Fatty acids and fatty acid salts with excellent preservative properties

Abstract

The present invention provides mixed medium-chain fatty acids or salts thereof. In particular, the present invention provides: i) two types of mixed medium-chain fatty acids having different numbers of carbon atoms; or ii) mixed medium-chain fatty acids salts in which the mixed medium-chain fatty acids and an alkali metal basic compound are neutralized, wherein each of the mixed medium-chain fatty acids have 10 and 12 carbon atoms, and an alkali metal of the alkali metal basic compound includes at least one selected from the group consisting of potassium, sodium, lithium and zinc. In addition, a cosmetic or household product composition containing the mixed medium-chain fatty acids or salts thereof is provided.

Description

Fatty acids and fatty acid salts with excellent preservative properties

[0001] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0090750, filed July 9, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. The present invention relates to mixed fatty acids or fatty acid salts thereof; and uses thereof, and more particularly, the present invention relates to fatty acids or fatty acid salts which have excellent antiseptic properties and can be used as preservatives in cosmetics and daily necessities, and which reduce unpleasant odors caused by raw materials derived from short-carbon fatty acids; and uses thereof.

[0002] Preservatives are substances added to inhibit or prevent the growth of microorganisms. Currently, preservatives play an essential role in various fields, including cosmetics, household goods, pharmaceuticals, and food, by inhibiting microbial growth and preventing product spoilage. However, concerns have been raised about the potential for adverse effects, such as hormonal disruption and skin irritation, of existing chemical preservatives, particularly synthetic preservatives like parabens and phenoxyethanol, to accumulate in the human body. Furthermore, some preservatives are only effective against certain microorganisms or their efficacy declines over time.

[0003] To address these issues, active research into natural preservatives has been conducted. However, natural preservatives have weaker antibacterial properties than synthetic ones, can cause allergic reactions, and often require high concentrations, increasing production costs. Furthermore, the potential for the harmful effects of natural preservatives to be revealed over a long period of time makes safety verification difficult.

[0004] Therefore, research is being conducted to develop natural preservatives that are not harmful to the human body and have fewer side effects, unlike existing preservatives.

[0005] The present invention provides a novel mixed fatty acid or its fatty acid salt. The present invention provides a fatty acid or its fatty acid salt that exhibits excellent preservative properties, reduces off-flavors, and exhibits excellent low-temperature stability. Furthermore, the present invention provides novel uses for the fatty acid or its fatty acid salt, and compositions comprising the same.

[0006] One embodiment of the present invention provides a mixed medium-chain fatty acid or a fatty acid salt thereof. Preferably, the present invention provides a mixed fatty acid salt obtained by mixing the mixed medium-chain fatty acid and an alkali metal basic compound that neutralizes the fatty acid.

[0007] One embodiment of the present invention provides a mixed medium chain fatty acid salt comprising i) two kinds of mixed medium chain fatty acids having different carbon atoms; or ii) a mixed medium chain fatty acid salt in which the mixed medium chain fatty acids and an alkali metal basic compound are neutralized, wherein the mixed medium chain fatty acids have 10 and 12 carbon atoms, respectively, and the alkali metal of the alkali metal basic compound may include at least one selected from the group consisting of potassium, sodium, lithium, and zinc.

[0008] In one embodiment, the fatty acid or its fatty acid salt of the present invention may be used as a substitute for a preservative. Preferably, the preservative is used as a substitute for terms such as preservative, antibacterial agent, etc., and may be used for the purpose of inhibiting the growth and proliferation of microorganisms.

[0009] In one embodiment, the fatty acid or its fatty acid salt of the present invention can be used in cosmetics, household goods, or pharmaceuticals. The present invention provides a cosmetic, household goods, or pharmaceutical composition comprising the fatty acid or its fatty acid salt. Preferably, the cosmetic, household goods, or pharmaceutical composition comprising the fatty acid or its fatty acid salt can have excellent preservative properties even without using preservatives commonly used in the industry. More preferably, the cosmetic, household goods, or pharmaceutical composition comprising the fatty acid or its fatty acid salt of the present invention can substantially not contain preservatives commonly used in the industry.

[0010] One embodiment of the present invention provides i) two kinds of mixed medium-chain fatty acids having different carbon numbers; or ii) a mixed medium-chain fatty acid salt in which the mixed medium-chain fatty acids and an alkali metal basic compound are neutralized. The mixed medium-chain fatty acid or a salt thereof can also be provided as a cosmetic, household product, or pharmaceutical composition.

[0011] In the present invention, the term “medium-chain fatty acid” is a term commonly used in the industry, and refers to a type of fatty acid having a carbon chain length of 6 to 12. In the present invention, preferably, the mixed medium-chain fatty acid or its salt has 10 and 12 carbon atoms, respectively. Among various fatty acids, in particular, a fatty acid having 10 and 12 carbon atoms mixed at a certain ratio provides excellent preservative properties while having a low off-odor, and thus has excellent usability. The alkali metal of the alkali metal basic compound neutralized with the medium-chain fatty acid may include at least one selected from the group consisting of potassium, sodium, lithium, and zinc. Preferably, the medium-chain fatty acid may be a mixed fatty acid of capric acid and lauric acid, which includes capric acid and lauric acid at a certain mixing ratio.

[0012] The mixed medium-chain fatty acid salt according to the present invention may have a weight ratio of medium-chain fatty acid having 10 carbon atoms to medium-chain fatty acid having 12 carbon atoms of 7 to 12:1, 8 to 10:1, or 8.5 to 9.5:1. When the content is within the above range, the effect of the present invention may be more excellent.

[0013] The above alkali metal basic compound may include at least one selected from the group consisting of potassium hydroxide (KOH), potassium carbonate (K2CO3), sodium hydroxide (NaOH), sodium carbonate (Na2CO3), lithium hydroxide (LiOH), zinc hydroxide (Zn(OH)2), and zinc carbonate (ZnCO3), and preferably may include potassium carbonate (K2CO3).

[0014] The above alkali metal basic compound may be included in a molar ratio of 0.5 to 2, preferably in a molar ratio of 0.6 to 1.5, and more preferably in a molar ratio of 0.8 to 1.2 relative to the mixed medium-chain fatty acid.

[0015] The antiseptic of the present invention generally has an antiseptic effect against microorganisms found in cosmetics or daily necessities, and may have an antibacterial or antiseptic effect against at least one selected from the group consisting of E. coli, S. aureus, P. aeruginosa, A. brasiliensis, and C. albicans, which are evaluated according to international antiseptic test standards, but are not limited to the examples of the above microorganisms.

[0016] The present invention provides a cosmetic, daily necessities, or pharmaceutical composition comprising the fatty acid or its fatty acid salt. The fatty acid or its fatty acid salt of the present invention may be included in an amount of 0.5 to 5 wt% relative to the total weight of the cosmetic, daily necessities, or pharmaceutical composition.

[0017] The mixed medium-chain fatty acid of the present invention can be obtained by the following method.

[0018] (S1) A step of dissolving two types of medium-chain fatty acids and a solvent at a temperature of 40 to 80°C to obtain a solution;

[0019] (S2) A step of obtaining a mixed fatty acid by stirring the mixture obtained in step (S1) and then cooling it to room temperature.

[0020] The above solvent may be a natural oil in the form of triglyceride, alcohol, etc.

[0021] The mixed medium-chain fatty acid salt of the present invention can be obtained by the following method.

[0022] (S1) A step of dissolving an alkali metal basic compound in water at a temperature of 40 to 80°C to obtain a solution;

[0023] (S2) a step of adding a mixed fatty acid containing two types of medium-chain fatty acids to the above solution; and

[0024] (S3) A step of obtaining a mixed fatty acid salt by stirring the mixture obtained in step (S2) and then cooling it to room temperature.

[0025] The mixed fatty acids and their fatty acid salts of the present invention provide excellent preservative properties and can reduce off-flavors. A composition comprising the mixed fatty acids and their fatty acid salts of the present invention can maintain stability without layer separation even at low temperatures.

[0026] One embodiment of the present invention provides i) two kinds of mixed medium chain fatty acids having different carbon numbers; or ii) a mixed medium chain fatty acid salt in which the mixed medium chain fatty acids and an alkali metal basic compound are neutralized.

[0027] One embodiment of the present invention provides a mixed medium chain fatty acid salt comprising i) two kinds of mixed medium chain fatty acids having different carbon atoms; or ii) a mixed medium chain fatty acid salt in which the mixed medium chain fatty acids and an alkali metal basic compound are neutralized, wherein the mixed medium chain fatty acids have 10 and 12 carbon atoms, respectively, and the alkali metal of the alkali metal basic compound may include at least one selected from the group consisting of potassium, sodium, lithium, and zinc.

[0028] One embodiment of the present invention provides a cosmetic, household product, or pharmaceutical composition comprising the fatty acid or its fatty acid salt. The fatty acid or its fatty acid salt according to the present invention can be used as a substitute for preservatives commonly used in the industry. Preferably, the term "preservative" used herein is used interchangeably with terms such as "preservative" or "antibacterial agent," and can be used to inhibit the growth and proliferation of microorganisms.

[0029] Preferably, the mixed medium-chain fatty acids or fatty acid salts thereof used in the present invention have 10 and 12 carbon atoms, respectively. The fatty acids of the present invention used hereinafter may be understood to mean mixed medium-chain fatty acids having 10 and 12 carbon atoms. Among various fatty acids, fatty acids having 10 and 12 carbon atoms mixed in a certain ratio in particular provide excellent preservative properties while having little off-flavor, resulting in excellent usability. In addition, a composition comprising the fatty acid or fatty acid salt thereof can maintain a single layer without layer separation even at low temperatures. Here, low-temperature stability may be understood as checking whether the composition is restored to a single-phase liquid when stored at 1 atm, 0°C, and then left at 25°C for 5 hours.

[0030] The alkali metal of the alkali metal basic compound neutralized with the above medium-chain fatty acid may include at least one selected from the group consisting of potassium, sodium, lithium, and zinc. In addition, the solvent capable of dissolving the medium-chain fatty acid used to obtain the above mixed medium-chain fatty acid may include at least one selected from triglycerides and alcohols.

[0031] The inventors of the present invention have completed the present invention to provide a safe fatty acid or its fatty acid salt while inhibiting the growth of microorganisms.

[0032] The fatty acid or its fatty acid salt of the present invention has little off-flavor and excellent preservative properties, does not separate at low temperatures, and can stably maintain a single layer.

[0033] Here, "off-flavor" refers to an unpleasant odor and can be used to encompass any unpleasant odor. For example, the unpleasant odor of hydrocarbons that make up fatty acids can also be included in the term "off-flavor."

[0034] According to one embodiment of the present invention, among various fatty acids, fatty acids having 10 and 12 carbon atoms in particular can provide excellent preservative properties while reducing off-flavors, thereby improving usability. In the alkali metal basic compound neutralized with the medium-chain fatty acid within the above range, the alkali metal may include at least one selected from the group consisting of potassium, sodium, lithium, and zinc.

[0035] The above medium-chain fatty acids may be saturated or unsaturated fatty acids, and preferably include saturated fatty acids. The fatty acids may preferably be capric acid and lauric acid. Mixed medium-chain fatty acids or their salts, which are mixtures of these, have low off-flavors, excellent preservative properties, and can stably maintain a single layer at low temperatures.

[0036] In one specific example of the present invention, the fatty acid or its fatty acid salt may not contain a saturated or unsaturated fatty acid having 8 or fewer carbon atoms and 14 or more carbon atoms.

[0037] The mixed medium-chain fatty acid or fatty acid salt thereof according to the present invention may have a weight ratio of medium-chain fatty acid having 10 carbon atoms to medium-chain fatty acid having 12 carbon atoms of 7 to 12:1, 8 to 10:1, or 8.5 to 9.5:1. When the content is within the above range, it may be advantageous to achieve the purpose of the present invention.

[0038] The alkali metal basic compound includes at least one selected from the group consisting of potassium hydroxide (KOH), potassium carbonate (K2CO3), sodium hydroxide (NaOH), sodium carbonate (Na2CO3), lithium hydroxide (LiOH), zinc hydroxide (Zn(OH)2), and zinc carbonate (ZnCO3), and particularly, potassium carbonate (K2CO3) can be used as the alkali metal basic compound. Potassium carbonate may be preferable for the purpose of the present invention. The alkali metal basic compound is included in a molar ratio of 0.5 to 2 with respect to the mixed medium-chain fatty acid, preferably in a molar ratio of 0.6 to 1.5, and more preferably in a molar ratio of 0.8 to 1.2. When included in the above molar ratio, it is advantageous in terms of preservative power and off-flavor, and fatty acids can be completely neutralized.

[0039] The above alkali metal basic compound can neutralize with mixed medium-chain fatty acids to form fatty acid salts.

[0040] Examples of fatty acid salts obtained by saponifying the above-mentioned mixed fatty acid and alkaline compound include a mixed salt of potassium / sodium laurate, a mixed salt of potassium / sodium capric acid, etc., and such salts may have excellent preservative properties and less off-flavor.

[0041] The term "preservative" as used herein refers to a substance that possesses antiseptic or antibacterial properties, preventing product deterioration and maintaining its original state over a long period of time. It may be used interchangeably with terms such as "preservative" and "antibacterial agent."

[0042] The preservative power used in the present invention generally means having a preservative effect against microorganisms found in cosmetics or daily necessities, and may have an antibacterial or preservative effect against any one or more selected from the group consisting of Escherichia coli (E. coli), Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa), Aspergillus brasiliensis (A. brasiliensis), and Candida albicans (C. albicans) evaluated according to international preservative power test standards, but is not limited to the examples of the microorganisms. Here, examples of the international preservative power test standards include the PCPC (CTFA) guideline, the USP 51 guideline, and the ISO 11930 test method. The preservative power may mean inhibiting the growth of microorganisms, having an antibacterial effect against the microorganisms, or having an effect of preventing spoilage caused by the microorganisms.

[0043] The fatty acid or its fatty acid salt according to the present invention can be used in cosmetics, household goods, pharmaceuticals, etc., and can be used in any product that can typically contain a fatty acid or fatty acid salt. Specifically, it can be used in cosmetics, quasi-drugs, external skin preparations, personal care products, household goods, pharmaceuticals, etc.

[0044] The mixed medium-chain fatty acid or fatty acid salt thereof of the present invention may be used in a cosmetic, daily necessities or pharmaceutical composition. Preferably, the composition may substantially not contain a conventionally used preservative or preservative, and may, for example, contain 1 wt% or less, 0.5 wt% or less, 0.1 wt% or less, 0.05 wt% or less, 0.01 wt% or less of other preservatives in the composition, and preferably, may not contain any at all. Examples of conventionally used preservatives include, but are not limited to, paraben preservatives such as methylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben, and butylparaben, imidazolidinyl urea, diazolidinyl urea, phenoxyethanol, benzoic acid, sodium benzoate, sorbic acid, potassium sorbate, and triclosan.

[0045] The term “cosmetic composition” as used herein refers to a product applied to the human body to maintain or promote the health of the skin, hair, etc., and is a concept encompassing all compositions applied to the skin, and may include, for example, emollient toner, nourishing toner, moisturizing cream, skin lotion, skin softener, skin toner, lotion, milk lotion, moisture lotion, nourishing lotion, massage cream, nourishing cream, moisture cream, hand cream, foundation, essence, ampoule, gel, eye cream, spray, nourishing essence, pack, soap, cleansing foam, cleansing lotion, cleansing cream, cleansing water, powder, body lotion, body cream, body oil, body essence, body wash, soap, body cleanser, disinfectant, shower foam, hand wash, conditioning agent, facial cleanser, shampoo, rinse, treatment, hair pack, etc., and the type is not particularly limited as long as it is applied to the skin and used to promote the health of the skin, hair, etc.

[0046] "Household products" may be used interchangeably with personal care products, personal hygiene products, or personal care products, and are understood to mean any substance or preparation intended to be applied to the skin, teeth, or mucous membranes of the human body for hygiene or cosmetic purposes, or to inhibit, eliminate, or prevent organisms or microorganisms invading from the outside, without legal considerations for cosmetics or drugs. Examples include, but are not limited to, deodorants, toothpaste, mouthwash, shampoo, wet wipes, and hand or foot cleansers.

[0047] “Pharmaceutical product” refers to a product used to treat diseases of the human body, etc., and may include various dosage forms according to the classification of finished pharmaceutical products by dosage form group in the Korean Pharmacopoeia, and may preferably include ointments, creams, pastes, liniments (liquid semi-solid), eye ointments, suppositories, gels, oral semi-solids, rectal semi-solids, vaginal suppositories, enemas (liquid, semi-solid), ear drops (semi-solid), etc. included in the ointment dosage form group.

[0048] The cosmetic, household product or pharmaceutical composition of the present invention may additionally include additives such as purified water, a carrier, an emulsifier, a moisturizer, a skin conditioning agent, a surfactant, a chelating agent, an antioxidant, an antiseptic, a bactericide, a stabilizer, a preservative, a pH regulator, a lubricant, a solubilizer, and a solvent.

[0049] Preferably, a composition may be provided comprising i) two kinds of mixed medium-chain fatty acids having different carbon atoms; or ii) a mixed medium-chain fatty acid salt in which the mixed medium-chain fatty acids and an alkali metal basic compound are neutralized, wherein the medium-chain fatty acids have 10 and 12 carbon atoms, respectively, and the alkali metal of the alkali metal basic compound comprises at least one selected from the group consisting of potassium, sodium, lithium, and zinc, and preferably, the composition may comprise a solvent. Here, the solvent may include water, an organic solvent (a lower alcohol having 1 to 4 carbon atoms), and the like, and the solvent is not particularly limited.

[0050] The above mixed medium-chain fatty acid or its fatty acid salt may be included in an amount of 0.5 to 5 wt%, preferably 0.7 to 3.5 wt%, and more preferably 0.85 to 3 wt%, relative to the total weight of the entire cosmetic, household product, or pharmaceutical composition.

[0051] The mixed medium-chain fatty acid of the present invention can be obtained by the following method.

[0052] (S1) A step of dissolving two types of medium-chain fatty acids and a solvent at a temperature of 40 to 80°C to obtain a solution; and

[0053] (S2) A step of obtaining a mixed fatty acid may be included by stirring the mixture obtained in the step (S1) and then cooling it to room temperature.

[0054] Here, the temperature of the above step (S1) may be 50 to 70°C, preferably 55 to 65°C, and preferably 58 to 63°C. The above temperature range may be advantageous in achieving the purpose of the present invention.

[0055] The above solvent may be a natural oil in the form of a triglyceride, an alcohol, etc. Here, an example of a natural oil may include MCT oil made by mixing caprylic acid, capric acid, lauric acid, etc., and an example of an alcohol may include, without limitation, a lower alcohol, a higher alcohol, etc.

[0056] The mixed medium-chain fatty acid salt of the present invention can be obtained by the following method.

[0057] (S1) A step of dissolving an alkali metal basic compound in a solvent (preferably water) at a temperature of 40 to 80°C to obtain a solution;

[0058] (S2) a step of adding a mixed fatty acid containing two types of medium-chain fatty acids to the above solution; and

[0059] (S3) A step of obtaining a mixed fatty acid salt by stirring the mixture obtained in step (S2) and then cooling it to room temperature may be included.

[0060] Here, the temperature of the above step (S1) may be 50 to 70°C, preferably 55 to 65°C, and preferably 58 to 63°C. The above temperature range may be advantageous in achieving the purpose of the present invention.

[0061]

[0062] The composition containing the fatty acid or fatty acid salt thereof of the present invention, preferably a cosmetic composition, a daily necessities product, or a pharmaceutical product, may not contain a separate preservative. The separate preservatives mentioned herein include paraben preservatives such as methylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben, and butylparaben, imidazolidinyl urea, diazolidinyl urea, phenoxyethanol, benzoic acid, sodium benzoate, sorbic acid, potassium sorbate, and triclosan, and these ingredients may not be substantially included in the composition. Here, “not substantially included” includes a case where these ingredients are not included at all.

[0063]

[0064] Example

[0065] 1. Method for producing fatty acid salts

[0066] 1) Add potassium Carbonate (K2CO3) to a certain amount of water at 60℃ and completely dissolve it.

[0067] 2) At this time, the potassium carbonate content was set to a molar ratio of 0.8 to 1.2 compared to fatty acid.

[0068] 3) Fatty acids were slowly added to a solution containing water and potassium carbonate to form fatty acid salts. The following mixed fatty acids were used.

[0069] 4) After adding fatty acids, stirring was performed at 60°C for 2 hours, then the temperature was lowered to room temperature and manufacturing was completed.

[0070]

[0071] 2. Method for producing mixed fatty acids

[0072] Mixed fatty acids and MCT (Medium Chain Triglycerides) oil were added to a mixer at a set ratio. After addition, the mixture was stirred at 60°C to ensure complete mixing, then the temperature was lowered to room temperature to complete manufacturing.

[0073]

[0074] Through the processes 1. and 2. above, fatty acids and fatty acid salts having the prescriptions in Table 1 below were prepared. C1012 below means a mixture of fatty acids having 10 carbon atoms (C10) and 12 carbon atoms (C12), and the numbers on the right indicate the mixing ratio.

[0075] C08 acidC10 acidC12 acidK2CO3WaterMCT oilExperimental example 1 (C1012 9:1 mixed fatty acid salt)-2731258-Experimental example 2 (C1012 9:1 fatty acid)-728--20Experimental example 3 (C1012 5:5 mixed fatty acid salt)-15151258-Experimental example 4 (C1012 5:5 mixed fatty acid)-4040--20Experimental example 5 (C0810 5:5 mixed fatty acid)4040---20Experimental example 6 (C10 sole fatty acid salt)-30-1258-Experimental example 7 (C12 sole fatty acid salt)-301258-

[0076] Here, C10 and C12 represent capric acid and lauric acid, respectively.

[0077]

[0078] 3. Evaluation of preservative performance and low-temperature stability of fatty acids and their fatty acid salts according to the present invention

[0079] The preservative performance and low-temperature stability were evaluated using the mixed fatty acids and fatty acid salts in Table 1 above.

[0080] The preservative performance was confirmed through the MIC (Minimum Inhibitory Concentration) evaluation method.

[0081] Low-temperature stability was confirmed by melting the mixed fatty acids and fatty acid salts in Table 1 above at 25°C for 5 hours after storing them at 0°C for 10 hours to determine whether they recovered to a single-phase liquid.

[0082] MIC(%)Low temperature stabilityE. coliS. aureusP. aeruginosaC. albicansA. brasiliensisExperimental Example 1 C1012 9:1 mixed fatty acid salts 1.25< 0.156 1.25< 0.156< 0.156Recovery (single phase)Experimental Example 2 C1012 9:1 mixed fatty acid salts 1.25< 0.156 1.25< 0.156< 0.156Recovery (single phase)Experimental Example 3 C1012 5:5 mixed fatty acid salts 2.5< 0.156 2.5< 0.156< 0.156Not recovered (layer separation)Experimental Example 4 C1012 5:5 mixed fatty acid salts 2.5< 0.156 2.5< 0.156< 0.156Not recovered (layer separation)Experimental Example 5 (C0810 5:5 mixed fatty acid salts) 0.31< 0.156 2.5< 0.156< 0.156Recovery (single phase)Experimental example 6C10 Sole fatty acid salt 0.31< 0.1562.50.31< 0.156Not recovered (layer separation)Experimental example 7C12 Sole fatty acid salt 2.5< 0.15650.310.31Not recovered (layer separation)

[0083]

[0084] 4. Evaluation of preservative power and off-flavor of cosmetic compositions containing fatty acids and fatty acid salts thereof according to the present invention

[0085] The preservative properties and off-flavor were evaluated using the fatty acids and fatty acid salts in Table 1 above.

[0086] As an example of a cosmetic composition, the preservative activity was confirmed through a challenge test (ISO 11930A) by adding a certain amount of the composition to the human body cleanser composition in Table 3. OK indicates compliance with the ISO 11930A standard, and NG indicates noncompliance.

[0087] Off-flavor was assessed by consumer sensory evaluation using a cosmetic composition as an example, adding a certain amount of the composition to the human body cleanser composition in Table 3. Ten consumers were asked to rate the off-flavor on a scale of 5 to 1, indicating a milder off-flavor and a stronger off-flavor on a scale of 1 to 5. The average score was recorded.

[0088] Example 1 Example 2 Comparative Example 1 Comparative Example 2 Comparative Example 3 Comparative Example 4 Comparative Example 5 Evaluation Composition Alpha Olefin Sulfonate (35%) 10101010101010 Cocamidopropyl Betaine 3333333 Alkyl (C0814) Polyglucoside 2222222 Salt (NaCl) 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 Experimental Example 1 (C1012 9 : 1 mixed fatty acid salt) 2.5 --- Experimental Example 2 (C1012 9 : 1 fatty acid) - 1.25 --- Experimental Example 3 (C1012 5 : 5 mixed fatty acid salt) -- 2.5 --- Experimental Example 4 (C1012 5:5 mixed fatty acid) --- 1.25 --- Experimental Example 5 (C0810 5 : 5 mixed Fatty acid)----1.25-C10 sole fatty acid-----1.25-C12 sole fatty acid------1.25pH regulator (pH 6~7)qsqsqsqsqsqsqsqsIon exchange waterto 100to 100to 100to 100to 100to 100to 100Evaluation resultChallenge test resultOKOKNGNGOKOKNGOdor evaluation4.54.55523.55

[0089] The results of the challenge tests for the examples and comparative examples are recorded in Table 3. Examples 1 and 2 had excellent antimicrobial effects and little off-flavor, making them suitable for use in cosmetics, household goods, etc., but Comparative Examples 1, 2, and 5 had poor antimicrobial effects, and Comparative Examples 3 and 4 had residual off-flavors, making them unsuitable for use.

[0090]

[0091] The present invention provides a fatty acid or a fatty acid salt thereof having excellent preservative properties, reduced odor, and excellent low-temperature stability; or a composition comprising the same, preferably a cosmetic composition or a daily necessities composition.

Claims

1. i) Two mixed medium-chain fatty acids having different carbon numbers; or ii) A mixed medium-chain fatty acid salt in which the above mixed medium-chain fatty acid and an alkali metal basic compound are neutralized. Here, the mixed medium-chain fatty acids have 10 and 12 carbon atoms, respectively, The alkali metal of the above alkali metal basic compound includes at least one selected from the group consisting of potassium, sodium, lithium, and zinc.

2. In paragraph 1, i) the mixed medium-chain fatty acid or ii) the mixed medium-chain fatty acid salt is a mixed medium-chain fatty acid or a salt thereof, characterized in that the weight ratio of the medium-chain fatty acid having 10 carbon atoms: the medium-chain fatty acid having 12 carbon atoms is 8.5 to 9.5:

1.

3. In the first paragraph, the alkali metal basic compound is characterized in that at least one selected from the group consisting of potassium hydroxide (KOH), potassium carbonate (K2CO3), sodium hydroxide (NaOH), sodium carbonate (Na2CO3), lithium hydroxide (LiOH), zinc hydroxide (Zn(OH)2), and zinc carbonate (ZnCO3), or a mixed medium-chain fatty acid or a salt thereof.

4. In the first paragraph, the alkali metal basic compound is a mixed medium-chain fatty acid salt included in a molar ratio of 0.8 to 1.2 with respect to the mixed medium-chain fatty acid.

5. In the first paragraph, the mixed fatty acid or salt thereof is characterized in that it has a preservative effect.

6. A cosmetic or daily necessities composition comprising a mixed medium-chain fatty acid or a salt thereof according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. A cosmetic or daily necessities composition according to claim 6, characterized in that the mixed fatty acid or its salt is contained in an amount of 0.5 to 5 wt% relative to the total weight of the cosmetic or daily necessities composition.

8. A cosmetic or daily necessities composition according to claim 7, characterized in that the composition does not contain a separate preservative.