Cleaning composition

Abstract

A cleaning composition comprising 4 to 7wt% of branched surfactant selected from branched alkyl sulphate, ethoxylated branched alkyl sulphate or a mixture thereof, 1.4 wt% to 2.7 wt%, amphoteric surfactant, and optionally salt.

Description

[0001] CLEANING COMPOSITION

[0002] The present invention relates to cleaning composition comprising branched alkyl sulphate or ethoxylated branched alkyl sulphate, preferably sodium pareth sulphate, and a process for preparing the same.

[0003] Background

[0004] Sodium lauryl ether sulphate (SLES) is a surfactant that is commonly used in cleaning compositions. Such cleaning compositions may be either personal care compositions, such as for example body wash compositions or shampoos, or household care cleaning compositions. SLES is a common ‘workhorse’ and used in high amounts in a wide product range. It is appreciated by consumers as a surfactant because of its foaming potential in use and good cleaning property. SLES is primarily lauric acid derived, which is sourced via palm kernel oil (PKO). Palm kernel oil sourcing is a disputed topic and is related to deforestation and associated problems. A need therefore is recognized in the industry for alternatives for SLES. In view of the scale of use of SLES in the industry, a considerable impact is expected of such alternatives on environmental ambitions.

[0005] Alternatives for SLES are already known. Branched alkyl sulphate or ethoxylated branched alkyl sulphate, such as sodium pareth sulphate (SPES) is a known alternative. SPES is a synthetic equivalent derived from crude oil. As the tail group on the surfactant is from a different source, one of the main differences between SLES and SPES is linearity of the molecule. The nature of the derivation for SPES causes the chain length to be more branched in comparison to SLES, leading to some clear differences in terms of the behavior in forming rod micelles. SPES is a branched chain surfactant rich in C12 and C13 alkyl chain whereas SLES is a linear chain surfactant rich in C12 and C14 alkyl chain.

[0006] One problem that was recognized in formulating cleaning compositions using SPES results in a less favorable viscosity-build in comparison to SLES. A one-to-one change from SLES to SPES in cleaning formulations, while maintaining technically viable products and allowing production at industrial scale, appeared therefore problematic.

[0007] It is furthermore desired to produce cleansing compositions that use a relatively low surfactant level, for reasons of cost and sustainability. Commercially available liquid cleansing compositions frequently contain 12 wt% or more of anionic surfactant. A sufficient level of surfactant is primarily needed for surfactant molecules to be able to assemble into micelles, and for the micelles to aggregate to build structure. One method of producing mild compositions that are cost effective would be to minimize the surfactant level.

[0008] It was found, however, that a SLES to SPES replacement becomes more complicated when low surfactant levels are desired, because typically a relatively high co-surfactant level is applied to obtain a minimum viscosity for performance of consumer products, such as handwash compositions, and such higher levels are undesired, for the reasons indicated above, but in the context of the invention also appeared to increase the propensity to form unfavorable gel structures. A relatively low surfactant level on the other hand appeared to reduce the lather volume, which is not desired as well.

[0009] Viscosity enhancement of cleaning compositions is typically achieved by an increase in salt levels. In the context of the present invention, addition of salt beyond a certain extent appeared to decrease the viscosity. Without willing to be bound by theory, this observation may be caused by micelles starting to branch.

[0010] Thus, it is difficult to create a mild, stable, high lathering personal cleansing composition with a low surfactant level, which comprises branched alkyl sulphate surfactant or ethoxylated branched alkyl sulphate, such as SPES.

[0011] A need therefore is recognized for a cleaning composition that provides a consumer experience that as much as possible resembles that of an equivalent composition comprising SLES, but that does not rely on palm kernel oil. In particular, such a composition is desired that matches the sensory experience like lather and cleansing, with low levels of surfactants present in the composition, and preferably matches the typical viscosity of a liquid cleansing product, that could range from 3000 to 11000 cP, or preferably from 3000 to 10500 and more typically is from 3000-9000 and preferably 3000-6000 cP (mPa.s, at 25 °C).

[0012] WO97 / 39089 relates to a liquid cleansing composition comprising a surfactant system containing selected mid-chain branched surfactants and co-surfactants.

[0013] CN 109810803 relates to an anti-frozen windshield washer fluid and a preparation method thereof. US6008261 relates to an aqueous surfactant composition, with a high viscosity, comprising an anionic surfactant, or a mixture of anionic surfactnats, an alkyl ester of lactic acid or a mixture of alkyl esters of lactic acid and, optionally, an electrolyte.

[0014] US2004 / 062738 relates to personal care products which comprise a quaternary amino functional elastomer.

[0015] Summary of the invention

[0016] The present invention relates to replacing palm kernel oil (PKO) derived surfactant with non- PKO derived surfactant alternative for a (preferably skin-) cleansing composition which requires a minimum number of core strategic surfactants, to deliver to consumer needs and maximize formulation flexibility, wherein (i) the anionic surfactant is branched alkyl sulphate surfactant or ethoxylated branched alkyl sulphate, preferably is sodium pareth ether sulfate (SPES), preferably from 4 wt% to 7wt% by weight of the composition at 100% activity and (ii) a amphoteric cosurfactant is present, preferably cocam idopropyl betaine, preferably in an amount of from 1.2 wt% to 2.4 wt%.

[0017] The inventors have now surprisingly found that a combination of branched alkyl sulphate surfactant or ethoxylated branched alkyl sulphate, preferably SPES, with amphoteric surfactant, preferably CAPB, and preferably at a specific defined ratio can afford viscosity builds, preferably with salt addition, at low total concentrations of surfactant, while retaining stable and preferably transparent isotropic composition. The composition does not require the need of other secondary surfactants, thickening agents such as polymers.

[0018] More in particular, this aim has been met, at least partly, in a first aspect, with a cleaning composition that comprises:

[0019] • 4 to 7 wt%, preferably 4.5 to 6.5 wt% of branched surfactant selected from branched alkyl sulphate, ethoxylated branched alkyl sulphate or a mixture thereof,

[0020] • 1.4 wt% to 2.7 wt%, preferably from 1.6 to 2.6 wt%, preferably of from 1.6 to 2.5 wt% and more preferably from 1.7 to 2.4 wt%, and more preferably from 1.7 to 2.3 wt% of amphoteric surfactant,

[0021] • 0 to 2 wt%, preferably 0.1 to 2 wt%, more preferably 0.2 to 1.5 wt%, more preferably from 0.2 to 1 .2 wt% of salt, preferably sodium chloride,

[0022] In a second aspect, the present invention relates to a process to prepare a cleaning composition according to the invention, wherein the process comprises the step of: a) Providing a mixture comprising branched surfactant selected from branched alkyl sulphate, ethoxylated branched alkyl sulphate or a mixture thereof, amphoteric surfactant, preferably CAPB, and salt, preferably sodium chloride,

[0023] • wherein the amount of branched surfactant is 4 to 7 wt%, preferably 4.5 to 6.5 wt% based on the weight of the resulting cleaning composition, and

[0024] • the amount of amphoteric surfactant, preferably of CAPB, is 1.4 to 2.7 wt%, preferably from 1.5 to 2.6 wt%, preferably of from 1 .6 to 2.5 wt% and more preferably from 1 .7 to 2.4 wt%, and more preferably from 1 .7 to 2.3 wt%, based on the weight of the resulting cleaning composition, and

[0025] • the amount of salt, preferably NaCI, is 0 to 2 wt%, preferably 0.2 to 1.2, more preferably 0.3 to 1 wt%, based on the weight of the resulting cleaning composition, wherein preferably the weight ratio of branched surfactant to amphoteric, preferably zwitterionic, surfactant is from more than 1.9 to 3.2 wt% preferably from 2.2 to 3.0 wt%, and more preferably from 2.3 to 2.9 wt% and most preferably of from 2.5 to 2.8 wt%, to result in a cleaning composition.

[0026] In a third aspect, the present invention relates to the use of from 4 to 7wt% branched surfactant selected from branched alkyl sulphate, ethoxylated branched alkyl sulphate ora mixture thereof, and 1.4 to 2.7 wt% amphoteric surfactant, preferably CAPB, wherein preferably the weight ratio of branched surfactant to amphoteric surfactant, preferably zwitterionic surfactant is from 1.9 to 3.2 wt% preferably from 2.2 to 3.0 wt%, and more preferably from 2.3 to 2.9 wt% and most preferably of from 2.5 to 2.8 wt%, in a cleaning composition, to provide a viscosity of more than 3000 cP of the personal cleansing composition, wherein the total amount of surfactant in the cleaning composition is less than 9.5 wt%.

[0027] Detailed description of the invention

[0028] Levels of ingredients, such as for example surfactants, are based on active ingredient weight, unless indicated otherwise.

[0029] Percentages are meant to be weight percentages based on total weight of the composition, unless indicated otherwise.

[0030] Physical parameters are considered to be measured at 20 °C at atmospheric pressure, unless indicated otherwise.

[0031] The present invention relates to a cleaning composition and hence is suitable to clean e.g. a surface e.g. when using it with water, such as in the shower or during hand washing. Preferably, the composition is a personal wash composition, typically used to wash human skin. The cleaning composition comprises surfactant, more in particular comprises both anionic and amphoteric surfactant. The total level of surfactant in the composition is preferably equal or less than 9.5 wt%, preferably equal or less than 9 wt%, more preferably equal or less than 8,5 wt%, even more preferably equal or less than 8 wt% and could even be equal or less than 7.5 wt%, based on the weight of the cleaning composition.

[0032] Anionic

[0033] The total level of anionic surfactant is preferably 4 to 7.5 wt%, preferably 4.5 to 7 wt%, more preferably 5 to 7.0 wt%, based on the weight of the composition. The total level of amphoteric surfactant is preferably 1 .4 to 2.7 wt%, preferably 1 .6 to 2.6 wt%, and more preferably from 1.6 to 2.5 wt%, even more preferably from 1.7 to 2.4 wt% or even more preferred from 1.7 to 2.3 wt%, based on the weight of the resulting cleaning composition.

[0034] The composition of the present invention preferably comprises from 4 to 7.5 wt%, more preferably from 4 to 7.0 wt%, even more preferably from 5 to 7.0 wt% of total branched surfactant. Branched surfactant is selected from branched alkyl sulphate, ethoxylated branched alkyl sulphate or a mixture thereof.

[0035] The ethoxylated branched alkyl sulphate preferably is sodium pareth sulphate (SPES) and more preferably is sodium C12-14 pareth sulphate, and even more preferably is sodium C12-13 pareth sulphate. The term "Sodium C12-13 Alketh sulfate" shall be recognized as a Sodium Pareth Sulfate or a synonym for "Sodium Pareth Sulfate" in accordance with the updated nomenclature guidelines established by the Personal Care Products Council (PCPC), aligning with global regulatory standards, as the skilled person is aware. Preferably, the ethoxylation level of the ethoxylated branched alkyl sulphate is 1. Preferably, the ethoxylation level of the SPES is 1.

[0036] The branched alkyl sulphate preferably is sodium C10-16 alkyl sulphate, more preferably sodium C12-15 alkyl sulphate, even more preferably sodium C12-13 alkyl sulphate, (these are nonethoxylated branched alkyl sulphate).

[0037] Accordingly, the composition preferably comprises SPES, more preferably sodium C12-14 pareth sulphate, even more preferably sodium C12-13 pareth sulphate, in an amount of from 4 to 7.5 wt%, more preferably from 4 to 7 wt%, more preferably 5 to 7.0 wt%, based on the weight of the composition.

[0038] Since sodium lauryl ether sulphate (SLES, also called sodium laureth sulphate, or sodium alkyl ether sulphate) is intended to be as low as possible, e.g. to reduce sources of palm kernel oil, the level of SLES is preferably less than 10 wt%, more preferably les than 5 wt%, even more preferably less than 1 wt%, based on the weight of the cleaning composition, and most preferably the cleaning composition is free from SLES.

[0039] Amphoteric

[0040] The composition of the invention comprises amphoteric surfactant, which depending on the pH can be zwitterionic, as the skilled person knows. Preferably the composition comprises zwitterionic surfactant. The amount of amphoteric surfactant, preferably the amount of zwitterionic surfactant, in the composition is 1.4 wt% to 2.7 wt%, preferably from 1.6 to 2.6 wt%, and more preferably from 1.6 to 2.5 wt% more preferably from 1.6 to 2.5 wt%, and more preferably 1.7 to 2.4 wt% or even 1.7 to 2.3 wt%, based on the weight of the cleaning composition. Although some slight jelly microstructure can be acceptable, especially in certain applications, it can be preferred that a jelly-like microstructure is very low or even absent, and it may therefore be preferred, that the concentration of amphoteric surfactant, e.g. the concentration of CAPB, is below 2.4 wt%, e.g. from 1.7 to 2.4 wt%, or 1.7 to 2.3 wt% or even 1 .8 to 2.2 wt%, based on the weight of the cleaning composition.

[0041] Amphoteric surfactants can be included in the cleaning compositions disclosed herein. Amphoteric surfactants that could be included include sodium acyl amphoacetates, sodium acyl amphopropionates, disodium acyl amphodiacetates and disodium acyl amphodipropionates where the acyl (i.e. , alkanoyl group) can comprise a C7-C18 alkyl portion. Illustrative examples of amphoteric surfactants include sodium lauroamphoacetate, sodium cocoamphoacetate, or a combination thereof.

[0042] As to the zwitterionic surfactants employed in the present cleaning composition, such surfactants include at least one acid group. Such an acid group may be a carboxylic or a sulphonic acid group. They often include quaternary nitrogen, and therefore, can be quaternary amino acids. They should generally include an alkyl or alkenyl group of 7 to 18 carbon atoms and generally comply with an overall structural formula:

[0043] R6— [— C(O)— NH(CH2)q— ],— N+(R7)(R8)-A— B where R6is alkyl or alkenyl of 7 to 18 carbon atoms; R7and R8are each independently alkyl, hydroxyalkyl or carboxyalkyl of 1 to 3 carbon atoms; q is 2 to 4; r is 0 to 1 ; A is alkylene of 1 to 3 carbon atoms optionally substituted with hydroxyl, and B is — CO2— or — SO3 — . Desirable zwitterionic surfactants for use in the cleaning composition disclosed herein and within the above general formula include simple betaines of formula:

[0044] R6— N+(R7)(R8)-CH2CO2- and amido betaines of formula:

[0045] R6— CONH(CH2)t— N+(R7)(R8)-CH2CO2- where t is 2 or 3.

[0046] In both formulae R6, R7and R8are as defined previously. R6may, in particular, be a mixture of Ci2and C14 alkyl groups derived from coconut oil so that at least half, preferably at least three quarters of the groups R6have 10 to 14 carbon atoms. R7and R8are preferably methyl.

[0047] A further possibility is that the zwitterionic surfactant is a sulphobetaine of formula:

[0048] R6— N+(R7)(R8)-(CH2)3SO3- or

[0049] R6— CONH(CH2)U— N+(R7)(R8)-(CH2)3SO3- where u is 2 or 3, or variants of these in which — (CH2)3SO3‘ is replaced by — CH2C(OH)(H)CH2SO3-.

[0050] In these formulae, R6, R7and R8are as previously defined.

[0051] Illustrative examples of the zwitterionic surfactants desirable for use include betaines such as lauryl betaine, betaine citrate, cocodimethyl carboxymethyl betaine, cocoamidopropyl betaine, coco alkyldimethyl betaine, and laurylamidopropyl betaine. An additional zwitterionic surfactant suitable for use includes cocoamidopropyl sultaine, for example, cocamidopropyl hydroxysultaine. Preferred zwitterionic surfactants include lauryl betaine, betaine citrate, sodium hydroxymethylglycinate, (carboxymethyl) dimethyl-3-[(1 -oxododecyl) amino] propylammonium hydroxide, coco alkyldimethyl betaine, (carboxymethyl) dimethyloleylammonium hydroxide, cocoamidopropyl betaine, (carboxymethyl) dimethyloleylammonium hydroxide, cocoamidopropyl betaine, (carboxylatomethyl) dimethyl(octadecyl)ammonium, cocamidopropyl hydroxysultaine, or a combination thereof. Most preferred zwitterionic surfactants include cocodimethyl carboxymethyl betaine, cocamidopropyl betaine, laurylamidopropyl betaine, cocamidopropyl hydroxysultaine, lauryl hydroxysultaine, or a combination thereof. Such surfactants are made commercially available from suppliers like Stepan Company, Solvay, Evonik and the like and it is within the scope of the cleaning compositions disclosed herein to employ mixtures of the aforementioned surfactants.

[0052] The amphoteric surfactant is preferably a surfactant selected from the group consisting of cocamidopropyl betaine, lauramidopropyl betaine, coco-betaine, lauryl betaine, cocoamphoacetate, cocoamphodiacetate, lauroamphocetate, lauroamphodicetate, lauramine oxide, lauryl hydroxysultaines, cocamidopropyl hydroxysultaine, coco-hydroxysultaine, coco- sultaine, lauryl betaine, lauryl sultaine and mixtures thereof.

[0053] Most preferably, the amphoteric surfactant is cocamidopropyl betaine. Accordingly, the cleaning composition preferably comprises from 1 .4 wt% to 2.7 wt%, preferably from 1.6 to 2.6 wt%, and more preferably from 1.7 to 2.4 wt%, or even more preferably from 1.7 to 2.3 wt% of cocamidopropyl betaine, based on the weight of the cleaning composition.

[0054] Accordingly, the invention relates preferably to a cleaning composition that comprises:

[0055] • 4 to 7wt%, preferably 5 to 7.0 wt% of sodium pareth sulphate,

[0056] • 1.4 wt% to 2.4 wt%, preferably from 1 .5 to 2.3 wt% preferably of from 1 .8 to 2.3 wt% of cocamido propyl betaine,

[0057] • 0.1 to 2 wt%, more preferably 0.2 to 1 .2 wt% of sodium chloride, wherein the total surfactant level is equal or less than 9wt%, preferably equal or less than 8.5 wt%, more preferably equal or less than 8 wt%, and preferably wherein the weight ratio of SPES to CAPB is from 1 .9 to 3.2 wt% preferably from 2.2 to 3.0 wt%, and more preferably from 2.4 to 2.9 wt% and most preferably of from 2.5 to 2.8 wt%.

[0058] Non-ionic

[0059] Nonionic surfactants may optionally be used in the cleansing composition. When used, nonionic surfactants are typically used at levels as low as 0.5, 1 , 1.5 or 2% by weight and at levels as high as 6% by weight, including any and all ranges and values subsumed therein and based on the total weight of the cleaning composition.

[0060] Although non-ionic surfactants may be present in the cleaning composition, it could be preferred, that they are present in low levels, such as preferably less than 10 wt%, more preferably less than 5 wt%, even more preferably less than 2 wt%, even more preferably less than 1 wt% and most preferably the composition is free from non-ionic surfactant. In particular, it could be preferred, that the composition does not comprise cocamide monoethanolamine.

[0061] The nonionic surfactants which may be used include in particular the reaction products of compounds having a hydrophobic group and a reactive hydrogen atom, for example aliphatic alcohols, acids, amides or alkylphenols with alkylene oxides, especially ethylene oxide either alone or with propylene oxide. Specific nonionic surfactant compounds are alkyl (C6-C22) phenols, ethylene oxide condensates, the condensation products of aliphatic (Cs-Cis) primary or secondary linear or branched alcohols with ethylene oxide, and products made by condensation of ethylene oxide with the reaction products of propylene oxide and ethylenediamine. Other nonionic surfactants include long chain tertiary amine oxides, long chain tertiary phosphine oxides, dialkyl sulphoxides, and the like.

[0062] In an aspect, nonionic surfactants can include fatty acid / alcohol ethoxylates having the following structures a) HOCH2(CH2)s(CH2CH2O)cH or b) HOOC(CH2)v(CH2CH2O)d H; where s and v are each independently an integer up to 18; and c and d are each independently an integer from 1 or greater. In an aspect, s and v can be each independently 6 to 18; and c and d can be each independently 1 to 30. Other options for nonionic surfactants include those having the formula HOOC(CH2)i — CH=CH — (CH2)k(CH2CH2O)zH, where i, k are each independently 5 to 15; and z is 5 to 50. In another aspect, i and k are each independently 6 to 12; and z is 15 to 35.

[0063] The nonionic surfactant may also include a sugar amide, such as a polysaccharide amide. Specifically, the surfactant may be one of the lactobionamides described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,389,279 to Au et al., entitled "Compositions Comprising Nonionic Glycolipid Surfactants” issued Feb. 14, 1995; which is hereby incorporated by reference or it may be one of the sugar amides described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,009,814 to Kelkenberg, titled "Use of N-Poly Hydroxyalkyl Fatty Acid Amides as Thickening Agents for Liquid Aqueous Surfactant Systems" issued Apr. 23, 1991 ; hereby incorporated into the subject application by reference.

[0064] Illustrative examples of nonionic surfactants that can optionally be used in the cleaning compositions disclosed herein include, but are not limited to, polyglycoside, cetyl alcohol, decyl glucoside, lauryl glucoside, octaethylene glycol monododecyl ether, n-octyl beta-d- thioglucopyranoside, octyl glucoside, oleyl alcohol, polysorbate, sorbitan, stearyl alcohol, or a combination thereof.

[0065] Surfactant ratio It was found in the present invention, that the combination of amphoteric surfactant with branched surfactant selected from branched alkyl sulphate, ethoxylated branched alkyl sulphate or a mixture thereof, preferably SPES, worked in particularly well and could be used at a relatively low level of total surfactant, while providing good functionality and viscosity, when the surfactants are present in a particular weight ratio. Accordingly, it is preferred that branched surfactant selected from branched alkyl sulphate, ethoxylated branched alkyl sulphate or a mixture thereof, preferably SPES and amphoteric surfactant, preferably CAPB, are present in the composition in a weight ratio of from 1.9 to 3.2, preferably from 2.2 to 3.0, and more preferably from 2.3 to 2.9, and most preferably of from 2.5 to 2.8.

[0066] Cationic

[0067] In an aspect, cationic surfactants may optionally be used in the cleaning compositions of the present application.

[0068] One class of cationic surfactants includes heterocyclic ammonium salts such as cetyl or stearyl pyridinium chloride, alkyl amidoethyl pyrrylinodium methyl sulfate, and lapyrium chloride.

[0069] Tetra alkyl ammonium salts are another useful class of cationic surfactants for use. Examples include cetyl or stearyl trimethyl ammonium chloride or bromide; hydrogenated palm or tallow trimethylammonium halides; behenyl trimethyl ammonium halides or methyl sulfates; decyl isononyl dimethyl ammonium halides; ditallow (or distearyl) dimethyl ammonium halides, and behenyl dimethyl ammonium chloride.

[0070] Still other types of cationic surfactants that may be used are the various ethoxylated quaternary amines and ester quats. Examples include PEG-5 stearyl ammonium lactate (e.g., Genamin KSL manufactured by Clariant), PEG-2 coco ammonium chloride, PEG-15 hydrogenated tallow ammonium chloride, PEG 15 stearyl ammonium chloride, dipalmitoyl ethyl methyl ammonium chloride, dipalmitoyl hydroxyethyl methyl sulfate, and stearyl amidopropyl dimethylamine lactate.

[0071] Still other useful cationic surfactants include quaternized hydrolysates of silk, wheat, and keratin proteins, and it is within the scope of the cleansing composition to use mixtures of the aforementioned cationic surfactants. If used, cationic surfactants will make up no more than 1.0% by weight of the cleaning composition. When present, cationic surfactants typically make up from 0.01 to 0.7%, and more typically, from 0.1 to 0.5% by weight of the cleaning composition, including any and all ranges and values subsumed therein. It may be preferred, that the composition is free from cationic surfactant.

[0072] Salt

[0073] The composition may further comprise salt. The total amount of salt is preferably from 0 to 2 wt%, more preferably 0.1 to 2 wt% and even more preferred from 0.2 to 1.2, and even more preferably from 0.3 to 1 wt%, based on the weight of the resulting cleaning composition. The salt is preferably inorganic salt, more preferably alkaline metal salt. The metal salts preferably includes an anion comprising phosphate, chloride, sulfate or citrate and a cation comprising sodium, ammonium, potassium, magnesium or mixtures thereof. The salt is preferably a salt selected from the group consisting of sodium chloride, ammonium chloride, sodium sulfate, ammonium sulfate and mixtures thereof. Most preferably, the salt is sodium chloride. Accordingly, the composition preferably comprises from 0 to 2 wt%, preferably from 0.1 to 2 wt%, and even more preferably from 0.2 to 1.2, and even more preferably from 0.3 to 1 wt% of sodium chloride, based on the weight of the cleaning composition.

[0074] Humectant

[0075] The composition may further comprise a humectant, e.g. to moisturize the skin. Such a humectant is preferably a polyhydric alcohol. Typical polyhydric alcohols include glycerol (i.e., glycerine or glycerin), propylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, polypropylene glycol (e.g., PPG-9), polyethylene glycol, sorbitol, hydroxypropyl sorbitol, hexylene glycol, 1 ,3-butylene glycol, isoprene glycol, 1 ,2,6-hexanetriol, ethoxylated glycerol, propoxylated glycerol, or a combination thereof. Even more preferred is glycerin, propylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, or a combination thereof. In an embodiment, the humectant can be propylene glycol, butylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, glycerin, triethylene glycol, erythritol, capryl glycol, hyaluronic acid, polypropylene glycol- 7 proypyl heptyl ether, or a combination thereof. Most preferably, the humectant comprises glycerol. Humectant is preferably present at a level of from 0.1 to 10 wt%, more preferably of from 0.5 to 6 wt, more preferably of from 1 to 4 wt%, more preferably of from 1 to 3 wt%, based on the weight of the composition. Most preferably, glycerol s present in an amount of from 0.1 to 10 wt%, more preferably of from 0.5 to 6 wt, more preferably of from 1 to 4 wt%, more preferably of from 1 to 3 wt%, based on the weight of the composition.

[0076] Skin conditioning agent The cleaning composition may further comprise a skin conditioning agent. The skin conditioning agent assists in replenishing skin essential nutrients to help skin retain its natural moisture after use of the cleaning composition.

[0077] The skin conditioning agent can be present in an amount of 0.01 to 1.0% by weight, based on the total weight of the cleaning composition, for example, 0.05 to 0.9% by weight, based on the total weight of the cleaning composition, for example, 0.1 to 0.8% by weight, based on the total weight of the cleaning composition, for example, 0.2 to 0.7% by weight, for example, 0.4 to 0.6% by weight, based on the total weight of the cleaning composition, including any and all ranges and values subsumed therein. In an embodiment, the skin conditioning agent is present in an amount of 0.5 to 0.6% by weight, based on the total weight of the cleaning composition.

[0078] The skin conditioning agent can comprise a number of materials, including, but not limited to, octadecanoic acid, stearyl alcohol, glyceryl monoricinoleate, mink oil, cetyl alcohol, isopropyl isostearate, stearic acid, isobutyl palmitate, isocetyl stearate, oleyl alcohol, isopropyl laurate, hexyl laurate, decyl oleate, octadecan-2-ol, isocetyl alcohol, eicosanyl alcohol, behenyl alcohol, cetyl palmitate, silicone oils such as dimethylpolysiloxane, di-n-butyl sebacate, isopropyl myristate, isopropyl palmitate, isopropyl stearate, butyl stearate, polyethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, lanolin, cocoa butter, soybean oil, coconut oil, petroleum jelly, mineral oil, butyl myristate, isostearic acid, palmitic acid, isopropyl linoleate, lauryl lactate, myristyl lactate, decyl oleate, myristyl myristate, or a combination thereof.

[0079] Preferably, the skin conditioning agent comprises 10-hydroxystearic acid, 12-hydroxystearic acid, petroselinic acid, conjugated linoleic acid, lauric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, behenic acid, or a combination thereof. pH adjusting agent

[0080] The cleaning composition can further comprise a pH adjusting agent. The pH of the composition can be 3 to 7, preferably, 3.5 to 6, and most preferably, 3.8 to 5, including any and all ranges and values subsumed therein. Adjusters to modify / buffer the pH can be used. Such pH adjusters include triethylamine, sodium hydroxide (NaOH), potassium hydroxide (KOH), sulfuric acid (H2SO4), hydrogen chloride (HCI), CeHsO? (i.e., citric acid), C3H6O3 (i.e., lactic acid), or a combination thereof. More preferred are lactic acid, citric acid or a combination thereof. The pH adjusters are added at amounts to yield the desired final pH. The pH adjusters can include various alpha-hydroxy acids or a combination thereof. For example, the pH adjusters can comprise the alpha-hydroxy acids of citric acid, glycolic acid, lactic acid, malic acid, tartaric acid, or a combination thereof. The pH values can be assessed with commercial instrumentation such as a pH meter made commercially available from Thermo Scientific®. The pH adjusters can be present in an amount of 0.01 to 1 .0% by weight of the total weight of the cleaning composition, for example, 0.05 to 0.75% by weight, for example, 0.1 to 0.6% by weight of the total weight of the concentrated conditioning composition, including any and all ranges and values subsumed therein.

[0081] Preservatives

[0082] Preservatives can desirably be incorporated into the cleaning composition to protect against the growth of potentially harmful microorganisms. Preservatives are antimicrobial ingredients added to maintain the microbiological safety of products. They act to inhibit the growth of microbes and so reduce the level of microbial contamination. As cleaning compositions such as those disclosed herein contain biodegradable ingredients, they may become unpleasant and unsafe if microbial breakdown is not controlled. Microbial growth is water dependent, so preservatives must partition to some extent into the aqueous phase of a formulation. Commonly used preservatives can be categorized into the following five classes:

[0083] 1) Parabens such as Methyl-, Propyl-, and Butylparaben and Germaben II are derived from para-hydroxy benzoic acid. These materials are economical and effective against fungals and some Gram negative bacteria but need a second ingredient to control Gram positives. They also tend to partition more towards the oil phase in emulsion-containing formulations. They are widely employed at levels of 0.01-0.3% by weight and are generally considered safe - though there have been concerns over possible estrogenic activity and links to cancer.

[0084] 2) Formaldehyde Releasers such as Germall Plus, DMDM Hydantoin, and Imadozolidinyl or Diazolidinyl Urea. This class of materials is effective against bacteria but offers only weak antifungal activity. They are used at levels of 0.1 -0.5% by weight in the pH range 3-8. The low levels of free formaldehyde released ensure microbial inhibition, but cause concerns as potential carcinogens.

[0085] 3) Isothiazolinones such as methylcholoroisothiazolinone (MCI), methylisothiazolinone (Ml), and Kathon. Isothiazolinones offer broad spectrum effectiveness over a broad pH range, but they may cause skin irritation for some consumers. This class of materials is employed at low levels, on the order of 10’s of ppms.

[0086] 4) Phenoxyethanol, marketed as Optiphen or Optiphen Plus and NeoIone PH 100. Phenoxyethanol is often considered as a milder alternative to parabens orformaldehyde-donors but has a narrow spectrum of applicability to Gram negative bacteria. It is generally combined with caprylyl glycol, sorbic acid / potassium sorbate, or EDTA to create broad spectrum efficacy. It is applicable over a wide range of pH, with a typical usage level of 1 % or less. However, there are some concerns over possible carcinogenic activity.

[0087] 5) Organic Acids such as Benzoic Acid / Sodium Benzoate, Sorbic Acid / Potassium Sorbate, Salicylic Acid / Sodium Salicylate, and Levulinic or Anisic Acids. The use of these acids is confined to aqueous applications in the pH range 2-6. They typically are used at higher levels than some of the above alternatives and have somewhat weaker efficiency against bacteria (which can be augmented by combination with diazolidinyl urea), though they are very good against fungi. This class of preservatives are generally considered as natural.

[0088] Preservatives that can be preferred for use in the cleansing compositions disclosed herein preferably include organic-acid based preservatives, preferably sodium benzoate, caprylyl glycol, potassium sorbate, isothiazolinone, sodium salicylate, levulinic, anisic acid or a combination thereof. Traditional preservatives for use include hydantoin derivatives and propionate salts.

[0089] Other preservatives that could be used are iodopropynyl butyl carbamate, phenoxyethanol, 1 ,2- octanediol, hydroxyacetophenone, ethylhexylglycerine, hexylene glycol, methyl paraben, propyl paraben, imidazolidinyl urea, sodium dehydroacetate, dimethyl-dimethyl (DMDM) hydantoin and benzyl alcohol and mixtures thereof. Other preservatives include sodium benzoate, sodium dehydroacetate, chlorophenesin, decylene glycol, methylchloroisothiazolinone, methylisothiazolinone, or a combination thereof. The preservatives should be selected having regard for the use of the composition and possible incompatibilities between the preservatives and other ingredients in the cleansing composition. Also preferred is a preservative system with hydroxyacetophenone alone or in a mixture with other preservatives.

[0090] The composition of the invention preferably comprises one or more preservatives selected from sodium benzoate, sodium salicylate, benzyl alcohol, phenoxyethanol or mixtures thereof. Particularly preferred is sodium benzoate, sodium gluconate, potassium sorbate, caprylyl glycol, or a combination thereof. More preferably, the preservative is an organic acid, most preferably the preservative is sodium benzoate.

[0091] Water

[0092] The cleaning compositions disclosed herein typically contain water in an amount of 70 to 95% by weight, more particularly 75 to 90% by weight, even more particularly 75 to 88% by weight, based on the total weight of the cleaning composition, including any and all ranges and values subsumed therein. In use, the cleaning compositions are commonly diluted with water. The extent of dilution depends on the particular product form. Less commonly, but also contemplated for use herein are formulations that are used without dilution, typically through the use of pump dispensers in which product is passed through a screen in the pump.

[0093] Additional ingredients

[0094] The cleaning composition can additionally include various additives including, but not limited to, colorants, emollients, anti-dandruff agents, skin feel agents, hair dyes, styling polymer, silicon oil, cationic polymers, or a combination thereof. Each of these substances can be present in an amount of 0.03 to 5%, preferably between 0.1 and 3% by weight of the total weight of the cleaning composition, including any and all ranges and values subsumed therein. For example, when present, colorants can be present in an amount of 5 parts per million (ppm) to 15 ppm, for example, about 15 ppm.

[0095] Additional optional ingredients which may be present in the cleaning compositions are, for example: fragrances; coloring agents; chelators (e.g., EDTA); opacifiers and pearlizers such as zinc stearate, magnesium stearate, TiC>2, ethylene glycol monostearate (EGMS), ethylene glycol distearate (EGDS) or Lytron 621 (Styrene / Acrylate copolymer) and the like; antioxidants, for example, butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) and the like; stabilizers; suds boosters, such as for example, coconut acyl mono- or diethanol amides; ionizing salts, such as, for example, sodium chloride and sodium sulfate, and other ingredients such as are conventionally used cleaning compositions. The total amount of such additional optional ingredients is typically 0 to 10% by weight, more particularly from 0.1 to 5% by weight, based on the total weight of the cleaning composition, unless otherwise specified herein.

[0096] Skin benefit agents

[0097] The composition may include one or more skin benefit agents. The term “skin benefit agent” is defined as a substance which softens or improves the elasticity, appearance, and youthfulness of the skin (stratum corneum) by either increasing its water content, adding, or replacing lipids and other skin nutrients, or both, and keeps it soft by retarding the decrease of its water content. Included among the suitable skin benefit agents are emollients, including, for example, hydrophobic emollients, hydrophilic emollients, or blends thereof.

[0098] Useful skin benefit agents include the following: (a) silicone oils and modifications thereof such as linear and cyclic polydimethylsiloxanes; amino, alkyl, alkylaryl, and aryl silicone oils;

[0099] (b) fats and oils including natural fats and oils such as jojoba, soybean, sunflower, rice bran, avocado, almond, olive, sesame, persic, castor, coconut, and mink oils; cacao fat; beef tallow and lard; hardened oils obtained by hydrogenating the aforementioned oils; and synthetic mono, di and triglycerides such as myristic acid glyceride and 2-ethylhexanoic acid glyceride;

[0100] (c) waxes such as carnauba, spermaceti, beeswax, lanolin, and derivatives thereof;

[0101] (d) hydrophobic and hydrophilic plant extracts;

[0102] (e) hydrocarbons such as liquid paraffin, petrolatum, microcrystalline wax, ceresin, squalene, pristan and mineral oil;

[0103] (f) higher fatty acids such as lauric, myristic, palmitic, stearic, behenic, oleic, linoleic, linolenic, lanolic, isostearic, arachidonic and poly unsaturated fatty acids (PLIFA);

[0104] (g) higher alcohols such as lauryl, cetyl, stearyl, oleyl, behenyl, cholesterol and 2-hexydecanol alcohol;

[0105] (h) esters such as cetyl octanoate, myristyl lactate, cetyl lactate, isopropyl myristate, myristyl myristate, isopropyl palmitate, isopropyl adipate, butyl stearate, decyl oleate, cholesterol isostearate, glycerol monostearate, glycerol monolaurate, glycerol distearate, glycerol tristearate, alkyl lactate, alkyl citrate and alkyl tartrate;

[0106] (i) essential oils and extracts thereof such as mentha, jasmine, camphor, white cedar, bitter orange peel, ryu, turpentine, cinnamon, bergamot, citrus unshiu, calamus, pine, sugar cane, chamomile, yarrow, liquorice, lavender, bay, clove, hiba, eucalyptus, lemon, starflower, thyme, peppermint, rose, sage, sesame, ginger, basil, juniper, lemon grass, rosemary, rosewood, avocado, grape, grapeseed, myrrh, cucumber, watercress, calendula, elder flower, geranium, linden blossom, amaranth, seaweed, ginko, ginseng, carrot, guarana, tea tree, jojoba, comfrey, oatmeal, cocoa, neroli, vanilla, green tea, penny royal, aloe vera, menthol, cineole, eugenol, citral, Citronelle, borneol, linalool, geraniol, evening primrose, camphor, thymol, spirantol, penene, limonene and terpenoid oils; (j) polyhydric alcohols, for example, glycerine, sorbitol, propylene glycol, and the like; and polyols such as the polyethylene glycols, examples of which are: Polyox WSR-205 PEG 14M, Polyox WSR-N-60K PEG 45M, or Polyox WSR-N-750, and PEG 7M;

[0107] (k) lipids such as cholesterol, ceramides, sucrose esters and pseudo-ceramides as described in European Patent Specification No. 556,957;

[0108] (l) vitamins, minerals, and skin nutrients such as milk, vitamins A, E, and K; vitamin alkyl esters, including vitamin C alkyl esters; magnesium, calcium, copper, zinc and other metallic components;

[0109] (m) sunscreens such as octyl methoxyl cinnamate (Parsol MCX) and butyl methoxy benzoylmethane (Parsol 1789);

[0110] (n) phospholipids;

[0111] (o) amino acids such as methionine; e.g., acetyl methionine which is the N-acetyl derivative of methionine; and

[0112] (p) anti-aging compounds such as alpha-hydroxy acids and beta-hydroxy acids.

[0113] Skin benefit agents commonly may account for up to 30% by weight of the cleaning composition, with levels of 0 to 25% by weight preferred, more particularly 0 to 20% by weight, being typical of the levels at which those skin benefit agents are employed in many of the subject formulations. Preferred skin benefit agents include fatty acids, hydrocarbons, polyhydric alcohols, polyols and mixtures thereof, with emollients that include at least one C12 to C18 fatty acid, petrolatum, glycerol, sorbitol and / or propylene glycol being of particular interest in one or more embodiments.

[0114] Other optional ingredients include water soluble / dispersible polymers. These polymers can be cationic, anionic, amphoteric or nonionic types with molecular weights higher than 100,000 Dalton. They are known to increase the viscosity and stability of liquid personal cleansing formulation, to enhance in-use and after-use skin sensory properties, and to enhance lather creaminess and lather stability. When present, the total amount of such polymers commonly present in the cleaning compositions is 0.1 to 10% by weight, based on the total weight of the cleaning composition. It may be preferred that such polymers with molecular weights higher than 100,000 Dalton are absent from the cleaning composition or their concentration is below 2 wt% or below 1 wt% or even below 0.5 wt%. An advantage of the present invention is that they are not required to build viscosity at the level desired in the composition.

[0115] Examples of water soluble or dispersible polymers include the carbohydrate gums such as cellulose gum, microcrystalline cellulose, cellulose gel, hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, sodium carboxymethylcellulose, methyl cellulose, ethyl cellulose, guar gum, gum karaya, gum tragacanth, gum arabic, gum acacia, gum agar, xanthan gum and mixtures thereof; modified and nonmodified starch granules and pregelatinized cold water soluble starch; emulsion polymers such as ACLIYLN® 28, ACULYLN® 22 or CARBAPOL® Aqua SF1 ; cationic polymer such as modified polysaccharides including cationic guar available from Rhone Poulenc under the trade name JAGUAR™ C13S, JAGUAR™ C14S, JAGUAR™ C17, or JAGUAR™ C16; cationic modified cellulose such as UCARE™ Polymer JR 30 or JR 40 from Amerchol; N-HANCE® 3000, N-HANCE® 3196, N-HANCE® GPX 215 or N-HANCE® GPX 196 from Hercules; synthetic cationic polymer such as Merquat® 100, Merquat® 280, Merquat® 281 and Merquat® 550 sold by Nalco; cationic starches such as StaLok® 100, 200, 300 and 400 sold by Staley Inc.; cationic galactomannans such as Galactasol® 800 series by Henkel, Inc.; Quadrosoft® LM-200; and Polyquaternium-24. Also suitable are high molecular weight polyethylene glycols such as Polyox® WSR-205 (PEG 14M), Polyox® WSR-N-60K (PEG 45), and Polyox® WSR-301 (PEG 90M).

[0116] An opacifier may be optionally present in the cleaning composition. When opacifiers are present, the composition is generally opaque. Examples of opacifiers include titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, and the like. A particularly preferred opacifier that can be employed when an opaque cleaning composition is desired is ethylene glycol mono- or di-stearate, for example in the form of a 20% solution in sodium lauryl ether sulphate. An alternative opacifying agent is zinc stearate.

[0117] Desirably the optional skin benefit agents used in the composition disclosed herein include niacinamide (vitamin B3), tocopherol (Vitamin E), aloe vera, alpha-hydroxy acids and esters, beta-hydroxy acids and esters, hydroxyethyl urea, polyhydroxy acids and esters, creatine, hydroquinone, t-butyl hydroquinone, mulberry, hyaluronic acid and salts thereof (including, but not limited to, Na+ and K+ salts of the same), extract, liquorice extract, resorcinol derivatives, or a combination thereof. For example, the skin benefit agent can be sodium hyaluronate. Such benefit agents, including sodium hyaluronate can be present in an amount of 0.0001 to 10%, for example, 0.001 to 6.5%, for example, 0.01 to 3.5%, and for example, 0.01% by weight, based on total weight of the cleaning composition including any and all values and ranges subsumed therein. Further optional water-soluble skin benefit agents include acids, such as amino acids like arginine, valine or histidine. Other vitamins can be used such as vitamin B2, picolinamide, panthenol (vitamin B5), vitamin Be, vitamin C, a combination thereof or the like. Derivatives (generally meaning something that has developed or been obtained from something else), and especially, water soluble derivatives of such vitamins can also be employed. For instance, vitamin C derivatives such as ascorbyl tetraisopalmitate, magnesium ascorbyl phosphate and ascorbyl glycoside may be used alone or in combination with each other. Niacinamide derivatives such as nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) may be used alone or in combination with each other. Electrolytes such as NaCI and / or KCI, MgCh may also be used. The total amount of optional water-soluble benefit agents (including mixtures) when present in the composition disclosed herein can be 0.0001 to 10%, preferably, 0.001 to 6.5%, and most preferably, 0.01 to 3.5% by weight, based on total weight of the cleaning composition, including any and all values and ranges subsumed therein.

[0118] It is also within the scope of the cleaning composition to optionally include oil soluble benefit agents. Illustrative examples of the types of oil soluble benefit agents that can optionally be used in the cleaning composition disclosed herein include components such as vitamins like vitamin A, D, E and K (and their oil soluble derivatives).

[0119] Other optional oil soluble benefit agents for use include resorcinols and resorcinol derivatives like 4-hexyl resorcinol, 4-phenylethyl resorcinol, 4-cyclopentyl resorcinol, 4-cyclohexyl resorcinol 4-isopropyl resorcinol or a combination thereof. Also, 5-substituted resorcinols like 4- cyclohexyl-5-methylbenzene-1 ,3-diol, 4-isopropyl-5-methylbenzene-1 ,3-diol, combination thereof or the like may be used. The 5-substituted resorcinols and their synthesis are described in commonly assigned U.S. Published Patent Application No. 2016 / 0000669A1.

[0120] Even other oil soluble benefit agents that can be used include omega-3 fatty acids, omega-6 fatty acids, climbazole, magnolol, honokiol, farnesol, ursolic acid, myristic acid, geranyl geraniol, oleyl betaine, cocoyl hydroxyethyl imidazoline, hexanoyl sphingosine, 12-hydroxystearic acid (12HSA), petroselinic acid, conjugated linoleic acid, stearic acid, palmitic acid, lauric acid, terpineol, thymol essential components, the dissolution auxiliary selected from limonene, pinene, camphene, cymene, citronellol, citronellal, geraniol, nerol, linalool, rhodinol, borneol, isoborneol, menthone, camphor, safrole, isosafrole, eugenol, isoeugenol, tea tree oil, eucalyptus oil, peppermint oil, neem oil, lemon grass oil, orange oil, bergamot oil, or a combination thereof.

[0121] Another optional oil soluble benefit agent that may be used is a retinoic acid precursor. The retinoic acid precursor can be retinol, retinal, retinyl ester, retinyl propionate, retinyl palmitate, retinyl acetate or a combination thereof. Retinyl propionate, retinyl palmitate and combinations thereof are typically preferred. Still another retinoic acid precursor for use is hydroxyanasatil retinoate made commercially available under the name RETEXTRA® as supplied by Molecular Design International. The same may be used in a combination with any of the oil soluble benefit agents described herein.

[0122] When an optional (i.e., for example, 0.0 to 1.5% by weight based on the total weight of the cleaning composition) oil soluble benefit agent is used, it typically is present in an amount of 0.001 to 1.5% by weight of the overall cleaning composition including any and all values and ranges subsumed therein, and for example, 0.05 to 1.2% by weight, for example, 0.2 to 0.5% by weight of the total weight of the cleaning composition.

[0123] Preferred skin benefit agents include fatty acids, hydrocarbons, polyhydric alcohols, polyols, and mixtures thereof, with emollients that include at least one C12 to C18 fatty acid, petrolatum, glycerol, sorbitol, and / or propylene glycol being of particular interest in one or more embodiments. The agents may be added at an appropriate step during the process of making the cleaning composition. Some benefit agents may be introduced as macro domains.

[0124] Other optional ingredients like antioxidants, perfumes, polymers, colorants, deodorants, dyes, enzymes, foam boosters, germicides, anti-microbials, lathering agents, pearlescers, skin conditioners, stabilizers, or superfatting agents, may be added in suitable amounts in the process of making the cleaning composition. Sodium metabisulphite, ethylene diamine tetra acetic acid (EDTA), borax, or ethylene hydroxy diphosphonic acid (EHDP) can be added to the formulation.

[0125] Antimicrobial

[0126] The cleaning composition disclosed herein can optionally be used to deliver antimicrobial benefits. Antimicrobial agents that can be included to deliver these benefits include oligodynamic metals or compounds thereof. Preferred metals are silver, copper, zinc, gold, aluminum, or a combination thereof. In the ionic form it may exist as a salt or any compound in any applicable oxidation state. Preferred silver compounds are silver oxide, silver nitrate, silver acetate, silver sulfate, silver benzoate, silver salicylate, silver carbonate, silver citrate, silver phosphate, or a combination thereof, with silver oxide, silver sulfate and silver citrate being of particular interest in one or more embodiments. In at least one aspect, the silver compound is silver oxide. Oligodynamic metal or a compound thereof can be included in an amount of 0.0001 to 2%, preferably 0.001 to 1% by weight of the cleaning composition. Alternately an essential oil antimicrobial active may be included in the cleansing bar composition. Essential oil actives which can be included are terpineol, thymol, carvacol, (E) -2(prop-1-enyl) phenol, 2- propylphenol, 4- pentylphenol, 4-sec-butylphenol, 2-benzyl phenol, eugenol, or a combination thereof. Furthermore, preferred essential oil actives are terpineol, thymol, carvacrol, thymol, or a combination thereof, with the most preferred being terpineol or thymol, or a combination thereof. When present, essential oil actives can be included in an amount of 0.001 to 1%, preferably 0.01 to 0.5% by weight of the composition.

[0127] Even other ingredients which may be used include octopirox (piroctone), zinc pyrithione, chloroxylenol, triclosan, cetylpyridinium chloride, as well as silver compounds including silver oxide, nitrate, sulfate, phosphate, carbonate, acetate, benzoate, a combination thereof or the like. If used, these other components typically make up from 0.001 to 1.6% by weight of the overall cleaning composition including any and all values and ranges subsumed therein, and preferably, from 0.01 to 1.2% by weight.

[0128] It may be preferred, that the cleaning composition is free of at least one of phthalates, dioxanes, parabens, hydantoins and isothiazolinones.

[0129] Physical parameters

[0130] The pH of the composition preferably is from 3 to 7, preferably from 3.5 to 6, more preferably from 3.8 to 5, or even more preferred from 3.8 to 4.2. The pH is preferably adjusted with lactic, citric acid or both.

[0131] The composition preferably has a viscosity of from 3,000 to 12,000 cP (mPa.s), more preferably from 3,000 to 11 ,000, even more preferably from 3500 to 10,500, and even more preferably from 3500 to 9000, and even more preferably from 3500 to 7500 cP, or it could even be preferred to range from 3500 to 6000 cP. Viscosity is measured using a TA Instruments Discovery Hybrid Rheometer, parallel 40 mm sand blasted plates, peak hold protocol at 4s-1at 25 °C. The cleaning composition can be biodegradable. In an embodiment, the cleaning composition is biodegradable.

[0132] The product can take the form of a water-clear, i.e. , transparent composition, in which case it will not contain an opacifier. Appearance modifiers can be added to the composition to modify the visual appearance, such as ethylene glycol distearate, to provide a pearl-like appearance.

[0133] Process

[0134] In a further aspect, the invention relates to process to prepare a cleaning composition according to the invention, wherein the process comprises the step of: a) Providing a mixture comprising branched surfactant selected from branched alkyl sulphate, ethoxylated branched alkyl sulphate or a mixture thereof, amphoteric surfactant, preferably CAPB, and salt, preferably sodium chloride,

[0135] • wherein the amount of branched surfactant is 4 to 7 wt%, preferably 4.5 to 6.5 wt% based on the weight of the resulting cleaning composition, and

[0136] • the amount of amphoteric surfactant, preferably of CAPB, is 1.4 to 2.7 wt%, preferably from 1 .5 to 2.6 wt%, preferably of from 1 .6 to 2.5 wt% and more preferably from 1 .7 to 2.4 wt%, and more preferably from 1 .7 to 2.3 wt%, based on the weight of the resulting cleaning composition, and

[0137] • the amount of salt, preferably NaCI, is 0 to 2 wt%, preferably 0.2 to 1.2, more preferably 0.3 to 1 wt%, based on the weight of the resulting cleaning composition, to result in a cleaning composition.

[0138] Preferably, the weight ratio of branched surfactant to amphoteric surfactant, preferably to zwitterionic surfactant, is from more than 1.9 to 3.2, preferably from 2.2 to 3.0, and more preferably from 2.3 to 2.9 and most preferably of from 2.5 to 2.8,

[0139] In a more preferred situation, the process comprises the step a) wherein i. the branched surfactant comprises sodium pareth sulphate (SPES), preferably is sodium C12-14 pareth sulphate, more preferably is sodium C12-13 pareth sulphate, in an amount of from 4 to 7wt%, preferably 4.5 to 6.5 wt%, based on the weight of the composition, and wherein ii. the amphoteric surfactant comprises cocamidopropyl betaine (CAPB), in an amount of 1 .4 wt% to 2.7 wt%, preferably from 1.5 to 2.6 wt%, preferably of from 1 .7 to 2.4 wt%, more preferably 1.7 to 2.3 wt%, based on the weight of the composition, and wherein iii. the salt comprises NaCI.

[0140] The compositions are typically prepared by dissolving the various ingredients such as the anionic surfactant, and the amphoteric surfactant and the salt, if present, in water.

[0141] Use

[0142] The invention provides a solution how to prepare cleaning compositions based on branched surfactant selected from branched alkyl sulphate, ethoxylated branched alkyl sulphate or a mixture thereof, wherein a viscosity is obtained that is similar to equivalent compositions that uses non-branched surfactant, such as SLES, while providing good foaming.

[0143] Accordingly, the invention relates to the use of 4 to 7 wt% branched surfactant selected from branched alkyl sulphate, ethoxylated branched alkyl sulphate or a mixture thereof, and 1.4 to 2.7 wt% amphoteric surfactant, preferably CAPB, in a cleaning composition to provide a viscosity of more than 3000 cP in the cleaning composition. The total amount of surfactant in the cleaning composition is preferably less than 9.5 wt%, and is preferably less than 9 wt%, more preferably less than 8.5 wt%, even more preferably less than 8 wt%, and most preferably less than 7.5 wt%.

[0144] It is preferred, that the weight ratio of branched surfactant to amphoteric, preferably CAPB, surfactant is from 1.9 to 3.2, preferably from 2.2 to 3.0, and more preferably from 2.3 to 2.9 and most preferably of from 2.5 to 2.8.

[0145] The invention is now exemplified by the following, non-limiting examples:

[0146] Examples.

[0147] The series of formulations of Table 1 , numbered 1-19 have been prepared and viscosity was measured at 25 °C, using a TA Instruments Discovery Hybrid Rheometer, parallel 40 mm sand blasted plates, peak hold protocol at 4s-1.

[0148] Table 1. Compositions 1 to 19 in accordance with the invention and comparative composition:

[0149] General ingredients of all compositions:

[0150]

[0151] Ex. = Example; C.E.= Comparative Example; *) slightly jelly; **) jelly

[0152] Comparative composition A was prepared with SLES, and illustrates a target viscosity.

[0153] Comparative examples 1-5 exemplify a too low viscosity when anionic SPES is kept low and is combined with relatively low levels of amphoteric surfactant (1.2 wt%). As SPES, C12-13 SPES was used in the examples. An increase to 1.5 wt% (Example 6) did not result in a target viscosity of more than 3000 cP. Further increase of amphoteric allows obtaining viscosity above 3000 cP while keeping SPES low, and still good foaming behaviour was observed. At CAPB levels rising from of 2.4 wt% upwards, jelly-like microstructure starts to be formed (Examples 13-16) and at high levels of CPAB a too high viscosity or jelly texture was observed (CE17-19).

Claims

Claims1. Cleaning composition comprising:• 4 to 7wt%, preferably 4.5 to 6.5 wt% of branched surfactant selected from branched alkyl sulphate, sodium pareth sulphate (SPES) or a mixture thereof,• 1.4 wt% to 2.7 wt%, preferably from 1.6 to 2.6 wt%, preferably of from 1.6 to 2.5 wt% and more preferably from 1 .7 to 2.4 wt%, and more preferably from 1 .7 to 2.3 wt% of amphoteric surfactant,• 0 to 2 wt%, preferably 0.1 to 2 wt%, more preferably 0.2 to 1.5 wt%, more preferably from 0.2 to 1.2 wt% of salt, preferably sodium chloride, wherein the weight ratio of branched surfactant to amphoteric surfactant is from more than1.9 to 3.2, wherein the total surfactant level is less than 9.5 wt%, based on the weight of the cleaning composition.

2. Cleaning composition according to claim 1 , wherein the weight ratio of branched surfactant to amphoteric surfactant is from 2.2 to 3.0, and more preferably from 2.3 to 2.9 and most preferably of from 2.5 to 2.8.

3. Cleaning composition according to claim 2, wherein the sodium pareth sulphate (SPES) is sodium C12-14 pareth sulphate, preferably C12-13 pareth sulphate, and wherein the branched alkyl sulphate is sodium C10-16 alkyl sulphate, preferably sodium C12-15 alkyl sulphate, more preferably sodium C12-13 alkyl sulphate.

4. Cleaning composition according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the branched surfactant is sodium C12-13 pareth sulphate.

5. Cleaning composition according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the branched surfactant is sodium pareth sulphate (SPES) preferably is sodium C12-14 pareth sulphate, more preferably is sodium C12-13 pareth sulphate.

6. Cleaning composition according to anyone of the preceding claims, wherein the amphoteric surfactant is zwitterionic surfactant.

7. Cleaning composition according to anyone of the preceding claims, wherein the amphoteric surfactant is cocamidopropyl betaine (CAPB).

8. Cleaning composition according to anyone of the preceding claims, whereini. the branched surfactant is sodium pareth sulphate (SPES), preferably is sodium Ci2-i4 pareth ether sulphate, more preferably is sodium C12-13 pareth sulphate, and is present in an amount of from 4 to 7.0 wt%, preferably 4.5 to 6.5 wt%, based on the weight of the composition, and wherein ii. the amphoteric surfactant is cocamidopropyl betaine (CAPB), and present in an amount of 1 .4 wt% to 2.7 wt%, preferably from 1 .6 to 2.6 wt%, preferably of from1 .6 to 2.5 wt% and more preferably from 1 .7 to 2.4 wt%, and more preferably from1 .7 to 2.3 wt%, based on the weight of the composition.

9. Cleaning composition according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the viscosity is at least 3000 mPa.s (3000 centipoise), preferably from 3000 to 12000 mPa.s (3000 to 12000 ePoise), more preferably 3500 to 11000, even more preferred from 3500 to 10500, even more preferred from 3500 to 9000, and even more preferred from 3500 to 7500 mPa.s (3500 to 11000, even more preferred from 3500 to 10500, even more preferred from 3500 to 9000, and even more preferred from 3500 to 7500 centipoise), at 25 °C and measured using a TA Instruments Discovery Hybrid Rheometer, parallel 40 mm sand blasted plates, peak hold protocol at 4s-1at 25 °C.

10. Cleansing composition according to anyone of the preceding claims, wherein the composition comprises less than 10% sodium laureth sulphate (SLES,) preferably less than 5 wt% SLES, preferably less than 1 wt% of SLES, preferably is free from SLES.11 . Cleansing composition according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the total surfactant level is less than 9.5 wt%, preferably less than 9 wt%, more preferably less than 8.5 wt%, most preferably less than 8 wt%, even more preferably less than 7.6 wt%12. Process to prepare a cleaning composition according to anyone of claims 1 to 11 , wherein the process comprises the step of: a) Providing a mixture comprising branched surfactant selected from branched alkyl sulphate, SPES, or a mixture thereof, amphoteric surfactant, preferably CAPB, and salt, preferably sodium chloride,• wherein the amount of branched surfactant is 4 to 7 wt%, preferably 4.5 to 6.5 wt% based on the weight of the resulting cleaning composition, and• the amount of amphoteric surfactant, preferably of CAPB, is 1 .4 to 2.7 wt%, preferably from 1 .5 to 2.6 wt%, preferably of from 1.6 to 2.5 wt% and morepreferably from 1 .7 to 2.4 wt%, and more preferably from 1 .7 to 2.3 wt%, based on the weight of the resulting cleaning composition, and• the amount of salt, preferably NaCI, is 0 to 2 wt%, preferably 0.2 to 1 .2, more preferably 0.3 to 1 wt%, based on the weight of the resulting cleaning composition, wherein the weight ratio of branched surfactant to amphoteric surfactant is from more than 1 .9 to 3.2, preferably from 2.2 to 3.0, and more preferably from 2.3 to 2.9 and most preferably of from 2.5 to 2.8, to result in a cleaning composition.

13. Process according to claim 12, wherein i. the branched surfactant comprises sodium pareth sulphate (SPES), preferably is sodium C12-14 pareth sulphate, more preferably is sodium C12-13 pareth sulphate, in an amount of from 4 to 7wt%, preferably 4.5 to 6.5 wt%, based on the weight of the composition, and wherein ii. the amphoteric surfactant comprises cocamidopropyl betaine (CAPB), in an amount of 1 .4 wt% to 2.7 wt%, preferably from 1 .5 to 2.6 wt%, preferably of from 1 .7 to 2.4 wt%, more preferably 1 .7 to 2.3 wt%, based on the weight of the composition, and wherein iii. the salt comprises NaCI.

14. Use of 4 to 7 wt% branched surfactant selected from branched alkyl sulphate, sodium pareth sulphate (SPES) or a mixture thereof, and 1 .4 to 2.7 wt% amphoteric surfactant, preferably CAPB, wherein the weight ratio of branched surfactant to amphoteric surfactant is from 1.9 to 3.2, preferably from 2.2 to 3.0, and more preferably from 2.3 to 2.9 and most preferably of from 2.5 to 2.8, in a cleaning composition, to provide a viscosity of more than 3000 cP of the personal cleansing composition, wherein the total amount of surfactant in the cleaning composition is less than 9.5 wt%.

15. Use according to claim 14, wherein the total amount of surfactant in the cleaning composition is less than 9 wt%, more preferably less than 8.5 wt%, most preferably less than 8.0 wt%.

Images