanolammonium. Particularly, the N-acyl amino acid surfactants represented by the formula immediately above are derived from taurates, glutamates, alanine, alaninates, sacosinates, aspartates, glycinates, and mixtures thereof.

[0034] Representative taurate surfactants conform to the formula:o R12R10—C — N— CH2— CH2— SO3M+wherein R is a saturated or unsaturated, straight or branched alkyl chain containing 7 to 17 carbon atoms in one aspect and 9 to 13 carbon atoms in another aspect, R12 is H or methyl, and M is H, sodium, potassium, ammonium or triethanolammonium.

[0035] Non-limiting examples of taurate surfactants are potassium cocoyl taurate, potassium methyl cocoyl taurate, sodium caproyl methyl taurate, sodium cocoyl taurate, sodium lauroyl taurate, sodium methyl cocoyl taurate, sodium methyl lauroyl taurate, sodium methyl myristoyl taurate, sodium methyl oleoyl taurate, sodium methyl palmitoyl taurate, sodium methyl stearoyl taurate, and combinations thereof. Particularly, the taurate surfactant can be sodium methyl cocoyl taurate.

[0036] Representative glutamate surfactants conform to the formula:wherein R is a saturated or unsaturated, straight or branched alkyl chain containing 7 to 17 carbon atoms in one aspect and 9 to 13 carbon atoms in another aspect, n is 0 to 2, and M independently is H, sodium, potassium, ammonium or triethanolammonium.

[0037] Non-limiting examples of glutamate surfactants are di-potassium capryloyl glutamate, di-potassium undecylenoyl glutamate, di-sodium capryloyl glutamate, disodium cocoyl glutamate, di-sodium lauroyl glutamate, di-sodium stearoyl glutamate, disodium undecylenoyl glutamate, potassium capryloyl glutamate, potassium cocoyl glutamate, potassium lauroyl glutamate, potassium myristoyl glutamate, potassium stearoyl glutamate, potassium undecylenoyl glutamate, sodium capryloyl glutamate, sodium cocoyl glutamate, sodium lauroyl glutamate, sodium myristoyl glutamate, sodium olivoyl glutamate, sodium palmitoyl glutamate, sodium stearoyl glutamate, sodiumundecylenoyl glutamate, and combinations thereof. Particularly, the glutamate surfactant can be a cocoyl glutamate, more particularly disodium cocoyl glutamate.

[0038] Representative alanine and alaninate surfactants conform to the formula:wherein Rwis a saturated or unsaturated, straight or branched alkyl chain containing 7 to 17 carbon atoms in one aspect and 9 to 13 carbon atoms in another aspect, R12 is H or methyl, and M is H, sodium, potassium, ammonium or triethanolammonium.

[0039] Non-limiting examples of alanine and alaninate surfactants are cocoyl methyl P-alanine, lauroyl p-alanine, lauroyl methyl p-alanine, myristoyl p-alanine, potassium lauroyl methyl p-alanine, sodium cocoyl alaninate, sodium cocoyl methyl p-alanine, sodium myristoyl methyl p-alanine, and mixtures thereof.

[0040] Representative glycinate surfactants conform to the formula:wherein R is a saturated or unsaturated, straight or branched alkyl chain containing 7 to 17 carbon atoms in one aspect and 9 to 13 carbon atoms in another aspect, and M is H, sodium, potassium, ammonium or triethanolammonium.

[0041] Non-limiting examples of glycinate surfactants are sodium palmitoyl glycinate, sodium lauroyl glycinate, sodium cocoyl glycinate, sodium myristoyl glycinate, potassium lauroyl glycinate, potassium cocoyl glycinate, sodium stearoyl glycinate, and combinations thereof. In particular, the glycinate surfactant can be a cocoyl glycinate, more particularly a sodium cocoyl glycinate.

[0042] Representative sarcosinate surfactants conform to the formula:o CH3- M+R10— C - N— CH2— COO wherein R is a saturated or unsaturated, straight, or branched alkyl chain containing 7 to 17 carbon atoms in one aspect and 9 to 13 carbon atoms in another aspect, and M is H, sodium, potassium, ammonium or triethanolamine.

[0043] Non-limiting examples of sarcosinate surfactants are potassium lauroyl sarcosinate, potassium cocoyl sarcosinate, sodium cocoyl sarcosinate, sodium lauroyl sarcosinate, sodium myristoyl sarcosinate, sodium palmitoyl sarcosinate, and combinations thereof.

[0044] Representative aspartate surfactants conform to the formula:wherein R is a saturated or unsaturated, straight or branched alkyl chain containing 7 to 17 carbon atoms in one aspect and 9 to 13 carbon atoms in another aspect, and M independently is H, sodium, potassium, ammonium or triethanolammonium.

[0045] Non-limiting examples of aspartate surfactants are sodium lauroyl aspartate, sodium myristoyl aspartate, sodium cocoyl aspartate, sodium caproyl aspartate, disodium lauroyl aspartate, di-sodium myristoyl aspartate, di-sodium cocoyl aspartate, disodium caproyl aspartate, potassium lauroyl aspartate, potassium myristoyl aspartate, potassium cocoyl aspartate, potassium caproyl aspartate, di-potassium lauroyl aspartate, di-potassium myristoyl aspartate, di-potassium cocoyl aspartate, di-potassium caproyl aspartate, and combinations thereof.

[0046] In particular, the amino acid surfactant may be selected from the group consisting of disodium cocoyl glutamate, sodium methyl cocoyl taurate, sodium cocoyl glycinate, and combinations thereof.

[0047] Suitable isethionate-based surfactants include alkyl isethionates and acyl isethionates. Non-limiting examples include, sodium lauroyl methyl isethionate, sodium cocoyl isethionate, ammonium cocoyl isethionate, sodium hydrogenated cocoyl methyl isethionate, sodium lauroyl isethionate, sodium cocoyl methyl isethionate, sodium myristoyl isethionate, sodium oleoyl isethionate, sodium oleyl methyl isethionate, sodium palm kerneloyl isethionate, sodium stearoyl methyl isethionate, and combinations thereof. Particularly, the isethionate-based surfactant can be a sodium lauryl isethionate or ammonium cocoyl isethionate. More particularly, the isethionate-based surfactant is sodium lauryl isethionate.

[0048] Advantageously, the concentration of zwitterionic or amphoteric surfactant in the personal care composition may be higher than the concentration of anionic surfactant. In particular, the weight ratio of zwitterionic or amphoteric surfactant b) to anionic surfactant c) can be from more than 1 :1 to 2: 1 , or from more than 1 : 1 to 1.5: 1 .Fatty ester

[0049] The personal care compositions of the invention comprise at least a fatty ester selected from the group consisting of lauryl lactate, lauryl lactyl lactate and combinations thereof. Particularly the fatty ester is lauryl lactate.

[0050] The fatty ester is typically in a concentration from 0.1 to 1 wt.% based on the total weight of the composition, particularly from 0.2 to 0.65 wt.%. The fatty ester can be in a concentration of 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.55, 0.6 or 0.65 wt.% based on the total weight of the composition.

[0051] In some embodiments, the fatty ester further comprises other ingredients typically used for the synthesis of lauryl lactate and lauryl lactyl lactate such as for example lauryl alcohol.

[0052] A non-limiting example of commercially available lauryl lactate is commercialized under the tradename Schercemol™ LL ester by Lubrizol Advanced Materials, Inc.

[0053] A non-limiting example of commercially available lauryl lactyl lactate is commercialized under the tradename STEPAN-MILD® L3 from Stepan Company.

[0054] It has been found that lauryl lactate and lauryl lactyl lactate provide high viscosity to sulfate-free personal care compositions.

[0055] Therefore, the present invention also provides for the use of a fatty ester selected from the group consisting of lauryl lactate, lauryl lactyl lactate and combinations thereof for increasing the viscosity of sulfate-free or substantially sulfate-free personal care compositions. In particular, the sulfate-free or substantially sulfate-free personal care compositions comprise water; at least a zwitterionic or amphoteric surfactant; and at least an anionic surfactant.Other ingredients

[0056] The personal care compositions of the invention may further comprise a nonionic surfactant.

[0057] The nonionic surfactant can be any of the nonionic surfactants known or previously used in the art of aqueous surfactant compositions. Suitable nonionic surfactants include, but are not limited to, aliphatic (Ce-Cis) primary or secondary linear or branched chain acids, alcohols or phenols; alkyl ethoxylates; alkyl phenol alkoxylates (especially ethoxylates and mixed ethoxy / propoxy moieties); block alkylene oxide condensates of alkyl phenols; alkylene oxide condensates of alkanols; and ethylene oxide / propylene oxide block copolymers. Other suitable non-ionic surfactants include mono- or dialkyl alkanolamides; alkyl glucosides; sorbitan fatty acid esters; polyoxyethylene sorbitan fatty acid esters; polyoxyethylene sorbitol esters; polyoxyethylene acids, and polyoxyethylene alcohols. Other examples of suitable nonionic surfactants include coco mono- or diethanolamide, coco glucoside, decyl diglucoside, lauryl diglucoside, coco diglucoside, polysorbate 20, 40, 60, and 80, ethoxylated linear alcohols, cetearyl alcohol, lanolin alcohol, stearic acid, glyceryl stearate, PEG- 100 stearate, laureth 7, and oleth 20.

[0058] In particular, the nonionic surfactant can be selected from the group consisting of a cocamide monoethanolamide, cocoamide diethanolamide, an alkyl glucoside, a glycerol alkyl ester, and combinations thereof.

[0059] When present, the nonionic surfactant is typically in a concentration from 0.1 to 5 wt.%, or from 1 to 3 wt.% based on the total weight of the composition.

[0060] Ther personal care compositions of the invention can further comprise cationic surfactants. The amount of cationic surfactant that can be employed in the compositions of the invention can be determined by the person skilled in the formulationart, to obtain composition with desired physicochemical and functional properties. Suitable cationic surfactants in the context of the invention include, but are not limited to, alkylamines, amidoamines, alkyl imidazolines, ethoxylated amines, quaternary compounds, and quaternized esters. In addition, alkylamine oxides can function as a cationic surfactant at a lower pH value. Non-limiting examples of alkylamines and salts thereof include dimethyl cocamine, dimethyl palmitamine, dioctylamine, dimethyl stearamine, dimethyl soyamine, soyamine, myristyl amine, tridecyl amine, ethyl stearylamine, N-tallowpropane diamine, ethoxylated stearylamine, dihydroxy ethyl stearylamine, arachidylbehenylamine, dimethyl lauramine, stearylamine hydrochloride, soyamine chloride, stearylamine formate, N-tallowpropane diamine dichloride, and amodimethicone (INCI name for a silicone polymer end-blocked with amino functional groups, such as aminoethylamino propylsiloxane).

[0061] Non-limiting examples of alkyl imidazoline surfactants include alkyl hydroxyethyl imidazoline, such as stearyl hydroxyethyl imidazoline, coco hydroxyethyl imidazoline, ethyl hydroxymethyl oleyl oxazoline, and the like.

[0062] Non-limiting examples of ethyoxylated amines include PEG-cocopolyamine, PEG-15 tallow amine, quaternium-52, and the like.

[0063] Exemplary quaternary ammonium surfactants include, but are not limited to cetyl trimethylammonium chloride, cetylpyridinium chloride, dicetyl dimethyl ammonium chloride, dihexadecyl dimethyl ammonium chloride, stearyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride, dioctadecyl dimethyl ammonium chloride, dieicosyl dimethyl ammonium chloride, didocosyl dimethyl ammonium chloride, dihexadecyl dimethyl ammonium chloride, dihexadecyl dimethyl ammonium acetate, behenyl trimethyl ammonium chloride, benzalkonium chloride, benzethonium chloride, and di(cocoalkyl) dimethyl ammonium chloride, ditallowdimethyl ammonium chloride, dehydrogenated tallow) dimethyl ammonium chloride, dehydrogenated tallow) dimethyl ammonium acetate, ditallowdimethyl ammonium methyl sulfate, ditallow dipropyl ammonium phosphate, and ditallow dimethyl ammonium nitrate.

[0064] There is an increasing concern on the toxicity of some ethoxylated compounds. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the personal care compositions of the invention are free or substantially free of ethoxylated compounds.

[0065] It has been found that combinations of lauryl lactate and inorganic salts provide a synergistic effect building viscosity. Thus, the personal care composition of the invention may further comprise an inorganic salt. Particularly, inorganic salts can be selected from the group consisting of sodium chloride, calcium chloride, magnesium chloride, sodium bicarbonate, potassium chloride, sodium sulfate, calcium carbonate, and calcium phosphate. More particularly, the salt is a chloride salt, preferable sodium chloride.

[0066] The concentration of inorganic salt can typically from 0.1 to 5 wt.%, or from 1 to 3 wt.%, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0067] The personal care compositions can optionally comprise pH adjusting materials. Many types of alkaline materials and acidic materials known by the skilled person can be used. Non-limiting examples of alkaline materials include inorganic and organic bases. Non-limiting examples of acidifying materials include organic acids such as citric acid, acetic acid, alpha-hydroxy acid, beta-hydroxy acid, salicylic acid, lactic acid, glycolic acid, natural fruit acids, or combinations thereof; and inorganic acids, such as hydrochloric acid, nitric acid, sulfuric acid, sulfamic acid, phosphoric acid.

[0068] The pH of the compositions can be adjusted to be from 4 to 10, particularly from 4 to 8. More particularly, the pH can be 5, 5.5, 5.6, 6, 6.5, 6.7, 7, or 8.

[0069] Buffering agents can be used in the exemplary compositions. Suitable buffering agents include alkali or alkali earth metal carbonates, phosphates, bicarbonates, citrates, borates, acetates, acid anhydrides, succinates, and the like, such as sodium phosphate, sodium citrate, sodium acetate, sodium bicarbonate, and sodium carbonate. The amount of buffering agent utilized is dependent upon the desired pH range to be buffered or maintained. Such amounts can readily be determined by the skilled formulator.

[0070] Chelating agents can be employed to stabilize the composition against the deleterious effects of metal ions. When utilized, suitable chelating agents include EDTA (ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid) and salts thereof such as disodium and tetrasodium EDTA, citric acid and salts thereof, cyclodextrins, and the like, and mixtures thereof.

[0071] Such suitable chelating agents can be in a concentration from 0.001 wt.% to 3 wt.%, such as 0.01 wt.% to 2 wt.%, or 0.01 wt.% to 1 wt.% of the total weight of the personal care composition.

[0072] The personal care compositions can optionally comprise humectants. Humectants are defined as materials that absorb or release water vapor, depending on the relative humidity of the environment, (Harry's Cosmeticology, Chemical Publishing Company Inc., 1982 p. 266). Suitable humectants include, but are not limited to, allantoin; pyrrolidonecarboxylic acid and its salts; hyaluronic acid and salts thereof; sorbic acid and salts thereof; urea, lysine, cystine, and amino acids; polyhydroxy alcohols such as glycerin, propylene glycol, hexylene glycol, hexanetriol, ethoxydiglycol, dimethicone copolyol, and sorbitol, and the esters thereof; polyethylene glycol; glycolic acid and glycolate salts (e.g. ammonium and quaternary alkyl ammonium); chitosan; aloe-vera extracts; algae extract; honey and derivatives thereof; inositol; lactic acid and lactate salts (e.g. ammonium and quaternary alkyl ammonium); sugars and starches (e.g., maltose, glucose, fructose); sugar and starch derivatives (e.g., glucose alkoxylated glucose, mannitol, xyliyol); DL-panthenol; magnesium ascorbyl phosphate, arbutin, kojic acid, lactamide monoethanolamine; acetamide monoethanolamine; and the like, and mixtures thereof. Humectants also include the C3 to Ce diols and triols, such as glycerin, propylene glycol, butane-1 , 2, 3-triol , hexylene glycol, hexanetriol, and the like, and mixtures thereof. Ethoxylated methyl glucose ethers containing an average of 5 to 30 moles of ethoxylation, such as, for example, those available under the INCI names Lauryl Methyl Gluceth-10 Hydroxypropyldimonium chloride, Methyl Gluceth-10 and Methyl Gluceth-20, are suitable.

[0073] Such humectants may be present at from 0.01 to 20 wt.% of the personal care composition, such as at least 0.1 wt.%, or at least 1 wt.%, e.g., up to 8 wt.%, or up to 5 wt.%.

[0074] Skin sensates can help to provide better sensory to the user can also be incorporated in the compositions of the invention. Some non-limiting examples of skin sensates are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,230,688, 4,136,163, 6,183,766 and 7,001 ,594 each of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. Non-limiting examples of suitable sensates include butanedioic acid monomenthyl ester, camphor, carvone, cineole, clove oil, ethyl carboxamide, ethyl menthane carboxamide, eucalyptusoil, eucolytol, ginger oil, isopulegol, menthol, menthone glycerin acetal, menthoxy-1 ,2- propanediol, menthyl lactate, methyl diisopropylpropioniamide, methyl salicylate, peppermint oil, rosemary oil, trimethyl butanamide, vanillyl butyl ether or combinations thereof.

[0075] The sensate can be included in the composition in amounts ranging from about 0.01 wt.% to about 2 wt.%, particularly from 0.05 wt.% to 1 wt.%, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0076] Optionally, the compositions of the invention can comprise one or more of perfumes, fragrances, and fragrance oils. Exemplary perfumes, fragrances and fragrance oils include but are not limited to allyl cyclohexane propionate, ambrettolide, Ambrox® DL (dodecahydro-3a,6,6,9a-tetramethylnaphtho[2,1-b]furan), amyl benzoate, amyl cinnamate, amyl cinnamic aldehyde, amyl salicylate, anethol, aurantiol, benzophenone, benzyl butyrate, benzyl iso-valerate, benzyl salicylate, cadinene, campylcyclohexal, cedrol, cedryl acetate, cinnamyl cinnamate, citronellyl acetate, citronellyl isobutyrate, citronellyl propionate, cuminic aldehyde, cyclohexylsalicylate, cyclamen aldehyde, cyclomyral, dihydro isojasmonate, diphenyl methane, diphenyl oxide, dodecanal, dodecalactone, ethylene brassylate, ethylmethyl phenylglycidate, ethyl undecylenate, exaltolide, Galoxilide® (1 ,3,4,6,7,8-hexhydro,4,6,6,7,8,8-hexamethyl-cyclopenta-y-2- benzopyran), geranyl acetate, geranyl isobutyrate, hexadecanolide, hexenyl salicylate, hexyl cinnamic aldehyde, hexyl salicylate, a-ionone, p-ionone, y-ionone, a-irone, isobutyl benzoate, isobutyl quinoline, Iso E Super® (7-acetyl,1 ,2,3,4,5,6,7,8-octahydro,1 ,1 ,6,7- tetramethyl napthalene), cis-jasmone, lilial, linalyl benzoate, 20 methoxy naphthaline, methyl cinnamate, methyl eugenol, y-methylionone, methyl linolate, methyl linolenate, musk indanone, musk ketone, musk tibetine, myristicin, neryl acetate, b-nonalactone, y- nonalactone, patchouli alcohol, phantolide, phenylethyl benzoate, phenylethylphenylacetate, 2-phenylethanol, phenyl heptanol, phenyl hexanol, a-santalol, thibetolide, tonalid, b-undecalactone, y-undecalactone, vertenex, vetiveryl acetate, yara- yara, ylangene, allo-ocimene, allyl caproate, allyl heptoate, anisole, camphene, carvacrol, carvone, citral, citronellal, citronellol, citronellyl nitrile, coumarin, cyclohexyl ethylacetate, p-cymene, decanal, dihydromyrcenol, dihydromyrcenyl acetate, dimethyl octanol, ethyllinalool, ethylhexyl ketone, eucalyptol, fenchyl acetate, geraniol, gernyl formate,hexenyl isobutyrate, hexyl acetate, hexyl neopentanoate, heptanal, isobornyl acetate, isoeugenol, isomenthone, isononyl acetate, isononyl alcohol, isomenthol, isopulegol, limonene, linalool, linalyl acetate, menthyl acetate, methyl chavicol, methyl octyl acetaldehyde, myrcene, napthalene, nerol, neral, nonanal, 2-nonanone, nonyl acetate, octanol, octanal, a-pinene, p-pinene, rose oxide, a-terpinene, y-terpinene, a-terpinenol, terpinolene, terpinyl acetate, tetrahydrolinalool, tetrahydromyrcenol, undecenal, veratrol, verdox, acetanisol; amyl acetate; anisic aldehyde; anisylalcohol; benzaldehyde; benzyl acetate; benzyl acetone; benzyl alcohol; benzyl formate; hexenol; laevo-carveol; d- carvone; cinnamaldehyde; cinnamic alcohol; cinnamyl acetate; cinnamyl formate; cis-3- hexenyl acetate; Cyclal C (2,4-dimethyl-3-cyclohexen-1-carbaldehyde); dihydroxyindole; dimethyl benzyl carbinol; ethyl acetate; ethyl acetoacetate; ethyl butanoate; ethyl butyrate; ethyl vanillin; tricyclo decenyl propionate; furfural; hexanal; hexenol; hydratropic alcohol; hydroxycitronellal; indole; isoamyl alcohol; isopulegyl acetate; isoquinoline; ligustral; linalool oxide; methyl acetophenone; methyl amyl ketone; methyl anthranilate; methyl benzoate; methyl benzyl acetate; methyl heptenone; methyl heptyl ketone; methyl phenyl carbinyl acetate; methyl salicylate; octalactone; para-cresol; para-methoxy acetophenone; para-methyl acetophenone; phenethylalcohol; phenoxy ethanol; phenyl acetaldehyde; phenyl ethyl acetate; phenyl ethyl alcohol; prenyl acetate; propyl butyrate; safrole; vanillin and viridine.The amounts of each of the fragrance or perfume components may range from about 0.000001 to about 2 wt.%, or from 0.00001 to about 1.5 wt.%, or from 0.0001 to about 1 wt.%, or from about 0.001 to about 0.8 wt.%, based on of the weight of the composition.

[0077] Any preservative suitable for use in personal care can be used in the compositions of the present invention. Suitable preservatives include polymethoxy bicyclic oxazolidine, methyl paraben, propyl paraben, ethyl paraben, butyl paraben, benzyltriazole, DM DM hydantoin (also known as 1 ,3-dimethyl-5,5-dimethyl hydantoin), imidazolidinyl urea, phenoxyethanol, phenoxyethylparaben, methylisothiazolinone, methylchloroisothiazolinone, benzoisothiazolinone, triclosan, and suitable polyquaternium compounds as disclosed above (e.g., Polyquaternium-1). Acid-based preservatives are also useful in the exemplary compositions. Acid-based preservativesare also useful in the exemplary compositions. The use of acid-based preservatives facilitates the formulation of products in the low pH range.

[0078] Antibacterial agents can also be used in the personal care composition herein and may include, but are not limited to, 2-hydroxy-4,2',4'-trichlorodiphenylether (TCS), 2,6-dimethyl-4-hydroxychlorobenzene (PCMX),3,4,4'-trichlorocarbanilide (TCC), 3- trifluoromethyl-4,4'-dichlorocarbanilide (TFC), 2,2'-dihydroxy-3,3',5,5',6,6'- hexachlorodiphenylmethane, 2,2'-dihydroxy-3,3',5,5'-tetrachlorodiphenylmethane, 2,2'- dihydroxy-3,3',dibromo-5,5'-dichlorodiphenylmethane, 2-hydroxy4,4'- dichlorodiphenylether, 2-hydroxy-3,5',4-tribromodiphenylether, 1-hydroxyl-4-methyl-6- (2,4,4-trimethylpentyl)-2(1 H)-pyridinone (Octopirox), salts of 2-pyridinethiol-1-oxide, salicylic acid, and other organic acids. Other suitable antibacterial agents are described in U.S. Patent. Nos. 3,835,057; 4,714,653; and 6,488,943.

[0079] The compositions of the invention may be combined with antioxidant agents. Non-limiting examples include EDTA and its salts, citric acid, tartaric acid, oxalic acid, BHA (butylhydroxyanisol), BHT (butylhydroxytoluene), tocopherol derivatives such as tocopherol acetate, and mixtures thereof.

[0080] The preservatives, antibacterial agents and antioxidants, are typically used in a concentration from 0.01 to 3.0 wt.%, or from about 0.1 to about 1 wt.%, or from about 0.3 to about 1 wt.%, based on the weight of the total composition.

[0081] Natural and / or synthetic agents (or combination thereof) to obtain enhanced thickening properties (i.e., thickening agents) can be also used in the context of the present invention.

[0082] Thus, in one embodiment the personal care composition of the invention further comprises an additional thickening agent.

[0083] The person skilled in the art will readily select a proper thickening agent(s) and amounts(s) thereof to obtain the desired rheology. Non-limiting examples of natural thickening agents are tree & shrub exudates (karaya gum, tragacanth gum, gum Arabic, gum ghatti), seed extracts (guar gum, cassia gum, locust been gum, tamarind seed), seaweed extracts (carrageenan, alginates, agar), fruit extracts (pectins, waxes), grains & roots (corn starch, potato starch, etc), microbial polysaccharides (xanthan gum, dextran, diutan gum), modified natural products (cellulose derivatives such as hydropropylcellulose, methylcellulose, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, cellulose gum, etc.); and hydrophobically modified ethoxylated methyl glucosides, such as PEG 120 methyl glucose dioleate, PEG-120 methyl glucose trioleate, and PEG-20 methyl glucose sesquistearate, available from Lubrizol Advanced Materials, Inc., under the trade names, Glucamate™ DOE-120, Glucamate™ LT and VLT, and Glucamate™ SSE-20, respectively, are also suitable as thickening agents. Non-limiting examples of synthetic thickening agents include the polyethylene glycols (PEG) having 5 to 200 glycol units, such as, for example, those available under the INCI names PEG- 6, PEG-8, PEG-12, PEG-20, PEG-30, PEG-32, PEG-75, PEG-90, PEG-100 and PEG-200; acrylic / methacrylic acid homopolymers and copolymers, such as, for example, those sold under the trade names Carbopol® 934, Carbopol 940, Carbopol 941 , Carbopol 980, Carbopol 981 , Carbopol 2984, Carbopol 5984, Carbopol ETD 2050, Carbopol llltrez 10, Carbopol llltrez 30 (INCI name: Carbomer); Carbopol 1342, Carbopol 1382, Carbopol ETD 2020, Carbopol llltrez 20, Carbopol Ultrez 21 , Pemulen™ TR-1 and Pemulen TR-2 (INCI name: Acrylates / C -Cao Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer); Carbopol Aqua SF-1 (INCI name: Acrylates Copolymer); manufactured and sold by Lubrizol Advanced Materials, Inc., Cleveland, OH; acrylamide homopolymers and copolymers; polymers prepared from 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropanesulfonic acid (AMPS® monomer).

[0084] In particular, the thickening agent can be hydrophobically modified alkoxylated methyl glucoside, more particularly PEG-120 methyl glucose trioleate.

[0085] If utilized, the thickeners can comprise from about 0.01 wt.% to about 5 wt. % of the total weight of the personal care composition. Particularly, the amount can range from about 0.1 wt.% to about 3 wt.%, or from about 0.1 wt.% to about 2.0 wt.% of the total weight of the personal care composition.

[0086] Advantageously, the personal care composition can further comprise microfibrous cellulose (MFC). Microfibrous celluloses can be obtained by microbial fermentation (fermented-derived microfibrous cellulose) or prepared by mechanically disrupting / altering material from vegetal origin such as cereal or wood. Particularly, the microfibrous cellulose can be fermented-derived microfibrous cellulose (FDC). FDC refers to cellulose that is obtained by fermentation, typically produced by fermentation by certaintypes of bacteria, such as for example, but not-limited to, bacteria from qenusKomaqataeibacter, Acetobacterm Sarcina ventriculi and Aqrobacterium.

[0087] The concentration of microfibrous cellulose is typically from 1 to 10 wt.%, or from 4 to 6 wt.% based on the total weight of the composition.

[0088] The invention provides for personal care compositions wherein the viscosity of the composition is from 1,000 to 20,000 cP measured at a shear rate of 3.5 1 / s, and 25°C using an AR-G2 Magnetic Bearing Rheometer. In particular, the viscosity can be from 1,000 to 10,000 measured at a shear rate of 3.5 1 / s, and 25°C using an AR-G2 Magnetic Bearing Rheometer.Personal care compositions

[0089] Typical personal care compositions in the context of the present invention include body washes, antibacterial body washes, dual purpose body washes and shampoos, bath gels, shower gels, liquid hand soaps, body scrubs, bubble baths, facial scrubs, foot scrubs, and the like.

[0090] In particular, the shampoo embodiments of the present invention can be formulated as 2-in-1 shampoos, baby shampoos, conditioning shampoos, bodyfying shampoos, moisturizing shampoos, temporary hair color shampoos, 3-in-1 shampoos, anti-dandruff shampoos, hair color maintenance shampoos, acid (neutralizing) shampoos, medicated shampoos, and salicylic acid shampoos, and the like.

[0091] In one embodiment, the personal care composition is selected from the group consisting of hand soaps, body washes, and shampoos.

[0092] The invention provides for sulfate-free or substantially sulfate-free personal care compositions comprising water; a betaine-based surfactant; an amino acid based- surfactant; and lauryl lactate. The compositions can further comprise an amphocarboxylate-based surfactant.

[0093] The invention provides for sulfate-free or substantially sulfate-free personal care compositions comprising water; a betaine-based surfactant; an amphocarboxylate- based surfactants; an amino acid surfactant and lauryl lactate.

[0094] The invention provides for sulfate-free or substantially sulfate-free personal care compositions comprising water; a betaine-based surfactant; an isethionate-basedsurfactant; and lauryl lactate. The compositions can further comprise an amphocarboxylate-based surfactant, coco-glucoside or combinations thereof.

[0095] The invention provides for sulfate-free or substantially sulfate-free personal care compositions comprising water; cocam idopropyl betaine; sodium cocoyl glycinate; and lauryl lactate. In particular, the compositions can further comprise cocamide monoethanolamide. The compositions can optionally further comprise an inorganic salt.

[0096] The invention provides for sulfate-free or substantially sulfate-free personal care compositions comprising water; cocamidopropyl betaine; disodium cocoamphodiacetate; sodium methyl cocoyl taurate; sodium cocoyl isethionate; and lauryl lactate. The compositions can further comprise an inorganic salt.

[0097] The invention provides for sulfate-free or substantially sulfate-free personal care compositions comprising water; cocamidopropyl betaine; sodium cocoyl glycinate; and lauryl lactate. In particular, the composition can further comprise sodium cocoyl isethionate, coco-glucoside or combinations thereof. Optionally, the compositions can further comprise an inorganic salt.

[0098] The invention provides for sulfate-free or substantially sulfate-free personal care compositions comprising water; cocoamidorpopyl betaine; sodium lauroyl isethionate; and lauryl lactate. In particular, the composition can further comprise sodium cocoyl isethionate, coco-glucoside or combinations thereof. Optionally, the compositions can further comprise an inorganic salt.

[0099] The invention provides for sulfate-free or substantially sulfate-free personal care compositions comprising water; cocamidopropyl hydroxysultaine; sodium methyl cocoyl taurate and lauryl lactate.

[0100] The invention also provides for a method for cosmetic non-therapeutic treatment of the skin or hair comprising i) dispensing the personal care compositions disclosed herein to the skin or hair, and ii) rinsing with water.

[0101] The present invention will be better understood by reference to the following examples, which serve to illustrate the invention, but not to limit the same.EXAMPLESEXAMPLE 1

[0102] Two personal care compositions were prepared containing or not Schercemol™ LL ester (Ingredient name: Lauryl Lactate) from Lubrizol Advanced Materials Inc. and viscosity was determined.TABLE 11Viscosity measured at a shear rate of 3.5 1 / s, and 25°C using an AR-G2 Magnetic Bearing Rheometer.

[0103] Lauryl lactate provided good thickening in taurate / sultaine surfactant systems.EXAMPLE 2

[0104] Different personal care compositions were formulated having in common the following ingredients: 4 wt.% sodium cocoyl glycinate, 4.3 wt.% cocamidopropyl betaine, 1 wt.% Cocamide MEA, 0.5 wt.% sodium citrate, 0.65 wt.% Troycare™ FE01 (preservative), water (q.s.). The pH was 6.7.

[0105] The compositions differed in the amount of salt (sodium chloride) and lauryl lactate (Schercemol™ LL ester) as set out in Table 2.

[0106] Lauryl lactate had efficient thickening synergy with salt.EXAMPLE 3

[0107] Personal care compositions were prepared having in common the following ingredients 4 wt.% cocam idopropyl betaine, 2 wt.% disodium cocoamphodiacetate, 2 wt.% sodium cocoyl isethionate, 2 wt.% sodium methyl cocoyl taurate, 0.5 wt.% sodium chloride, 0.5 wt.% sodium citrate, 0.8 wt.% Euxyl™ PE 9010 (preservative), 0.4 wt.% lauryl lactate, water (q.s). The pH was 6.0.

[0108] The effect of adding microfibrous cellulose (Arbalon™ R-50 cellulose liquid)1Viscosity measured at a shear rate of 3.5 1 / s, and 25°C using an AR-G2 Magnetic Bearing Rheometer.

[0109] The viscosity of both compositions was similar. However, the combination of lauryl lactate and microfibrous cellulose provided a natural solution for both thickening and suspension in surfactant systems.EXAMPLE 4

[0110] Personal care compositions were prepared having in common the following ingredients: 2 wt.% sodium cocoyl isethionate, 2 wt.% sodium cocoyl glycinate, 4.3 wt.% cocamidopropyl betaine, 1 wt.% coco-glucoside, 0.5 wt.% sodium citrate, 0.65 wt.% Troycare™ FE01, water (q.s.). The pH was 6.6.

[0111] The effect of adding lauryl lactate (Schercemol™ LL ester) or salt on viscosity was determined.TABLE 41Viscosity measured at a shear rate of 3.5 1 / s, and 25°C using an AR-G2 Magnetic Bearing Rheometer.

[0112] Lauryl lactate had efficient thickening synergy with salt.EXAMPLE 5

[0113] A cleansing composition was prepared containing the following ingredients: 6 wt.% cocamidopropyl betaine, 4 wt.% sodium methyl cocoyl taurate, 1 wt.% coco- glucoside, 2.5 wt.% glycerin, 0.5 wt.% sodium citrate, 0.5 wt.% sodium benzoate, 0.38 wt.% fragrance, 0.5% lauryl lactate (Schercemol™ LL ester) with a pH of 5.0. The composition showed a high viscosity of 9540 cP as determined as Brookfield viscosity with spindle #5 at 20 rpm at 25°C after 24 hours the samples were made.EXAMPLE 6

[0114] Two cleansing compositions were prepared comprising either Glucamate™ VLT thickener (Methyl Glucose Trioleate PEG-120 and Propanediol) or Glucamate™ VLT and Schercemol™ LL ester. The compositions had a pH of 5.6 and included the following ingredients: 4 wt.% disodium cocoyl glutamate, 4.3 wt.% cocam idopropyl betaine, 3 wt.% coco-glucoside, 1 wt. % sodium chloride, 0.65 wt.% Troycare™ FE01 and water (q.s.). The viscosity of both compositions was compared.TABLE 51Viscosity measured at a shear rate of 3.5 1 / s, and 25°C using an AR-G2 Magnetic Bearing Rheometer.

[0115] Schercemol™ LL ester combined with Glucamate™ VLT thickener provided good thickening to difficult-to-thicken sulfate-free surfactant systems, and is an approach to increase biodegradability and naturality, and reduce 1 ,4-dioxane content for the formulation.EXAMPLE 7

[0116] Personal care compositions with pH 5.0 were prepared comprising 4 wt.% sodium methyl cocoyl taurate, 6 wt.% cocam idopropyl betaine, 5 wt.% Arbalon™ R-50 cellulose liquid, 0.5 wt.% sodium benzoate and water (q.s.). The effect of Schercemol™ LL ester (lauryl lactate) on viscosity was compared.TABLE 61Viscosity measured at a shear rate of 3.5 1 / s, and 25°C using an AR-G2 Magnetic Bearing Rheometer.

[0117] Laury lactate significantly increased viscosity.EXAMPLE 8

[0118] The effect of lauryl lactate (Schercemol™ LL ester) on viscosity was compared in two cleansing compositions comprising 4 wt.% sodium lauroyl isethionate, 6 wt.% cocam idopropyl betaine, 5 wt.% Arbalon™ R-50 cellulose liquid and water (q.s.). The pH was 5.8.TABLE 71Viscosity measured at a shear rate of 3.5 1 / s, and 25°C using an AR-G2 Magnetic Bearing Rheometer.EXAMPLE 9

[0119] A personal care composition was prepared comprising the following ingredients: 5 wt.% sodium methyl cocoyl taurate, 4.3 wt.% cocam idopropyl betaine, 1 wt.% disodium cocoamphodiacetate, 5 wt.% Arbalon™ R-50, 0.5 wt.% sodium citrate, 1wt.% fragrance, 0.5 wt.% sodium benzoate, 0.2 wt.% Schercemol™ LL ester and water (q.s.). The pH was 5.0. The viscosity was 7060 cP as measured with a spindle #5 at 20 rpm at 25°C after 24 hours the samples were made, using Brookfield RV, DV-II+ Pro viscometer.

[0120] The invention has been explained in relation to its preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that various modifications thereof will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the specification. Therefore, it is to be understood that the invention disclosed herein is intended to cover such modifications as fall within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A personal care composition comprising: a) water; b) at least a zwitterionic or amphoteric surfactant; c) at least an anionic surfactant; and d) at least a fatty ester selected from the group consisting of lauryl lactate, lauryl lactyl lactate and combinations thereof; wherein the personal care composition is sulfate-free or substantially sulfate-free.

2. The personal care composition of claim 1 , wherein the zwitterionic or amphoteric surfactant is selected from the group consisting of betaine-based, sultaine-based surfactants, amphocarboxylate-based surfactants, and combinations thereof.

3. The personal care composition of claim 2, wherein the zwitterionic or amphoteric surfactant is selected from the group consisting of cocam idopropyl hydroxysultaine, cocamidopropyl betaine, disodium cocoamphodiacetate, and combinations thereof.

4. The personal care composition of any one of the previous claims, wherein the anionic surfactant is selected from the group consisting of amino acid surfactants, isethionate- based surfactants, and combinations thereof.

5. The personal care composition of claim 4, wherein the anionic surfactant is selected from the group consisting of disodium cocoyl glutamate, sodium methyl cocoyl taurate, sodium cocoyl glycinate, sodium cocoyl isethionate, sodium lauroyl isethionate, and combinations thereof.

6. The personal care composition of any one of the previous claims, further comprising an additional thickening agent.

7. The personal care composition of claim 6, wherein the additional thickening agent is a hydrophobically modified alkoxylated methyl glucoside, preferably PEG-120 methyl glucose trioleate.

8. The personal care composition of any one of claims 6 to 7, wherein the concentration of the additional thickening agent is from 0.01 to 5 wt.%, or from 1 to 3 wt.% based on the total weight of the composition.

9. The personal care composition of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the composition is free or substantially free of ethoxylated compounds.

10. The personal care composition of any one of the previous claims, wherein the concentration of zwitterionic or amphoteric surfactant b) is from 1 to 10 wt.%, or from 4 to 8 wt.% based on the total weight of the composition.11 . The personal care composition of any one of the previous claims, wherein the concentration of anionic surfactant c) is from 1 to 10 wt.%, or from 3 to 6 wt.% based on the total weight of the composition.

12. The personal care composition of any one of the previous claims, wherein the concentration of zwitterionic or amphoteric surfactant is higher than the concentration of anionic surfactant.

13. The personal care composition of any one of the previous claims, wherein the weight ratio of zwitterionic or amphoteric surfactant b) to anionic surfactant c) is from more than 1 :1 to 2: 1 , or from more than 1 : 1 to 1 .5: 1.

14. The personal care composition of any one of the previous claims, wherein the concentration of fatty ester d) is from 0.1 to 1 wt.% based on the total weight of the composition.

15. The personal care composition of any one of the previous claims, further comprising an inorganic salt.

16. The personal care composition of claim 15, wherein the concentration of the inorganic salt is from 0.1 to 5 wt.%, or from 1 to 3 wt.%, based on the total weight of the composition.

17. The personal care composition of any one of the previous claims, further comprising microfibrous cellulose, preferably fermented-derived microfibrous cellulose.

18. The personal care composition of claim 17, wherein the concentration of microfibrous cellulose is from 1 to 10 wt.%, or from 4 to 6 wt.% based on the total weight of the composition.

19. The personal care composition of any one of the previous claims, wherein the viscosity of the composition is from 1 ,000 to 20,000 cP measured at a shear rate of 3.5 1 / s, and 25°C using an AR-G2 Magnetic Bearing Rheometer.

20. The personal care composition of any one of the previous claims, wherein the composition is selected from the group consisting of hand soaps, body washes and shampoos.

21. A method for cosmetic non-therapeutic treatment of the skin or hair comprising i) dispensing the personal care composition of any one of the previous claims to the skin or hair, and ii) rising with water.

22. Use of a fatty ester selected from the group consisting of lauryl lactate, lauryl lactyl lactate and combinations thereof for increasing the viscosity of a sulfate-free or substantially sulfate-free personal care composition comprising water; at least a zwitterionic or amphoteric surfactant; and at least an anionic surfactant.