Dry compositions and methods for forming stable liquid cleansing formulations

Abstract

This invention relates to reconstituable soap based dry composition and methods for forming stable liquid personal cleansing formulations. The composition of the present invention comprises dry composition (powder) suitable for forming stable liquid cleansing formulations comprising: 10 to 80 wt% soap; 0.1 to 50 wt% of non-soap surfactant; 0.1 to 3 wt% of chelating agent; and 1 to 30 wt% thickening agent comprising cellulosic polymer or hydrophobically modified cellulosic polymer or mixture thereof.

Description

[0001] DRY COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS FOR FORMING STABLE LIQUID CLEANSING FORMULATIONS

[0002] Field of the invention

[0003] The present invention relates to cleansing compositions. The invention particularly relates to dry compositions and methods for forming stable liquid personal cleansing formulations therefrom. More particularly the invention relates to powder-based compositions which are capable of being reconstituted with a suitable liquid carrier.

[0004] Background of the invention

[0005] The invention has been developed primarily for use in personal wash application and will be described hereinafter with reference to this application. However, it will be appreciated that the invention is not limited to this particular field of use.

[0006] Any discussion of the prior art throughout the specification should in no way be considered as an admission that such prior art is widely known or forms part of the common general knowledge in the field.

[0007] Personal cleansing compositions are available in wide ranging product formats e.g. from soap bars, liquid soap, body-wash compositions and self-foaming compositions to shampoos. Sometimes such cleansing compositions are also included in cleansing wipes.

[0008] Liquid cleansing formulations have been known since long. There is a growing consumer demand for refill packs of such liquid formulations, however the refill packs do not fully solve the problems or expenses associated with the bottled liquid formulations such that cost of packaging and handling and transport difficulties.

[0009] As an alternative dry powdered compositions which can be reconstituted to obtain liquid formulations by consumer are a feasible option which can reduce the costs as well as avoid handling and transporting issues. Nonetheless, such composition also have problems such as shelf life, appearance of the reconstituted liquid formulation, time of reconstitution, uneven reconstitution, separation of phases, settling of gel etc. Therefore, there is a need for a dry composition which solves these issues.

[0010] Summary of the invention

[0011] According to a first aspect, present invention relates to dry compositions and methods for forming stable liquid personal cleansing formulations. The dry composition of the present invention comprises dry composition suitable for forming liquid cleansing formulations comprising, the dry composition comprising: 10 to 80 wt% soap; 0.1 to 50 wt% of non-soap surfactant; 0.1 to 3 wt% of chelating agent; and 1 to 30 wt% thickening agent comprising cellulosic polymer or hydrophobically modified cellulosic polymer or mixture thereof.

[0012] According to the second aspect, the present invention provides a liquid formulation obtained by reconstituting the dry composition according to the first aspect with a suitable liquid carrier, the liquid formulation comprising: 1 to 20 wt% soap; 0.01 to 25 wt% of nonsoap surfactant; 0.01 to 0.5 wt% of chelating agent; 0.1 to 10 wt% thickening agent comprising cellulosic polymer or hydrophobically modified cellulosic polymer or mixture thereof; and 20 to 97 wt% liquid carrier.

[0013] Third aspect of the present invention provides use of dry composition according to the first aspect to obtain a liquid formulation according to the second aspect.

[0014] Fourth aspect of the present invention provides a method of making a liquid formulation from the dry composition according to the first aspect, the method comprising steps of, taking the dry composition and diluting the dry composition with a liquid carrier with a dilution factor in the range of 1:2.5 to 1 :50 to obtain the liquid formulation.

[0015] For the purposes of this invention, cellulosic polymer and hydrophobically modified cellulosic polymer are used and identified as separate ingredients, however, it needs to be understood that the use of the term ‘cellulosic polymer’ encompasses hydrophobically modified cellulosic polymer, so wherever only the term ‘cellulosic polymer’ polymer is used, it shall mean to include both cellulosic polymer and hydrophobically modified cellulosic polymer.

[0016] These and other aspects, features and advantages will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art from a reading of the following detailed description and the appended claims. For the avoidance of doubt, any feature of one aspect of the present invention may be utilized in any other aspect of the invention.

[0017] The term "comprising" is meant not to be limiting to any subsequently stated elements but rather to encompass non-specified elements of major or minor functional importance. In other words the listed steps, elements or options need not be exhaustive. Whenever the words "including" or "having" are used, these terms are meant to be equivalent to "comprising" as defined above. In other words, the listed steps or options need not be exhaustive It is noted that the examples given in the description below are intended to clarify the invention and are not intended to limit the invention to those examples per se. Similarly, all percentages are weight / weight percentages unless otherwise indicated.

[0018] Except in the operating and comparative examples, or where otherwise explicitly indicated, all numbers in this description and claims indicating amounts of material or conditions of reaction, physical properties of materials and / or use are to be understood as modified by the word "about".

[0019] Numerical ranges expressed in the format "from x to y" are understood to include x and y. When for a specific feature multiple preferred ranges are described in the format "from x to y", it is understood that all ranges combining the different endpoints are also contemplated.

[0020] It should be noted that in specifying any range of concentration or amount, any particular upper concentration can be associated with any particular lower concentration or amount.

[0021] For a more complete understanding of the above and other features and advantages of the invention, reference should be made to the following detailed description of preferred embodiments.

[0022] Detailed description of the invention

[0023] The present invention relates to dry compositions and methods for forming stable liquid personal cleansing formulations. More particularly the invention relates to powder-based compositions which are capable of being reconstituted with a suitable liquid carrier. Conventional cleansing compositions are liquid products. The major disadvantages with respect to liquid products are in terms of storage, packaging, the degree of preservation required, and convenience of use. Further since the liquid formulations are mainly water based there is a chance of leakage arising out of improper handling during transportation. Further, liquid cleansing products typically are sold in bottles which are mainly plastics. It is an increasing endeavour of the fast moving consumer goods industry to reduce the use of plastics. To overcome these drawbacks posed by liquid bodywashes, novel powder bodywash concentrate were aimed to develop without compromising the desired sensory of squeaky clean feel.

[0024] It is a consumer desired characteristic that the cleansing composition should have a squeaky clean after feel which is achieved by presence of soap in the cleansing formulation. However the inventors found it very difficult to increase the soap levels beyond a limit in a composition which is aimed to be reconstituted. A lot of problems were faced with respect to reconstitution of the dry composition on dilution, such as formation of suspended lumps, having desired viscosity of the liquid formulation. Low viscosity was not consumer desired characteristic as it resulted in a runny rheology and when the viscosity was high, it slowed down dispersion and so concentration of thickening agent had to be balanced and could not be increased beyond a level. Further, it was seen that many thickening agents did not work well and finally to the surprise of inventors it was found that the cellulosic polymer gives optimal results. Various thickening agents were tried to solve this problem and different permutation and combinations were tried with varying soap and non-soap surfactants and after a considerable amount of experimentation, the inventors reached to the conclusion of the dry composition of the present invention with specific levels of soap, non-soap surfactants, and specific type and concentration of thickening agents that resulted in a dry composition which resulted a liquid cleansing formulations which had optimum lather and viscosity upon reconstitution and which was stable upon reconstitution upto 12 weeks of storage at temperatures varying between 4°C to 50°C.

[0025] There are a limited number of polymeric systems which help build viscosity at higher pH (8 to 10) in soap based compositions. This is further challenging for the dry and powder nature of the initial formulation composition. At high pH, typically polymer breakdown is observed, leading to drop in viscosity of the formulation. The choice of preservative also becomes critical in this pH range which provides a mix of both antibacterial and antifungal preservation benefits to the formulation over period of dry and reconstituted product shelf life.

[0026] The present inventors have been able to formulate a dry compositions with selected components such that the resultant compositions are readily solubilized and stable in liquid carriers. Further the dry compositions upon reconstitution in suitable liquid carriers result in liquid formulations having desired rheology, viscosity, transparency and does not show any gel settling, separation. Further, the liquid formulations obtained from reconstitution of the dry compositions allow for easier delivery of the dry compositions and increased shelf stability.

[0027] The dry compositions of the present invention are preferably in powder form, the formulation may be granular. The dry compositions of the present invention are made with an objective of being reconstituted with a suitable liquid carrier to form stable liquid formulations which are preferably used a cleansing compositions and more preferably personal wash cleansing compositions.

[0028] Hereinafter, the terms cellulosic polymer and cellulosic gum may be used interchangeably.

[0029] The dry composition of the present invention suitable for forming stable liquid cleansing formulation, the dry composition comprising: i) 10 to 80 wt% soap ii) 0.1 to 50 wt% of non-soap surfactant; iii) 0.1 to 3 wt% of chelating agent; iv) 1 to 30 wt% of thickening agent comprising cellulosic polymer or hydrophobically modified cellulosic polymer or mixture thereof.

[0030] It is preferred that in the dry composition the wherein the cellulosic polymer is selected from the group of hydroxyl ethyl cellulose, hydroxyl methyl cellulose, hydroxyl propyl cellulose, hydrophobically modified hydroxyethylcellulose (HMHEC), hydroxyl propyl methyl cellulose, carboxy methyl cellulose and methyl cellulose and mixtures thereof. It is most preferable to use cellulosic polymer selected from hydroxyl ethyl cellulose or hydrophobically modified cellulosic polymer or mixture thereof. It is preferred that in the dry composition when the cellulosic polymer is a hydrophobically modified cellulosic polymer such as hydroxyethylcellulose (HMHEC), it has molar substitution in the range of 0.75 to 2 and more preferably 1 to 1.8 and most preferably 1.2 to 1.5.

[0031] It is preferred that in the dry composition the soap comprises long chain to short chain ratio as 1 :1 to 1:3.

[0032] It is preferred that in the dry composition the soap comprises long chain to short chain ratio as 1 :1 to 1:3.

[0033] It is preferred that in the dry composition the chelating agent is in the range of 0.1 to 3 wt%.

[0034] It is preferred that in the dry composition the chelating agent is selected from the group of Ethylene Diamine Tetra Acetic acid (EDTA), or Diethylene Triamine Penta Acetic acid (DTPA), their derivatives, combinations and mixtures thereof.

[0035] It is preferred that in the dry composition the preservative is in the range of 0.1 to 5 wt% of the dry composition.

[0036] It is preferred that in the dry composition the cellulosic polymer is in the range of 1 to 30 wt% of the dry composition.

[0037] Soap

[0038] The dry composition has about 10 to 80 wt% of soap, more preferably 15 to 75 wt% and most preferably about 20 to 75 wt% of soap by weight of the cleansing composition; wherein at least 95 wt% soap of the fatty acid of the total soap is neutralized. The term soap means salts of fatty acids in which the accompanying cation may be an alkali metal, alkaline earth metal or ammonium ion, preferably an alkali metal. Preferably, the cation is sodium or potassium. The soap may be saturated or unsaturated and it depends on the nature of the corresponding fatty acid and / or oil used for saponification. It is preferred that the cleansing composition comprises 1 to 50 wt%, more preferably 5 to 40 wt% and most preferably about 15 to 35 wt% of salt of long (C14 to C30) chain fatty acids by weight of the cleansing composition.

[0039] It is preferred that the soap comprises 10 to 50 wt%, more preferably 20 to 40 wt% and most preferably about 30 to 35 wt% of soap of long (C14 to C30) chain fatty acids by weight of the total soap.

[0040] It is preferred that the weight ratio of salt of long (C14 to C30) chain fatty acids to salt of short (C8 to C12) chain length fatty acids is in the range of 1 :1 to 1 :5; more preferably 1 :1 to 1 :4 and most preferably 1 :1 to 1 :3.

[0041] Non- soap surfactant

[0042] The present invention comprises a non-soap surfactant. The surfactant may be a soap or a non-soap surfactant. The compositions of the present invention may contain anionic surfactants, nonionic surfactants, cationic surfactants or amphoteric surfactants.

[0043] It is preferred that the non-surfactant in the dry composition is present in the range of 0.1 to 50 wt% by weight of the dry composition, more preferably in the range of 1 to 40 wt% by weight of the dry composition, further preferably in the range of 1.2 to 35 wt% by weight of the dry composition and most preferably in the range of 1.5 to 30 wt% by weight of the dry composition.

[0044] Preferably the anionic surfactants for the purposes of the present invention are, for example, acylamino acids and salts thereof, such as acylglutamates, in particular sodium acyl glutamate sarcosinates, for example myristoyl sarcosine, TEA-iauroyl sarcosinate, sodium lauryl sarcosinate and sodium cocoayl sarcosinate. Sulfonic acids and their salts, such as Acyl-isethionates, z.B. sodium I ammonium cocoyl isethionate, sulfosuccinates, for example dioctyl sodium sulfosuccinate, disodium laureth sulfosuccinate, disodium lauryl sulfosuccinate and disodium undecylenamido MEA- sulfosuccinate; and sulfur acids, such as alkyl ether sulfate, for example sodium, ammonium, magnesium, MIPA, TIPA laureth sulfate, sodium myreth sulfate and sodium C12-13 pareth sulphate, alkyl sulfates, for example sodium, ammonium and TEA lauryl sulfate. Furthermore, taurates, for example sodium lauroyl taurate and sodium methylcocoyl taurate, ether carboxylic acids, for example sodium laureth-13 carboxylate and sodium PEG-6 cocamide carboxylate, phosphoric acid esters and salts, such as DEA- oleth-10 phosphate and dilaureth-4 phosphate, alkylsulfonates, for example sodium cocosmonoglyceride sulfate, sodium C12-i Olefin sulfonate, sodium lauryl sulfoacetate and magnesium PEG-3 cocamide sulphate. Acylglutamates such as di-TEA-palmitoylaspartate and sodium caprylic / capric glutamate, acyl peptides, for example palmitoyl, hydrolyzed milk protein, sodium cocoyl hydrolyzed soy protein and sodium / potassium cocoyl hydrolyzed collagen as well as carboxylic acids and derivatives, such as lauric acid, aluminum stearate, magnesium alkanolate and tincient cylenate, ester carboxylic acids, for example calcium stearoyl lactylate, laureth-6 citrate and sodium PEG-4 lauramid carboxylate, alkylarylsulfonate.

[0045] The most preferred anionic surfactants for the compositions of the present invention are selected from the group of sulfonic acids, their salts; alkyl ether sulfates, ammonium lauryl sulfate, sodium laureth sulfate, sodium lauryl sarcosinate, sodium laurethl sarcosinate , Disodium Lauryl Sulfosuccinate, sodium myreth sulfate, sodium pareth sulfate, sodium lauryl sulfate, alpha olefin sulfonate, ammonium laureth sulfate, mixtures and combinations thereof.

[0046] It is preferred that the anionic surfactant in the dry composition is present in the range of 0.1 to 50 wt% by weight of the dry composition, more preferably in the range of 1 to 40 wt% by weight of the dry composition, further preferably in the range of 1.2 to 35 wt% by weight of the dry composition and most preferably in the range of 1.5 to 30 wt% by weight of the dry composition.

[0047] Preferably the cationic surfactants for the purposes of the present invention are, for example, quarternary surfactants, these include, but are not limited to: benzalkonium chloride, alkyl betaine, alkylamidopropyl betaine, alkyl- amidopropylhydroxysultaine alkylamines, alkylimidazoles and ethoxylated amines.

[0048] Preferably the amphoteric surfactants for the purposes of the present invention are, for example, acyl I dialkylethylene diamines, for example sodium acylamphoacetate, disodium acyl amphodipropionate, disodium alkylamphodiacetate, sodium acrylamphohydroxypropyl sulfonate, disodium acrylamphodiacetate and sodium acrylamphopropionate, N-alkylamino acids, for example aminopropyl alkylglutamide, alkylaminopropionic acid, sodium alkylimidodipropionate and lauroamphocarboxyglycinate.

[0049] Preferably the non-ionic surfactants for the purposes of the present invention are, for example, Alkanolamides, such as Cocamide MEA DEA / MIPA, esters produced by the esterification of carboxylic acids with ethylene oxide, glycerol, sorbitan or other alcohols, ethers, for example ethoxylated alcohols, ethoxylated lanolin, ethoxylated poly-siloxanes, propoxylated POE ethers and alkyl polyglycosides such as lauryl glucoside, decyl glycoside and cocoglycoside.

[0050] Suitable surfactants that may be used in the formulations disclosed herein may comprise one or more of sodium cocoyl isethionate, disodium lauryl sulfosuccinate, lauryl glucoside, myristyl glucoside, sodium sulfate, sodium silicate, sodium coco sulfate, sodium lauryl sulfate. In one embodiment, the surfactant may comprise sodium cocoyl isethionate (e.g., Jordapon® SCI powder). In another embodiment, the surfactant may comprise disodium lauryl sulfosuccinate (e.g., Plantapon® SUS). In a further embodiment, the surfactant may comprise a mixture of lauryl glucoside, myristyl glucoside, sodium sulfate, sodium silicate, and sodium coco sulfate (e.g., Glucopol® 50 G). In yet another embodiment, the surfactant may comprise sodium lauryl sulfate (e.g., Texapon® Z-95 P). Suitable surfactants are not limited to the ones enumerated herein and may include other surfactants that are in powder form prior to their incorporation into the formulation and are water-soluble to maximize the cleansing potential of the formulation.

[0051] Co-surfactants

[0052] The compositions of the present invention may comprise a co-surfactant. It is preferred that the present composition comprises co-surfactants in the range of 0 to 20wt%, more preferably 2 to 18 wt% and most preferably 5 to 15 wt%.

[0053] Co-surfactants for the purposes of the present invention may be anionic, cationic, amphoteric, non-ionic or zwitterionic, mixtures or combinations thereof.

[0054] A zwitterionic surfactant can be a co-surfactant selected from the group consisting of: lauryl hydroxysultaine, cocamidopropyl hydroxysultaine, coco-betaine, coco-hydroxysultaine, coco-sultaine, lauryl betaine, lauryl sultaine, and mixtures thereof. The non-ionic co-surfactant can be selected from the group consisting alkyl polyglucoside, alkyl glycoside, acyl glucamide and mixture thereof. Non-limiting examples of alkyl glucosides can include decyl glucoside, cocoyl glucoside, lauroyl glucoside and combination thereof.

[0055] When the compositions of the present invention comprise a co-surfactant, it is preferred to use an anionic co-surfactant. The anionic co-surfactant can be selected from the group consisting of isethionates, sarcosinates, sulfosuccinates, sulfonates, sulfoacetates, glucosides, acyl glycinates, acyl alaninates, glucose carboxylates, amphoacetates, taurates, and mixture thereof.

[0056] Suitable isethionate surfactants can include the reaction product of fatty acids esterified with isethionic acid and neutralized with sodium hydroxide. Suitable fatty acids for isethionate surfactants can be derived from coconut oil or palm kernel oil including amides of methyl tauride. Non-limiting examples of isethionates can be selected from the group consisting of 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 mixtures thereof.

[0057] Non-limiting examples of sarcosinates can be selected from the group consisting of sodium lauroyl sarcosinate, sodium cocoyl sarcosinate, sodium myristoyl sarcosinate, TEA-cocoyl sarcosinate, ammonium cocoyl sarcosinate, ammonium lauroyl sarcosinate, dimer dilinoleyl bis-lauroylglutamate / lauroylsarcosinate, disodium lauroamphodiacetate lauroyl sarcosinate, isopropyl lauroyl sarcosinate, potassium cocoyl sarcosinate, potassium lauroyl sarcosinate, sodium cocoyl sarcosinate, sodium lauroyl sarcosinate, sodium myristoyl sarcosinate, sodium oleoyl sarcosinate, sodium palmitoyl sarcosinate, TEA-cocoyl sarcosinate, TEA- lauroyl sarcosinate, TEA-oleoyl sarcosinate, TEA-palm kernel sarcosinate, and combinations thereof.

[0058] Non-limiting examples of sulfosuccinate surfactants can include disodium N-octadecyl sulfosuccinate, disodium lauryl sulfosuccinate, diammonium lauryl sulfosuccinate, sodium lauryl sulfosuccinate, disodium laureth sulfosuccinate, tetrasodium N-(1 ,2-dicarboxyethyl)- N-octadecyl sulfosuccinnate, diamyl ester of sodium sulfosuccinic acid, dihexyl ester of sodium sulfosuccinic acid, dioctyl esters of sodium sulfosuccinic acid, and combinations thereof.

[0059] Non-limiting examples of sulfonates can include alpha olefin sulfonates, linear alkylbenzene sulfonates, sodium laurylglucosides hydroxypropylsulfonate and combination thereof.

[0060] Non-limiting examples of sulfoacetates can include sodium lauryl sulfoacetate, ammonium lauryl sulfoacetate and combination thereof.

[0061] Non-limiting example of acyl glycinates can include sodium cocoyl glycinate, sodium lauroyl glycinate and combination thereof.

[0062] Non-limiting example of acyl alaninates can include sodium cocoyl alaninate, sodium lauroyl alaninate, sodium N-dodecanoyl-1 -alaninate and combination thereof.

[0063] Non-limiting example of glucose carboxylates can include sodium lauryl glucoside carboxylate, sodium cocoyl glucoside carboxylate and combinations thereof.

[0064] Non-limiting example of alkyl ether carboxylate can include sodium laureth-4 carboxylate, laureth-5 carboxylate, laureth-13 carboxylate, sodium C12-13 pareth-8 carboxylate, sodium C12-15 pareth-8 carboxylate and combination thereof.

[0065] Non-limiting example of alkylamphoacetates can include sodium cocoyl amphoacetate, sodium lauroyl amphoacetate and combination thereof.

[0066] Non-limiting example of acyl taurates can include sodium methyl cocoyl taurate, sodium methyl lauroyl taurate, sodium methyl oleoyl taurate and combination thereof.

[0067] Chelating Agent

[0068] The present invention comprises a chelating agent. It is preferred that the chelating agent in the dry composition is present in the range of 0.1 to 3 wt% by weight of the dry composition, more preferably in the range of 1 to 2.5 wt% by weight of the dry composition, further preferably in the range of 1.2 to 2.3 wt% by weight of the dry composition and most preferably in the range of 1.3 to 2 wt% by weight of the dry composition. It is preferred that the chelating agent in the dry composition is present at least 0.1 wt%, more preferably at least 0.8 wt%, further preferably at least 1 wt% and most preferably at least 1.5 wt% by weight of the dry composition.

[0069] It is preferred that the chelating agent in the dry composition is present at most 4 wt%, more preferably at most 3 wt%, further preferably at most 2.8 wt% and most preferably at most 2.5 wt% by weight of the dry composition.

[0070] The preferred chelating agents are as follows (names followed by their abbreviation in parenthesis):

[0071] Ethylene Diamine Tetra Acetic acid (EDTA), Diethylene Triamine Penta Acetic acid (DTPA), Ethane-1 -hydroxy-1 ,1 -diphosphonate (EHDP), Ethylene Diamine-N,N'- Disuccinate (EDDS), Nitrilo Triacetic Acid (NTA), Sodium Imino Disuccinate (IDS), Ethylene Glycol-bis-(2-aminoethyl)-N,N,N', N'-Tetra Acetic acid (EGTA), Methyl Glycine Diacetic Acid (MGDA), N-(2-hydroxyethyl) Ethylene Diamine N,N',N'-Thacetic acid) (HEDTA), Ethylene Diamine Tetra Methylene Phosphonic acid (EDTMP), Diethylene Thamine-Penta- Methylene Phosphonic acid (DTPMP), Glutamic acid-N,N-Diacetic Acid (GLDA), Cyclohexane-1 ,2-Diamine-N,N,N',N'-Tetra-Acetic Acid (CDTA), 1 ,3-Propylenediamine Tetra-Acetic Acid (PDTA), Ethylene Diamine Triacetic Acid (EDTA), L-hydroxy Imino Disuccinic acid (L-IDS), Trisodium N-Carboxyethyl Imino Succinate (CEIS), Citric Acid, Sodium Thpolyphosphate (STP), Thethylene Tetramine Hexaacetic Acid (TTHA). Other preferred chelating agents are Trisodium Ethylene Diamine Disuccinate, Tetra-sodium- Imino disuccinate, Glutamic acid-N,N diacetic acid tetra sodium salt, 2-hydroxyethyl iminodiacetic acid, Sodium salt (disodium ethanol diglycinate), Tetrasodium 3-hydroxy-2,2 imino disuccinate, Trisodium methylglycine diacetic acid, L- Aspartate-N,N-diacetic acid tetrasodium salt. The more preferred chelating agents are salt of Ethylene Diamine Tetra Acetic acid (EDTA) and salt of Diethylene Thamine Penta Acetic acid (DTPA). Preferred salts of EDTA are disodium Ethylene Diamine Tetra Acetic acid and tetrasodium Ethylene Diamine Tetra Acetic acid. Preferred salt of DTPA is the pentasodium Diethylene Thamine Penta Acetic acid.

[0072] The salt form is preferred over acid form, as addition of the chelating agents in the acid form would bring about a corresponding decrease in pH, which is not desirable. It is most preferred that the chelating agent suitable for the compositions of the present invention are selected from the group of Ethylene Diamine Tetra Acetic acid (EDTA), or Diethylene Triamine Penta Acetic acid (DTPA), their derivatives and combinations, mixtures thereof. The EDTA derivative is selected from tetrasodium EDTA, trisodium EDTA, disodium EDTA, and combinations thereof. The DTPA derivative is selected from tetrasodium DTPA, trisodium DTPA, disodium DTPA, and combinations thereof.

[0073] Preservative

[0074] The present invention comprises a preservative. It is preferred that the preservative in the dry composition is present in the range of 0.1 to 5 wt% by weight of the dry composition, more preferably in the range of 0.8 to 4.8 wt% by weight of the dry composition, further preferably in the range of 1 to 4.5 wt% by weight of the dry composition and most preferably in the range of 1.2 to 4 wt% by weight of the dry composition.

[0075] It is preferred that the preservative in the dry composition is present at least 0.1wt%, more preferably at least 0.8 wt%, further preferably at least 1 wt% and most preferably at least 1.2 wt% by weight of the dry composition.

[0076] It is preferred that the preservative in the dry composition is present at most 5 wt%, more preferably at most 4.8 wt%, further preferably at most 1 wt% and most preferably at most 1.2 wt% by weight of the dry composition.

[0077] Very useful examples of the preservatives suitable for the compositions of the present inventions, but are not limited to, chlorite components, sorbic acid components and mixtures thereof.

[0078] Specific examples of sorbic acid components useful as preservatives in accordance with the present invention include sorbic acid itself, as well as pharmaceutically and / or ophthalmically acceptable sorbic acid derivatives and mixture thereof. Useful sorbic acid components include, but are not limited to, metal sorbates, such as alkali metal and alkaline earth metal sorbates, and the like and mixtures thereof.

[0079] Other preferred preservatives include but not limited to commonly used in cosmetics, such as dibromdicyanobutane (2-bromo-2-bromomethylglutarodinitrile), phenoxyethanol, 3-lod-2- propinylbutylcarbamate, propanediol, 2-bromo-2-nitro-propane-1 , 3-diol, imidazolidinyl urea, 5-chloro-2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one, 2-chloroacetamide, benzalkonium chloride, benzyl alcohol.'

[0080] It is particularly preferred according to the invention if phenoxyethanol Piroctone olamine are used as preservatives.

[0081] Thickening agent

[0082] The present invention comprises a thickening agent comprising a cellulosic polymer. It is preferred that the cellulosic polymer is selected from the group of hydroxyl ethyl cellulose, hydroxyl methyl cellulose, hydroxyl propyl cellulose, hydrophobically modified hydroxyethylcellulose (HMHEC), hydroxyl propyl methyl cellulose, carboxy methyl cellulose and methyl cellulose and mixtures thereof. It is most preferred that the cellulosic polymer is selected from hydroxyl ethyl cellulose or hydrophobically modified hydroxyethylcellulose (HMHEC).

[0083] Molar substitution of a cellulosic polymer is the average number of substituents per anhydroglucose ring. It is preferred that the cellulosic polymer preferably when hydrophobically modified has has molar substitution in the range of 0.75 to 2, more preferably in the range of 1 to 1.8 and most preferably in the range of 1.2 to 1.5.

[0084] It is preferred that the thickening agent in the dry composition is present in the range of 1 to 30 wt%, more preferably in the range of 2 to 28 wt%, further preferably in the range of 2.5 to 25 wt% and most preferably in the range of 3 to 23 wt% by weight of the dry composition.

[0085] It is preferred that the cellulosic polymer in the dry composition is present is in the range of 1 to 30 wt%, more preferably in the range of 2 to 28 wt%, further preferably in the range of 2.5 to 25 wt% and most preferably in the range of 3 to 23 wt% by weight of the dry composition.

[0086] It is preferred that the thickening agent comprises at least 50 wt% of the cellulosic polymer, preferably at least 60 wt%, more preferably at least 70 wt%, further more preferably at least 80 wt% and most preferably at least 90 wt%. It is highly preferred that the thickening agent is a cellulosic polymer selected from the group of hydroxyl ethyl cellulose, hydroxyl methyl cellulose, hydroxyl propyl cellulose, hydrophobically modified hydroxyethylcellulose (HMHEC), hydroxyl propyl methyl cellulose, carboxy methyl cellulose and methyl cellulose and mixtures thereof. It is most preferred that the cellulosic polymer is selected from hydroxyl ethyl cellulose or hydrophobically modified hydroxyethylcellulose (HMHEC) or mixture thereof.

[0087] It is preferred that the cellulosic polymer in the dry composition is present is in the range of 1 to 30 wt%, more preferably in the range of 2 to 28 wt%, further preferably in the range of 2.5 to 25 wt% and most preferably in the range of 3 to 23 wt% by weight of the dry composition, wherein the cellulosic polymer is selected from hydroxyl ethyl cellulose or hydrophobically modified hydroxyethylcellulose (HMHEC) or mixture thereof.

[0088] The present invention comprises a nonionic or anionic water-soluble polymer. Suitable nonionic polymers include such water soluble polymers as cellulose ethers (e.g., hydroxybutyl methylcellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, ethylhydroxy ethylcellulose and hydroxyethylcellulose), propylene glycol alginates, polyacrylamide, poly(ethylene oxide), polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinylpyrrolidone, hydroxypropyl guar gum, locust bean gum, amylose, hydroxyethyl amylose, starch and starch derivatives and mixtures thereof. Preferred nonionic polymers include hydroxyethyl cellulose, polyethylene oxide, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, polyvinyl alcohol, polyacrylamide, hydroxypropyl cellulose, ethylhydroxy ethyl cellulose, dextran, polypropyleneoxide and hydroxypropyl guar or mixtures thereof.

[0089] Suitable anionic water-soluble polymers include carboxymethyl cellulose, carrageenan, xanthum gum, gum agar, gum ghatti, gum karaya, pectins, alginate salts, as well as poly(acrylic acid) and acrylic or methacrylic acid derivatives such as the alkali metal and ammonium salts of acrylic acid, methacrylic acid. Mixtures of the above anionic water- soluble polymers may also be used.

[0090] These polymeric compositions may be homopolymers or they may be copolymers or terpolymers with other copolymerizing monomers known in the art. Examples of copolymerizing monomers known in the art include but are not limited to ethylene, propylene, isobutylene, styrene, polystyrene, alphamethylstyrene, vinyl acetate, vinyl formate, alkyl ethers, acrylonitrile, methacrylonitrile, vinyl chloride, vinylidene chloride, the alkyl acrylates, the alkylmethacrylates, the alkyl fumarates, the alkyl maleates, and other olefinic monomers copolymerizable therewith as long as the resulting polymers are water soluble and phase separate in the compositions of this invention. Copolymers of anionic and nonionic monomers such as acrylic acid and methacrylic acid with acrylamide, methacrylamide, the N-alkyl substituted amides, the N-aminoalkylamides, the corresponding N-alkylaminoalkyl substituted amides, the aminoalkyl acrylates, the aminoalkyl methacrylamides, and the N-alkyl substituted aminoalkyl esters of either acrylic or methacrylic acids.

[0091] Preferred anionic polymers include polyacrylic acid; sodium carboxy methyl cellulose; polyacrylates; polymethyl acrylate; polysulphates such as polyvinyl sulfate, polystyrene sulfonate, polyphosphates, sodium dextran sulfate, alginate salts and pectate When combined with the aqueous surfactant system and phase separation initiator, described below, the water-soluble nonionic or anionic polymer separates to form aqueous droplets suspended in a continuous aqueous phase. The number average particle size of the polymer droplets can be from 0.1 microns to about 10,000 microns, preferably from about 1.0 micron to about 5000 microns, most preferably from about 5 microns to about 1000 microns.

[0092] Most preferred for use in the present invention are selected from the list of carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), cellulose gum and cellulose derivative, its salt form, combinations and mixtures thereof.

[0093] The structure is as follows.

[0094] Grade of cellulosic gum / polymer:

[0095] The selection of right grade of Cellulose Gum is very important else it will lead to Polymeric Gel settling / precipitation at bottom. Following parameters of cellulose Gum can impact water solubility, desire viscosity & gel settling: Degree of substitution, Degree of polymerization and impurity of organic salt eg. sodium glycolate.

[0096] Antibacterial activity and antimicrobial agent

[0097] The cleansing compositions may include an antimicrobial agent which preferably is an antibacterial agent. The agent is primarily responsible for antibacterial action. Suitable antibacterial agents include 2-hydroxy-4,2',4'-trichlorodiphenylether (DP300); 2,6-dimethyl- 4-hydroxychlorobenzene (PCMX); 3,4,4'-trichlorocarbanilide (TCC); 3-trifluoromethyl-4,4'- dichlorocarbaniide (TFC); 2,2'-dihydroxy-3,3',5,5',6,6'-hexachlorophenylmethane; 2,2'- di hydroxy-3, 3', 5,5'-tetrachlorodiphenylmethane; 2,2'-dihydroxy-3,3',dibromo-5,5'- dichlorodiphenylmethane; 2-hydroxy-4,4'-dichlorodiphenylether; 2-hydroxy-3,5',4- tribromodiphenlylether; and 1-hydroxyl-4-methyl-6-(2,4,4-trimethylpentyl)-2(1 H)-pyridinone (Octopirox), thymol and terpeniol. Particularly preferred antibacterial agents are thymol and terpeniol, optimally used in combination. In preferred compositions, the content of thymol ranges from 0.05 to 5 wt%, more preferably 0.1 to 1 wt% and most preferably 0.1 to 0.4 wt%. Above the preferred range, the compositions may have strong smell, which may not be preferred by some consumers. However, suitable strong masking agents liked perfumes can be used to mask the strong odour of thymol or terpeniol. As an alternative to thymol; thyme oil or thyme extract may also be added. Thyme oil or thyme extract is obtained from the thyme plant. Thyme plant refers to a plant belonging be genus Thymus and includes but is not limited to Thymus vulgaris, Thymus zygis, Thymus satureoides, Thymus mastichina, Thymus broussonetti, Thymus maroccanus, Thymus pallidus, Thymus algeriensis, Thymus serpyllum, Thymus pulegoide, and Thymus citriodorus . that a composite antimicrobial particulate material comprises an oligodynamic metal embedded in a water-insoluble inorganic carrier.

[0098] It is preferred that the inorganic carrier is at least one of titanium oxide, magnesium oxide, aluminium oxide, silicon oxide, calcium oxide, barium oxide, calcium hydroxyapatite, calcium carbonate, calcium magnesium carbonate, sheet silicate, zeolite, clay or bentonite. More preferably the inorganic carrier is composed of aggregates of nano plate like structures having width of 20 to 100 nm, preferably 40 to 60 nm. Further preferably the inorganic carrier is a porous material have a nano or micro-structured assembly. It is preferred that particle size of the inorganic carrier is 1 to 10 pm. A particularly preferred inorganic carrier is calcium carbonate. Other preferred carriers are titanium oxide, magnesium hydroxide and zinc oxide.

[0099] Preferably the amount of oligodynamic metal comprised in the antimicrobial particulate material is from 0.1 to 10 wt% by weight of the particulate material. In such a case, the balance, more or less, is composed of the inorganic carrier. Suitable process conditions and stoichiometric amount of starting materials need to be employed to ensure that the antimicrobial particulate contains 0.1 to 10 wt% oligodynamic metal by weight of the particulate material. The process steps and conditions disclosed in W016020168 A1 (Unilever) could be, and preferably are used to prepare the composite antimicrobial particulate material.

[0100] The process for preparing a composite antimicrobial particulate material comprises the following steps:

[0101] An aqueous dispersion of a water-insoluble inorganic carrier of particle size in the range of 1 to 10 pm is prepared. The dispersion contains 1 to 5 wt% (by weight of the dispersion) of the carrier.

[0102] Separately, an aqueous solution of a reducing agent is prepared. The concentration of the reducing agent in the solution is 10 to 30 wt%.

[0103] The dispersion and the solution are mixed. Thereafter, this mix is heated to 70 °C to 90 °C. At this stage, a water soluble salt of the oligodynamic metal is added to the heated mix.

[0104] Preferably, the reducing agent is sodium acetate, sodium oxalate, trisodium citrate or disodium ethylene diamine tetra acetate.

[0105] It is particularly preferred that the oligodynamic metal is copper or silver, furthermore particularly it is silver. Gold is also an alternative but is less preferred in view of its price. It is preferred that the compositions in accordance with this invention comprise an amount of the composite antimicrobial particulate equivalent to 0.001 to 2 wt% of the oligodynamic metal. For example, if it is desired that the composition should contain 0.5 wt% silver (= 0.5 g silver in 100 g of the composition), then an amount of the composite particulate material which contains 0.5 g silver is included in the composition. This amount could vary depending on the solvent content in the particulate material.

[0106] Silver is particularly preferred. In the ionic form it may exist as a salt or any compound in any applicable oxidation state. It is preferred that compositions in accordance with this invention comprise an amount of the composite antimicrobial particulate equivalent to 0.001 to 2 wt% of the oligodynamic metal. Where the metal is present in the form of a compound such as silver in the form of silver acetate; then an appropriate amount of the compound is included so that the active metal content is within the broad and preferred ranges as already indicated.

[0107] It is preferred that the metal, e.g. silver is present in the form of a compound, e.g. silver (I) compound but may also be in the form of particles, e.g. nanoparticles of silver.

[0108] Silver (I) compounds are one or more water-soluble silver(l) compounds having silver ion solubility at least 1 .0 x10"4mol / L (in water at 25 degrees C). Silver ion solubility, as referred to herein, is a value derived from a solubility product (Ksp) in water at 25 degrees centigrade, a well known parameter that is reported in numerous sources. More particularly, silver ion solubility [Ag+] , a value given in mol / L may be calculated using the formula: [Ag+] = (Ksp* x)(1 / (x+1 )), wherein Ksp is the solubility product of the compound of interest in water at 25 degrees centigrade, and x represents the number of moles of silver ion per mole of compound. It has been found that Silver(l) compounds having a silver ion solubility of at least 1 x 10"4mol / L in are suitable for use herein. Silver ion solubility values for a variety of silver compounds are given in Table V.

[0109] TABLE 1

[0110] Silver Ion Solubility

[0111] Silver Ksp / (mol / L in water at 25

[0112] X [Ag+] (mol / L in water at Compound °C)

[0113] 25 °C).

[0114] Silver nitrate 1 51 .6 7.2

[0115] Silver acetate 1 2.0 x 10-34.5 x 10"2

[0116] Silver sulfate 2 1 .4 x 10-53.0 x 10"2 Silver benzoate 1 2.5 x 10-55.0 x 10-3

[0117] Silver salicylate 1 1 .5 x 10-53.9 x 10"3

[0118] Silver carbonate 2 8.5 x 10-122.6 x 10"4

[0119] Silver citrate 32.5 x 10-161 .7 x 10"4

[0120] Silver oxide 1 2.1 x 10-81 .4 x 10"4

[0121] Silver

[0122] 3 8.9 x 10-171 ,3x 10"4phosphate

[0123] Silver chloride 1 1 .8 x 10-101 .3 x 10"5

[0124] Silver bromide 1 5.3 x 10-137.3 x 10"7

[0125] Silver iodide 1 8.3 x 10-179.1 x 10"9

[0126] Silver sulfide 2 8.0 x 10-512.5 x 10"17

[0127] It is preferred that when silver is present in the form of a compound, the compound selected from silver oxide, silver nitrate, silver acetate, silver sulfate, silver benzoate, silver salicylate, silver carbonate, silver citrate or silver phosphate. In particularly preferred compositions the silver(l) compound is silver oxide.

[0128] Thymol / Terpineol

[0129] In addition to the composite antimicrobial particulate material, the compositions in accordance with the invention comprise 0.0001 to 5 wt% of at least one of thymol or terpineol.

[0130] It is preferred that the compositions in accordance with this invention comprise thymol and terpineol, i.e. the two in combination. In such cases, it is preferred that the w / w ratio of the amount of thymol to that of terpineol is 1:0.1 to 1 :10. More preferably the ratio is 1 :0.5 to 1 :2.

[0131] Where thymol is present alone or in combination with terpineol, it is preferred that amount of thymol is 0.01 to 2 wt%, more preferably 0.01 to 1 wt% and further more preferably 0.01 to 0.5 wt% and yet further most preferably 0.01 to 0.05 wt%. Thymol is efficacious at lower dosages therefore higher dosages may be used only if necessary.

[0132] A drawback of thymol is its odour which may appear unpleasant to some individuals but such higher dosages may be used in compositions where sensorial aspects are not important or in the case of the compositions which permit the inclusion of suitable odour masking agents. It is preferred that the thymol is used in purified form.

[0133] As an alternative to thymol, use may be made of thyme oil or thyme extract comprising thymol, while ensuring that sufficient / desired amount of thymol is present in it. Thyme oil or thyme extract is obtained from the thyme plant. Thyme plant refers to a plant belonging be genus Thymus and includes but is not limited to the following species: Thymus vulgaris, Thymus zygis, Thymus satureoides, Thymus mastichina, Thymus broussonetti, Thymus maroccanus, Thymus pallidus, Thymus algeriensis, Thymus serpyllum, Thymus pulegoide, and Thymus citriodorus. The isomer of thymol

[0134] (carvacrol) may also be used. Alternatively, but less preferably, any derivative of thymol which has similar properties of thymol may also preferably be used.

[0135] In addition to or instead of thymol, the compositions in accordance with this invention comprise terpineol. Where terpineol is present alone or in combination with thymol, it is preferred that amount of terpineol is 0.01 to 2 wt%, more preferably 0.01 to 1 wt% and further more preferably 0.01 to 0.5 wt% and yet further most preferably 0.01 to 0.05 wt%. Terpineol is efficacious at lower dosages therefore higher dosages may be used only if necessary.

[0136] A drawback of terpineol, like thymol, is its odour which may appear unpleasant to some individuals but such higher dosages may be used in compositions where sensorial aspects are not important or in the case of the compositions which permit the inclusion of suitable odour masking agents. It is preferred that the terpineol is used in purified form. The structure of a terpineol is given below:

[0137] Alternatively, but less preferably, pine oil comprising desired amount of terpineol may be used instead of purified terpineol.

[0138] Oligodynamic metals, especially silver, are able to act largely due to its ability to affect the permeability of bacterial membranes and generate reactive oxygen species. Silver ions are considered as the active species. Therefore, if sufficient number of such ions are generated quickly and efficiently, it is possible to bring about rapid reduction in the viable bacterial count of surfaces which are contaminated therewith.

[0139] The oligodynamic metal, e.g. silver embedded in the inorganic carrier together with thymol (or terpineol or both) provides faster-acting antibacterial effect whilst permitting significant reduction in oligodynamic metal content that would otherwise have been necessary. The compositions in accordance with this invention are effective against at least one of Grampositive and Gram-negative bacteria. More preferred compositions provide broad-spectrum antibacterial action which means action against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.

[0140] Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that the inorganic carrier ensures the release of efficacious amount of ions of the oligodynamic metal. Such ions, together with at least one of thymol and terpineol, and preferably the two together; interact synergistically to provide 1 to 5 log reduction in bacterial count of an animate or inanimate surface at a contact time of 10 to 30 seconds.

[0141] Optional Active Agents

[0142] Advantageously, active agents other than emollients defined above may be added to the cleansing composition in a safe and effective amount during formulation to treat the skin during the use of the product provided that they do not exceed solubility limits. Suitable active ingredients include those that are soluble in the aqueous phase. Suitable active agents may be advantageously selected from vitamins, anti-acne actives; anti-wrinkle, antiskin atrophy and skin repair actives; skin barrier repair actives; non-steroidal cosmetic soothing actives; skin lightening actives; sunscreen actives; sebum stimulators; sebum inhibitors; anti-oxidants; protease inhibitors; skin tightening agents; desquamating enzyme enhancers; anti-glycation agents; topical anesthetics and the like.

[0143] Liquid Formulation

[0144] According to the second aspect, the present invention provides a liquid formulation obtained by reconstituting the dry composition according to the first aspect with a suitable liquid carrier, the liquid formulations comprising: 1 to 15 wt% soap; 0.01 to 25 wt% of nonsoap surfactant; 0.01 to 0.5 wt% of chelating agent; 0.1 to 10 wt% thickening agent comprising cellulosic polymer or hydrophobically modified cellulosic polymer or mixture thereof; and 20 to 97 wt% liquid carrier.

[0145] In the liquid formulation it is preferred that the cellulosic polymer is selected from the group of hydroxyl ethyl cellulose, hydroxyl methyl cellulose, hydroxyl propyl cellulose, hydrophobically modified hydroxyethylcellulose (HMHEC), hydroxyl propyl methyl cellulose, carboxy methyl cellulose and methyl cellulose and mixtures thereof. It is most preferred that the cellulosic polymer is selected from hydroxyl ethyl cellulose or hydrophobically modified cellulose or mixture thereof. It is most preferred that when the cellulosic polymer is hydrophobically modified cellulose, it is preferred that it has molar substitution in the range of 0.75 to 2, more preferably 1 to 1.8 and most preferably 1.2 to 1.5.

[0146] In the liquid formulation it is preferred that the hydrophobically modified cellulosic polymer has molar substitution in the range of 0.75 to 2, more preferably 1 to 2 and most preferably 1.2 to 1.5.

[0147] In the liquid formulation it is preferred that the cellulosic polymer is selected from the group of hydroxyl ethyl cellulose, hydroxyl methyl cellulose, hydroxyl propyl cellulose, hydrophobically modified hydroxyethylcellulose (HMHEC), hydroxyl propyl methyl cellulose, carboxy methyl cellulose and methyl cellulose and mixtures thereof and most preferably the cellulosic polymer is hydroxyl ethyl cellulose or modified hydroxyethylcellulose (HMHEC) or mixture thereof. In the liquid formulation it is preferred that the soap is present in the range of 1 to 9.8 wt%, more preferably in the range of 1 to 9.5 wt% and most preferably 1.5 to 9 wt%.

[0148] In the liquid formulation it is preferred that the non-soap surfactant is present in the range of 0.01 to 25 wt%, more preferably in the range of 0.1 to 4.8 wt% and most preferably 0.8 to 4.5 wt%.

[0149] It is preferred that the liquid formulation further comprises a co-surfactant, present in the range of 0 to 2 wt%, more preferably in the range of 0.1 to 1.5 wt% and most preferably 0.3 to 1 wt%.

[0150] In the liquid formulation the chelating agent is present in the range of 0.01 to 0.5 wt%, more preferably in the range of 0.05 to 0.45 wt% and most preferably 0.1 to 0.4 wt%.

[0151] In the liquid formulation the preservative is present in the range of 0.01 to 2 wt%, more preferably in the range of 0.1 to 2 wt% and most preferably 0.5 to 1 wt%.

[0152] In the liquid formulation the thickening agent is present in the range of 0.1 to 25 wt%, more preferably in the range of 0.3 to 22 wt% and most preferably 0.4 to 20 wt%. It is preferred that the molar substitution of the cellulosic polymer when hydrophobically modified is in the range of 0.75 to 2, more preferably 1 to 1.8 and most preferably 1.2 to 1.5.

[0153] The liquid carrier could be any suitable liquid carrier which allows dissolution of the components of the dry composition to form a stable flowable composition. It is most preferred that water is used as the liquid carrier. The liquid carrier is preferred to be in the range of 20 to 99wt%, more preferably in the range of 30 to 97 wt% and most preferably in the range of 40 to 80 wt% by weight of the liquid formulation.

[0154] It is preferred that the pH of the resultant liquid formulation made from reconstitution of the dry compositions of the present invention is in the range of 7 to 11 pH and more preferably in the range of 7.5 to 10 pH and most preferably 8 to 10 pH.

[0155] The viscosity of the liquid formulations of the present intention is in the range of 1 to 4 Pa s, more preferably 1.5 to 3 Pa s and most preferably between 1.7 to 2.5 Pa s. Use

[0156] The present invention provides use of dry composition according to the first aspect to obtain a liquid formulation according to the second aspect, preferably the liquid formulation is obtained by reconstituting the dry composition with a suitable liquid carrier.

[0157] The present invention also provides use of the liquid formulation made with the dry compositions of the present invention as a cleansing composition. More preferably the cleansing composition is a personal wash cleansing composition.

[0158] Use of a cellulosic polymer with preferably when hydrophobically modified and preferably having a molar substitution in the range of 0.75 to 2 in a dry composition according to the first aspect, to enhance stability in a liquid formulation reconstituted from the dry composition according to the first aspect upon dilution with liquid carrier in a dilution factor in the range of 1 :2.5 to 1 :50.

[0159] Method

[0160] The dry composition of the present invention is prepared using the process comprising taking 10 to 80 wt% soap; 0.1 to 50 wt% of non-soap surfactant; 0.1 to 3 wt% of chelating agent; 1 to 30 wt% thickening agent comprising cellulosic polymer or hydrophobically modified cellulosic polymer or mixture thereof and blending to form a mixture. It is preferred that to this mixture a benefit agent is added. It is preferred that the benefit agent is selected from the group of but not limited to a skin emollient, a skin care, a pharmaceutical benefit agent, an antibacterial agent, combinations and mixtures thereof.

[0161] The present invention also provides a method of making a liquid formulation from the dry composition according to the first aspect, the method comprising steps of, taking the dry composition and diluting the dry composition with a liquid carrier with a dilution factor in the range of 1 :2 to 1 :50 to obtain the liquid formulation. It is more preferred that the dilution factor is in the range of 1:5 to 1:40 and most preferably 1:10 to 1:30.

[0162] It is preferred that the liquid carrier is water. It is preferred that when the dry composition is packaged in the form of a sachet, such sachet is opened and poured into a container for reconstituting the dry composition to form a stable liquid cleansing formulation. It is preferred that the container is a bottle and most preferred a bottle with a dispenser such a s pump bottle. The bottle may first be filled with the liquid carrier such as water and then the dry composition added or vice versa. It is preferred that after the addition of the dry composition and the liquid carrier in a suitable container, the container is closed and shaken for about 15- 60 seconds. It is preferred that the newly reconstituted liquid formulation is allowed to rest for at least 30 minutes and preferably for at least 1 to 2 hrs.

[0163] The invention will now be illustrated by means of the following non-limiting examples.

[0164] Examples

[0165] While this invention has been described with respect to particular embodiments thereof, it is apparent that numerous other forms and modifications of the invention will be obvious to those skilled in the art. The appended claims and this invention generally should be construed to cover all such obvious forms and modifications which are within the true spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0166] Example 1

[0167] Preparation of formulations:

[0168] Method of preparing the dry formulation- soap, surfactant powders, EDTA, cellulose polymer, colorants and preservatives were mixed well in the blender. Add perfume through spray with mixing into above mix.

[0169] The liquid formulation was formed by taking about 10 gms of dry composition and mixing it with 100ml water in bottle, shaking the bottle for about 30 to 60 seconds and allowing it to rest for about 30 min to 2 hrs before use.

[0170] Various dry compositions and their respective liquid formulations were formulated for the examples and tested for lather, viscosity, ease of reconstitution and stability. Method of measuring viscosity- viscosity of samples was measured using a Brookfield RVT viscometer at 25°C temperature, with a spindle of 5 or 3 and speed of 20 rpm for about 30 seconds. A viscosity of about 1 to 4 Pa s, was considered optimum.

[0171] Method for checking lather- On a pre-wetted forearm of trained / expert panelists, 2 gms of diluted product was taken and rubbed for 10 times back and forth along the length of the forearm. The amount of lather generated was compared to the marketed bodywash product (for onset and amount of lather generated). Scale of 1 to 10 was used, where 1 indicates no visible lather and 10 indicated rich lather.

[0172] Ease of reconstitution was accessed based on the time taken for the dry composition to be formulated into liquid formulation. Upon reconstitution, as per the given instructions, time and effort taken to form a homogenous, uniform looking product without presence of visible clumps was rated.

[0173] For checking stability the liquid formulation samples were stored at varying temperatures ranging from 4°C to 50°C for a time period of 2, 4, 8 and 12 weeks. On respective pull out dates, visual appearance, fragrance stability, pH and viscosity were measured.

[0174] Table 1- Dry composition

[0175] Table 2 - Liquid Formulation

[0176] Example 2 Different dry compositions F1 to F5 were prepared according to Example 1 with differing wt% of soap, non-soap surfactant and the level of hydrophobically modified hydroxyethyl cellulose (T9) as the thickening agent in the dry composition which was diluted into a liquid formulation and tested for stability, ease of mixing and desired viscosity as between 1 to 4.5 Pa s being medium viscous.

[0177] Formulation F1 was prepared with a low level of soap and 1wt% of non-soap surfactant and 1wt% thickening agent. F2 was prepared according to the present invention with 65 wt% soap, 10 wt% non-soap surfactant, 16wt% of thickening agent. F3 was prepared with high levels of soap at about 82 wt% with 16wt% of thickening agent. F4 was prepared keeping soap wt% low and increasing non-soap surfactant.

[0178] Table 3

[0179] It is evident from the data presented in Table 3 that when inventors tried different permutations and combinations of soap and non-soap surfactant it was seen that keeping both of them low as in F1 leads to poor lather and water-thin consistency. In F2 soap and non-soap surfactant levels were according to the present invention, it resulted in optimum lather and viscosity, However it was seen that as soon as the soap wt% was increased to 82 wt% in F3 beyond the scope of present invention while keeping thickening agent same as F2, it lead to high viscosity, hygroscopic powder, stability issues, unmanageable consistency during dilution. On the other hand, in F4 when soap was kept low and nonsurfactant level was increased, while using optimum level of thickening agent, it was observed that the composition had compromised lather and ease of rinsing and lead to slimy sensory on skin.

[0180] Example 3

[0181] In this example role of different thickening agents was studied for formulating a dry composition which could be reconstituted into a liquid cleansing formulation with ease of mixing, time for reconstitution and stability. Formulations F5 to F15 were prepared according to Example 1.

[0182] Table 4:

[0183] * T1- Carboxy Methyl Cellulose

[0184] T2- Acacia gum

[0185] T3- Sclerotia gum

[0186] T4- Gum Tara

[0187] T5- Guar gum T6- Xanthan gum

[0188] T7- Hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose

[0189] T8- Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose

[0190] T9- Hydrophobically modified Hydroxy Ethyl Cellulose (HMHEC) Table 5: Results

[0191] The compositions of Table 4, F5 to F15 and the results presented in Table 5 clearly show importance of use of thickening agent. It is clear from the data presented that thickening agents T9 works the best which has molar substitution in the range of 0.75 to 2. Further, this effect is seen with differing concentrations of T9, such as 10 wt%, 15 wt% and 16wt% and the positive result is replicated in all the three formulations of F13, F14 and F15. It was observed that the three formulations F13, F14 and F15 were easy to mix with water and could be reconstituted into a homogenous mixture which is ready to use within 30-60 minutes. The said compositions also had optimum viscosity and lather and could be easily dispersed and the liquid formulation upon reconstitution is stable up to 12 weeks of storage at temperatures varying between 4°C to 50°C.

Claims

AMENDED CLAIMS received by the International Bureau on 01 August 2025 (01.08.2025) A dry composition suitable for forming liquid cleansing formulation, the dry composition comprising: i) 10 to 80 wt% soap; ii) 0.1 to 50 wt% of non-soap surfactant; iii) 0.1 to 3 wt% of chelating agent; and iv) 1 to 30 wt% of thickening agent comprising hydroxyl ethyl cellulose or hydrophobically modified hydroxyethylcellulose (HMHEC) or mixture thereof. A composition according to claim 1 , wherein the hydrophobically modified hydroxyethylcellulose has molar substitution in the range of 0.75 to 2. A composition according to any claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the chelating agent is in the range of 1 to 2.5 wt% by weight of the dry composition. A composition according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the chelating agent is selected from the group of Ethylene Diamine Tetra Acetic acid (EDTA), or Diethylene Triamine Penta Acetic acid (DTPA) and mixtures thereof. A composition according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the composition comprises preservative in the range of 0.1 to 5 wt% by weight of the dry composition. Use of a dry composition according to any one of claims 1 to 5 to obtain a liquid formulation comprising: i) 1 to 15 wt% soap; ii) 0.01 to 25 wt% of non-soap surfactant; iii) 0.01 to 0.5 wt% of chelating agent; iv) 0.1 to 10 wt% of thickening agent comprising cellulosic polymer or hydrophobically modified cellulosic polymer or mixture thereof; and v) 20 to 97 wt% of liquid carrier.A method of making a liquid formulation from the dry composition according to any one of claims 1 to 5, the method comprising steps of: taking the dry composition and diluting the dry composition with a liquid carrier with a dilution factor in the range of 1 :2.5 to 1 :50 to obtain the liquid formulation.

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