Ethanol-free emulsions and uses thereof

An ethanol-free oil-in-water emulsion with alkyl polyglycoside surfactants and natural stabilizers addresses fragrance dispersion and stability challenges, ensuring high perfume load and consumer acceptance.

WO2026008596A1PCT designated stage Publication Date: 2026-01-08FIRMENICH SA
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Patent Information

Application Number
PCT/EP2025/068625
Authority / Receiving Office
WO · WO
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2024-07-03
Filing Date
2025-07-01
Publication Date
2026-01-08

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing perfumery and cosmetic emulsions face challenges in providing good dispersion of fragrance components while maintaining stability and consumer acceptance, often relying on ethanol or synthetic ingredients that are undesirable due to skin irritation, environmental concerns, and changing consumer preferences.

Method used

An ethanol-free oil-in-water emulsion using alkyl polyglycoside surfactants and natural stabilizing ingredients like fatty acid esters and fatty alcohols, with a perfume mixture, to achieve stable and effective fragrance dispersion without synthetic additives.

Benefits of technology

The emulsion provides high perfume load without large surfactant amounts, ensuring stability and consumer acceptance by using natural ingredients, addressing olfactive impact and solubility issues while avoiding synthetic irritants.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

An ethanol-free, oil-in-water emulsion, comprising: - at least one alkyl polyglycoside surfactant; - at least one stabilizing ingredient selected from the group consisting of fatty acid esters, fatty alcohols, and mixtures thereof; and - a perfume mixture in an amount of at least 2% by weight, relative to the total weight of the emulsion; wherein the emulsion is a nanoemulsion, and wherein the emulsion is turbid (milky) in appearance.
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Description

[0001] ETHANOL-FREE EMULSIONS AND USES THEREOF

[0002] Field of the Disclosure

[0003] The present disclosure relates to alcohol-free, typically ethanol-free, emulsions suitable for use in the field of perfumery. The formulations described herein advantageously provide good dispersion of fragrance components without the need for lower alcohols, particularly ethanol, while also exhibiting good stability. The present disclosure also relates to consumer products containing the said emulsions.

[0004] Background of the Disclosure

[0005] Increasing the solubility of fragrance or fragrance ingredients is a daily challenge in perfumery and cosmetic industries. Ethanol and dipropylene glycol are common solvents for dilution of fragrance oils and concentrates.

[0006] Controversy exists around the use of ethanol in consumer products. Such controversy has arisen due to religious conviction, environmental impact, as well as a tendency towards skin irritation. Thus, a growing movement towards decreasing the use of ethanol in fragrances and personal care products has been observed during the past decade. Many industries, particularly the fragrance industry, are facing a potentially new CARB regulation that seeks to limit the percentage of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) at 50% in personal fragrance products comprising less than or equal to 10% fragrance by January 2031 .

[0007] However, there are challenges to reducing ethanol content in a fragrance product. One challenge is reduction of olfactive impact, which is the efficacy or intensity of a perfumery raw material during the first moments of product performance. As it is very volatile, ethanol aids in providing olfactive impact. Replacing ethanol with a solvent of lower volatility in fragrance products tends to reduce its olfactive impact, which is detrimental since impact is a very important characteristic of a fragrance as it provides the first impression about the fragrance. Another challenge is reduction of solubility of the components of a fragrance. Ethanol is useful in solubilizing fragrance components, many of which are lipophilic. Reduction of ethanol leads to reduction of solubility of fragrance components, often leading to undesirable outcomes.

[0008] Strategies for compensating for the unwanted effects of reducing ethanol content in fragrance products are known, such as the use of emulsions.

[0009] WO 2021 / 156521 (LVMH Recherche) describes a low alcohol content nanoemulsion perfume, which comprises hydrogenated lecithin and high gravity oil having a density at 20 °C that is at least 0.90 g / cm3However, high amounts of polyhydric alcohols (glycerol) and diols are used.

[0010] U.S. Patent No. 6,403,109 (Stora) describes an alcohol-free perfuming composition in the form of transparent water-in-oil or oil-in-water emulsion in which the difference between the refractive indices of the dispersed phase and of continuous phase is reduced by using ingredients with certain refractive indices in each of the phases, such as volatile silicone fluids, to achieve transparency. Volatile silicone fluids are generally synthetic and are not desirable in the face of consumer demand for natural or naturally derived ingredients.

[0011] U.S. Patent No. 7,226,901 (Store) describes an alcohol-free perfuming composition in the form of a transparent water-in-oil or oil-in-water emulsion in which the difference between the density of the oily phase and that of the aqueous phase is reduced by incorporating a volatile fluorinated oil in the oily phase. Due to rising concerns of the persistence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in the environment, such a strategy is undesirable today.

[0012] WO 2020 / 163097 (ELC Management LLC) describes reduced-ethanol perfume compositions, specifically oil-in-water macroemulsion compositions, that comprise specific combinations of water, acrylates / VA copolymer, acrylates copolymer, and acrylates / VA copolymer plasticizing materials. Acrylates / VA copolymer, acrylates copolymer are generally synthetic polymers and are not desirable in today’s consumer demand for natural or naturally derived ingredients. CN 103637942 B (Agate Perfume (Mingguang) Co. Ltd.) describes an alcohol-free transparent perfume composition which contains a nanoemulsion made from 20% essential oil, 8-12% of polyoxyethylene-based surfactant, 5-8% of a phosphate surfactant, 4-7% of a polyglyceride surfactant, 0.5-1 .2% glycerin, 0.8-1.5% of 1 ,3- butanediol, and 15-20% of water. A high ratio of surfactant / perfume is used, which leads to issues of skin irritancy due to the high amount of surfactant.

[0013] WO 2017 / 059513 (Fernando Thome Kreutz) describes nanoemulsions comprising a fragrance and / or oil, a surfactant, and an aqueous medium, wherein the composition is free of lower alkyl alcohols. The emulsions are prepared using a Phase Inversion Composition (PIC) or Phase Inversion Temperature (PIT) process, which is possible with the non-ionic ethoxylated surfactants used.

[0014] WO 2011 / 077062 (Capsum) describes perfuming formulations in the form of nanodispersion, specifically perfuming O / W emulsions that are free of ethanol and are stabilized by nonionic polyalkoxylated emulsifiers.

[0015] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2003 / 0186836 (Martine Dumanois, et al.) describes a base for an alcohol-free, non-fatty, non-sticky perfumed aqueous cosmetic composition, including an aqueous medium, one or more non-ionic surfactants, such as alcohols of ethoxylated fatty acids and ethoxylated hydrogenated castor oil, and a solvent, the base being characterized in that the solvent is isoprene glycol. Nonionic polyalkoxylated surfactants, which generally contain poly(ethylene oxide) groups, polypropylene oxide) groups, or combinations thereof, are synthetic and are seeing reduced acceptance among today’s consumers, who demand natural or naturally derived ingredients.

[0016] European Patent No. 2181690 (Coty Inc.) describes perfume compositions with reduced alcohol content, comprising a transparent or translucent emulsion with an oil phase and a water phase. The oil phase contains a solvent that has a log P value of > 5 and is selected from isododecane, isohexadecane, isoeicosane, isoparaffine fluids, C13-C30 alkanes, hydrogenated didecene, hydrogenated didodecene, hydrogenated polydecene, hydrogenated polydodecene, hydrogenated tridodecene, hydrogenated polyisobutene, mineral oils, and a mixture of two or more thereof or the solvent is a linear silicone, a cyclic silicone or a mixture thereof. The water phase contains an emulsifier and a buffer system, in which the emulsifier is a mixture of a first non-ionic emulsifier, an anionic emulsifier and optionally a second non-ionic emulsifier. Solvents with log P value of > 5 tend be greasy to the touch, which is not desirable by the consumer. Anionic surfactants tend to be harsh on skin and hair and may cause irritation and sensitization in some people.

[0017] WO 2014 / 090959 (Firmenich SA) describes a perfuming composition that is free of ethanol and that is in the form of a transparent, clear microemulsion containing certain amounts of fragrance oil, solvent, surfactant system, cooling hydrotrope, and water. Reduced quantities of surfactant are possible due to the hydrotrope properties of the cooling agent used. However, the cooling sensation that is also provided by such cooling agents is not applicable in certain consumer products.

[0018] Accordingly, there is an ongoing need for emulsions for use in perfumery and cosmetics that can provide good dispersion of fragrance components while also providing desirable properties, such as improved product stability, improved aesthetics, and increased consumer acceptance.

[0019] Summary of the Disclosure

[0020] The following aspects of the present disclosure seek to address one or more of the problems described hereinabove.

[0021] In a first aspect, the present disclosure relates to an ethanol-free, oil-in-water emulsion comprising:

[0022] - at least one alkyl polyglycoside surfactant;

[0023] - at least one stabilizing ingredient selected from the group consisting of fatty acid esters, fatty alcohols, and mixtures thereof; and

[0024] - a perfume mixture in an amount of at least 2% by weight, relative to the total weight of the emulsion.

[0025] In a second aspect, the present disclosure relates to a consumer product comprising the emulsion described herein. In a third aspect, the present disclosure relates to a method for producing the ethanol-free, oil-in-water emulsion, the method comprising: a. preparing an aqueous mixture comprising water; b. preparing a non-aqueous mixture comprising a perfume mixture and at least one stabilizing ingredient selected from the group consisting of fatty acid esters, fatty alcohols, and mixtures thereof; wherein the aqueous mixture or the non-aqueous mixture comprises at least one alkyl polyglycoside surfactant; c. adding the non-aqueous mixture to the aqueous mixture and optionally homogenizing the resulting combination using a rotor stator device to obtain a coarse emulsion; d. homogenizing the combination or the coarse emulsion using a high pressure homogenizer, a high pressure microfluidizer, or an ultrasonic processor; e. optionally post-treating the emulsion, typically by cooling, diluting, or filtering; thereby producing the emulsion, wherein the perfume mixture is present in an amount of at least 2%, more typically at least 10% by weight, relative to the total weight of the emulsion.

[0026] Detailed Description

[0027] As used herein, the terms “a”, “an”, or “the” means “one or more” or “at least one” unless otherwise stated.

[0028] While compositions and methods are described in terms of “comprising,” “containing,” or “including” various components or steps, the compositions and methods can also “consist essentially of” or “consist of” the various components, substances and steps. As used herein the term “consisting essentially of” shall be construed to mean including the listed components, substances or steps and such additional components, substances or steps which do not materially affect the basic and novel properties of the composition or method. In some embodiments, a composition in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure that “consists essentially of” the recited components or substances does not include any additional components or substances that alter the basic and novel properties of the composition.

[0029] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as is commonly understood by one of skill in the art to which this specification pertains.

[0030] It should be understood that any numerical range recited herein is intended to include all sub-ranges subsumed therein. For example, a range of “1 to 10” is intended to include all sub-ranges between and including the recited minimum value of 1 and the recited maximum value of 10; that is, having a minimum value equal to or greater than 1 and a maximum value of equal to or less than 10. Because the disclosed numerical ranges are continuous, they include every value between the minimum and maximum values. Unless expressly indicated otherwise, the various numerical ranges specified in this application are approximations.

[0031] As used herein, and unless otherwise indicated, the term “about” or “approximately” means an acceptable error for a particular value as determined by one of ordinary skill in the art, which depends in part on how the value is measured or determined. In certain embodiments, the term “about” or “approximately” means within 1 , 2, 3, or 4 standard deviations. In certain embodiments, the term “about” or “approximately” means within 50%, 20%, 15%, 10%, 9%, 8%, 7%, 6%, 5%, 4%, 3%, 2%, 1 %, 0.5%, or 0.05% of a given value or range.

[0032] Throughout the present disclosure, various publications may be incorporated by reference. Should the meaning of any language in such publications incorporated by reference conflict with the meaning of the language of the present disclosure, the meaning of the language of the present disclosure shall take precedence, unless otherwise indicated.

[0033] Throughout the present disclosure, various chemical names and structures may be recited. Unless otherwise stated, any stereoisomers, such as enantiomers, diastereomers, anomers, epimers, and the like; and geometric isomers, such as cis / trans or E / Z isomers, of the recited chemical name or structure are contemplated. As would be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art, stereoisomers may possess one stereocenter, giving rise to enantiomers, or more than one stereocenter, giving rise to diastereomers, each stereocenter having one of two different stereochemistries (i.e. , R or S). Enantiomers may be characterized by their ability to rotate oncoming plane-polarized light to the right, designated as dextrorotatory, “(+)” or “D”, or to the left, designated as levorotatory, or “L”. Enantiomers may exist as racemic mixtures or scalemic mixtures. Geometric isomers refer to isomers in which the spatial relationship of atoms around a double bond are different, typically designated E or Z according to conventional understanding in the chemical art. Geometric isomers may also exist as mixtures of E and Z isomers. All of the aforementioned isomeric variations of the chemical names or structures recited herein are included.

[0034] In the first aspect, the present disclosure relates to an ethanol-free, oil-in-water emulsion, typically nanoemulsion, comprising:

[0035] - at least one alkyl polyglycoside surfactant;

[0036] - at least one stabilizing ingredient selected from the group consisting of fatty acid esters, fatty alcohols, and mixtures thereof; and

[0037] - a perfume mixture in an amount of at least 2% by weight, relative to the total weight of the emulsion.

[0038] The oil-in-water emulsion of the present disclosure is ethanol-free. As used herein, “ethanol-free” means that the emulsion does not comprise any added ethanol. However, those of ordinary skill in the art would understand that residual ethanol may be present due to its presence in the components used for producing the emulsion of the present disclosure. Generally, the emulsion comprises less than 5%, typically less than 1 %, more typically less than 0.5%, by weight of ethanol relative to the total weight of the emulsion. In some embodiments, the emulsion comprises less than 0.4%, less than 0.3%, less than 0.2%, or less than 0.1 % by weight of ethanol relative to the total weight of the emulsion. In some embodiments, ethanol-free means that the emulsion is essentially free of ethanol. An emulsion is a mixture of two liquids that are immiscible due to their different polarities (hydrophobic vs. hydrophilic). In an emulsion, one liquid (dispersed or internal phase) is dispersed in another liquid (continuous or external phase). Therefore, as would be understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art, an oil-in- water emulsion refers to an emulsion in which an oil phase (also referred to as nonpolar or non-aqueous phase) acts as the dispersed phase while a water phase (also referred to as polar or aqueous phase) acts as the continuous phase.

[0039] Double emulsions, such as water-in-oil-in-water (WOW) emulsions and its opposite, oil-in-water-in-oil (OWO) emulsions, with three distinct phases are known. With respect to the WOW type, the three distinct phases consist of polar phase droplets that are dispersed in a non-polar phase, which is then enclosed in a continuous polar phase. Such emulsions are not contemplated in the present disclosure. Therefore, the emulsions of the present disclosure are not double emulsions, i.e. , the emulsions of the present disclosure are neither water-in-oil-in-water (WOW) emulsions nor oil- in-water-in-oil (OWO) emulsions. In an embodiment, the non-polar phase is dispersed within the polar phase and the non-polar phase is free of any polar phase.

[0040] In an embodiment, the emulsion is a nanoemulsion. In contrast to microemulsions, nanoemulsions are thermodynamically unstable (but kinetically stable) and are typically prepared by high-energy input, such as high-pressure homogenization.

[0041] One or more surfactants is required to obtain the emulsion of the present disclosure. Surfactants (also known as emulsifiers) show amphiphilic properties meaning that they contain both hydrophobic and hydrophilic moieties. Based on these structural properties, surfactants are surface-active, which allows them to reduce the interfacial tension between a polar and non-polar phase and thus, to facilitate the formation of an emulsion. The emulsion of the present disclosure comprises at least one alkyl polyglycoside surfactant. Alkyl polyglycosides are produced by combining sugars, typically glucose, with fatty alcohols, such as C8-22 fatty alcohols described herein. Alkyl polyglycosides are biodegradable and are typically derived from natural sources, such as plant starch, corn oil, coconut oil, palm oil, and the like. In an embodiment, the at least one alkyl polyglycoside surfactant is derived from a natural source. In an embodiment, the at least one alkyl polyglycoside surfactant is a C8-22 alkyl glucoside. Exemplary C8-22 alkyl polyglucosides include, but are not limited to, decyl glucoside (available as Plantacare® 2000UP), lauryl glucoside (available as Plantacare® 1200UP), coco glucoside (available as Plantacare® 818UP), caprylyl / capryl glucoside (available as Plantacare® 810UP), myristyl glucoside, and the like.

[0042] In an embodiment, the at least one alkyl polyglycoside surfactant is selected from the group consisting of caprylyl glucoside, capryl glucoside, lauryl glucoside, myristyl glucoside, palmityl glucoside, coco glucoside, and any mixture thereof.

[0043] Alkyl polyglucosides may be characterized by its degree of glucosidation, which refers to the number of glucose units in the alkyl polyglucoside. In an embodiment, the degree of glucosidation is from 1 to 10, typically from 1 to 3, more typically from 1.1 to 2.

[0044] The amount of the at least one alkyl polyglycoside surfactant is not particularly limited. However, in an embodiment, the at least one alkyl polyglycoside surfactant is present in an amount 0.1 % to 5%, typically 0.2% to 4%, more typically 0.5% to 4% by weight, relative to the total weight of the emulsion.

[0045] In some embodiments, the emulsion further comprises 2 or more alkyl polyglycoside surfactants. The 2 or more alkyl polyglycoside surfactants are generally different from the at least one alkyl polyglycoside surfactant and from one another.

[0046] In an embodiment, the total amount of alkyl polyglycoside surfactants is less than 5%, typically less than 4%, more typically less than or equal to 3%, by weight, relative to the total weight of the emulsion. In some embodiments, the total amount of alkyl polyglycoside surfactants is 0.1 % to 5%, typically 0.2% to 4%, more typically 0.5% to 4% by weight, relative to the total weight of the emulsion.

[0047] The emulsion may optionally comprise one or more co-surfactants, typically one or more phosphate ester surfactants. Exemplary phosphate ester surfactants include, but are not limited to, are C8-10 alkyl ethyl phosphates, C9-15 alkyl phosphates, ceteareth-2 phosphate, ceteareth-5 phosphate, ceteth-8 phosphate, ceteth-10 phosphate, cetyl phosphate, dicetyl phosphate, C6-10 pareth-4 phosphate, C12-15 pareth-2 phosphate, C12-15 pareth-3 phosphate, DEA-ceteareth-2 phosphate, DEA- cetyl phosphate, DEA-oleth-3 phosphate , potassium cetyl phosphate, deceth-4 phosphate, deceth-6 phosphate, trilaureth-4 phosphate, and any combination thereof. In a particular embodiment, the emulsion comprises potassium cetyl phosphate (commercially available from DSM-Firmenich as AM PH I SOL®).

[0048] When present, the amount of the co-surfactant is not particularly limited. However, in an embodiment, the total amount of co-surfactants is 0.05% to 5%, typically 0.1 % to 4%, more typically 0.1 % to 1 % by weight, relative to the total weight of the emulsion.

[0049] The emulsion of the present disclosure comprises at least one stabilizing ingredient selected from the group consisting of fatty acid esters, fatty alcohols, and mixtures thereof.

[0050] As used herein, fatty alcohols refer to alcohols having long hydrocarbon chains, typically 8 to 24 carbon atoms. Fatty alcohols may be saturated or unsaturated and may comprise one or more hydroxyl groups. When unsaturated, fatty alcohols have one or more double bonds along the hydrocarbon chain. Exemplary fatty alcohols include, but are not limited to, capryl alcohol, nonanol, capric alcohol, undecanol, lauryl alcohol, tridecanol, myristyl alcohol, pentadecanol, cetyl alcohol, palmitoleyl alcohol, heptadecanol, stearyl alcohol, isostearyl alcohol, oleyl alcohol, linoleyl alcohol, linolenyl alcohol, nonadecanol, arachidyl alcohol, behenyl alcohol, coconut alcohol, ricinoleyl alcohol, or any mixture thereof, such as cetearyl alcohol (cetyl and stearyl alcohols). In an embodiment, the at least one stabilizing ingredient is a Cs-24 fatty alcohol or a mixture of Cs-24 fatty alcohols. In another embodiment, the at least one stabilizing ingredient is selected from the group consisting of coconut alcohol, cetearyl alcohol, and any mixture thereof.

[0051] Fatty acid esters are esters formed from fatty acids and alcohols, such as, alkyl alcohols, fatty alcohols, such as those described herein, and polyhydric alcohols, such as sugar alcohols, sorbitan, glycerol, poly(glycerol), and the like. As used herein, fatty acids refer to carboxylic acids having long hydrocarbon chains, typically 8 to 24 carbon atoms. Fatty acids may be saturated or unsaturated and may comprise one or more hydroxyl groups. When unsaturated, fatty acids have one or more double bonds along the hydrocarbon chain. Exemplary fatty acids include, but are not limited to, caprylic acid, nonanoic acid, capric acid, undecanoic acid, lauric acid, tridecanoic acid, myristic acid, pentadecanoic acid, palmitic acid, palmitoleic acid, heptadecanoic acid, stearic acid, isostearic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid, linolenic acid, nonadecanoic acid, arachidonic acid, behenic acid, ricinoleic acid, or any mixture thereof. In an embodiment, the at least one stabilizing ingredient is a nonionic fatty acid ester or mixture of nonionic fatty acid esters. In another embodiment, the at least one stabilizing ingredient is selected from the group consisting of cetearyl olivate, sorbitan olivate, glyceryl stearate, a polyglyceryl fatty acid ester, and any mixture thereof.

[0052] Exemplary polyglyceryl fatty acid esters include, but are not limited to, those selected from the group consisting of diglyceryl monostearate, diglyceryl monooleate, diglyceryl dioleate, diglyceryl monoisostearate, polyglyceryl tri isostearate, tetraglyceryl monostearate, tetraglyceryl monooleate, tetraglyceryl tristearate, tetraglyceryl pentastearate, tetraglyceryl pentaoleate, hexaglyceryl monolaurate, hexaglyceryl monomyristate, hexaglyceryl monostearate, hexaglyceryl monooleate, hexaglyceryl tristearate, hexaglyceryl tribehenate, hexaglyceryl pentastearate, hexaglyceryl pentaoleate, hexaglyceryl polyricinoleate, and any mixture thereof.

[0053] The fatty alcohols and fatty acid esters suitable for use as stabilizing agents in the emulsions of the present disclosure can be derived from natural fats and oils, such as beef tallow, butter fat, cocoa butter, lard, palm oil, palm kernel oil, cottonseed oil, corn oil, peanut oil, soybean oil, coconut oil, rapeseed oil, olive oil, flaxseed oil, sunflower oil, safflower oi, and the like. Thus, in an embodiment, the at least one stabilizing agent is derived from a natural source.

[0054] The amount of the at least one stabilizing ingredient is not particularly limited. However, in an embodiment, the at least one stabilizing ingredient is present in an amount 0.05% to 5%, typically 0.1 % to 4%, more typically 0.25% to 4% by weight, relative to the total weight of the emulsion.

[0055] In an embodiment, the emulsion comprises 2 or more stabilizing ingredients selected from the stabilizing ingredients described herein.

[0056] The emulsion of the present disclosure comprises a perfume mixture in an amount of at least 2% by weight, relative to the total weight of the emulsion. The perfume mixture is typically a lipophilic organic liquid that is essentially insoluble in water and comprises one or more perfumery raw materials (PRM). PRMs are well-known materials used in the field of perfumery. Exemplary PRMs include, but are not limited to, fragrant essential oils, aroma compounds, profragrances (also known as properfumes), diluents, fragrance modulators, and the like. Such perfuming ingredients can be of natural or synthetic origin. A detailed description of the ingredients would not be warranted here, and, in any case, would not be exhaustive. Typically, PRMs belong to chemical classes as varied as alcohols, aldehydes, ketones, esters, ethers, acetates, nitriles, terpenes, hydrocarbons, nitrogenous or sulphurous heterocyclic compounds and essential oils of natural or synthetic origin. The nature of these ingredients can be found in specialized books of perfumery and flavor ingredients, for instance, in S. Arctander (Perfume and Flavor Chemicals, Montclair N.J., USA 1969), or similar textbooks of reference, and a more detailed description thereof is not warranted here. The selection of such ingredients is carried out by the perfumer without particular difficulty, on the basis of her / his general knowledge and as a function of the nature of the product to be modified and of the desired sensory effect, i.e. , the perfuming effect that is to be imparted to the consumer product to be perfumed.

[0057] The amount of the perfume mixture in the emulsion is not particularly limited. However, in an embodiment, the perfume mixture is present in an amount of 2% to 30%, typically 5% to 30%, more typically 10% to 25%, by weight, relative to the total weight of the emulsion.

[0058] An advantage of the emulsion of the present disclosure is the ability to provide higher amounts of perfumes without the use of large amounts of surfactants, particularly the at least one alkyl polyglycoside surfactant. In some embodiments, the ratio of perfume mixture / alkyl polyglycoside surfactant is at least 4, typically at least 5. In an embodiment, the ratio of perfume mixture / alkyl polyglycoside surfactant is from 4 to 20, 4 to 19, 4 to 18, 4 to 17, 4 to 16, 4 to 15, 4 to 14, 4 to 13, 4 to 12, 4 to 11 , 4 to 10, 4 to 9, 4 to 8, 4 to 7, 4 to 6, or 4 to 5.

[0059] The emulsion of the present disclosure may comprise optional ingredients useful In the field of perfumery. In an embodiment, the emulsion further comprises at least one anionic surfactant, typically a salt of fatty acid esters of lactic acid or poly(lactic acid), or fatty acid amides of amino acids. Salts of fatty acid esters of lactic acid or poly(lactic acid) are produced by the esterification of fatty acids, such as the fatty acids described herein, with lactic acid or poly(lactic acid) as hydroxyl group sources. Salts of fatty acid amides of amino acids are produced by amidation of fatty acids, such as the fatty acids described herein, with amino acids as amine source. In an embodiment, the at least one anionic surfactant is sodium lauroyl glutamate or sodium stearoyl lactylate.

[0060] In an embodiment, the emulsion further comprises at least one medium chain triglyceride. As would be understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art, medium chain triglycerides are aliphatic carboxylic acid esters of glycerol and are characterized by a glycerol backbone having three aliphatic chains, typically having 4-12 carbons, connected to it through ester bonds. The three aliphatic chains may be the same or different in a triglyceride. In an embodiment, the at least one medium chain triglyceride is caprylic / capric triglyceride or caprylic / capric / succinic triglyceride.

[0061] In an embodiment, the emulsion further comprises one or more benefit agents. Exemplary benefit agents include, but are not limited to, moisturizers, such as glycerol; emollients, opacifiers, humectants, coloring agents, free radical scavengers, antioxidants, chelating agents, POV remediants, pH adjusters, preservative agents, such as potassium sorbate; viscosifiers, cooling agents, vitamins, insect repellents, weighting agents, or any combination thereof. Examples of suitable humectants include, but are not limited to, those selected from the group consisting of panthenol, allantoin, agarose, com glycerides, gluconolactone, lactobionic acid, kombucha, salicylic acid, molasses, seaweed, honey, glycerin, aloe vera, urea and derivatives thereof, such as hydroxyethyl urea; polyethylene glycols, such as PEG-x, wherein x represents the average moles of ethylene oxide; polypropylene glycols, such as dipropylene glycol; triols, such as phytantriol and hexanetriol; alpha hydroxy acids, such as glycolic acid, lactic acid, citric acid, mandelic acid, malic acid, and tartaric acid; sugar alcohols and derivative thereof, such as xylitol, sorbitol, maltitol, erythritol, mannitol, xylitylglucoside, anhydroxylitol, and inositol; saccharides and derivatives thereof, such as lactose, maltose, fructose, and saccharide isomerate; polysaccharides and derivatives thereof, such as hyaluronic acid, sodium hyaluronate and benzyl hyaluronate; peptides and amino acids and derivatives thereof, such as betaine (N,N,N- trimethylglycine), sodium (2S)-5-oxo-2-pyrrolidinecarboxylate (sodium PCA), proline, polyglutamic acid, arginine, copper peptides, lysine, sodium aspartate, elastin, collagen, silk keratin, and glycogen; polyethylene glycol ethers of fatty alcohols, such as isoceteth-x, isolaureth-x, laneth-x, laureth-x, and steareth-x, wherein x represents the average moles of ethylene oxide, silicone copolyols, and any combination thereof. Unless otherwise indicated, x represents the average moles of ethylene oxide contained in the polyethylene glycol (PEG) or the PEG-ylated portion of the molecule mentioned. The average moles of ethylene oxide, x, is generally from 2 to 2000. In some embodiments, x is a value from 4 to 200.

[0062] In a particular embodiment, the emulsion further comprises a saccharide, typically lactose, maltose, fructose, glucose, galactose, psicose, any isomers thereof, or any mixture thereof. In an embodiment, the emulsion comprises saccharide isomerate. As used herein, “saccharide isomerate” refers to a mixture of sugar isomers, including hexoses and pentoses, such as glucose, fructose, maltose, galactose, and psicose. Saccharide isomerate is commercially available from DSM-Firmenich as PENTAVITIN ®.

[0063] Further benefit agents suitable for use according to the present disclosure are plant extracts known to provide bioactive benefits, such as antioxidant property, radicalscavenger property, anti-inflammatory property, antimicrobial property, DNA protective property, antiseptic property, wound-healing support, anti-fungal property, anti-histaminic property, and the like. Exemplary plant extracts are those produced from one or more of the following plants: Achillea millefolium, Alchemilla vulgaris, Artemisia umbelliformis, Buddleja davidii, Epilobium fleischeri, Leontopodium alpinum, Linum alpinum, Malva sylvestris, Marrubium vulgare, Melissa officinalis, Mentha piperita, Peucedanum ostruthium, Primula veris, Sambucus nigra, Scutellaria alpina, Thymus vulgaris, Veronica officinalis, and the like. Suitable plant extracts may be derived from the leaves, flowers, stems, roots, or a combination thereof, of the aforementioned plants. In an embodiment, the emulsion comprises one or more plant extracts. In a particular embodiment, the emulsion comprises Leontopodium alpinum flower / leaf extract (commercially available as ALPAFLOR® EDELWEISS CB by DSM-Firmenich).

[0064] The amount of the one or more benefit agents is not particularly limited. However, in an embodiment, the total amount of the benefit agents is 0.1 % to 5%, typically 0.5% to 4%, by weight, relative to the total weight of the emulsion.

[0065] In some embodiments, the presence of certain materials is not desirable for various reasons. In some cases, the presence of some ingredients may lead to concerns of allergic reactions, skin irritation, or sensitization in some individuals. In other cases, some ingredients are deemed to be synthetic and the presence of such ingredients is seeing reduced acceptance by consumers due to increased demand for natural or naturally derived ingredients. In yet other cases, the presence of some ingredients may lead to undesirable organoleptic properties, such as greasiness, tackiness, or cooling sensation when it is not desired.

[0066] In an embodiment, the emulsion is free of emulsifiers comprising poly(ethylene oxide) groups, polypropylene oxide) groups, or combinations thereof. As would be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art, poly(ethylene oxide) groups are also known as poly(ethylene glycol) groups, or PEG groups. Similarly, polypropylene oxide) groups are also known as polypropylene glycol) groups, or PPG groups. Emulsifiers comprising polypthylene oxide) groups, polypropylene oxide) groups, or combinations thereof include any emulsifier that comprises at least one polypthylene oxide) group, polypropylene oxide) group, or combination thereof. The term “free of emulsifiers” means that the emulsion comprises less than 5%, typically less than 1 %, more typically less than 0.5%, by weight of any of the said emulsifiers relative to the total weight of the emulsion. In some embodiments, the emulsion comprises less than 0.4%, less than 0.3%, less than 0.2%, or less than 0.1 % by weight of any of the said emulsifiers relative to the total weight of the emulsion. In some embodiments, the emulsion is essentially free of any of the said emulsifiers.

[0067] In another embodiment, the emulsion is free of or essentially free of lecithin or derivatives thereof, such as lysolecithin or hydrogenated lecithin.

[0068] In yet another embodiment, the emulsion is free of or essentially free of diols. As understood by those of ordinary skill in the art, diols (also known as glycols) are compounds having two hydroxyl groups. Examples of diols include, but are not limited to, ethylene glycol, 1 ,2-propanediol, 1 ,2-butanediol, 1 ,3-butanediol, 2,3- butanediol, 1 ,2-pentanediol, 1 ,2-hexanediol, 1 ,2-heptanediol, 1 ,2-octanediol, 1 ,3- propanediol, 2-methyl-1 ,3-propanediol, 3-methyl-1 ,3-butanediol, polyalkylene glycols, such as polyethylene glycols, polypropylene glycols, poly(ethylene / propylene) glycols, and the like.

[0069] In certain embodiments, the emulsion may comprise one or more of the abovedescribed diols. In a particular embodiment, the emulsion comprises one or more diols selected from the group consisting of 1 ,3-butanediol, 1 ,2-propanediol, 1 ,2- pentanediol, 1 ,2-octanediol, and any mixture thereof. When present, the total amount of diols is 0.1 to 30%, typically 0.2% to 20%, by weight, relative to the total weight of the emulsion.

[0070] In an embodiment, the emulsion is free of or essentially free of synthetic polymers. As used herein, synthetic polymers refer to polymers that do not occur in nature and are generally synthesized in a laboratory setting. Synthetic polymers include, but are not limited to, polymers and copolymers produced from the polymerization of acrylic acid, acrylic acid esters, vinyl alcohol, vinyl acetate, or derivatives thereof. In an embodiment, the emulsion is free of or essentially free of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, such as volatile fluorinated oils.

[0071] The emulsion may be characterized by the average size of the droplets of the dispersed phase. The average droplet size may be determined according to well- known instrumentation or methods. For example, Zetasizer nano ZS (Malvern Instruments Limited, Worcs, UK) or Turbiscan TOWER (FormulAction SA, France) are suitable. Unless otherwise stated, average droplet size refers to a D50 value, meaning 50% of the droplets observed have diameter below the recited value. In an embodiment, the average droplet size in the emulsion is from 100 nm to 300 nm when freshly prepared.

[0072] The stability of the emulsion may be Indicated by its homogeneity. Herein, homogeneity refers to the uniformity of the distribution of the dispersed phase throughout the emulsion. Homogeneity is typically lost when one or more of the following occur: creaming (dispersed droplets rise to the surface), sedimentation (dispersed droplets fall to the bottom), or coalescence (dispersed droplets merge to form larger ones). The appearance of creaming or sedimentation may be observed visually and coalescence may be detected by measuring the average droplet size, as measured using known methods or instrumentation, over time. In an embodiment, the emulsion remains homogeneous for at least 1 month at 45°C. In another embodiment, the emulsion remains homogeneous for at least 2 months at 45°C. In an embodiment, the emulsion exhibits no visual creaming or sedimentation for at least 1 month at 45°C. In another embodiment, the emulsion exhibits no visual creaming or sedimentation for at least 2 months at 45°C. In an embodiment, the emulsion exhibits no significant increase in average droplet size for at least 1 month at 45°C. In another embodiment, the emulsion exhibits no significant increase in average droplet size for at least 2 months at 45°C. In an embodiment, the average droplet size in the emulsion remains in the range of from 100 nm to 300 nm after at least 1 month at 45°C. In another embodiment, the average droplet size in the emulsion remains in the range of from 100 nm to 300 nm after at least 2 months at 45°C. Oftentimes, a turbid appearance is desired to provide a perception of richness to enhance consumer appeal. Thus, in an embodiment, the emulsion of the present disclosure is turbid (milky) in appearance and sprayable. As used herein, “sprayable” means that the emulsion has a viscosity such that it can be dispensed from a spray or misting device.

[0073] In the second aspect, the present disclosure relates to a consumer product comprising the emulsion described herein.

[0074] Non-limiting examples of consumer products according to the present invention include:

[0075] • a perfume, such as a fine perfume, an eau de toilette, an eau de parfum, a cologne, a body splash, a body mist, or after-shave;

[0076] • a fabric care product, such as a fabric scent booster, a fabric refresher, or an ironing water; and

[0077] • an air freshening product, such as an air freshener spray, a liquid-wick air freshener, a liquid air freshener comprising a permeable membrane, an electrically operated air freshener, or a dual-purpose air freshener / disinfectant spray.

[0078] In an embodiment, the consumer product is a perfume, typically a fine perfume, an eau de toilette, an eau de parfum, a cologne, a body splash, a body mist, or aftershave.

[0079] In the third aspect, the present disclosure relates to a method for producing the ethanol-free, oil-in-water emulsion described herein, the method comprising: a. preparing an aqueous mixture comprising water; b. preparing a non-aqueous mixture comprising a perfume mixture and at least one stabilizing ingredient selected from the group consisting of fatty acid esters, fatty alcohols, and mixtures thereof; wherein the aqueous mixture or the non-aqueous mixture comprises at least one alkyl polyglycoside surfactant; c. adding the non-aqueous mixture to the aqueous mixture and optionally homogenizing the resulting combination using a rotor stator device to obtain a coarse emulsion; d. homogenizing the combination or the coarse emulsion using a high pressure homogenizer, a high pressure microfluidizer, or an ultrasonic processor; e. optionally post-treating the emulsion, typically by cooling, diluting, or filtering; thereby producing the emulsion, wherein the perfume mixture is present in an amount of at least 2%, more typically at least 10% by weight, relative to the total weight of the emulsion.

[0080] Generally, the aqueous (water) phase and non-aqueous (oil) phase are prepared separately. In step a.), water-soluble ingredients are dissolved or dispersed in water. In step b.), the perfume mixture and the at least one stabilizing ingredient selected from the group consisting of fatty acid esters, fatty alcohols, and mixtures thereof, are mixed. The at least one alkyl polyglycoside surfactant may be mixed into the water phase, the oil phase, or both. In an embodiment, the at least one alkyl polyglycoside surfactant is mixed into the water phase. In another embodiment, the at least one alkyl polyglycoside surfactant is mixed into the oil phase. In some instances, the surfactant or stabilizing ingredient may be supplied as wax pellets, in which case the ingredient can be solubilized in the oil phase by gentle heating. Heating to a temperature of up to 55°C may help the ingredient to be solubilized in the oil phase to obtain a homogeneous phase. Optionally, heating to a temperature of up to 80°C for a short period of time may also help the ingredients to be solubilized in the oil phase to obtain a homogeneous phase.

[0081] In step c.), the non-aqueous mixture is added to the aqueous mixture. In an embodiment, the resulting combination is subjected to step d.) in which ultrasonic processor, such as a Hielscher UP400S equipped with a H3 probe (for <100ml samples) or H14 probe (for >100ml samples), is used. In this embodiment, the ultrasonic processor is used for a suitable length of time, typically 1 minute, to mix together the two phases. Then, the sample is stirred using the same process for another suitable length of time, typically 1 to 5 minutes. The emulsion of the present disclosure is thereby obtained. In another embodiment, the combination obtained in step c.) is pre-emulsified to form a coarse emulsion. The coarse emulsion is prepared using a rotor stator device. Rotor stator devices are well-known to those of ordinary skill in the art, such as, for example, UltraTurrax T25 (IKA Instruments). This pre-emulsification step may be carried out at from 1000 rpm to 25000 rpm, typically from 8000 rpm to 12000 rpm. The oil phase is added slowly to the water phase while stirring. Stirring is then maintained for a suitable length of time, typically 1 to 7 minutes, after addition of the oil phase. The coarse emulsion is thus obtained.

[0082] The coarse emulsion is subsequently transferred to a high pressure homogenizer, such as an APV1000 high pressure homogenizer (APV Homogenizers SA), or a high pressure microfluidizer, to be homogenized in a 2-stage process. The pressure at the first stage is a pressure of 100 to 1000 bars, typically 200 to 500 bars, and the pressure at the second stage is a pressure from 20 to 100 bars, typically 30 to 60 bars. The emulsion may be passed multiple times through the 2-stage process to ensure better droplet size homogeneity. The emulsion of the present disclosure is thereby obtained.

[0083] The compositions, methods, and uses according to the present disclosure are further illustrated by the following non-limiting examples.

[0084] Examples

[0085] The general procedure for sample preparation is as follows. Water phase and oil phases were prepared separately. Emulsions were prepared according to one of two methods. In the first method, the oil phase was added to the water phase. An ultrasonic processor (Hielscher UP400S equipped with a H3 probe (for <100ml samples) or H14 probe (for >100ml samples)) was used for 1 minute to mix the two phases. Then the sample was stirred using the same process for another minute.

[0086] In the second method, a coarse emulsion was first prepared using an UltraTurrax T25 (IKA Instruments) at 11000 rpm. The oil phase was slowly added to the water phase while stirring. Stirring was maintained for 2 minutes after addition of the oil. The coarse emulsion thus obtained was transferred to an APV1000 high pressure homogenizer (APV Homogenizers SA). Pressure at the first stage was fixed at 300 bars and at second stage at 50 bars. The emulsion was passed 2 times through the stages to ensure better droplet size homogeneity.

[0087] The stability of the emulsions obtained was evaluated using a Turbiscan TOWER (FormulAction) at 45°C for 7 days. Average droplet size of the emulsions was evaluated after 1 month and 2 months at 45°C. Phase separation was visually assessed after 1 month and 2 months at 45°C. Average droplet size was measured using a Zetasizer nano zs (Malvern Instruments). Unless otherwise stated, the reported average size in intensity is a D50 value in nanometers, meaning 50% of the droplets observed have diameter below the recited value.

[0088] Example 1

[0089] In this example, the aqueous phase was prepared by mixing together water, Plantacare® 818UP and potassium sorbate with a magnetic stirrer. Separately, the oil phase was prepared by mixing perfume, OlivemlOOO, and Neobee M5 with a magnetic stirrer. The oil phase was heated up to 50°C to accelerate the solubilization of OlivemlOOO. Then the emulsions were prepared using an ultrasonic processor as described previously. The ingredients and amounts are summarized in Table 1 below.

[0090] Table 1 .

[0091] 1 ) Plantacare®818UP (origin: BASF)

[0092] 2) Olivem 1000 (origin: Hallstar)

[0093] 3) Potassium sorbate (origin: AlfaAesar)

[0094] 4) Perfume (origin: DSM-Firmenich)

[0095] 5) NeobeeM5 (origin: DSM-Firmenich)

[0096] The emulsions obtained were sprayable and remain homogeneous (no visual creaming or sedimentation) after 2 months at 45°C. No significant increase in droplet size was measured after 1 month or 2 months at 45°C, and average sizes remain < 300nm. It was concluded that the emulsions according to the present disclosure were stable.

[0097] Example 2

[0098] In this example, the aqueous phase was prepared by mixing together water, potassium sorbate, and glycerol with a magnetic stirrer. Separately, the oil phase was prepared by mixing perfume, Neobee M5 and Montanov™ S with a magnetic stirrer. The oil phase was heated up to 55°C to accelerate the solubilization of Montanov™ S. Then, the emulsion was prepared using the high-pressure homogenizer process as described previously. The ingredients and amounts are summarized in Table 2 below.

[0099] Table 2.

[0100] 1 ) Montanov™ S (origin: Seppic)

[0101] 2) Glycerol (origin: ThermoScientific)

[0102] 3) Potassium sorbate (origin: AlfaAesar)

[0103] 4) Perfume (origin: DSM-Firmenich) 5) Neobee M5 (origin: DSM-Firmenich)

[0104] The emulsion obtained is sprayable and remains homogeneous (no visual creaming or sedimentation) after 2 months at 45°C. No significant increase in droplet size was measured after 1 month or 2 months at 45°C. It was concluded that the emulsion according to the present disclosure is stable.

[0105] Example 3

[0106] In this example, the aqueous phase was prepared by mixing water and Fluidifeel™ EASY with a magnetic stirrer. Separately, the oil phase was prepared by mixing perfume and Olivem 1000 with a magnetic stirrer. Miglyol® 829 was also added to oil phase in Example G. The oil phase was heated up to 50°C to accelerate the solubilization of Olivem 1000. Then emulsions were prepared using the ultrasonic processor as described previously. The ingredients and amounts are summarized in Table 3 below.

[0107] Table 3. 1 ) Fluidifeel™EASY (origin: Seppic)

[0108] 2) Olivem 1000 (origin: Hallstar)

[0109] 3) Perfume (origin: DSM-Firmenich)

[0110] 4) Miglyol® 829 (origin: IOI Oleo Chemical) The emulsions obtained according to Examples D to G are sprayable and remain homogeneous (no visual creaming or sedimentation) after 2 months at 45°C. No significant increase in droplet size was measured after 1 month or 2 months at 45°C, and average sizes remain < 300nm. It was concluded that the emulsions according to the present disclosure were stable.

[0111] Example 4

[0112] In this example, the aqueous phase was prepared by mixing water, Fluidifeel™ EASY, potassium sorbate and glycerol with a magnetic stirrer. Separately, the oil phase was prepared by mixing perfume, Protelan NMF, and Miglyol® 829 with a magnetic stirrer. The oil phase was heated up to 50°C to accelerate the solubilization of Protelan NMF. Then the emulsions were prepared using the ultrasonic processor as described previously. The ingredients and amounts are summarized in Table 4 below.

[0113] Table 4.

[0114] 1 ) Fluidifeel™EASY (origin: Seppic)

[0115] 2) Protelan NMF (origin: Zschimmer & Schwarz)

[0116] 3) Glycerol (origin: ThermoScientific)

[0117] 4) Potassium sorbate (origin: AlfaAesar)

[0118] 5) Perfume (origin: DSM-Firmenich)

[0119] 6) Miglyol®829 (origin: IOI Oleo Chemical)

[0120] The emulsions obtained are sprayable and remain homogeneous (no visual creaming or sedimentation) after 2 months at 45°C. No significant increase in droplet size was measured after 1 month or 2 months at 45°C, and average sizes remain < 300nm. It was concluded that the emulsions according to the present disclosure were stable.

[0121] Example 5

[0122] In this example, the aqueous phase was prepared by mixing water and potassium sorbate with a magnetic stirrer. Separately, the oil phase was prepared by mixing perfume, Neobee M5 (or Miglyol®829) and Montanov™ S with a magnetic stirrer. The oil phase was heated up to 45°C to accelerate the solubilization of Montanov™ S. Then emulsion was prepared using the ultrasonic processor as described previously. The ingredients and amounts are summarized in Table 5 below.

[0123] Table 5.

[0124] 1) Montanov™ S (origin: Seppic)

[0125] 2) Potassium sorbate (origin: AlfaAesar)

[0126] 3) Perfume (origin: DSM-Firmenich)

[0127] 4) Miglyol®829 (origin: IOI Oleo Chemical) 5) Neobee M5 (origin: DSM-Firmenich)

[0128] The emulsions obtained are sprayable and remain homogeneous (no visual creaming or sedimentation) after 2 months at 45°C. No significant increase in droplet size was measured after 1 month or 2 months at 45°C, with average sizes < 300nm. It was concluded that the emulsions according to the present disclosure were stable. Example 6

[0129] In this example, the aqueous phase was prepared by mixing water and Fluidifeel™ EASY with a magnetic stirrer at 80°C. Separately, the oil phase was prepared by mixing Olivem 1000 and Miglyol® 829 with a magnetic stirrer. The oil phase was heated up to 80°C to accelerate the solubilization of Olivem 1000. Perfume was further added to oil phase at 80°C under mixing for 5 minutes. Then emulsions were prepared using the ultrasonic processor as described previously. The ingredients and amounts are summarized in Table 6 below.

[0130] Table 6. 1 ) Fluidifeel™EASY (origin: Seppic)

[0131] 2) Olivem 1000 (origin: Hallstar)

[0132] 3) Glycerol (origin: ThermoScientific)

[0133] 4) Perfume (origin: DSM-Firmenich)

[0134] 5) Miglyol® 829 (origin: IOI Oleo Chemical)

[0135] The emulsions obtained according to Examples N to Q are sprayable and remain homogeneous (no visual creaming or sedimentation) after 2 months at 45°C. No significant increase in droplet size was measured after 1 month or 2 months at 45°C, and average sizes remain < 300nm, except for example J after 2 months. With an average size of about 410nm after 2 months at 45°C, the emulsion remains anyway small enough in size to keep homogeneity. It was concluded that the emulsions according to the present disclosure were stable.

[0136] Separately, part of the fresh emulsions N to Q were diluted under magnetic stirring with a mix water / glycerol to reach a concentration of 12%wt. of perfume and maintain 2%wt. of glycerol in final emulsions. The diluted emulsions thus obtained were homogeneous and stable after 2 months at 45°C.

[0137] Example 7

[0138] In this example, the aqueous phase was prepared by mixing together water, potassium sorbate, and glycerol with a magnetic stirrer at 80°C. Separately, the oil phase was prepared by mixing Neobee M5 and Montanov™ S with a magnetic stirrer. The oil phase was heated up to 80°C to accelerate the solubilization of Montanov™ S. Perfume was further added and mixed to the oil phase for 5 minutes. Then, the emulsion was prepared using the high-pressure homogenizer process as described previously. The ingredients and amounts are summarized in Table 7 below.

[0139] Table 7.

[0140] 1 ) Montanov™ S (origin: Seppic)

[0141] 2) Olivem 1000 (origin: Hallstar)

[0142] 3) Glycerol (origin: ThermoScientific)

[0143] 4) Potassium sorbate (origin: AlfaAesar) 5) Perfume (origin: DSM-Firmenich)

[0144] 6) Neobee M5 (origin: DSM-Firmenich)

[0145] The emulsions obtained are sprayable and remain homogeneous (no visual creaming or sedimentation) after 2 months at 45°C. No significant increase in droplet size was measured after 1 month or 2 months at 45°C. It was concluded that the emulsions according to the present disclosure are stable.

[0146] Example 8 In this example, the aqueous phase was prepared by mixing water, potassium sorbate and (or not) Fluidifeel™ EASY with a magnetic stirrer at 80°C. Separately, the oil phase was prepared by mixing Olivem 1000, Neobee M5 (or Miglyol® 829), and (or not) Montanov™ S with a magnetic stirrer. The oil phase was heated up to 80°C to accelerate the solubilization of Olivem 1000. Perfume was further added to oil phase at 80°C under mixing for 5 minutes. Then, emulsions were prepared using the high-pressure homogenizer process as described previously. Pentavitin® and Alpaflor® Edelweiss CB were finally added under slow mixing to the emulsions obtained, at room temperature. The ingredients and amounts are summarized in Table 8 below.

[0147] Table 8. 1) Montanov™ S (origin: Seppic)

[0148] 2) Fluidifeel™EASY (origin: Seppic)

[0149] 3) Olivem 1000 (origin: Hallstar)

[0150] 4) Potassium sorbate (origin: AlfaAesar)

[0151] 5) Perfume (origin: DSM-Firmenich)

[0152] 6) Miglyol®829 (origin: IOI Oleo Chemical)

[0153] 7) Neobee M5 (origin: DSM-Firmenich)

[0154] 8) Pentavitin® (origin: DSM-Firmenich)

[0155] 9) Alpaflor® Edelweiss CB (origin: DSM-Firmenich)

[0156] The emulsions obtained are sprayable and remain homogeneous (no visual creaming or sedimentation) after 2 months at 45°C. No significant increase in droplet size was measured after 1 month or 2 months at 45°C, with average sizes < 300nm. It was concluded that the emulsions according to the present disclosure are stable.

[0157] Example 9

[0158] In this example, the aqueous phase was prepared by mixing water, potassium sorbate and Fluidifeel™ EASY with a magnetic stirrer at 80°C. Separately, the oil phase was prepared by mixing Olivem 1000 and Miglyol® 829 with a magnetic stirrer. The oil phase was heated up to 80°C to accelerate the solubilization of Olivem 1000. Perfume was further added to oil phase at 80°C under mixing for 5 minutes. Then the emulsions were prepared using the ultrasonic processor as described previously. Pentavitin® and Alpaflor® Edelweiss CB were finally added under slow mixing to the emulsion obtained, at room temperature. The ingredients and amounts are summarized in Table 9 below.

[0159] Table 9.

[0160] 1) Fluidifeel™EASY (origin: Seppic)

[0161] 2) Olivem 1000 (origin: Hallstar)

[0162] 3) Potassium sorbate (origin: AlfaAesar) 4) Perfume (origin: DSM-Firmenich)

[0163] 5) Miglyol®829 (origin: IOI Oleo Chemical)

[0164] 6) Pentavitin® (origin: DSM-Firmenich)

[0165] 7) Alpaflor® Edelweiss CB (origin: DSM-Firmenich) The emulsion obtained is sprayable and remain homogeneous (no visual creaming or sedimentation) after 2 months at 45°C. No significant increase in droplet size was measured after 1 month or 2 months at 45°C, with average sizes < 300nm. It was concluded that the emulsion according to the present disclosure is stable. Example 10

[0166] In this example, the aqueous phase was prepared by mixing water, Fluidifeel™ EASY, Olivem 1000, Amphisol® K, Butylene glycol, Propylene glycol, Glycerol, Pentylene glycol, Caprylyl glycol and Miglyol®829 with a magnetic stirrer at 80°C. Once all the ingredients were melted and homogeneously dispersed, the mix was cooled down to 60°C. Perfume was further added to the mix at 60°C under mixing for 5 minutes. Then the emulsions were prepared using the ultrasonic processor as described previously. Pentavitin® and Alpaflor® Edelweiss CB were finally added under slow mixing to the emulsions obtained, at room temperature. The ingredients and amounts are summarized in Table 10 below.

[0167] Table 10.

[0168] 1) Fluidifeel™EASY (origin: Seppic)

[0169] 2) Olivem 1000 (origin: Hallstar)

[0170] 3) Amphisol®K (origin: DSM-Firmenich) 4) Butylene glycol (origin: DSM-Firmenich)

[0171] 5) Propylene glycol (origin: DSM-Firmenich)

[0172] 6) Glycerol (origin: ThermoScientific)

[0173] 7) Pentylene glycol (origin: DSM-Firmenich)

[0174] 8) Dermosoft® Octiol (origin: Evonik) 9) Perfume (origin: DSM-Firmenich)

[0175] 10) Miglyol®829 (origin: IOI Oleo Chemical)

[0176] 11 )Pentavitin® (origin: DSM-Firmenich)

[0177] 12)Alpaflor®Edelweiss CB (origin: DSM-Firmenich) The emulsions obtained are sprayable and remain homogeneous (no visual creaming or sedimentation) after 2 months at 45°C. No significant increase in droplet size was measured after 1 month or 2 months at 45°C, with average sizes < 300nm. It was concluded that the emulsions according to the present disclosure are stable.

[0178] Several comparative examples were prepared and are summarized in Table 11 below. The aqueous phase was prepared by mixing together water, Plantacare®810UP (or Plantacare®1200UP, Plantacare®2000UP, Plantacare®818UP), and potassium sorbate with a magnetic stirrer. Perfume alone was the oil phase. Then the emulsions were prepared using the ultrasonic processor as described previously.

[0179] Table 11 .

[0180] 1 ) Plantacare®810UP (origin: BASF)

[0181] 2) Plantacare®1200UP (origin: BASF)

[0182] 3) Plantacare®2000UP (origin: BASF) 4) Plantacare®818UP (origin: BASF)

[0183] 5) Potassium sorbate (origin: AlfaAesar)

[0184] 6) Perfume (origin: DSM-Firmenich)

[0185] The emulsions obtained, although small in average sizes initially, showed instability leading to creaming and phase separation after 1 month at 45°C. It was concluded that these emulsions, not containing a stabilizing ingredient, were not stable.

[0186] The disclosed subject matter has been described with reference to specific details of particular embodiments thereof. It is not intended that such details be regarded as limitations upon the scope of the disclosed subject matter except insofar as and to the extent that they are included in the accompanying claims.

[0187] Therefore, the exemplary embodiments described herein are well adapted to attain the ends and advantages mentioned as well as those that are inherent therein. The particular embodiments disclosed above are illustrative only, as the exemplary embodiments described herein may be modified and practiced in different but equivalent manners apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the teachings herein. Furthermore, no limitations are intended to the details of construction or design herein shown, other than as described in the claims below. It is therefore evident that the particular illustrative embodiments disclosed above may be altered, combined, or modified and all such variations are considered within the scope and spirit of the exemplary embodiments described herein. The exemplary embodiments described herein illustratively disclosed herein suitably may be practiced in the absence of any element that is not specifically disclosed herein and / or any optional element disclosed herein.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:1 . An ethanol-free, oil-in-water emulsion, comprising:- at least one alkyl polyglycoside surfactant;- at least one stabilizing ingredient selected from the group consisting of fatty acid esters, fatty alcohols, and mixtures thereof; and- a perfume mixture in an amount of at least 2% by weight, relative to the total weight of the emulsion; wherein the emulsion is a nanoemulsion, and wherein the emulsion is turbid (milky) in appearance.

2. The emulsion according to claim 1 , wherein the at least one alkyl polyglycoside surfactant is a C8-22 alkyl polyglucoside, typically selected from the group consisting of caprylyl glucoside, capryl glucoside, lauryl glucoside, myristyl glucoside, palmityl glucoside, coco glucoside, and any mixture thereof.

3. The emulsion according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least one alkyl polyglycoside surfactant is present in an amount 0.1 % to 5%, typically 0.2% to 4%, more typically 0.5% to 4% by weight, relative to the total weight of the emulsion.

4. The emulsion according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the emulsion further comprises 2 or more alkyl polyglycoside surfactants.

5. The emulsion according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the total amount of alkyl polyglycoside surfactants is less than 5%, typically less than 4%, more typically less than or equal to 3%, by weight, relative to the total weight of the emulsion.

6. The emulsion according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the at least one stabilizing ingredient is a nonionic fatty acid ester, typically selected from the group consisting of cetearyl olivate, sorbitan olivate, glyceryl stearate, a polyglyceryl fatty acid ester, and any mixture thereof.

7. The emulsion according to claim 6, wherein the polyglyceryl fatty acid ester is selected from the group consisting of diglyceryl monostearate, diglyceryl monooleate, diglyceryl dioleate, diglyceryl monoisostearate, polyglyceryl triisostearate, tetraglyceryl monostearate, tetraglyceryl monooleate, tetraglyceryl tristearate, tetraglyceryl pentastearate, tetraglyceryl pentaoleate, hexaglyceryl monolaurate, hexaglyceryl monomyristate, hexaglyceryl monostearate, hexaglyceryl monooleate, hexaglyceryl tristearate, hexaglyceryl tribehenate, hexaglyceryl pentastearate, hexaglyceryl pentaoleate, hexaglyceryl polyricinoleate, and any mixture thereof.

8. The emulsion according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the at least one stabilizing ingredient is a fatty alcohol, typically C8-24 fatty alcohol.

9. The emulsion according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the at least one stabilizing ingredient is present in an amount 0.05% to 5%, typically 0.1 % to 4%, more typically 0.25% to 4% by weight, relative to the total weight of the emulsion.

10. The emulsion according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the emulsion comprises 2 or more stabilizing ingredients.11 . The emulsion according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the perfume mixture is present in an amount of 2% to 30%, typically 5% to 30%, more typically 10% to 25%, by weight, relative to the total weight of the emulsion.

12. The emulsion according to any one of claims 1 to 11 , wherein the ratio of perfume mixture / alkyl polyglycoside surfactant is at least 4, typically at least 5.

13. The emulsion according to any one of claims 1 to 12, further comprising at least one anionic surfactant, typically a salt of fatty acid esters of lactic acid or poly(lactic acid), or fatty acid amides of amino acids.

14. The emulsion according to any one of claims 1 to 13, further comprising at least one medium chain triglyceride.

15. The emulsion according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the emulsion is free of emulsifiers comprising poly(ethylene oxide) groups, polypropylene oxide) groups, or combinations thereof.

16. The emulsion according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the emulsion is free of lecithin or derivatives thereof.

17. The emulsion according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the emulsion is free of diols.

18. The emulsion according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the emulsion comprises one or more diols, typically selected from the group consisting of 1 ,3- butanediol, 1 ,2-propanediol, 1 ,2-pentanediol, 1 ,2-octanediol, and any mixture thereof.

19. The emulsion according to any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the emulsion is free of synthetic polymers.

20. The emulsion according to any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein the emulsion further comprises one or more benefit agents, typically moisturizers, emollients, opacifiers, humectants, coloring agents, free radical scavengers, antioxidants, chelating agents, POV remediants, pH adjusters, preservative agents, viscosifiers, cooling agents, vitamins, insect repellents, weighting agents, or any combination thereof.21 . The emulsion according to any one of claims 1 to 20, wherein the emulsion is sprayable.

22. The emulsion according to any one of claims 1 to 21 , wherein the emulsion remains homogeneous for at least 1 month at 45°C.

23. The emulsion according to any one of claims 1 to 22, wherein the average droplet size in the emulsion is from 100 nm to 300 nm when freshly prepared.

24. The emulsion according to any one of claims 1 to 23, wherein the emulsion is prepared using a high pressure homogenizer, a high pressure microfluidizer, or an ultrasonic processor.

25. A consumer product comprising the emulsion according to any one of claims 1 to 24.

26. A method for producing the ethanol-free, oil-in-water emulsion according to any one of claims 1 to 24, the method comprising: a. preparing an aqueous mixture comprising water; b. preparing a non-aqueous mixture comprising a perfume mixture and at least one stabilizing ingredient selected from the group consisting of fatty acid esters, fatty alcohols, and mixtures thereof; wherein the aqueous mixture or the non-aqueous mixture comprises at least one alkyl polyglycoside surfactant; c. adding the non-aqueous mixture to the aqueous mixture and optionally homogenizing the resulting combination using a rotor stator device to obtain a coarse emulsion; d. homogenizing the combination or the coarse emulsion using a high pressure homogenizer, a high pressure microfluidizer, or an ultrasonic processor; e. optionally post-treating the emulsion, typically by cooling, diluting, or filtering; thereby producing the emulsion, wherein the perfume mixture is present in an amount of at least 2%, more typically at least 10% by weight, relative to the total weight of the emulsion.

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