Fabric softening compositions

Abstract

Described herein are fabric care compositions comprising at least one quaternary ammonium compound such as at least one esterquat and a preservation system comprising caprylyl glycol and at least two organic acids, such as a preservation system comprising caprylyl glycol, lactic acid, and sodium benzoate. Methods of manufacturing and methods of using the fabric care compositions are also disclosed.

Description

FABRIC SOFTENING COMPOSITIONSCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 664,232, filed 26 June 2024, the contents of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.BACKGROUND

[0002] Fabric softeners are used to make clothing and other fabrics soft, preserve color, and give them a long-lasting fragrance. They are widely used among households, laundry services, textile industry, hospitality industry, and others. The main active ingredients in a conventional fabric softener are the fatty acid esterquats, which arc cationic surfactants commonly known in the market as TEA-Esterquats. The fatty components used to produce these cationic actives can improve the feeling of soft touch in most fabrics and can be used to control static electricity in the textile tissues.

[0003] Preservatives play a significant role in the formulation of fabric softeners. Due to the chemical composition of such products, they can be sensitive to a broad diversity of microbial contamination. Bacteria, yeast, and fungi can all cause microbial spoilage and are diverse in their metabolic activities and pathogenicity. It is often a challenge to be able to formulate a fabric softening product that can deliver consumer benefits, but at the same time also contains an appropriate preservative system that can address the potential issues with bacteria, yeast, and fungus. In particular, it is desirable to formulate fabric care compositions resistant to spoilage from acidophilic bacteria, given that many fabric care compositions have a low pH. It is further desirable to use ingredients that are both cost effective and safe from an environment and health standpoint. Thus, selecting an appropriate preservative system for use in fabric care compositions can be challenging.

[0004] Accordingly, there is a need for fabric care compositions that can offer the same quality and performance of traditional fabric softeners that are currently on the market while providing effective stability and preservation from microbial spoilage.BRIEF SUMMARY

[0005] In one aspect, the disclosure contemplates novel fabric softeners and conditioners. Disclosed herein is a fabric care composition comprising at least quaternary ammonia compound and a novel preservative system.

[0006] In certain embodiments, there is disclosed a fabric care composition comprising at least one quaternary ammonium compound and a preservation system comprising caprylyl glycol and at least two organic acids. In certain embodiments, the at least two organic acids are selected from acetic acid, citric acid, formic acid, lactic acid, propionic acid, sorbic acid, and sodium benzoate, and in certain embodiments, the at least two organic acids are lactic acid and sodium benzoate. In certain embodiments, the preservative system consists of caprylyl glycol, lactic acid, and sodium benzoate.

[0007] In certain embodiments of the fabric care composition disclosed herein, the at least one quaternary ammonium compound is at least one esterquat. In certain embodiments of the disclosure, the at least one quaternary ammonium compound (e.g., esterquat) is present in the fabric care composition an amount ranging from about 1 wt% to about 5 wt%, such as from about 2 wt% to about 4 wt%, about 2 wt% to about 3 wt%, or about 2.7 wt%, based on the total weight of the fabric care composition.

[0008] In certain embodiments, the caprylyl glycol is present in the fabric care composition in an amount ranging from about 0.01 wt% to about 1 wt%, such as from about 0.1 wt% to about 0.3 wt%, or from about 0.15 wt% to about 0.25 wt%, based on the total weight of the fabric care composition. In certain embodiments, the at least two organic acids are present in the fabric care composition in an amount ranging from about 0.01 wt% to about 1 wt%, such as from about 0.2 wt% to about 0.4 wt%, or from about 0.225 wt% to about 0.35 wt%, based on the total weight of the fabric care composition. In certain embodiments, the lactic acid is present in an amount ranging from about 0.01 wt% to about 1 wt%, such as from about 0.1 wt% to about 0.3 wt%, or from about 0.125 wt% to about 0.25 wt%, based on the total weight of the fabric care composition, and in certain embodiments, the sodium benzoate is present in an amount ranging from about 0.01 wt% to about 1 wt%, such as about 0.05 wt% to about 0.3 wt%, about 0.1 wt% to about 0.2 wt%, or about 0.1 wt%, based on the total weight of the fabric care composition.

[0009] According to certain embodiments, the fabric care composition disclosed herein further comprises a cationic polyquatcrnium polymer, such as polyquatcmium 7, and in certain embodiments, the fabric care composition further comprises at least one fragrance.

[0010] According to certain embodiments, disclosed herein is a fabric care composition comprising at least one esterquat and a preservative system, the preservative system comprising caprylyl glycol in an amount ranging about 0.15 wt% to about 0.25 wt%, lactic acid in an amount ranging from about 0.125 wt% to about 0.25 wt%, and sodium benzoate in an amount of about 0.1 wt% or less.

[0011] In certain embodiments of the disclosure, the fabric care composition has a viscosity ranging from about 80 cps to about 300 cps, and in certain embodiments, the fabric care composition has a pH ranging from about 2 to about 5, such as from about 2.1 to about 2.9.

[0012] In certain embodiments, the fabric care composition disclosed herein is free of etidronic acid, and in certain embodiments, the fabric care composition disclosed herein is free of isothiazolinones. According to certain embodiments, the fabric care composition disclosed herein is free of both etidronic acid and isothiazolinones.

[0013] According to certain embodiments, the fabric care composition exhibits at least a 3-log reduction in microbes as compared to a fabric care composition without the preservative system, such as at least a 4-log reduction, or a log reduction ranging from about 3 to about 6.

[0014] Also disclosed herein is a method for preparing the fabric care composition as disclosed herein, the method comprising mixing the at least one quaternary ammonium compound and the preservative system with one another, wherein the fabric care composition has a microbiological robustness of greater than about 3 and a pH of at least about 2.0. In certain embodiments, the microbiological robustness is greater than about 4 or ranges from about 3 to about 6.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

[0015] The features and advantages of the disclosure will be apparent from the following more detailed description of certain embodiments and as illustrated in the accompanying drawing in which:

[0016] Figure 1 is a bar graph showing the log reduction in acidophilic bacteria from the acid antimicrobial preservation effectiveness testing (AAPET) results of formulations comprisingvarying amounts of lactic acid and caprylyl glycol, both alone (left) and together with 0.1 wt% sodium benzoate (right), as described in Example 3.

[0017] It should be understood that the various aspects are not limited to the compositions, arrangements, and instrumentality shown in the figure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] As used herein, the term “fabric softener” or “fabric care composition” or “fabric conditioner” refers to a product added to the wash or rinse cycle of a laundry process for the express or primary purpose of conferring one or more conditioning benefits. Fabric care compositions as disclosed herein may be provided in liquid and / or solid formulations. For solid or liquid formulations, fabric care compositions can take the form of a dilutable fabric conditioner. Solid fabric softeners disclosed herein may be a molded solid, a tablet, a powder, a block, a bar, or any other solid fabric conditioner form known to those skilled in the art.

[0019] For either solid or liquid formulations, the fabric care compositions can also take the form of a fabric softener intended to be applied to articles without substantial dilution and sold as any form known to those skilled in the art as a potential medium for delivering such fabric softeners to the industrial and institutional market. For example, powders for direct application to fabrics are also considered within the scope of this disclosure. Such examples, however, are provided for illustrative purposes and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure.

[0020] As used herein, “free” or “substantially free” of a material may refer to a composition where the material is present in an amount of less than 0.1 weight %, less than 0.05 weight %, less than 0.01 weight %, less than 0.005 weight %, less than 0.001 weight %, or less than 0.0001 weight % based on a total weight of the composition.

[0021] As is disclosed therein, it has been demonstrated that the use of blends of a multifunctional medium chain terminal diol (e.g., caprylyl glycol) together with two organic acids (e.g., sodium benzoate and lactic acid) as preservatives leads to an unexpected synergistic interaction for controlling bacteria, such as acidophilic bacteria. These synergistic results make it possible to replace or reduce the use of certain ingredients, such as isothiazolinones and / or etidronic acid.Fabric Care Compositions

[0022] In some embodiments, the fabric care composition disclosed herein comprises a quaternary ammonium compound. In certain embodiments, the fabric care composition comprises abiodegradable fatty acid quaternary ammonium compound known as an esterquat. As used herein, “cstcrquats" can be quaternary ammonium compounds having two long (C(16)-C(18)) fatty acid chains with 2 weak ester linkages. In some embodiments, the quaternary ammonium compound imparts fabric softening properties to the fabric care composition. The fabric care composition disclosed herein includes one or more fabric softening agents. In certain embodiments, the fabric softening agent is a quaternary ammonium compound selected from among esterquats, imidazolium quats, di-fatty diamide ammonium methyl sulfate, di-tallow dimethyl ammonium chloride, bis-(2-hydroxypropyl)-dimethylammonium methyl sulfate fatty acid ester, 1,2- di(acyloxy)-3-trimethylammoniopropane chloride, N,N-bis(stearoyl-oxy-ethyl) N,N-dimethyl ammonium chloride, N,N-bis(tallowoyl-oxy-ethyl) N,N-dimethyl ammonium chloride, N,N- bis(stearoyl-oxy-ethyl) N-(2 hydroxyethyl) N-methyl ammonium methylsulfate, l,2-di-(stearoyl- oxy)-3-trimethyl ammoniumpropane chloride, dicanoladimethylammonium chloride, di(hard)tallowdimethylammonium chloride, dicanoladimethylammonium methylsulfate, 1- methyl-l-stearoylamidoethyl-2-stearoylimidazolinium methylsulfate, l-tallowylamidoemyl-2- tallowylimidazoline, dipalmethyl hydroxyethyl ammonium methosulfate, and mixtures thereof.

[0023] In some embodiments, the quaternary ammonium compound is derived from the reaction of an alkanol amine and a fatty acid derivative, followed by quatemization (complete or partial) of the product. In some embodiments, the quaternary ammonium compound is a dialkyl ester of triethanol ammonium methyl sulfate. In some embodiments, the quaternary ammonium compound comprises a compound having the structure of formula I:I wherein:Q is a carboxyl group having the structure selected from -OCO-; and -COO-;R1is an aliphatic hydrocarbon group having from 8 to 22 carbon atoms, preferably a Cio to C20 alkyl group;R2is selected from Q-R1and -OH; q, r, s, t each independently represent a number from 1 to 3; andX'ais an anion having a valence "a". Preferred anion materials include chloride, bromide, and methyl sulfate.

[0024] In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides a quaternary ammonium compound of formula I, wherein one of the R2groups is Q-R1. Further embodiments provide a quaternary ammonium compound of formula I, wherein both R2groups are Q-R1. Still further embodiments provide a quaternary compound of formula I, wherein both R2groups arc -OH.

[0025] In some embodiments, the quaternary ammonium compound comprises a mixture of monoesters, diesters, and triesters. In some embodiments, the normalized percentage of monoester compound in said quaternary ammonium compound is from 28% to 34%; the normalized percentage of diester compound is from 55% to 62%, and the normalized percentage of triester compound is from 8% to 14%, all percentages being by weight.

[0026] In some embodiments, the quaternary ammonium compound is an oligomeric esterquat, obtainable by reaction of an alkanol amine with (i) a polycarboxylic acid; and (ii) a fatty alcohol or a fatty acid or a mixture of fatty alcohols and fatty acids, followed by partial quaternization, thereby forming a mixture of oligomeric ester amines and esterquat. In some embodiments, the alkanol amine is triethanol amine. In some embodiments, the carboxylic acid is a polycarboxylic acid. In other embodiments the carboxylic acid is a dicarboxylic acid. An example of such an esterquat material is the esterquats commercially available from Kao Chemicals or Stepan Company.

[0027] In one aspect, the esterquat may be produced by reacting about 1.65 (1.5 to 1.75) moles of fatty acid methyl ester with one mole of alkanol amine followed by quaternization with dimethyl sulfate (further details on this preparation method are disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 3,915,867, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference). Using this ratio controls the amount of each of monoesterquat, diesterquat, and triesterquat in the composition. In certain embodiments, the alkanol amine comprises triethanolamine. In certain embodiments, it is desirable to increase the amount of diesterquat and minimize the amount of triesterquat to increase the softening capabilities of the composition. By selecting a ratio of about 1.65, the triesterquat can be minimized while increasing the monoesterquat.

[0028] Monoesterquat is more soluble in water than triesterquat. Depending on the active ingredient, more or less monoesterquat may be used. At higher active ingredient levels (usually at least 7%), more monoesterquat as compared to triesterquat is desired so that the esterquat is moresoluble in the water so that the esterquat can be delivered to fabric during use. At lower active ingredient levels (usually up to 3%), less monocstcrquat is desired because during use, it is desired for the esterquat to leave solution and deposit on fabric to effect fabric softening. Depending on the active ingredient, the amount of monoesterquat and triesterquat are adjusted to balance solubility and delivery of the esterquat.

[0029] In certain aspects, the reaction products are 50-65 weight% diesterquat, 20-40 weight% monoester, and 25 weight% or less triester. In other embodiments, the amount of diesterquat is 52- 60 wt%, 53-58 wt%, or 53-55 wt%. In other embodiments, the amount of monoesterquat is 30-40 wt% or 35-40 wt%. In other embodiments, the amount of triesterquat is 1 -12 wt% or 8-11 wt%.

[0030] The percentages, by weight, of mono-, di-, and triesterquats, as described above may be determined by the quantitative analytical method described in the publication “Characterisation of quatemized triethanoiamine esters (esterquats) by HPLC, HRCGC and NMR,” A.J. Wilkes, C. Jacobs, G. Walraven and J.M. Talbot - Colgate Palmolive R&D Inc. - 4thworld Surfactants Congress, Barceione, 3-7 VI 1996, page 382, which is incorporated herein by reference. The percentages, by weight, of the mono-, di-, and triesterquats measured on dried samples are normalized on the basis of 100%. The normalization is due to the presence of 10% to 15%, by weight, of non-quatemized species, such as ester amines and free fatty acids. Accordingly, the normalized weight percentages refer to the pure esterquat component of the raw material. In other words, for the weight % of each of monoesterquat, diesterquat, and triesterquat, the weight % is based on the total amount of monoesterquat, diesterquat, and triesterquat in the composition.

[0031] In certain embodiments, the percentage of saturated fatty acids based on the total weight of fatty acids is 45 to 75%. Esterquat compositions using this percentage of saturated fatty acids may not suffer from the processing drawbacks of 100% saturated materials. When used in fabric softening, these compositions provide good consumer perceived fabric softness while retaining good fragrance delivery. In other embodiments, the amount is at least 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, or at least 70%, or up to 75%. In other embodiments, the amount is no more than 70%, 65%, 60%, 55%, or 50%, or down to 45%. In other embodiments, the amount is 50% to 70%, 55% to 65%, or 57.5% to 67.5%. In one embodiment, the percentage of the fatty acid chains that are saturated is about 62.5% by weight of the fatty acid. In this embodiment, this can be obtained from a 50:50 ratio of hard fatty acid : soft fatty acid.

[0032] By hard fatty acid, it is meant that the fatty acid is close to full hydrogenation. In certain embodiments, a fully hydrogenated fatty acid has an iodine value of 10 or less. By soft, it is meant that the fatty acid is no more than partially hydrogenated. In certain embodiments, a no more than partially hydrogenated fatty acid has an iodine value of at least 40. In certain embodiments, a partially hydrogenated fatty acid has an iodine value of 40 to 55. The iodine value can be measured by ASTM D5554-95 (2006). In certain embodiments, a ratio of hard fatty acid to soft fatty acid is 70:30 to 40:60, In other embodiments, the ratio is 60:40 to 40:60 or 55:45 to 45:55. In one embodiment, the ratio is about 50:50. Because in these specific embodiments, each of the hard fatty acid and soft fatty acid cover ranges for different levels of saturation (hydrogenation), the actual percentage of fatty acids that are fully saturated can vary.

[0033] In certain embodiments, soft tallow contains approximately 47% saturated chains by weight. The percentage of saturated fatty acids can be achieved by using a mixture of fatty acids to make the esterquat, or the percentage can be achieved by blending esterquats with different amounts of saturated fatty acids.

[0034] The fatty acids can be any fatty acid that is used for manufacturing esterquats for fabric softening. Examples of fatty acids include, but are not limited to, coconut oil, palm oil, tallow, rapeseed oil, fish oil, or chemically synthesized fatty acids. In certain embodiments, the fatty acid is tallow. For example, the esterquat may be a hydrogenated tallow esterquat, such as TETRANYL® Ll / 90, available commercially from Kao chemicals, Tokyo, Japan.

[0035] While the esterquat can be provided in solid form, it is usually present in a solvent in liquid form. In solid form, the esterquat can be delivered from a dryer sheet in the laundry. In certain embodiments, the solvent comprises water. In one aspect, esterquats may be considered a cationic surfactant. In some embodiments, the fabric care composition is substantially free of surfactants other than the fabric softening agent. For example, the fabric care composition is substantially free of surfactants other than esterquat. In some embodiments, the fabric care composition is substantially free of detersive surfactants. In another embodiment, the fabric care composition is substantially free of anionic surfactants.

[0036] As used herein “active ingredient” or “Al” refers to the active weight of the combined amounts for monoesterquat, diesterquat, and triesterquat. Delivered active ingredient refers to the mass (in grams) of esterquat used in a laundry load. A load is 3.5 kilograms of fabric in weight. As the size of a load changes, for example using a smaller or larger size load in a washing machine,the delivered active ingredient adjusts proportionally. In certain embodiments, the delivered active ingredient is 2.8 to 8 grams per load. In other embodiments, the delivered active ingredient is 2.8 to 7, 2.8 to 6, 2.8 to 5, 3 to 8, 3 to 7, 3 to 6, 3 to 5, 4 to 8, 4 to 7, 4 to 6, or 4 to 5 grams per load.

[0037] In certain embodiments, the quaternary ammonium compound, such as the esterquat, is present in the fabric care composition in an amount ranging from about 1 wt% to about 15 wt%. For example, the amount of the one or more esterquats present in the fabric care composition may be from about 1 wt%, about 3 wt%, about 4 wt%, or about 5 wt% to about 6 wt%, about 7 wt%, about 8 wt%, about 9 wt%, about 10 wt%, or about 15 wt%, based on a total weight of the fabric care composition. In an exemplary implementation, the fabric care composition includes the one or more esterquats in an amount ranging from about 1 wt% to about 5 wt%, such as from about 1 wt% to about 4 wt%, about 1 wt% to about 3 wt%, about 2 wt% to about 5 wt%, about 2 wt% to about 4 wt%, or about 2 wt% to about 3 wt%, based on a total weight of the fabric care composition. For example, the fabric care composition may include the one or more esterquats in an amount of about 2.7 wt%, based on a total weight of the fabric care composition.Preservatives

[0038] In embodiments disclosed herein, the fabric care composition comprises a preservative system comprising at least one preservative agent. In certain embodiments, the preservative system comprises at least one of or at least two of caprylyl glycol, lactic acid, and sodium benzoate. In certain embodiments, the preservative system comprises a blend of all three of caprylyl glycol, lactic acid, and sodium benzoate.

[0039] Caprylyl glycol is 1 ,2-octanedial having the chemical formula CsHisCh. Caprylyl glycol is a common component of many creams, where it may be used as a skin conditioning agent. It has hydrating and moisturizing properties. Caprylyl glycol is a medium chain terminal diol and part of a class of multifunctional ingredients having antimicrobial properties to control microbial growth in formulations, thereby increasing the shelf life of products. As disclosed herein and as surprisingly discovered, preservation efficacy of caprylyl glycol in combination with other ingredients, e.g., organic acids such as lactic acid and sodium benzoate, can provide a synergistic preservative function.

[0040] Caprylyl glycol can be included in the fabric care compositions disclosed herein in any effective amount. In certain embodiments, the fabric care composition comprises caprylyl glycol in an amount ranging from about 0.01 wt% to about 5 wt%. In certain embodiments, the fabriccare composition comprises caprylyl glycol in an amount ranging from about 0.01 wt% to about 1 wt%, such as from about 0.01 wt% to about 0.5 wt%, about 0.01 wt% to about 0.4 wt%, about 0.01 wt% to about 0.35 wt%, about 0.01 wt% to about 0.30 wt%, about 0.01 wt% to about 0.25 wt%, about 0.01 wt% to about 0.20 wt%, about 0.01 wt% to about 0.15 wt%, or about 0.01 wt% to about 0.1 wt%; about 0.05 wt% to about 0.5 wt%, about 0.05 wt% to about 0.4 wt%, about 0.05 wt% to about 0.35 wt%, about 0.05 wt% to about 0.30 wt%, about 0.05 wt% to about 0.25 wt%, about 0.05 wt% to about 0.20 wt%, about 0.05 wt% to about 0.15 wt%, or about 0.05 wt% to about 0.1 wt%; from 0.1 wt% to about 0.5 wt%, about 0.1 wt% to about 0.4 wt%, about 0.1 wt% to about 0.35 wt%, about 0.1 wt% to about 0.30 wt%, about 0.1 wt% to about 0.25 wt%, about 0.1 wt% to about 0.20 wt%, or about 0.1 wt% to about 0.15 wt%; from about 0.15 wt% to about 0.5 wt%, about 0.15 wt% to about 0.4 wt%, about 0.15 wt% to about 0.35 wt%, about 0.15 wt% to about 0.30 wt%, about 0.15 wt% to about 0.25 wt%, or about 0.15 wt% to about 0.20 wt%, based on the total weight of the fabric care composition. In certain embodiments, the preservative system comprises caprylyl glycol in an amount of less than about 1 wt%, such as less than about 0.9 wt%, less about 0.8 wt%, less than about 0.7 wt%, less than about 0.6 wt%, less than about 0.5 wt%, less than about 0.4 wt%, less than about 0.3 wt%, less than about 0.25 wt%, less than about 0.2 wt%, less than about 0.15 wt%, or less than about 0.1 wt%, based on the total weight of the fabric care composition. In certain embodiments, caprylyl glycol is present in the fabric care composition in an amount of about 0.15 wt%, about 0.2 wt%, or about 0.25 wt%, based on the total weight of the fabric care composition.

[0041] The fabric care compositions disclosed herein further comprise one or more organic acids. For example, the fabric care composition may include a preservative system comprising at least one of or both of lactic acid and benzoic acid (e.g., sodium benzoate). Different organic acids show good antimicrobial effectiveness and may be used as preservatives in various products. It has been found that the biocidal effect of organic acids and their preservative efficacy depends on different parameters such as the nature of the act, the pH of the formulation, the buffering capacity of the formulation, and the targeted microorganisms. As organic acids may be used to preserve formulations having an acidic pH, they may be more effective as the pH approaches the pKa.

[0042] Organic acids are low molecular weight carbohydrates containing one or more carboxyl groups and arc found in all organisms. Non-limiting exemplary organic acids may include acetic acid, citric acid, formic acid, lactic acid, propionic acid, sorbic acid, and benzoic acid. The biocidaleffect of the organic acids relies on a mechanism in which in an undissociated form, the organic acid penetrates through the cell membrane of the microbe and dissociates within the cell. This results in the decrease of the intracellular pH value, necessary for controlling ATP synthesis, RNA and protein synthesis, DNA replication, and cell growth. Furthermore, the pKa of an acid represents the pH at which equal proportions of dissociated and undissociated molecules are present in solution; therefore, the antimicrobial activity of organic acids increases as the environmental pH approaches the pKa. The combination of different organic acids for use as preservatives can bring about antimicrobial efficacy and result in a significant extension of a product’s shelf life.

[0043] In certain embodiments disclosed herein, the fabric care composition comprises a preservative system that comprises lactic acid and sodium benzoate. It has been surprisingly discovered and is disclosed herein that lactic acid and sodium benzoate are effective preservatives at a low pH and below their pKa values. When combined, they can boost one another’s efficacy in a synergistic manner such that lower doses of one or both may be incorporated into the formulation than if either ingredient was included alone.

[0044] Benzoic acid (CeHsCOOH), as well as its salt form sodium benzoate, is a monocarboxylic acid. It is a white crystalline solid that is slightly soluble in water. Sodium benzoate, as compared to benzoic acid, has more solubility in water. Therefore, it is preferable to use sodium benzoate, rather than benzoic acid, as a preservative in certain products, such as fabric care compositions. Sodium benzoate is safe for use and was the first chemical preservative allowed by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Apart from acting as a bactericide, it also acts as an antifungal agent. Thus, sodium benzoate inhibits mold, yeast, and bacteria growth. Certain mechanisms for the biocide action of benzoic acid or sodium benzoate include inhibition of essential metabolic rates, membrane disruptions, stress on intracellular pH homeostasis, and accumulation of toxic anions. Sodium benzoate may be applied to a preservative system having a pH of less than about 4.5.

[0045] In certain embodiments, sodium benzoate may be present in the fabric care composition disclosed herein in an amount ranging from about 0.01 wt% to about 5 wt%. In certain embodiments, the fabric care composition comprises sodium benzoate in an amount ranging from about 0.01 wt% to about 1 wt%, such as from about 0.01 wt% to about 0.5 wt%, about 0.01 wt% to about 0.4 wt%, about 0.01 wt% to about 0.35 wt%, about 0.01 wt% to about 0.30 wt%, about 0.01 wt% to about 0.25 wt%, about 0.01 wt% to about 0.20 wt%, about 0.01 wt% to about 0.15wt%, or about 0.01 wt% to about 0.1 wt%; about 0.05 wt% to about 0.5 wt%, about 0.05 wt% to about 0.4 wt%, about 0.05 wt% to about 0.35 wt%, about 0.05 wt% to about 0.30 wt%, about 0.05 wt% to about 0.25 wt%, about 0.05 wt% to about 0.20 wt%, about 0.05 wt% to about 0.15 wt%, or about 0.05 wt% to about 0.1 wt%; from 0.1 wt% to about 0.5 wt%, about 0.1 wt% to about 0.4 wt%, about 0.1 wt% to about 0.35 wt%, about 0.1 wt% to about 0.30 wt%, about 0.1 wt% to about 0.25 wt%, about 0.1 wt% to about 0.20 wt%, or about 0.1 wt% to about 0.15 wt%; from about 0.15 wt% to about 0.5 wt%, about 0.15 wt% to about 0.4 wt%, about 0.15 wt% to about 0.35 wt%, about 0.15 wt% to about 0.30 wt%, about 0.15 wt% to about 0.25 wt%, or about 0.15 wt% to about 0.20 wt%, based on the total weight of the fabric care composition. In certain embodiments, the preservative system comprises sodium benzoate in an amount of less than about 1 wt%, such as less than about 0.9 wt%, less about 0.8 wt%, less than about 0.7 wt%, less than about 0.6 wt%, less than about 0.5 wt%, less than about 0.4 wt%, less than about 0.3 wt%, less than about 0.25 wt%, less than about 0.2 wt%, less than about 0.15 wt%, or less than about 0.1 wt%, based on the total weight of the fabric care composition. In certain embodiments, the fabric care composition disclosed herein comprises sodium benzoate in an amount of about 0.1 wt%, based on the total weight of the fabric care composition.

[0046] The fabric care composition disclosed herein may further comprise lactic acid as an exemplary organic acid in the preservative system. Lactic acid has the chemical formula CH3CH(OH)COOH. It is white in the solid state and is miscible with water. In the dissolved state, lactic acid forms a colorless solution. Lactic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid due to the presence of a hydroxyl group adjacent to the carboxyl group. In solution, it can ionize by loss of a proton to produce the lactate ion CH3CH(OH)CO2“.

[0047] The pKa of lactic acid is one unit less than the pKa of acetic acid, meaning that lactic acid is ten times more acidic than acetic acid. This higher acidity is a result of the intramolecular hydrogen bonding between the alpha-hydroxyl and the carboxylate group. For this reason, lactic acid may be used as an acidity regulator (to buffer and pH-stabilize formulations), preservative, baking additive, flavor enhancer, and humectant due to its hygroscopic activity.

[0048] Lactic acid may effectively inhibit the activity of mold, yeast, and aerobic bacteria, while preventing the growth and reproduction of botulism, staphylococcus, salmonella, and other potentially harmful microbial species. Its antimicrobial mechanism is by (1) a release of protons at dissociation that lowers the extracellular pH, and (2) the undissociated form of the acid is thenable to diffuse into the cell, affecting the cell’s metabolism. The latter effect acidifies the cytoplasm, resulting in the inhibition of several metabolic and anabolic functions.

[0049] Lactic acid can be included in the fabric care compositions disclosed herein in any effective amount. In certain embodiments, the fabric care composition comprises lactic acid in an amount ranging from about 0.01 wt% to about 5 wt%, based on the total weight of the fabric care composition. In certain embodiments, the fabric care composition comprises lactic acid in an amount ranging from about 0.01 wt% to about 1 wt%, such as from about 0.01 wt% to about 0.5 wt%, about 0.01 wt% to about 0.4 wt%, about 0.01 wt% to about 0.35 wt%, about 0.01 wt% to about 0.30 wt%, about 0.01 wt% to about 0.25 wt%, about 0.01 wt% to about 0.20 wt%, about 0.01 wt% to about 0.15 wt%, or about 0.01 wt% to about 0.1 wt%; about 0.05 wt% to about 0.5 wt%, about 0.05 wt% to about 0.4 wt%, about 0.05 wt% to about 0.35 wt%, about 0.05 wt% to about 0.30 wt%, about 0.05 wt% to about 0.25 wt%, about 0.05 wt% to about 0.20 wt%, about 0.05 wt% to about 0.15 wt%, or about 0.05 wt% to about O.l wt%; from 0.1 wt% to about 0.5 wt%, about 0.1 wt% to about 0.4 wt%, about 0.1 wt% to about 0.35 wt%, about 0.1 wt% to about 0.30 wt%, about 0.1 wt% to about 0.25 wt%, about 0.1 wt% to about 0.20 wt%, or about 0.1 wt% to about 0.125 wt%; from about 0.125 wt% to about 0.5 wt%, about 0.125 wt% to about 0.4 wt%, about 0.125 wt% to about 0.35 wt%, about 0.125 wt% to about 0.30 wt%, about 0.125 wt% to about 0.25 wt%, or about 0.125 wt% to about 0.20 wt%, based on the total weight of the fabric care composition. In certain embodiments, the preservative system comprises lactic acid in an amount of less than about 1 wt%, such as less than about 0.9 wt%, less about 0.8 wt%, less than about 0.7 wt%, less than about 0.6 wt%, less than about 0.5 wt%, less than about 0.4 wt%, less than about 0.3 wt%, less than about 0.25 wt%, less than about 0.2 wt%, less than about 0.15 wt%, less than about 0.125 wt%, or less than about 0.1 wt%, based on the total weight of the fabric care composition. In certain embodiments, lactic is present in the fabric care composition in an amount of about 0.125 wt%, about 0.15 wt%, or about 0.175 wt%, about 0.2 wt%, about 0.25 wt%, based on the total weight of the fabric care composition.

[0050] In certain embodiments, the fabric care composition may also include isothiazolinones as preservatives. For example, the one or more preservatives may include a (OIT / MIT / CIT) isothiazolinone mixture. Suitable isothiazolinone preservatives include the isothiazolinones sold under the trademark KATHON® DP3 and available from Rohm & Haas. In certain embodiments, the fabric care composition disclosed herein is free of, or substantially free of, isothiazolinone.

[0051] In one embodiment, the fabric care composition disclosed herein comprises a preservative system that is present in the fabric care composition in an amount of about 0.35 weight % or less, based on the total weight of the fabric care composition. In other embodiments, the fabric care composition includes 0.15 weight % or less of the preservative system or 0.10 weight % or less of the preservative system, based on the total weight of the fabric care composition.Cationic Polymer

[0052] In some embodiments, the fabric care composition disclosed herein can further comprises one or more cationic polymers. In some aspects, the fabric care composition disclosed herein can further comprise at least one amine salts or quaternary ammonium salts, e.g., polyquaternium polymers. Preferred are quaternary ammonium salts. They include cationic derivatives of natural polymers such as some polysaccharide, gums (e.g., cationic guar gums), starch, and certain cationic synthetic polymers such as polymers and co-polymers of cationic vinyl pyridine or vinyl pyridinium halides.

[0053] In some aspects the polymers are water soluble, for instance to the extent of at least 0.5% by weight at 20 °C. Preferably they have molecular weights of from about 600 to about 1,000,000, more preferably from about 600 to about 500,000, even more preferably from about 800 to about 300,000, and especially from about 1000 to 10,000. As a general rule, the lower the molecular weight, the higher the degree of substitution (D.S.) by cationic, usually quaternary groups, or, correspondingly, the lower the degree of substitution the higher the molecular' weight, but no precise relationship appears to exist. In general, the cationic polymers should have a charge density of at least about 0.01 meq / gm, preferably from about 0.1 to about 8 meq / gm, more preferably from about 0.5 to about 7 meq / gm, and even more preferably from about 2 to about 6 meq / gm. Suitable desirable cationic polymers are disclosed for example in “CTFA International Cosmetic Ingredient Dictionary”, Fourth Edition, J. M. Nikitakis, et al, Editors, published by the Cosmetic, Toiletry, and Fragrance Association, 1991, incorporated herein by reference.

[0054] In one aspect, the fabric care composition disclosed herein can include at least one polyquaternium compound selected from; polyquaternium- 1 , polyquaternium-2, polyquaternium- 3, polyquatemium-4, polyquaternium-5, polyquatemium-6, polyquaternium-7, polyquaternium- 8, polyquaternium- 9, polyquaternium- 10, polyquaternium- 11 , polyquaternium- 12, polyquatemium- 13, polyquaternium- 14, polyquaternium- 15, polyquaternium- 16, polyquaternium- 17, polyquaternium- 18, polyquaternium- 19, polyquaternium-20, polyquaternium-21,polyquatemium-22, polyquaternium-23, polyquaternium-24, polyquaternium-25, polyquatcrnium-26, polyquatcmium-27, and polyquatcmium-28.

[0055] In one aspect, the cationic polymer a co-softening agent. The co-softening agent may be a polyquatemium polymer, e.g., a cationic polyquaternium polymer. According to one embodiment, the co-softening agent is a stable, water-soluble, and liquid polyquaternium polymer. In one aspect, for example, the co-softening agent may be polyquatemium-7. Polyquaternium-7 has a CAS Number: 26590-05-6, and the empirical formula: (CsHieNC HsNOCl^. The polyquaternium-7 is the polymeric quaternary ammonium salt consisting of acrylamide and dimethyl diallyl ammonium chloride monomers. Polyquatemium-7 is available commercially, for example, as NOVERITE® 300 from Lubrizol Corporation, Wickliffe, Ohio, and as FLOCARE® L.S737, from SNF Floerger, Andrezieux, France.

[0056] In one embodiment, the fabric care composition includes up to 0.30 weight % co- softening agent (e.g., polyquaternium-7), based on the total weight of the fabric care composition. In other embodiments, the fabric care composition includes from 0.05 weight % to 0.25 weight % co- softening agent or from 0.05 weight % to 0.20 weight % co-softening agent. For example, the fabric care composition may include from 0.5 weight % to 0.25 weight % polyquaternium-7.

[0057] In another embodiment, the amount of co-softening agent in the fabric care composition may be determined by the amount of fabric softening agent to be replaced. That is, there is disclosed a method of reducing the fabric softening agent (e.g., esterquat) content of a known fabric care composition with established performance characteristics (e.g., softness, fragrance delivery, ease of ironing, wrinkly reducing, dispersion, etc.) by substitution with a co-softening agent (e.g., polyquaternium-7) while maintaining similar or superior performance characteristics. Organosilicones

[0058] The fabric care composition may include one or more organosilicones. The one or more organosilicones may be capable of or configured to provide softness, softening, or smoothness to fabrics or textiles after laundering. The organosilicones may also be capable of or configured to provide a substantial color appearance benefit to fabrics and / or provide an anti-abrasion benefit to the fabrics by reducing friction of the fibers during laundering. The one or more organosilicones may include, but are not limited to, a polyalkyl silicone, an aminosilicone, a siloxane, a polydimethylsiloxane, an ethoxylated organosilicone, a propoxylated organosilicone, an ethoxylated / propoxylated organosilicone, or mixtures thereof.

[0059] Suitable organosilicones may include Si — O moieties and may include or be selected from non-functionalizcd siloxane polymers, functionalized siloxane polymers, or combinations thereof. The organosilicones may have a viscosity of from about 10 centipoise (cP) to about 500,000 cP, about 1,000,000 cP, about 1,500,000 cP, or about 2,000,000 cP at about 25 °C. Any one of more of the organosilicones may be linear, branched, or cross-linked. The organosilicones may be in the form of or provided as a neat liquid, combined with one or more solvents, or an emulsion in water. In at least one implementation, the one or more organosilicones may include a functionalized polydimethylsiloxane, where the functional groups include a mercaptoalkyl functional group, an alkylaminomethyacrylate functional group, or combinations thereof. For example, the one or more organosilicones may be or include, but is not limited to, one or more silicone fluids and / or fluid emulsions, such as WACKER® FC 201, FC 204, FC 207, FC 218, FC 223, or the like, or combinations thereof, each of which are commercially available from Wacker Chemie AG of Munich, Germany. In an exemplary implementation, the one or more organosilicones includes WACKER® FC 204 (Chemical Abstract Service [CAS] No. 340795-93-9), a composition including a self-dispersing aminofunctional silicone fluid having about 20% aminosilicone and a density of about 1 g / mE at about 20 °C.Chelating Agents

[0060] In certain embodiments, the fabric care compositions disclosed herein can comprise at least one chelating agent. Chelating agents, or “sequestering agents”, are molecules capable of forming stable complexes with metal ions. In hard water, calcium and magnesium ions are thus inactivated, and the water is effectively softened. The fabric care composition disclosed herein can include any selected from: a phosphonic chelating agent (e.g., etidronic acid ( 1 -hydroxy ethylidene- 1,1- diphosphonic acid)), citric acid (CA), EDTA, hydroxyamino-polycarboxylic acid (HACA), diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid (DTPA), hydroxy ethylenediaminetriacetic acid (HEDTA), tetrakis hydroxymethyl phosphonium sulfate (THPS), nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA), and glutamic acid-diacetic acid (GEDA).

[0061] In certain embodiments, etidronic acid may also function as a preservative booster in the fabric care composition, and / or as part of a preservative system.

[0062] In certain embodiments, the fabric care composition disclosed herein is free of, or substantially free of at least one chelating agent. In certain embodiments, the fabric care composition disclosed herein is free of, or substantially free of, etidronic acid.Water

[0063] The fabric care composition disclosed herein may include an aqueous carrier. For example, the fabric care composition may include water as the carrier. In certain embodiments, the amount of water is at least about 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 85%, 90%, or 95% by weight of the composition. In one embodiment, the fabric care composition includes about 25 weight % or more water, based on the total weight of the fabric care composition. In other embodiments, the fabric care composition includes about 50 weight % or more water or about 75 weight % or more water, based on the total weight of the fabric care composition.

[0064] In some embodiments, the fabric care composition may be a low-water or “concentrated” formulation intended to be diluted before use. In such embodiments, the fabric care composition includes lower amounts of the aqueous carrier. In certain embodiments, the amount of water is no more than about 50%, 40%, 30%, 20%, 15%, or 10% by weight of the composition. For example, the fabric care composition may include about 50 weight % or less water or about 30 weight % or less water, based on the total weight of the fabric care composition.

[0065] The fabric care composition may also include other components commonly used in fabric care compositions in minor amounts to enhance either the appearance or performance of the fabric care compositions. For example, the fabric care composition may include thickeners, fragrances, preservatives, colorants such as dyes or pigments, bluing agents, germicides, and opacifying agents.

[0066] In some embodiments, the fabric care composition must be easily pourable by an end user. Accordingly, the viscosity of the fabric care composition should not exceed 500 centipois (cP) for ready-to-use fabric care compositions, preferably not more than 250 cP, and 10,000 cP for fabric care composition intended for dilution before use. In one embodiment, the fabric care composition has a pour viscosity from 30 to 500 cP, or from 50 to 200 cP, unless otherwise specified, viscosity is measured at 25°C using a Brookfield RVTD Digital Viscometer with Spindle #2 at 50 rpm.Polymers

[0067] In some embodiments, the fabric care composition disclosed herein can comprise a polyethylene glycol polymer or a polyethylene glycol alkyl ether polymer. In some embodiments, the polyethylene glycol polymer or polyethylene glycol alkyl ether polymer prevents gelation of the composition. The polyethylene glycol polymers as used herein, have a molecular weight of at least about 200, up to a molecular weight of about 8,000. Useful polymers include, but are notlimited to, the polyethylene glycol methyl ether polymers marketed by Aldrich Chemical Company. Useful amounts of polymer in the compositions range from about 0.1% to about 5% by weight. A range about 0.5% to about 1.5% by weight is preferred.Thickeners

[0068] In order to adjust the viscosity, the fabric care composition disclosed herein may include one or more thickeners. The one or more thickeners may include cationic polymeric thickeners that are water soluble and with a high molecular weight. For example, the thickener can be a crosslinked cationic polymer such as FLOSOFT® DP200. FLOSOFT® DP200 is commercially available from SNF Floerger, and is described in U.S. Patent No. 6,864,223 to Smith et al. FLOSOFT® DP200 is a water soluble cross-linked cationic polymer derived from the polymerization of from 5 to 100 mole percent of cationic vinyl addition monomer, from 0 to 95 mole percent of acrylamide, and from 70 to 300 ppm of a difunctional vinyl addition monomer cross-linking agent.

[0069] Other suitable thickener are water-soluble cross-linked cationic vinyl polymers which are cross-linked using a cross-linking agent of a difunctional vinyl addition monomer at a level of from 70 to 300 ppm, preferably from 75 to 200 ppm, and most preferably of from 80 to 150 ppm. These polymers are further described in U.S. Pat. No, 4,806,345, and other polymers that may be utilized are disclosed, for example, in PCT Publication WO 90 / 12862. Generally, such polymers are prepared as water- in-oil emulsions, wherein the cross-linked polymers are dispersed in mineral oil, which may contain surfactants. During finished product making, in contact with the water phase, the emulsion inverts, allowing the water soluble polymer to swell. The most preferred thickener may be a cross-linked copolymer of a quaternary ammonium acetate or methacrylate in combination with an acrylamide comonomer. The thickener may provide the fabric care composition long term stability upon storage and allows the presence of relatively high levels of electrolytes without affecting the composition stability. Additionally, the fabric care compositions remain stable when shear is applied thereto. In certain embodiments, the amount of this thickening polymer is at least 0.001 weight %. In other embodiments, the amount is about 0.001 to about 0.35 weight %.

[0070] In one embodiment, the fabric care composition includes about 0.5 weight % or less thickener, based on the total weight of the fabric care composition. In other embodiments, thefabric care composition includes about 0.1 weight % or less thickener or about 0.05 weight % or less thickener, based on the total weight of the fabric care composition.Fragrances, Perfumes, Colors, and Dyes

[0071] In one aspect, the fabric care composition disclosed herein may include one or more fragrances, fragrance oils, or perfumes. As used herein, the term “fragrance” is used in its ordinary sense to refer to and include any non-water soluble fragrant substance or mixture of substances including natural (i.e., obtained by extraction of flower, herb, blossom or plant), artificial (i.e., mixture of natural oils or oil constituents), and synthetically-produced odoriferous substances. As used herein, fragrance refers to odoriferous materials that are able to provide a desirable fragrance to fabrics and encompasses conventional materials commonly used in detergent compositions to provide a pleasing fragrance and / or to counteract a malodor. The fragrances are generally in the liquid state at ambient temperature, although solid fragrances can also be used. Fragrance materials include, but are not limited to, such materials as aldehydes, ketones, esters and the like that are conventionally employed to impart a pleasing fragrance to laundry compositions. Naturally- occurring plant and animal oils are also commonly used as components of fragrances.

[0072] The fabric care compositions disclosed herein can also include a perfume. As used herein, the term “perfume” is used in its ordinary sense to refer to and include any non-water soluble substance or a mixture of substances, including natural (i.e., obtained by extraction of flowers, herbs, blossoms, or plants), artificial (i.e., mixtures of natural oils or oil constituents), and synthetically-produced odoriferous substances. Typically, perfumes are complex mixtures or blends of various organic compounds, such as alcohols, aldehydes, ethers, aromatic compounds, and varying amounts of essential oils (e.g., terpines), the essential oils themselves being volatile, odoriferous compounds, and also serving to dissolve the other components of the perfume.

[0073] The fabric care composition may include free fragrances, encapsulated fragrances, or a mixture of both. In one aspect, the fabric softening composition disclosed herein contains fragrance capsules.

[0074] The capsules may be capable of or configured to contain the one or more fragrances. The capsules may be fabricated from any suitable material or materials that are capable of or configured to encapsulate the one or more fragrances, and compatible with one or more of the remaining components of the fabric care composition. For example, the capsules may be fabricated from any suitable material or materials that are capable of or configured to encapsulate the one or morefragrances, and compatible with the one or more preservatives. The capsules may also be fabricated from any suitable material that allows the release of the fragrance contained therein through diffusion of the fragrance through walls of the capsules, rupture of the capsules, or combinations thereof. For example, the capsules may be fabricated from any suitable material or materials that allow the diffusion of the fragrance through the walls, thereby providing fragrance delivery for at least 1 day, at least 2 days, at least 5 days, at least 15 days, at least 30 days, at least 60 days, at least 90 days, at least 120 days, or more. In another example, the capsules may be fabricated from any suitable material or materials that allow the fragrances to be release when the capsules are ruptured, thereby providing immediate release of the fragrances.

[0075] In at least one implementation, the capsules may include or be formed from one or more of polyurethane, polysiloxanes, polyurea, polyamide, polyimide, polyvinyl alcohol, polyanhydride, polyolefin, polysulfone, polysaccharide, protein, polylactide (PLA), polyglycolide (PGA), polyorthoester, polyphosphazene, silicone, lipid, modified cellulose, gums, polystyrene, polyesters, ethylene maleic anhydride copolymer, styrene maleic anhydride copolymer, ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer, lactide glycolide copolymer, or the like, or combinations thereof. In at least one implementation, the capsules may include or be formed from urea-formaldehyde, melamine-formaldehyde phenolic-formaldehyde, urea-glutaraldehyde, melamine-glutaraldehyde, phenolic-glutaraldehyde, polyurea (isocyanate -based), polyurethane, acrylate-based hydrogels, polyurea / polyurethane-acrylic hybrid materials, polyamide based materials, polyester-based materials, epoxy-based cross-linkers, silk fibroin capsules, silica and silica-derived materials, or the like, or combinations thereof. In at least one implementation, the selection of the materials used to form the capsules may be at least partially determined by the surface charge or desired surface charge of the capsules. For example, the materials used to form the capsules may provide a net cationic or net anionic charge on outer surfaces of the capsules, which may facilitate adhesion or attraction of the capsules to the fabric or the fibers thereof.

[0076] In other embodiments, the fabric care composition may be provided as a fragrance-free composition. The amount of fragrance can be any desired amount depending on the preference of the user. In certain embodiments, the total amount of fragrance is from about 0.3 weight % to about 3 weight % based on the total weight of the fabric care composition. The fragrance can be in free form, encapsulated, or both.Non-ionic Surfactants

[0077] In certain aspects, the fabric care composition disclosed herein can comprise a non-ionic surfactant as a fabric softener component. In one aspect, the non-ionic surfactant can be suitable as rinse aid surfactants.

[0078] The non-ionic surfactant may be, for example, fatty alcohol polyethylene glycol ether or fatty alcohol ethoxylates, alkylphenol ethoxylates, ethylene oxide and propylene oxide copolymers, amine oxides, alkylamines, alkanolamines, polyglycerol esters, alkyl polyglucosides, and fatty acid N-alkylglucosamides. Preferred non-ionic surfactants are fatty alcohol polyethylene glycol ether or fatty alcohol ethoxylates. In one aspect, the fabric care composition disclosed herein comprises a non-ionic surfactant (e.g., fatty alcohol polyethylene glycol ether) in an amount from about 1.0 weight % to about 5.0 weight % (e.g., about 3.0 weight %) of the total composition.

[0079] A preferred class of non-ionic surfactant is an alkyl chain in the range CIO to Cl 8 linked to repeated ethoxylate groups; most preferred are alkyl chains having a chain length range C12 to C15. One will appreciate that the melting point of the non-ionic surfactant is affected by both the chain length or nature of the chain length, i.e., branching and number of ethoxylate / propyloxlate groups.

[0080] The greater the number of repeated ethoxylate-groups the greater the melting point of the non-ionic surfactant. A preferred non-ionic surfactant is a C10 to C18 alkyl chain distribution covalently bound to at least 40 EO; the link between the ethoxylate and the alkyl chain may either be an ester (fatty alcohol ethoxylates) or an ether linkage (fatty alcohol polyethylene glycol ether). Methods

[0081] The present disclosure may provide methods for improving microbiological robustness of a fabric care composition. In some examples, the methods disclosed herein may provide improved microbiological robustness as compared to conventional fabric care compositions while maintaining consumer perceived properties of the fabric care composition. The method may include preparing a preservative system including a combination of preservatives in an effective amount. For example, the method may include combining or otherwise contacting caprylyl glycol and at least two organic acids to prepare the preservative system. The method may further include mixing, combining, or otherwise contacting the preservative system or the preservatives thereof with one or more esterquats, one or more cationic polymers, one or more organosilicones, one or more additional ingredients, or combinations thereof to prepare the fabric care composition.

[0082] In an exemplary implementation, the methods disclosed herein may be or include reducing or preventing microbiological growth or proliferation of microbes, especially acidophilic bacteria. Illustrative acidophilic bacteria may be or include, but are not limited to, Gluconobacter sp., Acetobacter sp., Gluconacetobacter sp., or the like, or combinations thereof.

[0083] The present disclosure also provides methods for softening a fabric. The method may include treating the fabric with the fabric care compositions disclosed herein or produced by the methods disclosed herein. The present disclosure may also provide methods for preparing fabric care compositions having microbiological robustness of greater than or equal to 3 (Log >3) and a pH of greater than or equal to 2 (>2). The method may include providing an esterquat and a preservative system. In certain embodiments, the preservative system comprises at least two organic acids, and in certain embodiments, the preservative system comprises caprylyl glycol and at least one organic acid. In certain embodiments, the preservative system comprises caprylyl glycol and at least two organic acids, e.g., lactic acid and sodium benzoate.

[0084] The fabric care composition disclosed herein may provide microbiological robustness for a period of time relatively greater than convention fabric care compositions. The fabric care compositions disclosed herein may also provide relatively greater or improved microbiological robustness, especially against acidophilic bacteria, than conventional fabric care compositions. Particularly, the fabric care compositions disclosed herein may exhibit a 3-log reduction in microbes.

[0085] Unless stated otherwise, all percentages of composition components given in this specification are by weight based on a total composition or formulation weight of 100%.

[0086] It is understood that, in certain cases, an ingredient may perform multiple functions.

[0087] The compositions and formulations as provided herein are described and claimed with reference to their ingredients, as is usual in the art. As would be evident to one skilled in the art, the ingredients may in some instances react with one another, so that the true composition of the final formulation may not correspond exactly to the ingredients listed. Thus, it should be understood that the disclosure extends to the product of the combination of the listed ingredients.

[0088] As used throughout, ranges are used as shorthand for describing each and every value that is within the range. Any value within the range can be selected as the terminus of the range. In addition, all references cited herein are hereby incorporated by referenced in their entireties. Inthe event of a conflict in a definition in the present disclosure and that of a cited reference, the present disclosure controls.EXAMPLES

[0089] The examples and other implementations described herein are exemplary and not intended to be limiting in describing the full scope of compositions and methods of this disclosure. Equivalent changes, modifications and variations of specific implementations, materials, compositions and methods may be made within the scope of the present disclosure, with substantially similar results.Example 1 - Preparation of Fabric Care Compositions

[0090] A preservative-free base (i.e., without lactic acid) was repared. Demineralized water was preheated to 50 °C and stirred at 35 Hz. Then polyquatemium 7 was incorporated. Next, the esterquat was slowly added at 60 °C for one minute and stirred for 10 minutes. After those 10 minutes, cold water at 15 °C was incorporated into the tank and stirred for 3 minutes. The polydiemethylsiloxane and a thickener were then added. Finally, fragrance capsules were added and mixed until complete homogenization.

[0091] After manufacturing, the pH at 25 °C and viscosity were measured to ensure a pH between 2.1 to 2.9 and a viscosity between 80 to 300 cps. The base formulation is set forth in Table 1 below.

[0092] Table 1 - Preservative-free base fabric care formulation

[0093] After manufacturing the preservative-free base fabric softener, the formulation was split and post-additions of different combinations of preservative systems were prepared. Prototypes were evaluated to verify whether etidronic acid could be successfully removed from theformulation, and different levels of caprylyl glycol (0 - 0.4 wt%), sodium benzoate (0 - 0.1 wt%), and lactic acid (0 - 0.4 wt%) were evaluated. Additionally, two references were prepared, wherein REFI included 0.125 wt% lactic acid and 0.1 wt% etidronic acid, and REF2 included 0.125 wt% lactic acid and 0.17 wt% etidronic acid. The prototypes and references prepared are shown below in Table 2. The levels of the preservatives tested were added to the base formula in adequate amounts and the demineralized water was adjusted depending on the level of new preservative molecules used to reach a 100% w / w of total components. At the end of the manufacturing process, the pH and viscosity of each formulation was measured.

[0094] Table 2 - Prototype and Reference Fabric Care Formulations with Preservatives

[0095] pH and Viscosity testing: Prototypes containing only caprylyl glycol (3B and 6B) showed a pH around 2.7, but when incorporating sodium benzoate (0.1 wt% and 0.2 wt%), the prototypes (3A and 4A) increased their pH up to 4.31. On the other hand, when lactic acid was combined with caprylyl glycol (IB, 4B, and 2B), their pH values ranged from 2.1 to 2.3. Finally, when the three preservatives (caprylyl glycol, sodium benzoate, and lactic acid) were incorporated together (1A, 5B, 2A), their pH ranged from 2.5 to 3.0.

[0096] With respect to viscosity, the caprylyl glycol prototypes (3B and 6B) had a viscosity around 180 cps; as sodium benzoate was incorporated in combination with caprylyl glycol (3A and 4A), the viscosity decreased to around 140 cps. In the prototypes containing caprylyl glycol and lactic acid (IB, 4B, and 2B), the viscosity ranged from around 150 to 160 cps. In the prototypes containing all three of caprylyl glycol, sodium benzoate, and lactic acid, the viscosity was around 150 cps, except for prototype 5B, which had a viscosity of about 85 cps. The results are shown in Table 2 above.Example 2 - Stability testing

[0097] The prototypes prepared in Example 1 were subjected to speed separation testing, as well as formula stability testing at different aging conditions, including 4 °C, 30 °C, and 40 °C for 4, 8, and 13 weeks. Color, odor, appearance, pH, viscosity, and cationic surfactants were measured and evaluated.

[0098] Speed separation results may be used to predict the way new preservatives and preservative systems may affect the stability of the formulation, as higher speed separation value indicate higher physicochemical instability across time. Most prototypes showed speed separation rates around 4.0 to 5.0 pm / sec. When incorporating high levels of sodium benzoate (0.2 wt%) in the formulation (4A), the speed separation was faster at 8.58 pm / sec, suggesting that sodium benzoate may decrease formulation stability. Overall, the results indicate that the addition of high levels of sodium benzoate (0.2 wt%) alkalinizes the formulation, reduces the viscosity, and accelerates the natural instability of an esterquat-based aqueous solution.

[0099] On the other hand, in the prototypes containing all three of caprylyl glycol, sodium benzoate, and lactic acid (1A and 2B), the formulations shown speed separations between 2.3 pm / sec and 3.8 pm / sec, suggesting that a synergy among lactic acid, caprylyl glycol, and low doses of sodium benzoate can provide a certain degree of formulation stability. It is also demonstrated that sodium benzoate and caprylyl glycol, alone, can each cause variations in formulation stability;accordingly, the presence of lactic acid serves to enhance formula stability. Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that lactic acid serves to slow down the hydrolysis speed caused by the alkalinization when sodium benzoate is included in the formulation.

[0100] The results of the predictive stability separation speed testing for each prototype are shown below in Table 3A.

[0101] Table 3A -Predictive Stability in Tested Prototypes

[0102] The results of the formula stability testing at different aging conditions as discussed above are shown below in Table 3B (pH) and Table 3C (viscosity).

[0103] Table 3B - pH Changes in Tested Prototypes Across Aging Conditions

[0104] Table 3C - Viscosity Changes in Tested Prototypes Across Aging Conditions

[0105] It was observed that sodium benzoate can impact the stability on the fabric care formulation. In the case of pH, the higher the levels of sodium benzoate in the formula, the more alkaline the pH results. Prototypes containing sodium benzoate (3 A) showed higher pH values, above 3.5. As the aging assays were conducted, the pH continued to increase up to 4.0, accelerating the formula separation.

[0106] When the prototype contained only caprylyl glycol (6B), a similar behavior was observed, although the pH did not increase as high as in the sodium benzoate prototypes, but it slightly increased up to values between 3.0 and 3.5. No physical separation was observed. By adding lactic acid to the prototypes containing caprylyl glycol (IB, 4B, 2B), the alkalinization process decreased, having pH values below 3.0. This suggests that higher levels of lactic acid can help to stabilize the formula, slowing down the hydrolysis of the esterquat molecules. Regarding the prototypes containing all of caprylyl glycol, lactic acid, and sodium benzoate (1A, 5B, 2A), the sample with a higher level of lactic acid shows more stable pH values (around 3.0), but since caprylyl glycol and sodium benzoate can be considered alkaline molecules, the tendency of these samples was that the pHs were slightly above 3.0. This confirms that the addition of higher levels of lactic acid helps formula stability, acting as a buffering ingredient. Nonetheless, none of the prototypes showed drastic changes in pH levels over the stability assays.

[0107] In the case of viscosity, overall the prototypes all showed good viscosity values, within standard levels, initially and in the stability assays over time and temperature. The prototype containing sodium benzoate (3 A) showed a high increase in pH between the 8thand 13thweeks ofstability testing at 40 °C, but no physical separation was observed. When combining caprylyl glycol and lactic acid (IB, 4B, 2B), viscosity did not increase, and no drastic changes were observed. Again, this suggests that the incorporation of lactic acid in the formula can help stability, slowing down the hydrolysis of the esterquat molecules. For prototypes having all of caprylyl glycol, lactic acid, and sodium benzoate, the addition of sodium benzoate slightly affected the formula stability, decreasing the viscosity and increasing the pH. Due to the lactic acid, the alkalinization process was slowed, caused by the low level of sodium benzoate and resulting in more stable viscosities.Example 3 - Preservation Efficacy

[0108] The modified base formulations listed in Table 2 were subject to acid antimicrobial preservation effectiveness testing (AAPET). The AAPET analysis is substantially performed using the guidelines described by Quality Micro Procedure (QMIC) 0058 - Acidophilic Bacteria >99.9%. According to the AAPET analysis, a bacteria pool is added to the compositions listed in Table 5, homogenized, and incubated for seven days. After incubation, an aliquot is taken and the amount of the microorganisms / bacteria that survive is counted. After seven days, a new bacteria pool is added into the sample and incubated for another seven days. After the seven days (14 days total), another aliquot is taken and the amount of the microorganisms / bacteria that survive is counted. This procedure is repeated for a total of 35 days. AAPET testing may be used to evaluate the efficacy against acidophilic bacteria in aged samples (40 °C for 8 weeks). For the purposes of this experiment, a >3 log reduction is considered as passing. It is noted that microbiological tests were only performed against acidophilic bacteria because, due to the low pH of the formulations, other types of bacteria are considered unlikely to grow.

[0109] When testing the prototypes for microbiological robustness using the AAPET test, it was observed that caprylyl glycol as the only preservative can provide preservation. While Prototype 3B (0.25 wt% caprylyl glycol) did provide a certain degree of preservation, it did not meet the AAPET acceptance criteria of more than a 3 log reduction. However, when increasing levels of caprylyl glycol (0.4 wt%, 6B), the criteria was met. When adding sodium benzoate (0.1 wt%) to the formulation containing 0.25 wt% caprylyl glycol (3B), a positive AAPET of a 5.3 log reduction was obtained (prototype 3A). This suggests a boosting effect between caprylyl glycol and sodium benzoate. Nonetheless, if sodium benzoate is added in a high concentration (0.2 wt%) in combination with a lower dose of caprylyl glycol (0.15 wt%) (prototype 4A), no preservation isobserved, meaning that both levels were not effective to reach a >3 log reduction. Additionally, Prototype 4A presented stability issues, as discussed herein.

[0110] Regarding Prototype 8B containing only lactic acid (0.2 wt%), no preservation was observed, although when adding caprylyl glycol (0.18 wt%) in combination with the 0.2 wt% lactic acid (Prototype 4B), preservation was achieved with a 4.4 log reduction. Other combinations of caprylyl glycol and lactic acid (Prototypes IB and 2B) also met the criteria. This suggests that both caprylyl glycol and lactic acid can have a complementary preservative effect at the right balance.

[0111] Finally, when 0.1 wt% sodium benzoate was added (Prototypes IB, 5B, and 2A), the preservative effect was boosted even further, showing positive and higher AAPET values. The results are shown in Table 4 below and illustrated graphically in Figure 1.

[0112] Table 4 - Microbiological Robustness (AAPET) Testing

[0113] Overall, it was discovered that the blends of caprylyl glycol (0.15 wt% to 0.25 wt%) and lactic acid (0.125 wt% to 0.25 wt%) and blends of caprylyl glycol (0.25 wt%) and sodium benzoate (0.1 wt%) can help preserve esterquat fabric care compositions. Additionally, when sodium benzoate (0.1 wt%) is incorporated into prototypes with caprylyl glycol (0.15 wt% to 0.25 wt%) and lactic acid (0.124 wt% to 0.25 wt%), the AAPET results were higher, suggesting that sodium benzoate increases the preservation effect of these prototypes by synergistically working together with lactic acid and caprylyl glycol. In this case, together caprylyl glycol, lactic acid, and sodium benzoate can be considered to be preservative agents rather than just boosters of preservation.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A fabric care composition comprising at least one quaternary ammonium compound and a preservation system comprising caprylyl glycol and at least two organic acids.

2. The fabric care composition of claim 1, wherein the at least two organic acids are selected from acetic acid, citric acid, formic acid, lactic acid, propionic acid, sorbic acid, and sodium benzoate.

3. The fabric care composition of claims 1 or 2, wherein the at least two organic acids are lactic acid and sodium benzoate.

4. The fabric care composition of any of claims 1-3, wherein the preservative system consists of caprylyl glycol, lactic acid, and sodium benzoate.

5. The fabric care composition according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one quaternary ammonium compound is an esterquat.

6. The fabric care composition according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising a cationic polyquaternium polymer, such as polyquatemium 7.

7. The fabric care composition according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising at least one oil fragrance and capsule fragrance.

8. The fabric care composition according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one quaternary ammonium compound is present in an amount ranging from about 1 wt% to about 5 wt%, such as from about 2 wt% to about 4 wt%, about 2 wt% to about 3 wt%, or about 2.7 wt%.

9. The fabric care composition according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the caprylyl glycol is present in an amount ranging from about 0.01 wt% to about 1 wt%, such as from about 0.1 wt% to about 0.3 wt%, or from about 0.15 wt% to about 0.25 wt%.

10. The fabric care composition according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the at least two organic acids are present in an amount ranging from about 0.01 wt% to about 1 wt%, such as from about 0.2 wt% to about 0.4 wt%, or from about 0.225 wt% to about 0.35 wt%.

11. The fabric care composition according to any one of claims 3-10, wherein the lactic acid is present in an amount ranging from about 0.01 wt% to about 1 wt%, such as from about 0.1 wt% to about 0.3 wt%, or from about 0.125 wt% to about 0.25 wt%.

12. The fabric care composition according to any one of claims 3-11, wherein the sodium benzoate is present in an amount ranging from about 0.01 wt% to about 1 wt%, such as about 0.05 wt% to about 0.3 wt%, about 0.1 wt% to about 0.2 wt%, or about 0.1 wt%.

13. A fabric care composition comprising at least one esterquat and a preservative system, the preservative system comprising caprylyl glycol in an amount ranging about 0.15 wt% to about 0.25 wt%, lactic acid in an amount ranging from about 0.125 wt% to about 0.25 wt%, and sodium benzoate in an amount of about 0.1 wt% or less.

14. The fabric care composition according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the fabric care composition has a viscosity ranging from about 80 cps to about 300 cps.

15. The fabric care composition according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the fabric care composition has a pH ranging from about 2 to about 5, such as from about 2.1 to about 2.9.

16. The fabric care composition according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the fabric care composition is free of ctidronic acid.

17. The fabric care composition according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the fabric care composition is free of isothiazolinones.

18. The fabric care composition according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fabric care composition exhibits at least a 3-log reduction in microbes as compared to a fabric care composition without the preservative system.

19. A method for preparing the fabric care composition of any one of the preceding claims, the method comprising mixing the at least one quaternary ammonium compound and the preservative system with one another, and wherein the fabric care composition has a microbiological robustness of greater than about 3 and a pH of at least about 2.0.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein the microbiological robustness is greater than about 4.

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