Mitigation of heterocyclic compounds in compositions with acetylated amino acid

By adding acetylated amino acids and peptides to surfactant preparations, the formation of dioxane is mitigated, enhancing stability and safety in alcohol alkoxy sulfate-based products.

WO2026073753A1PCT designated stage Publication Date: 2026-04-09UNILEVER IP HLDG BV +2
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
WO · WO
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2025-09-22
Publication Date
2026-04-09

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing surfactant preparations and end use products containing alcohol alkoxy sulfates face instability issues leading to the formation of heterocyclic compounds like dioxane, which affect product characteristics and consumer safety, particularly when exposed to fluctuations in bacteria content, temperature, and pH.

Method used

Incorporation of acetylated amino acids, acetylated homooligopeptides, or their mixtures, along with optional mitigation boosters such as B vitamins and antioxidants, into surfactant preparations to reduce dioxane formation by modifying pH, temperature, and water activity.

Benefits of technology

The method significantly reduces dioxane formation by up to 17.5% in surfactant preparations and end use products, maintaining stability and safety over time, even under varying conditions.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The present invention is directed to a surfactant preparation and end use product comprising alcohol alkoxy sulfates where the preparation and composition display mitigation in dioxane formation when acetylated amino acid component is present in the surfactant preparation and end use product.
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Description

[0001] P0001081 CPL

[0002] 1

[0003] MITIGATION OF HETEROCYCLIC COMPOUNDS IN COMPOSITIONS WITH ACETYLATED AMINO ACID

[0004] Field of the Invention

[0005] 5 The present invention is directed to mitigation of heterocyclic compound formation in compositions comprising alcohol alkoxy sulfates. More particularly, the invention is directed to mitigating the formation of a heterocyclic compound having at least one ether bond, the heterocyclic compound including dioxane isomers like 1 ,2-, 1 ,3-, and 1 ,4-dioxane or a combination thereof, and especially, 1 ,4-dioxane formation in such compositions. The compositions will typically comprise water and can be a surfactant preparation (i.e. , ingredient or additive) for addition with other ingredients to make an end use product, or an end use product like a detergent composition, shampoo, body wash or hand wash having the alcohol alkoxy sulfate as surfactant. Both the surfactant preparation and end use product can, optionally, be formulated substantially free of at least one component which is a paraben, hydantoin, isothiazolinone, phthalate, dye, fragrance, acrylate-based thickener, alkyl

[0006] 15 sulfate, and silicone oil. It has been unexpectedly discovered that the mitigation or reduction in dioxane formation can be achieved with the inclusion of certain mitigation components to such compositions.

[0007] Background of the Invention

[0008] 20 Wash compositions are typically employed to cleanse hair and skin, and to reduce shine associated with sebum produced in specialized epithelial cells known as sebocytes. They are also used to minimize bacteria on the hands and face such that washing is viewed as the most effective way to prevent the spread of germs and bacteria. In fact, experts believe that periodic washing throughout the day can reduce the number of consumers catching colds by about 50%. In addition to skin, wash

[0009] 25 compositions are conventionally used on hair and to clean objects within the home, like countertops, bathroom fixtures, windows, and clothes.

[0010] Consumers demand wash compositions that clean and lather or foam well. Salts of alkyl sulfates (e.g., sodium lauryl or sodium coco sulfate) are common anionic surfactants used in many consumer

[0011] 30 products due to their affordability, ease of making and versatility. In fact, these surfactants are suitable for use not only in cleaning products but in toothpastes, and foods (in certain countries), including marshmallows, juices and dehydrated egg products. Notwithstanding their many positive attributes and uses, some consumers with sensitive skin may conclude alkyl sulfates and salts P0001081 CPL

[0012] 2 thereof can dry their skin or leave the skin feeling tender and rough. In view of this, many consumer products are formulated with the “child surfactant” of alkyl sulfates (i.e., those having alkylene oxide groups via an alkoxylation, like ethoxylation), and particularly, anionic surfactants known as alcohol alkoxy sulfates and salts of the same. Common alcohol alkoxy sulfates used in consumer products

[0013] 5 include, for example, sodium lauryl ether sulfate (SLES or sodium laureth sulfate) and sodium pareth sulfate (SPES), the former being synthetically manufactured, or made from components derived from natural plant materials, whereby the latter is prepared with synthetic components. The alcohol alkoxy sulfates are often desired since they too are versatile, affordable and available but can be milder on skin. Also, alcohol alkoxy sulfates change the lather or foaming profile of wash compositions they are used in, a profile preferred by a subset of consumers.

[0014] While alcohol alkoxy sulfates have many positive attributes, a drawback to using such anionic surfactants is that they can be unstable when supplied in a surfactant preparation and when formulated within an end use product, like a wash composition. Without being bound by theory, a

[0015] 15 multitude of variables, including fluctuations in bacteria content, temperature and pH may likely be contributors to the destabilization of the surfactants over time. Whatever the origin of degradation, alcohol alkoxy sulfates do display a form of degradation such that alkoxy portions or radicals form the heterocyclic compounds, i.e., dioxane, especially 1 ,4-dioxane, in the preparations and products they are included in. The presence of dioxane can impact characteristics of the compositions they

[0016] 20 are present in, including aroma.

[0017] Dioxane formation from surfactant degradation in surfactant preparations (including those being stored) and end use products is in addition to dioxane formation that is often seen during the surfactant manufacturing process (e.g., fatty alcohol ethoxylation with ethylene oxide followed by

[0018] 25 terminal OH group sulfation with sulfuric acid or SO3gas). Removal of dioxane produced or discovered from the manufacturing process is common and such removal involves conventional techniques. Some of these techniques rely on energy intensive equipment, like evaporators and heaters, to vaporize dioxane and water present in an aqueous dioxane feedstock, producing a “scrubbed” composition that can be diluted and used. Other methods include the addition of alcohols,

[0019] 30 hydrotropes, and antioxidants to solutions with alkyl ether sulfate surfactants in amounts effective to reduce the formation of 1 ,4-dioxane. P0001081 CPL

[0020] 3

[0021] It is of increasing interest to mitigate heterocyclic compound formation in compositions comprising alcohol alkoxy sulfates, especially when in surfactant preparations post manufacturing and end use products (i.e., in situ formation often referred to as heterocyclic compound drift). More particularly, it is highly desirable to achieve such a result with components suitable to impart skin benefits when

[0022] 5 they are topically applied. The present invention, therefore, is directed to mitigating the formation of heterocyclic compound having at least one ether bond, the heterocyclic compound including dioxane isomers like 1 ,2-, 1 ,3-, and 1 ,4-dioxane or a combination thereof, and especially 1 ,4-dioxane formation, in such compositions. The compositions will typically comprise water and can be a surfactant preparation (i.e., ingredient or additive) for addition with other ingredients to make an end use product, or an end use product like a detergent composition, shampoo, body wash or hand wash having the alcohol alkoxy sulfate as surfactant. Both the surfactant preparation and end use product can, optionally, be formulated substantially free of at least one of paraben, hydantoin, isothiazolinone, phthalate, dye, fragrance, acrylate-based, alkyl sulfate, and silicone oil. It has been unexpectedly discovered that the mitigation or reduction in dioxane formation can be achieved with

[0023] 15 the inclusion of mitigation components to such compositions.

[0024] Additional Information

[0025] Efforts have been disclosed for mitigating 1 ,4-dioxane and 1 ,4-dioxane precursors in surfactant solutions. In WO 23205152 A1 , a method for eliminating such materials from solutions by adding

[0026] 20 one or more common ingredients, such as an alcohol, hydrotrope or antioxidant, is described.

[0027] Other efforts have been disclosed for degrading 1 ,4-dioxane in wastewater. In U.S. Patent Application No. 2023116436 A1 , a catalyst free method for degrading dioxane that utilizes ozone and hydrogen peroxide is described.

[0028] 25

[0029] Even other efforts have been disclosed for slowing dioxane production. In U.S. Patent Application No. 2023 / 0119920 A1 , a method is described for producing a reduced glycol fatty alcohol ethoxylate material that includes removing at least a portion of glycol in the fatty alcohol ethoxylate.

[0030] 30 Still other efforts have been disclosed to reduce 1 ,4-dioxane in materials. In WO 2021 / 171209 A1 , steps to reduce 1 ,4-dioxane by-product using a double metal cyanide catalyst are described. P0001081 CPL

[0031] 4

[0032] In United States Patent No. 11 ,548,794, a method for removing chemical contaminants with nanofiltration and reverse osmosis is described.

[0033] None of the additional information describes mitigation of heterocyclic compound formation as

[0034] 5 claimed herein.

[0035] Summary of the Invention

[0036] In a first aspect, the present invention is directed to a method for reducing dioxane formation in a surfactant preparation comprising: a) water; b) an anionic surfactant comprising an alcohol alkoxy sulfate or salt thereof; and c) optionally, a preservative, the method comprises, in no particular order, the steps of: i) adding to the surfactant preparation a mitigation component comprising acetylated amino acid,

[0037] 15 acetylated homooligopeptide, acetylated hetero-oligopeptide or a mixture thereof; ii) optionally adding to the surfactant preparation a mitigation booster comprising a B vitamin or derivative thereof, the B vitamin or derivative thereof comprising thiamine, thiamine pyrophosphate, riboflavin, niacin, niacinamide, biotin, folic acid, cyanocobalamin, or cysteine or a non-acetylated derivative thereof, ascorbic acid or a derivative thereof, zwitterionic

[0038] 20 surfactant, antimicrobial agent, an alcohol, hydrotrope, antioxidant or mixture thereof, the antioxidant comprising tert-butylhydroquinone, butylated hydroxyanisole, butylated hydroxytoluene, citrate (or a derivative thereof), vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin E (or a derivative of such vitamins) or a mixture thereof; and iii) optionally modifying the pH, temperature, water activity or a combination thereof of the

[0039] 25 surfactant preparation.

[0040] In a second aspect, the present invention is directed to a method for reducing dioxane formation in a surfactant preparation comprising: a) water;

[0041] 30 b) an anionic surfactant comprising an alcohol alkoxy sulfate or salt thereof; and c) optionally, a preservative, the method comprises, in no particular order, the steps of: P0001081 CPL

[0042] 5 i) adding to the surfactant preparation a mitigation component comprising acetylated amino acid comprising N-acetyl-methionine, N-acetyl cysteine, N-acetyl histidine, acetylated homooligopeptide comprising N-acetyl methionine, N-acetyl cysteine or N-acetyl histidine, acetylated hetero-oligopeptide comprising at least one of N-acetyl methionine, N-acetyl

[0043] 5 cysteine and N-acetyl histidine or a mixture thereof; ii) optionally adding to the surfactant preparation a mitigation booster comprising a B vitamin or derivative thereof, the B vitamin or derivative thereof comprising thiamine, thiamine pyrophosphate, riboflavin, niacin, niacinamide, biotin, folic acid, cyanocobalamin, or cysteine or a non-acetylated derivative thereof, ascorbic acid or a derivative thereof, zwitterionic surfactant, antimicrobial agent, an alcohol, hydrotrope, antioxidant or mixture thereof, the antioxidant comprising tert-butylhydroquinone, butylated hydroxyanisole, butylated hydroxytoluene, citrate (or a derivative thereof), vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin E (or a derivative of such vitamins) or a mixture thereof; and iii) optionally modifying the pH, temperature, water activity or a combination thereof of the

[0044] 15 surfactant preparation.

[0045] In a third aspect, the present invention is directed to a method for reducing dioxane formation in a surfactant preparation comprising: a) water;

[0046] 20 b) an anionic surfactant comprising an alcohol alkoxy sulfate or salt thereof; and c) optionally, a preservative, the method comprises, in no particular order, the steps of: i) adding to the surfactant preparation a mitigation component comprising acetylated amino acid comprising N-acetyl-methionine, N-acetyl cysteine, N-acetyl histidine, acetylated

[0047] 25 homooligopeptide comprising N-acetyl methionine, N-acetyl cysteine or N-acetyl histidine, acetylated hetero-oligopeptide comprising at least one of N-acetyl methionine, N-acetyl cysteine or N-acetyl histidine or a mixture thereof; ii) optionally adding to the surfactant preparation a mitigation booster comprising a B vitamin or derivative thereof, the B vitamin or derivative thereof comprising thiamine, thiamine

[0048] 30 pyrophosphate, riboflavin, niacin, niacinamide, biotin, folic acid, cyanocobalamin, or cysteine or a non-acetylated derivative thereof, ascorbic acid or a derivative thereof, zwitterionic surfactant, antimicrobial agent, an alcohol, hydrotrope, antioxidant or mixture thereof, the antioxidant comprising tert-butylhydroquinone, butylated hydroxyanisole, butylated P0001081 CPL

[0049] 6 hydroxytoluene, citrate (or a derivative thereof), vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin E (or a derivative of such vitamins) or a mixture thereof; and iii) optionally modifying the pH, temperature, water activity or a combination thereof of the surfactant preparation,

[0050] 5 wherein the surfactant preparation comprises from 5 to less than 85%, or from 10 to 84% or from 20 to 82% or from 25 to 80% or from 30 to 80% or from 40 to 80% or from 50 to 80% or from 20 to 40% or from 20 to 35% by weight anionic surfactant based on total weight of the surfactant preparation.

[0051] In a fourth aspect, the present invention is directed to a method for reducing dioxane formation in a surfactant preparation comprising: a) water; b) an anionic surfactant comprising an alcohol alkoxy sulfate; and c) optionally, a preservative, the method, in no particular order, comprises the steps of:

[0052] 15 i) adding to the surfactant preparation a mitigation component comprising acetylated amino acid comprising N-acetyl-methionine, N-acetyl cysteine, N-acetyl histidine, acetylated homooligopeptide comprising N-acetyl methionine, N-acetyl cysteine or N-acetyl histidine, acetylated hetero-oligopeptide comprising at least one of N-acetyl methionine, N-acetyl cysteine or N-acetyl histidine or a mixture thereof;

[0053] 20 ii) optionally adding to the surfactant preparation a mitigation booster comprising a B vitamin or derivative thereof, the B vitamin or derivative thereof comprising thiamine, thiamine pyrophosphate, riboflavin, niacin, niacinamide, biotin, folic acid, cyanocobalamin, or cysteine or a non-acetylated derivative thereof, ascorbic acid or a derivative thereof, zwitterionic surfactant, antimicrobial agent, an alcohol, hydrotrope, antioxidant or mixture thereof, the

[0054] 25 antioxidant comprising tert-butylhydroquinone, butylated hydroxyanisole, butylated hydroxytoluene, citrate (or a derivative thereof), vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin E (or a derivative of such vitamins) or a mixture thereof; and iii) optionally modifying the pH, temperature, water activity or a combination thereof of the surfactant preparation,

[0055] 30 with the proviso that the anionic surfactant comprises a lauryl ether sulfate, pareth ether sulfate or a mixture thereof. P0001081 CPL

[0056] 7

[0057] In a fifth aspect, the present invention is directed to the surfactant preparations made by the methods of the first, second, third and fourth aspects of the invention.

[0058] In a sixth aspect, the present invention is directed to an end use product comprising at least one of

[0059] 5 the surfactant preparations made by the methods described in the first, second, third and fourth aspects of the invention.

[0060] In a seventh aspect, the present invention is directed to the use of a mitigation component comprising an acetylated amino acid, acetylated homooligopeptide, acetylated hetero-oligopeptide or a mixture thereof to mitigate dioxane formation in an anionic surfactant preparation, end use product or both.

[0061] In an eighth aspect, the present invention is directed to the use of a mitigation component comprising acetylated amino acid, acetylated homooligopeptide, acetylated hetero-oligopeptide or a mixture thereof to mitigate dioxane formation in a surfactant preparation, end use product or both and that

[0062] 15 comprise lauryl ether sulfate, pareth ether sulfate or both.

[0063] In a nineth aspect, the present invention is directed the use of a mitigation booster as described herein with the uses defined in the sixth, seventh and eighth aspects of the invention.

[0064] In a tenth aspect, the present invention is directed to a method for reducing dioxane formation in an

[0065] 20 end use product comprising: a) water; b) an anionic surfactant comprising an alcohol alkoxy sulfate; c) optionally, comprising a co-surfactant which is anionic and not an alcohol alkoxy sulfate; and d) optionally, a preservative,

[0066] 25 the method comprises, in no particular order, the steps of: i) adding to the surfactant preparation a mitigation component comprising acetylated amino acid, homooligopeptide comprising acetylated amino acid, hetero-oligopeptide comprising acetylated amino acid or a mixture thereof; ii) optionally adding to the surfactant preparation a mitigation booster comprising a B vitamin or

[0067] 30 derivative thereof, the B vitamin or derivative thereof comprising thiamine, thiamine pyrophosphate, riboflavin, niacin, niacinamide, biotin, folic acid, cyanocobalamin, cysteine or a non-acetylated derivative thereof, ascorbic acid or a derivative thereof, zwitterionic surfactant, antimicrobial agent, an alcohol, hydrotrope, antioxidant or mixture thereof, the antioxidant P0001081 CPL

[0068] 8 comprising tert-butylhydroquinone, butylated hydroxyanisole, butylated hydroxytoluene, citrate (or a derivative thereof), vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin E (or a derivative of such vitamins) or a mixture thereof; and iii) optionally modifying the pH, water activity or a combination thereof of the

[0069] 5 end use product.

[0070] All other aspects of the present invention will more readily become apparent from the description and Examples which follow.

[0071] Acetylated amino acid means an amino acid having an acetyl group added or attached to its amino group, via a substitution or loss of hydrogen. Acetylated homooligopeptide and acetylated heterooligopeptide means at least one amino acid in the peptide is acetylated. Such peptides typically have from 2 to 20 amino acids, and preferably, are from 2 to 15 mer, and most preferably, 2 to 12 mer, or from 3 to 10 or 3 to 8 or 3 to 6 or 3 to 5 mer or 3 to 4 mer or have 3 amino acids.

[0072] 15

[0073] The amino acids acetylated may be essential or nonessential, and such acetylated amino acids may be Na-, NE- or O-acetylated or a mixture of the same. Na-acetylation is the addition of acetyl group to the a-amino group of the N-terminal amino acid. NE-acetylation occurs when there is an addition of an acetyl group to the E-amino group, such as the E-amino group of a lysine residue. O-acetylation

[0074] 20 occurs with the addition of an acetyl group to an amino acid hydroxy group like the hydroxy group of tyrosine, serine and threonine.

[0075] Skin, as used herein, is meant to include skin on the arms (including underarms), face, back, feet, neck, chest, hands, legs, buttocks and scalp. Stable means the surfactant preparations and end use

[0076] 25 products made consistent with the invention do not display malodor, color change, syneresis, precipitate or flocculate formation for at least one month after being made and when stored at temperatures from 18 to 22°C. Stable is also meant to include that the surfactant preparation and end use product made consistent with the invention display at least a 1 % (or 1.25% to 20% or 1.35 to 18%), and preferably, at least a 1.5%, and most preferably, at least a 1.5 to 17.5% reduction in

[0077] 30 dioxane formation when compared to total weight of dioxane in an identical composition not comprising mitigation component and optionally mitigation booster as described herein and when both are stored at 60°C for 2 weeks. Mitigation component as used herein means a component P0001081 CPL

[0078] 9 comprising an acetylated amino acid or peptide, the mitigation component being an additive that reduces or eliminates dioxane formation in a surfactant preparation and end use product.

[0079] The addition of acetylated amino acid, acetylated homooligopeptide, acetylated hetero-oligopeptide

[0080] 5 or a mixture thereof with optional mitigation booster is meant to be at an amount effective to reduce or mitigate (or eliminate, including eliminating any further) dioxane formation, especially 1 ,4-dioxane formation. Anionic surfactant which is an alcohol alkoxy sulfate, for the avoidance of doubt, is meant to include alcohol alkoxylated surfactants like alcohol ethoxylated surfactants such as sodium lauryl ether sulfate and sodium pareth sulfate. Surfactant preparation means a composition comprising water and at least one anionic surfactant which is an alcohol alkoxy sulfate, such surfactant preparation can, for example, be stored after manufacturing, shipped as an ingredient to be stored or directly used as an ingredient in the production of end use product like, for example, a body wash, hand wash, shampoo or laundry detergent at a consumer product manufacturing facility where the alcohol alkoxy sulfate in the preparation can degrade (e.g., be present with radicals from

[0081] 15 manufacturing that can form dioxane in situ) to yield a heterocyclic compound with at least one ether bond including 1 ,4-dioxane with or without at least one of its isomers. End use product means any product having at least one anionic surfactant that is an alcohol alkoxy sulfate that can degrade (or be provided with radicals) to yield a heterocyclic compound with at least one ether bond including 1 ,4-dioxane with or without at least one of its isomers. The end use product is not limited and may

[0082] 20 be, for example, a shampoo, shampoo and conditioner, antiperspirant, deodorant (including an allbody deodorant), body wash, face wash, hand wash, leave-on topical composition, an industrial use cleaning-in-place wash composition, or a home care product like a laundry detergent, dish washing detergent, or a tabletop, porcelain, or glass cleaning composition. Soap, as used herein means salt of a fatty acid produced by saponification of the acid with a base such as a hydroxide base comprising

[0083] 25 sodium or potassium.

[0084] Both the surfactant preparation and end use product may be formulated with additional surfactants including nonionic and amphoteric surfactants or mixtures thereof as well as with co-anionic surfactants, i.e., anionic surfactants that are not an alcohol alkoxy sulfate such as alkyl sulfates,

[0085] 30 taurates, isethionates, glycinates, glutamates, sarcosinates, lactylates, alpha olefin sulfonates, soaps or the like. For the avoidance of doubt, the surfactant preparation may be a solution, suspension, dispersion, emulsion or paste and the end use product may, for example, be a solution, suspension, dispersion, emulsion, paste, lamellar or isotropic wash, micellar water, or the like. The end use P0001081 CPL

[0086] 10 product may also be provided in all over body applicators, water soluble sachets, prepared from concentrates by consumers or in manufacturing, dispensed at a kiosk in refill packaging or used by a consumer as a just in time product where the consumer adds water to concentrate as needed including directly in the hands. When a concentrate format, concentrate to water are combined in a

[0087] 5 weight ratio from 1 :5 to 1 :1 or from 1 :4 to 1 :1 or from 1 :2 to 1 :3.

[0088] The viscosity of the surfactant preparation is typically from 1 to 10,000 mPa-s, and preferably, from 1.5 to 5,000 mPa-s, and most preferably, from 5 to 1 ,250 mPa-s where viscosity is taken at 25°C with a Discovery HR-2 Rheometer using sand blasted plates having a 1000-micron gap and a shear rate of 4 s-1. The end use product typically has a viscosity from 2 to 325,000 mPa-s, and most preferably, from 200 to 180,000 mPa-s (or 300 to 125,000 mPa-s or 1 ,000 to 90,000 mPa-s or 2,000 to 15,000 mPa-s or from 500 to 9,850 mPa-s or from 600 to 7,950 mPa-s or from 600 to 3950 mPa- s). When used for hand applications as a hand wash, the end use product defined herein will preferably have a viscosity that is at least 500 mPa-s and not higher than 7,000 mPa-s.

[0089] 15

[0090] Derivative, for the avoidance of doubt, means a compound that can arise from another compound if an atom or group of atoms is replaced with a different atom or group of atoms, tantamount to structural analogue.

[0091] 20 Ascorbic acid derivative includes salts and esters of the same of the same, including calcium ascorbate, magnesium ascorbate, sodium ascorbate, calcium ascorbyl phosphate, magnesium ascorbyl phosphate, sodium ascorbyl phosphate, ascorbyl palmitate, ascorbyl glucoside, ora mixture hereof.

[0092] 25 Cysteine derivative includes salts and esters of the same, including cysteine disodium salt, S-sulfo- L-cysteine sodium salt, cysteine hydrochloride, cysteine methyl ester, cysteine ethyl ester or a mixture thereof and not N-acetylated cysteine.

[0093] Citrate derivative includes sodium and potassium citrate, citric acid, hydroxy citric acid, hydroxy

[0094] 30 citrate, or a mixture thereof.

[0095] Vitamin A derivative includes a vitamin A alcohol, vitamin A aldehyde, retinyl acetate, retinyl palmitate, retinyl propionate, retinoic acid or a mixtures thereof. P0001081 CPL

[0096] 11

[0097] Vitamin D derivative includes alfacalcidol, calcipotriol, doxercalciferol, Falecalcitriol, paricalcitol, tacalcitol or a mixture thereof.

[0098] 5 Vitamin E derivative includes d-alpha-tocopherol, dl-alpha-tocopherol, tocopherol acetate, tocopheryl glucoside, tocopheryl phosphate, or a mixture thereof.

[0099] The surfactant preparation and end use product herein described may, optionally, comprise medicinal or therapeutic agents, but preferably, only agents for cosmetic and non-therapeutic uses to remove soil or dirt, oil, make-up or the like from surfaces, including skin. In a preferred embodiment, the end use product is a personal wash composition, and therefore, a liquid body wash for use while showering or bathing including washing hair. The surfactant preparation and end use product of the present invention may optionally comprise cosmetic ingredients added thereto such as emollients and / or derivatives thereof, resorcinols, retinoic acid precursors, colorants, moisturizers,

[0100] 15 sunscreens, exfoliants, mixtures thereof or the like. Such cosmetic ingredients (or agents) can be water and / or oil soluble. If used, oil soluble cosmetic ingredients typically make up to 2% (or up to 1 .5%) by weight of the surfactant preparation and end use product whereby water-soluble cosmetic ingredients, when optionally used, may make up to 15% (or up to 10%) by weight of the surfactant preparation and end use product. For clarification, if cosmetic ingredients are included in the

[0101] 20 surfactant preparations, the weight percents for the surfactant preparations apply to the end use products (and vice versa). Therefore, the final percentages in the end use products may be adjusted with additional ingredients added during their manufacture. Mitigation booster, which is optional for use, means a complementor or additive that improves or enhances the mitigation of dioxane formation when combined with acetylated amino acid or peptide as herein described.

[0102] 25

[0103] The surfactant preparation and end use product of the present invention, i.e., those comprising alcohol alkoxy sulfate with heterocyclic compound formation mitigation as described herein, will typically have a pH from 4.5 to 10.5 or 4.85 to 10 or from 5 to 10 or from 5 to 9.5 or from 5.25 to 9.2 or from 5.5 to 9 or from 5.75 to 8.5 or from 6 to 7.5 or from 6.2 to 7 or from 6.2 to 6.9 with the proviso

[0104] 30 that if anionic co-surfactant used is more than 15% by weight of an isethionate based on total weight of all anionic surfactant in the surfactant preparation and end use product, the pH of the surfactant preparation and end use product is at least 5.5, and preferably, at least 5.75, and most preferably, at least 6 and further wherein the pH does not exceed 8.5. In an embodiment of the invention, the end P0001081 CPL

[0105] 12 use product is free of (i.e. , 0.0% by weight) soap. In another embodiment of the invention, soap makes up from 0.5 to 45%, or from 1 to 35% or from 3 to 30% or from 5 to 20% by weight of the total weight of surfactant in the end use product. When soap is present, the pH of the end use product is typically from 7 to 10.5, or from 7.5 to 10.1 or from 7.8 to 10. In another embodiment, when soap is

[0106] 5 present, the end use product has less than 5% or less than 3% or less than 1 % or from 0.001 to 0.8% by weight acyl isethionate based on the total weight of surfactant in the end use product. Drift or dioxane drift as used herein includes the formation of dioxane in situ whereby the ethoxyl portion of the alcohol alkoxy sulfate that bridges hydrocarbon to the sulfate group is, for example, the precursor for the dioxane formed.

[0107] As used herein, “substantially free of” means less than 1.5% or less than 1.2%, and preferably, less than 1 %, and most preferably, less than 0.8%, and more preferably, less than 0.7%, and even more preferably, less than 0.5% (or less than 0.3% or less than 0.2% or less than 0.1 %) by weight of the surfactant preparation and end use product. In an embodiment of the invention, substantially free of

[0108] 15 includes 0.001 to 0.1 %, 0.001 to 0.05% by weight and 0.0% (i.e., none) by weight of the surfactant preparation and end use product. In yet another embodiment, the surfactant preparation and end use product described will comprise less than 50 ppm, and preferably, less than 42 ppm, and most preferably, less than 38 ppm dioxane or less than 32 ppm or less than 27 ppm or less than 24 ppm or less than 18 ppm or less than 14 ppm or less than 7 ppm or less than 2 ppm or less than 1 ppm

[0109] 20 dioxane or less than 0.6 ppm or less than 0.4 ppm or less than 0.1 ppm or 0.0 ppm dioxane based on total dioxane in the surfactant preparation and end use product. In another embodiment, the surfactant preparation and end use product of this invention may comprise from 0.00001 to 0.00005% by weight dioxane, like 1 ,4-dioxane.

[0110] 25 Lamellar, as used herein, means having layers of surfactant arrangement where polar head groups align with water to shield fatty acid acyl chains from the water such that over 85% (or 85 to 92% or 90 to 100% or 100%) of the total surfactants in the composition are arranged as micelle plates or layers creating a translucent or opaque composition. In contrast, isotropic means a composition with micelles arranged without directional preference. Transparent means clear and able to see through.

[0111] 30 Translucent means permitting light to pass through with diffusion. The end use products described herein may be isotropic or lamellar. P0001081 CPL

[0112] 13

[0113] Water activity means the measurement of water which is available for microorganisms to grow and thrive and is measured with a commercially available analyzer like a PST Rotronic AW-Therm at 25°C. The water activity of the surfactant preparation and end use product of the present invention is often from 0.82 to 0.97, and preferably, 0.85 to 0.96, and most preferably, from 0.87 to 0,96 or

[0114] 5 from 0.9 to 0.96 from 0.91 to 0.96 or from 0.92 to 0.95. Ingredients added to the surfactant preparation and end use product are added at levels to aid in adjusting the water activity. Surfactant preparation storage is often preferred to be in a temperature range from -2 to 10 °C, or from -2 to 5°C or from -1 to 5°C or from -1 to 3°C or from -1 to 2°C from 0 to 1 °C and is controlled by temperature controlled rooms, transporting vehicles, storage tanks or a combination of the same.

[0115] The term comprising is meant to encompass the terms consisting essentially of and consisting of. For the avoidance of doubt, and for illustration, surfactant preparation with sodium lauryl ether sulfate, water and acetylated amino acid is meant to include a preparation consisting essentially of the same and a preparation consisting of the same. All ranges defined herein are meant to include

[0116] 15 all ranges subsumed therein. Except in the examples, or where otherwise explicitly indicated, all numbers in this description indicating amounts or ratios of materials or conditions and / or physical properties of materials and / or use are to be understood as modified by the word “about”. The disclosure, as found herein, is to be considered to cover all embodiments as found in the claims as being multiply dependent upon each other irrespective of the fact that claims may be found without

[0117] 20 multiple dependency or redundancy.

[0118] Detailed description of the Invention

[0119] As to the anionic surfactant, which is an alcohol alkoxy sulfate, the same can be represented as:

[0120] 25 CR3-(CR2)t(OCR2CR2)vOSO3- X+(I) where: a) each R is independently hydrogen or C1-3 alkyl (preferably methyl) with the proviso that no more than 7%, and preferably, no more than 3.5%, and most preferably, from 0.01 to 3.5% by weight of the total R groups are a C1-3 alkyl group;

[0121] 30 b) t is an integer from 5 to 19, and preferably, from 7 to 17, and most preferably, from 9 to 15, or from 10 to 15 or from 11 to 13; P0001081 CPL

[0122] 14 c) v is a rational number from 1 to 16, and preferably, from 1 to 14, and most preferably, from 1 to 10 or from 1 to 4 or from 1 to 3 or from 1 to 2 or 1 , or 1 , or 2, or 3, and more preferably 3; and d) X is a cationic organic or inorganic counterion.

[0123] 5

[0124] In an embodiment of the invention and in addition to or instead of the alcohol alkoxy sulfates described by formula I, the alcohol alkoxy sulfates can comprise 2 or 4 or 6 (preferably 2 or 4) of the carbons in the hydrophobic chain as sp2hybridized forming double bonds where the double bonds can be conjugated and typically do not form a cumulated diene.

[0125] For the avoidance of doubt, mixtures of anionic surfactant where v varies from 1 to 16 may also be used.

[0126] Illustrative examples of the alcohol alkoxy sulfates present in the surfactant preparation and end use

[0127] 15 product include ammonium pareth sulfate, sodium pareth sulfate, potassium pareth sulfate, monoethanolamine pareth sulfate, diethanolamine pareth sulfate, triethanolamine pareth sulfate, monoethanolamine laureth sulfate, diethanolamine laureth sulfate, triethanolamine laureth sulfate, ammonium laureth sulfate, sodium laureth sulfate, potassium laureth sulfate, or a mixture thereof.

[0128] 20 Counterions (X+) are typically Na+, K+, Ammonium groups, Phosphonium groups or a combination thereof where the Ammonium and Phosphonium groups can be substituted with hydrogen, C1.3 alkyl groups or both where the alkyl groups are preferably methyl groups (i.e., cationic organic counterions).

[0129] 25 In addition to alcohol alkoxy sulfate, the surfactant preparation will typically comprise water. Alcohol alkoxy sulfate will typically make up from 5 to less than 85%, and preferably, from 10 to 84%, and most preferably, from 20 to 82% or from 25 to 80% or from 30 to 80% or from 40 to 80% or from 50 to 80% or from 60 to 80% or from 65 to 75% or from 20 to 40% or from 20 to 35% by weight of the surfactant preparation. Water can make up the balance (after further ingredients are added like

[0130] 30 mitigation component and mitigation booster) but often makes up from 8 to 95%, or from, and preferably, from 10 to 90%, and most preferably, from 15.1 to 85%, or from 20 to 75%, or from 22 to 70% or from 23 to 60% or from 24 to 55% or from 24 to 45% or from 25 to 40% or from 25 to 35% by weight of the total weight of the surfactant preparation. In an embodiment of the invention, the alcohol P0001081 CPL

[0131] 15 alkoxy sulfate is sodium lauryl ether sulfate, sodium pareth sulfate or a mixture thereof. In another embodiment, the alcohol alkoxy sulfate is sodium lauryl ether sulfate, ammonium lauryl ether sulfate, potassium lauryl ether sulfate or a mixture thereof. In yet another embodiment of the invention the alcohol alkoxy ether sulfate is sodium lauryl ether sulfate. In still another embodiment, the alcohol

[0132] 5 alkoxy sulfate may be present as the only anionic surfactant in the surfactant preparation, end use composition or both. In yet another embodiment, the surfactant preparation comprises from 63 to 78% by weight surfactant, and preferably, from 65 to 75% by weight sodium lauryl ether sulfate, sodium pareth sulfate or a mixture thereof.

[0133] In still another embodiment, it is within the scope of the invention for all (100%) of the anionic surfactant to be alcohol alkoxy sulfate in the surfactant preparation, end use product, or both.

[0134] The mitigation component suitable to mitigate dioxane formation in the surfactant preparation and end use product comprises an acetylated amino acid. The acetylated amino acids suitable for use

[0135] 15 may be essential or nonessential, and such acetylated amino acids may be Na-, NE- or O-acetylated or a mixture of the same. Na-acetylation is the addition of acetyl group to the a-amino group of the N-terminal amino acid. NE-acetylation occurs when there is an addition of an acetyl group to the amino acid E-amino group, and O-acetylation occurs when the acetyl group is added to an amino acid hydroxy group. In an embodiment of the invention, the acetylated amino acid is N-acetyl

[0136] 20 methionine, N-acetyl cysteine, N-acetyl histidine, N-acetyl glycine, N-acetyl lysine, N-acetyl arginine, N-acetyl threonine, N-acetyl tyrosine, N-acetyl serine N-acetyl threonine, O-acetyl tyrosine, O-acetyl serine O-acetyl threonine or a mixture thereof. As defined, peptides of the same may comprise 2 to 20 amino acids. For the avoidance of doubt and for example, homooligopeptide would include a peptide with O-acetyl threonine, N-acetyl threonine, or both, and with or without threonine. The

[0137] 25 homooligopeptide classification used herein is, therefore, based on the base amino acid.

[0138] The mitigation component defined herein will often make up from 0.001 to 7.5% by weight, and preferably, from 0.01 to 6%, and most preferably, from 0.01 to 5% or from 0.01 to 4% or from 0.01 to 3% or from 0.01 to 2% or from 0.015 to 1.2% or from 0.015 to 1 % or from 0.08 to 0.8% or from 0.08

[0139] 30 to 0.7% or from 0.2 to 0.7% by weight of the surfactant preparation and end use product. For the avoidance of doubt, and again, should an amount of mitigation component require modification or adjustment in the end use product, component may be added to the end use product in addition to what is provided in the surfactant preparation. In an embodiment of the invention, mitigation P0001081 CPL

[0140] 16 component is adjusted and present in the end use product at an amount from 0.02 to about to 7%, and preferably, from 0.03 to 6%, and most preferably, from 0.03 to 5% or from 0.01 to 4% or from 0.01 to 3% or from 0.01 to 2% or from 0.015 to 1.2% or from 0.015 to 1 % or from 0.08 to 0.8% or from 0.08 to 0.7% or from 0.2 to 0.7% by weight of the end use product. In still another embodiment

[0141] 5 of the invention, the surfactant preparation is added as an ingredient to make end use product where the surfactant preparation is added as an ingredient that makes up from 5 to 75%, and preferably, from 8 to 65%, and most preferably, from 10 to 55% or from 10 to 50% or from 15 to 35% or from 20 to 30% or from 20 to 26% by weight of the end use product.

[0142] As to the zwitterionic surfactant suitable for use as mitigation booster (i.e. , either alone or with the cationic surfactant), these include surfactants with at least one acid group. The acid group may be a carboxylic or a sulphonic acid group. They often include quaternary nitrogen, and therefore, can be quaternary amino acids. Such surfactants should generally include an alkyl or alkenyl group of 6 to 18 carbon atoms and generally comply with the overall structural formula:

[0143] 15

[0144] Ri-[-C(O)-NH(CH2)q-]r--N+-(R2~)(R3)A— B (II) where R1is alkyl or alkenyl of 5 to 19 carbon atoms; R2and R3are each independently alkyl, hydroxyalkyl or carboxyalkyl of 1 to 3 carbon atoms; q is 2 to 4; r is 0 or 1 ; A is an alkylene of 1 to 3

[0145] 20 carbon atoms optionally substituted with hydroxyl, whereby B is --CO2-- or --SO3--.

[0146] Suitable zwitterionic surfactants that may be used in the present invention and within the above general formula include simple betaines of formula:

[0147] 25 R-N+-(R2)(R3)CH2CO2- (III) and amido betaines of formula:

[0148] R1-CONH(CH2)t— N+— (R2)(R3)CH2CO2- (IV)

[0149] 30 where t is 2 or 3. P0001081 CPL

[0150] 17

[0151] In both formulae R1, R2and R3are as previously defined. R1could, in particular, include a mixture of C7to C17 alkyl groups and R2and R3are preferably methyl or ethyl groups, most preferably, methyl groups. R is a C6to Ci8alkyl.

[0152] 5 Another option is where the zwitterionic surfactant is a sulphobetaine of the formula: R-N+-(R2)(R3)(CH2)3SO3- (V) or R1-CONH(CH2)U-N+-(R2)(R3)(CH2)3SO3- (VI) where u is 2 or 3, or variants of these in which --(CH2)3SO3_is replaced by --CH2C(OH)(H)CH2SO3_.

[0153] In these formulae (V and VI), R’, R1, R2and R3are as previously defined. As defined, salts of the surfactants described herein can have K+, Na+, NH4+as counter ions including mixture thereof.

[0154] 15 Illustrative examples of the zwitterionic surfactants suitable for use include betaines like lauryl betaine, laurylhydroxy sulfobetaine, lauryldimethyl betaine, coco betaine, cocoamidopropylhydroxylsulfo betaine, cocodimethyl carboxymethyl betaine, cocamidopropyl betaine, laurylamidopropyl betaine, cocodimethyl carboxymethyl betaine, a mixture thereof or the like.

[0155] 20 Additional zwitterionic surfactants suitable for use include lauryl hydroxysultaine, cocamidopropyl hydroxy sultaine or mixtures thereof. Such surfactants are made commercially available, and it is within the scope of the invention to employ mixtures of the aforementioned surfactants.

[0156] Even other zwitterionic surfactants that may be used in the surfactant preparation, end use product or

[0157] 25 both are Ci6-2o amidopropyl hydroxysultaines where the Ci6-2o amidopropyl hydroxysultaine is preferably palmityl, stearyl and / or oleyl amidopropyl hydroxysultaine, and most preferably, palmityl amidopropyl hydroxysultaine. Other suitable zwitterionic surfactants suitable for use include behenyl betaine, capryl / capramidopropyl betaine, stearyl betaine, myristyl hydroxysultaine ora mixture thereof. In an embodiment, the zwitterionic surfactant used in this invention is cocamidopropyl betaine, lauryl

[0158] 30 sulfobetaine, lauryl hydroxysultaine, or a mixture thereof. In another embodiment, the zwitterionic surfactant used is lauryl sulfobetaine, lauryl hydroxysultaine or a mixture thereof. P0001081 CPL

[0159] 18

[0160] As noted, optional mitigation boosters suitable for use may comprise alcohol, hydrotrope, antioxidant or a mixture thereof, the antioxidant comprising tert-butylhydroquinone, butylated hydroxyanisole, butylated hydroxytoluene, citrate, vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin E, derivatives of the same as defined, or a mixture thereof.

[0161] 5

[0162] A particular mitigation booster that is an alcohol includes ethanol, isopropyl alcohol, tert-butyl alcohol, propylene glycol, methanol, 1-propanol, 1-butanol, 1 ,3-butanediol, hexylene glycol, 2-methyl-2,4- pentanediol or a mixture thereof. Hydrotrope suitable for optional use includes xylene sulfonate, sodium cumene sulfonate, sodium toluene sulfonate, methoxycinnamidopropyl laurimonium tosylate, or a mixture thereof.

[0163] In particular embodiments of the invention, if used, alcohol may make up from 1 to 14% or from 1 to 12% or from 1 to 10% or from 3 to 9% by weight of the surfactant preparation and end use product; and hydrotrope, may make up from 0.08 to 10% or from 1 to 7% or from 1 .5 to 6.5% or from 2 to 5%

[0164] 15 or from 2.5 to 4.5% by weight of the surfactant preparation and end use product; and antioxidant, may make up from 0.6 to 4.5% or from 1 to 4% or from 1 .3 to 3.8% or from 1 .5 to 3.5% or from 1 .5 to 3% by weight of the surfactant preparation and end use product.

[0165] Another mitigation booster suitable for optional use and to mitigate dioxane formation in the

[0166] 20 surfactant preparation and end use product is an antimicrobial agent. As used herein, antimicrobial agent means a component which is cationic and that eradicates microorganisms and / or that suppresses their multiplication or growth, where microorganism includes bacteria, fungi, virus, algae, protozoa, parasite and / or archaea.

[0167] 25 Illustrative examples of the antimicrobial agents suitable for use include those comprising tertrabutylammonium chloride, benzalkonium chloride, benzethonium chloride, cetrimonium chloride, dihydroxypropyltrimonium chloride, cocamidopropyl trimonium chloride, 1-dodecanaminium, 1- octadecanaminium, or a mixture thereof. In an embodiment of the invention, benzalkonium chloride, cetrimonium chloride or both are selected for use. In another embodiment of the invention, the weight

[0168] 30 ratio of benzalkonium chloride to cetrimonium chloride used is from 3:7 to 7:3 or from 4:7 to 7:4 or from 2:3 to 3:2 or from 1 :1.25 to 1 .25 or from 1 :1 .15 to 1 .15:1 or from 1 :1. In still another embodiment, such booster is at least 85%, or at least 90%, or at least 95%, or 100% or 92 to 99% or 93 to 98% P0001081 CPL

[0169] 19 by weight benzalkonium chloride, cetrimonium chloride or both based on total weight of mitigation component.

[0170] In addition to the above noted, mitigation booster, when used, may make up from 0.1 to 14%, and

[0171] 5 preferably, from 0.1 to 12%, and most preferably, from 0.2 to 10% (or from 0.2 to 9% or from 0.2 to 11 .5% or from 0.22 to 11 % or 0.25 to 10% or from 0.26 to 8% or from 2.6 to 7.2%) by weight of the surfactant preparation and end use product. In an embodiment of the invention, the end use product will comprise from 1 .3 to 9.5% or from 1 .5 to 8.5% or from 2 to 8% or from 2.2 to 7.5% or from 2.5 to 7% by weight mitigation booster based on total weight of end use product. In even another embodiment, the mitigation booster does comprise zwitterionic surfactant.

[0172] In another embodiment of the invention and as is the case for mitigation component, the amount of mitigation booster may be adjusted in the end use product with further addition of the same. In still another embodiment of the invention, the amount in weight percent of mitigation component (MC) to

[0173] 15 mitigation booster (MB) used in the surfactant preparation and end use product may be represented as MC=MB x Q where Q is a rational number from 1.5 to 9, or from 2 to 9, or from 2.3 to 8 or from 3 to 8 or from 1.5 to 6 or from 2 to 5 or from 2 to 4 or 1 .5 to 3.

[0174] In even another embodiment of the invention, at least one vicinal diol may optionally be included with

[0175] 20 the mitigation component and optional mitigation booster described herein. Vicinal diol suitable for use is a 1 ,2-alkanediol, including 1 ,2-C3-CI2alkane diols with 1 ,2-hexanediol, 1 ,2-octanediol (Caprylyl Glycol) and mixtures thereof often being desired. In an embodiment of the invention, the vicinal diol, when used, is 1 ,2-octanediol. Typically, the amount of vicinal diol used is from 0.15 to 4%, and preferably, from 0.25 to 3.5%, and most preferably, from 0.3 to 3% or from 0.3 to 1% or from

[0176] 25 0.3 to 0.8% by weight of the surfactant preparation and end use product.

[0177] As noted herein, in an embodiment of the invention the surfactant preparation may comprise from 5 to less than 85% by weight alcohol alkoxy sulfate. The surfactant preparation may comprise a total of up to 90% by weight surfactant since additional surfactants may be included in conjunction with

[0178] 30 the alcohol alkoxy sulfate and including any booster classified as a surfactant. Regarding the end use product, the same will typically have up to 30%, and preferably, up to 25%, and most preferably, up to 22% or up to 20% or up to 18% or from 1 to 21% or from 4 to 21 % or from 5 to 20% or from 5.5 to 17% or from 6 to 15% total surfactant based on total weight of the end use product. In an P0001081 CPL

[0179] 20 embodiment of the invention, the end use product may comprise from 1.5 to 16%, and preferably, from 1 .7 to 15%, and most preferably, from 2 to 14% or from 2.5 to 13% or from 2.7 to 12% or from 4 to 11 % or from 5 to 11% by weight anionic surfactant. In another embodiment of the invention, the anionic surfactant present in the surfactant preparation and end use product will be at least 50%, and

[0180] 5 preferably, from 55 to 100%, and most preferably, from 60 to 100% or from 60 to 98% or from 62 to 95% or from 70 to 95% or from 90 to 100% or from 95 to 100% or 65 to 95% or 70 to 80% or 50 to 65% or 100% by weight alcohol alkoxy sulfate based on total weight of anionic surfactant in the surfactant preparation and end use product. In still another embodiment, the surfactant preparation is from 59 to 78%, or from 62 to 75% or from 66 to 73% by weight sodium lauryl ether sulfate, sodium pareth sulfate or both based on total weight of alcohol alkoxy sulfate in the surfactant preparation.

[0181] As to additional anionic surfactants that may optionally be included with alcohol alkoxy sulfate in the surfactant preparation and / or end use product, the same are limited only to the extent that they are suitable for inclusion in a consumer product. Anionic surfactants suitable for optional use include Ci6

[0182] 15 -C2o lactylates, Ci6-C20 glycolates, salts thereof (e.g., counterions including K+, Na+, NH4+) or a mixture thereof. Illustrative examples of such optional and additional anionic surfactants include palmitoyl-1 -, stearoyl-1- lactylate or mixtures thereof. Polylactyls (typically numbering from two to three lactyl groups) are also suitable for use, like palmitoyl-2-lactylate, stearoyl-2- lactylate or mixtures thereof. Other anionics suitable for use include palmitoyl glycolate, stearoyl glycolate or

[0183] 20 mixtures thereof. In an embodiment of the invention, when lactylate, glycolate or a mixture thereof are included, stearoyl lactylate, stearoyl glycolate or a mixture thereof is preferred. When both are used, the surfactants are often at a weight ratio from 1 :3 to 3:1 or from 1 :2 to 2:1 or 1 :1. In another embodiment, stearoyl lactylate is often preferred when lactylates and glycolates are considered for use.

[0184] 25

[0185] Additional anionic surfactants suitable for optional use with the alcohol alkoxy sulfates include taurates whereby the same are limited only to the extent that they are suitable for use in a consumer product. Illustrative examples of the taurate surfactant that may be used include, for example, those which are acylamides of taurine or N-methyltaurine, and salts thereof. For example, taurates suitable

[0186] 30 for use are acyl taurates represented by the general formulae:

[0187] R4(C=O)N(R5)CH2CH2SO3M+(VII), P0001081 CPL

[0188] 21 where R4is C5to C29, more particularly, C5to C23 alkyl or alkenyl, R5is hydrogen or methyl, and M is hydrogen, ammonium, alkali metal cation, a lower Ci to C4, alkanol, ammonium cation and / or a basic amino acid cation. In an embodiment of the invention, M includes sodium, ammonium and / or potassium ions. In one embodiment, R5is C5to Ci7alkyl. In another embodiment at least half of the

[0189] 5 R5groups are C7-Ci7alkyl. In still another embodiment at least half of the R4groups are C9to C15 alkyl or C9to C13 alkyl. R5may be saturated or unsaturated. In yet another embodiment R5is methyl. For the avoidance of doubt, total alkyl chain lengths described herein will include the carbonyl carbon. In yet another embodiment of the invention, -CH2CH2- in formula VII may be replaced with -CRf2CR92- where each Rfand R9are independently hydrogen or a C1-3 alkyl (preferably methyl) with the proviso that at least one Rfand one R9are hydrogen.

[0190] The acyl taurates that may optionally be used in the invention include, for example, taurates commonly known as sodium methyl lauroyl taurate, potassium methyl lauroyl taurate, sodium methyl myristoyl taurate, potassium methyl myristoyl taurate, ammonium methyl myristoyl taurate, sodium

[0191] 15 methyl cocoyl taurate, potassium methyl cocoyl taurate, ammonium methyl cocoyl taurate, sodium methyl oleoyl taurate, potassium methyl oleoyl taurate, ammonium methyl oleoyl taurate, sodium lauroyl taurate, potassium lauroyl taurate, ammonium myristoyl taurate, sodium cocoyl taurate, potassium oleoyl taurate, mixtures thereof or the like. In an embodiment of the invention, when a taurate is used, the taurate selected is sodium methyl lauroyl taurate.

[0192] 20

[0193] Additional anionic surfactant suitable for optional use are those described as C6-C20acyl isethionates. These surfactants (esters) are prepared by a reaction between alkali metal isethionate with mixed aliphatic fatty acids having from 6 to 20 carbon atoms and an iodine value of less than 20. Often at least 75% of the mixed fatty acids have from 12 to 18 carbon atoms and up to 25% can have 6 to 10

[0194] 25 carbon atoms. The acyl isethionate suitable for use may be an alkoxylated isethionate such as is described in llardi et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,393,466, entitled "Fatty Acid Esters of Polyalkoxylated isethonic acid. The isethionate surfactants can include the reaction product of fatty acids esterified with isethionic acid and neutralized with a base like sodium or potassium hydroxide. The acyl isethionate surfactant can have the general formula:

[0195] 30

[0196] R6C-O(O)-C(X)H-C(Y)H-(OCH2-CH2)W-SO3- M (VIII), P0001081 CPL

[0197] 22 where R6is an alkyl group having 5 to 19 carbons, w is an integer from 0 to 4 (1 to 4 for the alkoxylated option), X and Y are each independently hydrogen or an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbons and M is as previously defined.

[0198] 5 It is also within the scope of the invention, when w is 0, for either the carbon alpha or beta to the sulfonate group to have one Ci.4alkyl substitution in place of hydrogen, preferably a C1.3 alkyl substitution and most preferably, a methyl group. It is also within the scope of the invention for R6to have a degree of unsaturation and typically no more than 2, and more preferably, no more than 1 double bond.

[0199] Illustrative examples of the isethionates suitable for optional addition to surfactant preparation, end use product or both include sodium capryl isethionate, sodium caproylyl isethionate, sodium capryl methyl isethionate, sodium caproylyl methyl isethionate, sodium cocoyl isethionate, sodium cocoyl methyl isethionate, sodium lauroyl isethionate, sodium lauroyl methyl isethionate, potassium lauroyl

[0200] 15 isethionate, potassium lauroyl methyl isethionate, sodium oleoyl isethionate, sodium oleoyl methyl isethionate, sodium stearoyl isethionate, sodium stearoyl methyl isethionate, sodium myristoyl isethionate, sodium myristoyl methyl isethionate, sodium palmitoyl isethionate, sodium palmitoyl methyl isethionate, ammonium cocoyl isethionate, ammonium cocoyl methyl isethionate, ora mixture thereof. In an embodiment of the invention, when isethionate is selected for use the isethionate

[0201] 20 preferred is sodium lauroyl isethionate, sodium cocoyl isethionate or a mixture thereof.

[0202] Acyl glycinates (and salts thereof) are suitable for optional use in the surfactant preparations and end use products. As is the case for all optional surfactants described herein, the same may be added directly to the surfactant preparation, end use product during manufacturing the same, or both.

[0203] 25 These anionics include C8to C2o, and preferably, C10 to Ci8and most preferably, C12 to Ci6or Ci2to C14 acyl glycinates. Illustrative and nonlimiting examples of the glycinates that may be used include sodium lauroyl glycinate, sodium myristoyl glycinate, sodium cocoyl glycinate, potassium lauroyl glycinate, sodium myristoyl glycinate, potassium cocoyl glycinate or a mixture thereof. In an embodiment of the invention, sodium cocoyl glycinate, potassium cocoyl glycinate, or a mixture

[0204] 30 thereof are often preferred when acyl glycinates are used. In another embodiment, sodium or potassium lauroyl glycinate or both may also be used in the compositions of the invention. In even another embodiment of the invention, the acyl portion of the glycinates that may be selected for use P0001081 CPL

[0205] 23 is preferably saturated but suitable to be unsaturated with no more than 2 double bonds, including conjugated double bonds.

[0206] Acyl glutamates (and salts thereof) may also optionally be included as additional anionic surfactants

[0207] 5 in the surfactant preparation and end use product. Glutamates such as C8to C2o, and preferably, C-io to Cis and most preferably, C12 to Ci6or Ci2to Ci4acyl glutamates where the acyl portion is preferably saturated. As is the case with glycinates, the hydrophobic portion of the glutamates is suitable to be unsaturated with no more than 2 double bonds, including conjugated double bonds. Illustrative yet nonlimiting examples of the glutamates that may be used include sodium capryloyl glutamate, sodium lauroyl glutamate, sodium myristoyl glutamate, sodium cocoyl glutamate, sodium stearoyl glutamate, dipotassium capryloyl glutamate, dipotassium undecylenoyl glutamate, disodium capryloyl glutamate, disodium cocoyl glutamate, disodium lauroyl glutamate, disodium stearoyl glutamate, disodium undecylenoyl glutamate, potassium capryloyl glutamate, potassium cocoyl glutamate, potassium lauroyl glutamate, potassium myristoyl glutamate, potassium stearoyl

[0208] 15 glutamate, potassium undecylenoyl glutamate, sodium olivoyl glutamate, sodium palmitoyl glutamate, sodium undecylenoyl glutamate, disodium cocoyl glutamate, or a mixture thereof. In an embodiment of the invention, sodium lauroyl glutamate, sodium cocoyl glutamate, sodium stearoyl glutamate, or a mixture thereof is preferred. In another embodiment, if a glutamate is used, sodium myristoyl and / or sodium cocoyl glutamate may often be desired.

[0209] 20

[0210] As to additional anionic surfactants suitable to be selected for use in the surfactant preparation, end use product or both, these can also include alkyl sulfates, alkyl sulfonates, alpha-olefin sulfonates, alkyl sulfosuccinates, alkyl ether sulfosuccinates, acyl sarcosinates or a mixture thereof (including any salts thereof).

[0211] 25

[0212] As noted herein, the surfactant preparation and end use product described herein are optionally, and preferably, substantially free of surfactants that are alkyl sulfates (i.e., sulfate- based surfactants that are not alkoxylated). In an embodiment of the invention alkyl sulfates may be used, and preferably, at an amount of less than 1 % by weight of the total weight of the surfactant preparation, end use

[0213] 30 product or both. If optionally included, the alkyl sulfates can include C8-C20alkyl sulfates. When selected, sodium lauryl sulfate, ammonium lauryl sulfate or a mixture thereof are illustrative examples that may be included for use. P0001081 CPL

[0214] 24

[0215] As to the anionic sulfonates and their salts that may be selected for optional use (in addition to or in lieu of any of the optional anionic surfactants described), the same can include alkyl sulfonates, alkyl glyceryl ether sulfonates, alkyl alpha olefin sulfonates (hydrocarbons being an alkene, CxH2x, with a double bond in the alpha position) or a mixture thereof. Typically, the alkyl portion is from C8-C24,

[0216] 5 and preferably, from Ci0-C20, and more preferably, from Ci2to Ci8or from Ci2to Ci6or from Ci4to C-I6.

[0217] Suitable succinates (including their salts) that may optionally be included are those with a C10 to C20hydrophobic portion. Illustrative examples include disodium oleamido MIPA sulfosuccinate, disodium oleamido MEA sulfosuccinate, disodium lauryl sulfosuccinate, disodium laureth sulfosuccinate, diammonium lauryl sulfosuccinate, diammonium laureth sulfosuccinate, dioctyl sodium sulfosuccinate, disodium oleamide MEA sulfosuccinate, sodium dialkyl sulfosuccinate, or a mixture thereof. For the avoidance of doubt, MIPA and MEA refer to monoisopropanolamine and monoethanolamine, respectively.

[0218] 15

[0219] The acyl sarcosinates suitable for optional use include those having a C8-C20or Cio-Ci8or Ci2-Ci8acyl group. Illustrative examples of the sarcosinates that may optional be used include sodium lauroyl sarcosinate, sodium cocoyl sarcosinate, or a mixture thereof.

[0220] 20 In an embodiment of the invention, at least one anionic surfactant that may be optionally selected is sodium lauryl sulfosuccinate, sodium myristoyl sulfosuccinate, sodium cocoyl sulfosuccinate, sodium stearoyl sulfosuccinate, sodium laureth sulfosuccinate, sodium pareth sulfosuccinate, disodium laureth sulfosuccinate, disodium lauryl sulfosuccinate, diethylhexyl sodium sulfosuccinate, or a mixture thereof. In an embodiment of the invention, acyl sarcosinate makes up from 1 to 20% or

[0221] 25 from 2 to 15% or from 3 to 10% or from 1 to 5% or from 1 .2 to 4.5% by weight of the total weight of anionic surfactant in the surfactant preparation and end use product with sodium cocoyl sarcosinate, sodium lauroyl sarcosinate, or a mixture thereof often being preferred.

[0222] In yet another embodiment, optionally used anionic surfactant is sodium methyl 2-sulfolaurate or

[0223] 30 disodium 2-sulfolaurate or both. In still another embodiment of the invention, from 1 to 18% or from 2 to 15% or from 3 to 12% by weight of the total weight of anionic surfactant in the surfactant preparation and end use product is not an alcohol alkoxy sulfate. P0001081 CPL

[0224] 25

[0225] Amphoteric surfactants may optionally be included in the surfactant preparation and end use product. Illustrative examples include cocoyl amine oxide, lauramine oxide, myristamine oxide, palmitamine oxide, stearamine oxide, oleamine oxide, cocamidopropyl amine oxide, lauryl amidopropyl amine oxide, myristyl amidopropyl amine oxide, palmityl amidopropyl amine oxide, stearyl amidopropyl

[0226] 5 amine oxide, oleamidopropyl amine oxide, or a mixture thereof. Additional optional examples of the amphoteric surfactants suitable for use include sodium lauroamphoacetate, sodium cocoamphoacetate, sodium lauroamphoacetate, sodium cocoamphoacetate, cocamphodipropionate, or a mixture thereof.

[0227] In an embodiment of the invention, when used, the amphoteric optionally selected can be at least 80%, and preferably, at least 85%, and most preferably, at least 90% (or 90 to 100% or 94 to 100% or 94 to 98% or 100%) by weight amine oxide whereby such amine oxide can have the formula: Rx-N+(Ry)2-O- where Rxis a C8-2o alkyl, and preferably, a C10-18 alkyl, and most preferably, a C12-18 alkyl (or C12-16 alkyl) and Ryis H or a Ci_6alkyl or C1-4 alkyl or 'C1-3 alkyl or C1-2 alkyl or -CH3. In another embodiment of the

[0228] 15 invention, amine oxide suitable for optional use (in the surfactant preparation, end use product or both) is cocoyl amine oxide, lauramine oxide, myristamine oxide, palmitamine oxide, stearamine oxide, oleamine oxide, or a mixture thereof.

[0229] In an embodiment of the invention surfactants suitable for optional use may include imidazolines,

[0230] 20 sodium acyl amphoacetates, sodium acyl amphopropionates, disodium acyl amphodiacetates and disodium acyl amphodipropionates where the acyl (i.e., alkanoyl group) can comprise a C7-Ci8alkyl portion.

[0231] As to the zwitterionic surfactants described, the same are suitable for addition to the end use product

[0232] 25 where cocamidopropyl betaine is often preferred. In one embodiment of the invention, the end use product comprises from 0.1 to 13% or from 1 to 12% or from 1 .5 to 11 % or from 2 to 9.5% or from 2.2 to 7% by weight zwitterionic surfactant.

[0233] Nonionic surfactants may optionally be used in the surfactant preparation, end use product or both.

[0234] 30 When used, nonionic surfactants are typically present at levels as low as 0.15, 0.3, 0.85, 1 , 1.5 or 2% by weight of the surfactant preparation and end use product. The nonionics which may optionally be used include the reaction products of compounds having a hydrophobic group and a reactive hydrogen atom, for example aliphatic alcohols, acids, amides or alkylphenols with alkylene oxides, P0001081 CPL

[0235] 26 especially ethylene oxide either alone or with propylene oxide. Specific nonionic surfactant compounds are alkyl (C6-C22) phenols, ethylene oxide condensates, the condensation products of aliphatic (C8-Ci8) primary or secondary linear or branched alcohols with ethylene oxide, and products made by condensation of ethylene oxide with the reaction products of propylene oxide and

[0236] 5 ethylenediamine.

[0237] In an embodiment of the invention, nonionic surfactants optionally used can include fatty acid / alcohol ethoxylates having the following structures a) HOCH2(CH2)S(CH2CH2O)VH or b) HOOC(CH2)c(CH2CH2O)d H; where s and v are each independently an integer up to18; and c and d are each independently an integer from 1 or greater. In an embodiment of the invention, s and v are each independently 6 to 18; c and d are each independently 1 to 30. Other options for nonionic surfactants include those having the formula HOOC(CH2)i-CH=CH--(CH2)k(CH2CH2O)zH, where i and k are each independently 5 to 15; and z is 5 to 50. In another embodiment of the invention, i and k are each independently 6 to 12; and z is 15 to 35.

[0238] 15

[0239] The nonionic may also include a sugar amide, such as a polysaccharide amide. Specifically, the surfactant may be one of the lactobionamides described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,389,279 to Au et al., entitled "Compositions Comprising Nonionic Glycolipid Surfactants issued Feb. 14, 1995; which is hereby incorporated by reference or it may be one of the sugar amides described in U.S. Pat. No.

[0240] 20 5,009,814 to Kelkenberg, entitled "Use of N-Poly Hydroxyalkyl Fatty Acid Amides as Thickening Agents for Liquid Aqueous Surfactant Systems" issued Apr. 23, 1991 ; hereby incorporated into the subject application by reference.

[0241] In an embodiment of the invention and if used, the nonionic surfactant may comprise an alkyl

[0242] 25 polyglucoside represented as:

[0243] R7-O-(S)n, where R7is a C8to C20 or C8to Ci8or C10 to C16 linear or branched alkyl and S is a saccharide group of 5 or 6 carbons such as glucose, xylose, lactose, fructose and / or mannose, and preferably, is glucose, and n represents the degree of polymerization and may have a value of from 1 to 12 or

[0244] 30 from 1 to 10 , and most preferably, from 1 .2 to about 1 .6 or from 1 .3 to 1 .5.

[0245] In yet another embodiment of the invention, the nonionic surfactant when used includes polysorbate (like polysorbate 20), cocamide monoethanolamine (cocamide MEA) or a mixture thereof. In even P0001081 CPL

[0246] T1 another embodiment, optional nonionic makes up from 0.25 to 1 % or from 0.3 to 0.85% or from 0.35 to 0.55% by weight of the surfactant preparation, end use product or both.

[0247] Inorganic salt is an optional ingredient to aid in surfactant preparation or end use product thickening

[0248] 5 and water activity adjustment. Typical salts may be used like NaCI, KCI, MgCI2, CaCI2, mixtures thereof or the like. If used, the inorganic salt makes up from 0.01 to 5%, and preferably, from 0.1 to 4%, and most preferably, from 0.25 to 2.5% (or from 0.5 to 2%, or from 0.5 to 1 .5% or from 0.5 to 1 %) by weight of the surfactant preparation or end use product.

[0249] Fatty acid sources for the surfactants described herein may, for example, include vegetable, soy, nut, jojoba, avocado, olive, seed oil (e.g., sunflower, linseed, rapeseed), fruit (e.g., mango, papaya, red berries, coconut), palm kernel and / or palm oil. In an embodiment of the invention, less than 5%, and preferably, less than 2%, and most preferably, less than 1 % (or 0.0%) palm kernel oil is used to make surfactant included in the present invention. In another embodiment of the invention, from 0.001 to

[0250] 15 70%, and preferably, from 0.01 to 60%, and most preferably, from 1 to 50% (or 2 to 39%) by weight of total surfactant used in the present invention is derived from palm oil and / or palm kernel oil. In even another embodiment, surfactant in the present invention is less than 5% by weight (or 0.0% by weight) of the total palm kernel oil derived.

[0251] 20 In even another embodiment of the invention, less than 95%, and preferably, less than 90%, and most preferably, less than 85% (or less than 80% or from 5 to 22% or from 6 to 20% or from 10 to 15%) by weight of the hydrophobic portion of surfactant used in the present invention are recovered from petroleum, palm oil, palm kernel oil and / or coconut oil. In still another embodiment, from 90 to 100% by weight of the hydrophobic portion of at least one surfactant used in the present invention is not

[0252] 25 recovered from petroleum, palm oil, palm kernel oil and / or coconut oil.

[0253] In a further embodiment of the invention, from 0.0 to 15% or from 0.05 to 12% or from 0.5 to 10% by weight of any of the surfactants used in the present invention may have hydrophobic portion with carbon recovered from purple carbon, and that is, carbon recovered from carbon dioxide or carbon

[0254] 30 monoxide or methane waste gas (or mixtures thereof) via biotechnology that utilizes microbial gas fermentation. It is also suitable in the invention to utilize carbon sources recovered from algal oils, microbial enhanced oil recovery processes and from plants like the oil recovered from Macauba pulp. P0001081 CPL

[0255] 28

[0256] In still another embodiment, the alcohol alkoxy sulfate used in the present invention can comprise from 1 to 15%, or 1 to 12%, or 2 to 11 % or 2 to 6% or 0.00005 1.5% or 0.0001 to 1.0% or 0.001 to 0.5% by weight carbon recovered from carbon capture (e.g., purple carbon) based on total weight of alcohol alkoxy sulfate used.

[0257] 5

[0258] Polyols (i.e. , humectants) are suitable for optional use in the surfactant preparation, end use product, or both of the present invention whereby the same are limited only to the extent that they are suitable for use in a consumer product. Illustrative and nonlimiting examples of the optional polyols suitable for use in the present invention include sorbitol, glycerol, mannitol, xylitol, maltitol, or mixtures thereof. In an embodiment of the invention, the polyol used is at least 50% by weight glycerol, based on total weight of the polyol used. In another embodiment of the invention, the polyol used is all glycerol (100% by weight). Polyol, when used, will typically make up from 1 to 30% by weight of the end use product, and preferably, from 1 to 25% by weight of the end use, and most preferably, from 1 to 15% (or from 1 to 10% or 1 to 7% or from 1 .2 to 5%) by weight of the surfactant preparation and end use

[0259] 15 product.

[0260] Water typically makes up from 30 to 85%, and preferably, from 40 to 83%, and most preferably, from 50 to 82% (or from 55 to 80% or from 57 to 79%) by weight of the end use product. Water may make up from 82 to 90% (or 85 to 90% or 87 to 90%) by weight of the end use product when such product

[0261] 20 is micellar water.

[0262] Adjusters suitable to modify / buffer the pH may optionally be used. Such pH adjusters include triethylamine, NaOH, KOH, H2SO4, HCI, C6H8O7(i.e., citric acid) or mixtures thereof. The pH adjusters are added at amounts to yield the desired final pH (as defined from 4.5 to 10). The pH

[0263] 25 values may be assessed with commercial instrumentation such as a pH meter made commercially available from Thermo Scientific®.

[0264] Structurant (i.e., lathering aids suitable to align surfactant polar groups) can optional be included in the surfactant preparation, end use product or both. Such aids include C6-Ci4acids, or alcohols and / or

[0265] 30 amide derivatives thereof. Caproic, caprylic, capric, lauric and myristic acid, and any alcohol or amide derivatives of the same may be used in any combination. When used, the structurant or lathering aid makes up less than 5.75% or from 0.01 to 4.2% or from 0.5 to 3.75% by weight of the surfactant preparation, end use product or both. In an embodiment of the invention, no structurant (0.0% by P0001081 CPL

[0266] 29 weight) is used. In even another embodiment, less than 1 .5% by weight structurant is present in the end use product when soap is present and the pH of the end use product exceeds 7. In an embodiment of the invention, structurant is used to stabilize the end use product in the lamellar phase.

[0267] 5 Thickeners or viscosity builders are suitable for use in the surfactant preparation end use product or both of the present invention. These components can include nonmodified starch granules, in general, like potato starch, waxy maize starch as well as simple corn starch, i.e. , a starch that gelatinizes at around 75°C. Pure-Gel® starches from Grain Processing Corporation are chemically modified corn starch granules having a gelatinization temperature at about 53°C and are often preferred for use. Modified and / or nonmodified starch granules with gelatinization temperatures from 30° to 85°C, and preferably, from 30° to 80°C, and most preferably, from 35 to 75°C are suitable for inclusion as the polymeric carbohydrate thickening agent in the end use product of the invention. In general, and notwithstanding the starch selected for use, it is typically preferred that the granules of the polymeric carbohydrate selected, upon use in the end use product, swell at least 200%, and preferably at least

[0268] 15 400%, and more preferably, at least 600%, and most preferably, at least 800% by volume in the in the end use product to form swollen starch gel particles with a size in the range of 2 to 300 micrometers, or preferably, from 3 to 275 microns, and most preferably, from 4 to 245 microns. Examples of the often preferred Pure-Gel® starches suitable for use are Pure Gel B990, Pure Gel B992, Pure Gel B980 and Pure Dent starches made commercially available from Grain Processing Corporation. Additional

[0269] 20 polymeric carbohydrates suitable for use (i.e., starch granules) are National™ 1545, Amioca corn starch, Clearjel, National 1333, Colflo 67, Novation 1600, Novation 2700 or Purity 420 made available from Ingredion. Chemically modified starch granules are also suitable for use. Starch granules modified with nonionic hydrophilic groups such as hydroxyethyl or hydroxypropyl and / or ionic groups such as phosphate, carboxylate, sulfate, sulfonate and dialkyl / trialkyl amino or quaternary ammonium

[0270] 25 ions are often selected for use.

[0271] Even other polymeric carbohydrates suitable for use are water soluble starches like Ultra-Sperse®, tapioca and waxy maize starch, and National 1215 pregelatinized unmodified corn starch or mixtures thereof. Still others include Structure® ZEA, a hydroxypropyl modified corn starch, or Structure® XL,

[0272] 30 a cross-linked pregelatinized hydroxypropyl starch phosphate or mixtures thereof, whereby the same are also available commercially from Nouryon. P0001081 CPL

[0273] 30

[0274] Other useful thickeners that can be used include carbohydrate gums such as cellulose gum, microcrystalline cellulose, cellulose gel, hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, sodium carboxymethylcellulose, hydroxymethyl or carboxymethyl cellulose, methyl cellulose, ethyl cellulose, guar gum, gum karaya, gum tragacanth, gum Arabic, gum acacia, gum agar, xanthan gum, and mixtures

[0275] 5 thereof; modified and nonmodified starch granules often with gelatinization temperatures between 30 to 85°C.

[0276] Additional thickeners that also may be used include Versathix™ (PEG-150 Pentaerythrityl Tetrastearate (and) PPG-2 Hydroxyethyl cocamide and water), Aristoflex AVC (ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate / VP copolymer), Carbopol® Ultrez 10 and 20 (crosslinked polyacrylic acid); alkaline soluble emulsion polymers such as Aculyn 28, Acuyln 22 or Carbopol Aqua SF1 ; cationic polymer such as modified polysaccharides including cationic guar available from Aventis under the trade name Jaguar C13S, Jaguar C14S, Jaguar C17, or Jaguar C16; cationic modified cellulose such as UCARE Polymer JR 30 or JR 40 from Amerchol; N-Hance 3000, N-Hance 3196, N-Hance GPX 215 or N-Hance GPX 196 from Ashland, Inc.; synthetic

[0277] 15 cationic polymer such as MerQuat 100, MerQuat 280, Merquat 281 and Merquat 550 by Nalco; cationic starches, e.g., StaLok® 100, 200, 300 and 400 made by Galactasol 800 series by Henkel, Inc.; Quadrosoft Um-200; and Polyquaternium-24.

[0278] In an embodiment of the invention, the surfactant preparation, end use product or both can comprise

[0279] 20 thickener that comprises at least 75% (or at least 85%, or from 90 to 100% or 100%) by weight polymeric carbohydrate. In another embodiment, the polymeric carbohydrate is at least 50% by weight or 55 to 100% or 65 to 95% or 75 to 90% or 80 to 90% or 90 to 98% or at least 95% or 100% by weight starch where starch is defined to mean polymer, plant derived and comprising D-Glucose and 1 ,4 and / or 1 ,6 alpha-glycosidic bonds or linkages, and preferably, both.

[0280] 25

[0281] In even another embodiment, the thickener optionally used is Structure® ZEA, a hydroxypropyl modified corn starch, or Structure® XL, a cross-linked pregelatinized hydroxypropyl starch phosphate.

[0282] 30 Typically, total amount of thickener, if used, makes up from 0.3 to 10%, and preferably, from 0.5 to 10%, and most preferably, from 0.9% to 9.5% (or 1 .5 to 9% or 3 to 9% or 3 to 8.25% or 3 to 6%) by weight of the end use product. In an embodiment of the invention, the end use product of the present invention can comprise no thickener, 0.0%. P0001081 CPL

[0283] 31

[0284] In yet another embodiment of the invention, less than 1 %, and preferably, less than 0.5%, and most preferably, less than 0.25% or 0.0% by weight of any thickener used is acrylate based.

[0285] 5 In even another embodiment, the amounts of thickener optionally used in the surfactant preparation will not exceed 2.5% or 2.2% or 1 .8% by weight of the surfactant preparation whereby the thickener may make up from 0.001 to 1 % or from 0.1 to 0.8% or 0.0% by weight of the surfactant preparation.

[0286] In an embodiment of this invention, the surfactant preparation, end use product or both will comprise less than 0.1 % by weight polymeric quaternary ammonium compounds. In yet another embodiment, the surfactant preparation, end use product or both will comprises less than 0.01% by weight polymeric quaternary ammonium compounds. In even another embodiment, the same are free of polymeric quaternary ammonium compounds (i.e., 0.0%).

[0287] 15 In still another embodiment, polymeric quaternary ammonium thickener makes up 0.5 to 1.8% or from 0.7 to 1 .5% or from 0.8 to 1 .2% by weight of the surfactant preparation and end use product.

[0288] As to oils suitable for optional use in the end use product of this invention, the same include any oils suitable for topical application via a wash composition, and preferably, an oil suitable to contact skin

[0289] 20 that is natural and sustainable. Illustrative examples of such oils include silicone oils and / or mineral oil, but preferably those that are naturally sourced and sustainable like, arachis oil, castor oil, coconut oil, com oil, cotton seed oil, olive oil, rapeseed oil, safflower seed oil, sesame seed oil, soybean oil, avocado oil, macadamia nut oil, argan oil, pomegranate oil, argan Moroccan oil, blueberry oil, raspberry oil, walnut oil, pecan oil, peanut oil, bayberry oil, mango seed oil, jojoba oil, hydrolyzed

[0290] 25 jojoba oil, moringa oil, mixtures thereof or the like. If a silicone oil is optionally used, the same can include, for example, PEG-3 Dimethicone, PEG-8 Dimethicone, PEG-9 Dimethicone, PEG-10 Dimethicone, PEG-11 Methyl ether dimethicone, PEG-12 Dimethicone, PEG-14 Dimethicone, PEG- 17 Dimethicone, PEG-32 Dimethicone, mixtures thereof or the like.

[0291] 30 In an embodiment of the invention, the end use product of the present invention comprises from 0.5 to 10% by weight oil, and preferably, from 1.0 to 7.5%, and most preferably, from 1.5 to 6.5% (or from 1 .75 to 5.5% or from 2 to 4% or from 0.8 to 2%) by weight oil based on total weight of oil in the end use product. In another embodiment, the oil used is at least 70%, or 80% or 90 to 100% or P0001081 CPL

[0292] 32

[0293] 100% by weight soybean oil including mixtures of soybean oil and hydrogenated soybean oil at a weight ratio from 1 :10 to 10:1 or from 1 :5 to 5:1 or from 1 :3 to 3:1. In another embodiment, from 5% to 40% and preferably, from 7% to 32%, and most preferably, from 10 to 25% of the oil used is present as nanometer droplets. Such droplets are typically at a droplet size from 50 to 750 nm, and

[0294] 5 preferably, from 75 to 700 nm and most preferably, from 100 to 600 nm. Oil droplets not within the nanometer range typically are present in a size from 1 micron to 600 microns, and preferably, from 2 to 550 microns, and most preferably, from 5 to 300 microns or from 3 to 200 microns or from 4 to 100 microns or from 5 to 100 microns. In an embodiment of the invention, when oil is used in both the micron and nanometer ranges, from 15 to 95% or from 20 to 85% or from 35 to 80% or from 40 to 95% or from 60 to 90% of the oil is in the micron droplet size, based on total weight of oil in the end use product.

[0295] Optional water-soluble cosmetic agents suitable for use in the surfactant preparation, end use product or both are limited only to the extent that they are capable of being used in a consumer

[0296] 15 product at the desired pH described.

[0297] Illustrative examples of the cosmetic agents suitable to include in the water portion of the end use product are water-soluble cosmetic agents like 4-ethyl resorcinol, extracts like sage, aloe vera, green tea, grapeseed, thyme, chamomile, yarrow, cucumber, liquorice, rosemary extract or

[0298] 20 mixtures thereof. Water soluble sunscreens like ensulizole may also be used. Total amount of optional water-soluble cosmetic agents (including mixtures) when present in the surfactant preparation, end use product or both may range from 0.001 to 15%, preferably from 0.001 to 10%, and most preferably, from 0.01 to 8% (or from 1 to 6%) by weight of the end use product.

[0299] 25 It is also within the scope of the present invention to optionally include oil soluble cosmetic agents (i.e., non-water-soluble agents defined as less than 1.0 g of such agent (solute) can be dissolved in 100 mL of 25°C water (solvent) at atmospheric pressure). The only limitations with respect to such oil soluble cosmetic agents are that the same are suitable for use in a consumer product.

[0300] 30 Illustrative examples of the types of oil soluble cosmetic agents that may optionally be used in the surfactant preparation, end use product or both include components like stearic acid, palmitic acid, sunscreens like ethylhexylmethoxycinnamate, bis-ethyl hexyloxyphenol methoxyphenol triazine, 2- P0001081 CPL

[0301] 33 ethylhexyl-2-cyano-3,3-diphenyl-2-propanoic acid, drometrizole trisiloxane, 3,3,5-trimethyl cyclohexyl 2-hydroxybenzoate, 2-ethylhexyl-2hydroxybenzoate, or mixtures thereof.

[0302] Other optional oil soluble cosmetic agents suitable for use include resorcinols like thiamidol

[0303] 5 (isobutylene thiazolyl resorcinol), 4-hexyl resorcinol, 4-phenylethyl resorcinol, 4-cyclopentyl resorcinol, 4-cyclohexyl resorcinol 4-isopropyl resorcinol or a mixture thereof. Also, 5-substituted resorcinols like 4-cyclohexyl-5-methylbenzene-1 ,3-diol, 4-isopropyl-5-methylbenzene-1 ,3-diol, mixtures thereof or the like may be used. The 5-substituted resorcinols, and their synthesis are described in commonly assigned U.S. Published Patent Application No. 2016 / 0000669A1.

[0304] Even other oil soluble cosmetic agents suitable for use include omega-3 fatty acids, omega-6 fatty acids, climbazole, farnesol, ursolic acid, myristic acid, geranyl geraniol, oleyl betaine, cocoyl hydroxyethyl imidazoline, hexanoyl sphingosine, 10-hydroxystearic acid, 12-hydroxystearic acid, petroselinic acid, conjugated linoleic acid, terpineol, thymol, mixtures thereof or the like.

[0305] 15

[0306] In an embodiment of the invention, the optional oil soluble cosmetic agent used is a retinoic acid precursor. In one embodiment of the invention, the retinoic acid precursor is retinol, retinal, retinyl propionate, retinyl palmitate, retinyl acetate, ora mixture thereof. Retinyl propionate, retinyl palmitate and mixtures thereof are typically preferred when used.

[0307] 20

[0308] When optional oil soluble cosmetic agent is used in the surfactant preparation, end use product or both, such cosmetic agent typically makes up from 0.001 to 2% (or to 1.5%), and preferably, from 0.001 to 1 %, and most preferably, from 0.05 to 0.85% by weight of the surfactant preparation, end use product or both.

[0309] 25

[0310] Conventional preservatives can desirably be incorporated into the surfactant preparation and end use product to protect against the growth of potentially harmful microorganisms. Cosmetic chemists are familiar with appropriate preservatives and routinely choose them to satisfy the preservative challenge test and to provide product stability. Suitable traditional preservatives that may be used

[0311] 30 include those traditionally found in consumer products. Preservatives suitable for preferred use are iodopropynyl butyl carbamate, phenoxyethanol, hydroxyacetophenone, ethylhexylglycerine, imidazolidinyl urea, sodium dehydroacetate, benzyl alcohol, sodium benzoate and mixtures thereof. Other preservatives suitable for use include sodium dehydroacetate, chlorophenesin and decylene P0001081 CPL

[0312] 34 glycol. The preservatives should be selected having regard for the use of the composition and possible incompatibilities between the preservatives and other ingredients included. Preservatives are preferably employed in amounts ranging from 0.01 % to 2.0% by weight of the total weight of the surfactant preparation and end use product. Also preferred is a preservative system with

[0313] 5 hydroxyacetophenone alone or in a mixture with other preservatives.

[0314] While suitable for use, but in an embodiment of the invention, the surfactant preparation and end use product are substantially free of hydantoins, parabens and isothiazolinones.

[0315] In another embodiment, the preservative used is sodium benzoate. In even another embodiment, 1 ,2-octanediol is used with preservative like phenoxyethanol, iodopropynyl butyl carbamate or both where the vicinal diol typically makes up from 0.5 to 1 .5 or from 0.6 to 1 .3 or from 0.7 to 1 .2 times the amount of preservative used.

[0316] 15 In even another embodiment, the end use product made according to the invention will comprise thymol, terpineol, chloroxylenol, or a mixture thereof.

[0317] Fragrances, fixatives, chelators (like EDTA) and exfoliants may optionally be included in the surfactant preparation, end use composition or both. Each of these substances may range from

[0318] 20 about 0.03 to about 5%, preferably between 0.1 and 3% (or from 0.3 to 1.2%) by weight of the total weight of such surfactant preparation and end use product. To the extent the exfoliants are used, those selected should be of small enough particle size so that they do not impede the performance of any packaging used to dispense the compositions of this invention.

[0319] 25 Regarding the method (and use) as previously noted, mitigation component and booster can be provided with the surfactant preparation that is added to make end use product or the same may be added directly to the end use product or both.

[0320] In an embodiment of the invention, the end use product of the present invention will comprise at least

[0321] 30 one of thiamidol, oleyl adapalenate, stearic acid, hyaluronic acid, 10-hydroxystearic acid, 12- hydroxystearic acid, mandelic acid, caffeine, tretinoin ((all-E)-3,7-dimethyl-9-(2,6,6-trimethyl-1 cyclonexen-1-yl)-2,4,6,8-nonatetraenoic acid), epigallocatechin gallate, palmitic acid, conjugated linoleic acid, adapalene (6-[3-(1-adamantyl)-4-methoxyphenyl]naphthalene-2-carboxylic acid), 2- P0001081 CPL

[0322] 35 mecaptonicotinoyl glycine, salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, N-acetyl-DL-methionine, terpineol, thymol, glycerine, retinol, retinyl palmitate, retinyl propionate, 4-ethyl resorcinol, 4-hexyl resorcinol, or a mixture thereof. In another embodiment and when used, such ingredients make up (collectively) from 0.0001 to 7%, or from 0.001 to 6%, or from 0.01 to 5% or from 0.01 to 4% or from 0.01 to 3%

[0323] 5 (or 0.1 to 2% or 0.1 to 1 .25 or 0.1 to 7%) by weight of the end use product.

[0324] When making end use product of the present invention, the desired ingredients may be mixed with conventional apparatus under moderate shear and atmospheric conditions, with temperature being from 30 to 85°C whereby shear continues until a homogeneous product is recovered. The alcohol alkoxy sulfate is made as previously described and mixed with additional ingredients similar in manner to the method described for making end use product. It is within the scope of the present invention to request and / or obtain or make surfactant preparation and to subsequently perform the methods described herein in this invention to surfactant preparation that may have already been scrubbed, may include hydrotrope, alcohol, antioxidant already present therein and / or may have had

[0325] 15 glycol removed from the surfactant preparation in the manner described in World Application No. 2023 / 0119920A1.

[0326] The packaging for the end use product typically is not limited if composition can be dispensed. In an embodiment on the invention, the end use product is sold in a pouch, bottle, jar, tube or canister.

[0327] 20 The packaging preferably is biodegradable and / or is prepared from recycled materials including postconsumer resins. Paper bottles are also suitable for use. Other suitable formats include impregnating the end use product in nonwovens like those having cotton, polyester or both or by providing the end use products in water soluble sachets such as those essentially consisting of polyvinyl alcohol.

[0328] 25

[0329] The Examples are provided to facilitate an understanding of the invention. They are not intended to limit the scope of the claims.

[0330] 30 Sample surfactant preparations were made by combining the ingredients identified in the Tables and mixing with moderate shear, under atmospheric pressure and with temperature at 25°C. Mixing was completed when the final compositions were homogeneous surfactant preparations. The surfactant preparations had pH values of about 4.5 to 7. After storing surfactant preparations for 23 hours, in P0001081 GPL

[0331] 36 ovens if required to achieve the temperatures identified, the preparations were assessed for formation of 1 ,4-dioxane (i.e., dioxane concentration initially against a dioxane concentration change / drift in PPM of dioxane) at such temperatures. For the controls, surfactant preparations stored and not including the mitigation components of the invention, the dioxane drift in PPM is 5 identified. Sodium Pareth Sulfate used had an average ethoxy (EO) unit as identified in the Tables.

[0332] As to dioxane drift assessment described, the technique used was Headspace GC-MS where gas chromatography and mass spectroscopy were used to separate the ingredients of the surfactant preparation to identify compounds and molecules, relying on boiling points (volatility). A review of 10 the type of method used is summarized and described in The Journal of Surfactants and Detergents,

[0333] Hayes et al., 2022, 25:729-741.

[0334] Table

[0335] *weight percents as shown in Table II

[0336] 15

[0337] Table P0001081 CPL

[0338] 37

[0339] In Table II the percents (%) are percent by weight in the composition. N-MET, N-CYS and N-HIS mean N-acetylated methionine, cysteine and histidine, respectively. SPES is 3EO Sodium Pareth Ether Sulfate.

[0340] As can be seen in the data provided in Table II, compositions comprising N-acetylated amino acid consistent with the invention unexpectedly displayed a reduction in 1 ,4-dioaxane generation in surfactant preparations.

Claims

P0001081 CPL38Claims1 . A method for reducing dioxane formation in a surfactant preparation comprising: a) water; b) an anionic surfactant comprising an alcohol alkoxy sulfate or salt thereof; and c) optionally, a preservative, the method comprises, in no particular order, the steps of: i) adding to the surfactant preparation a mitigation component comprising acetylated amino acid, acetylated homooligopeptide, acetylated hetero-oligopeptide, or a mixture thereof, wherein the surfactant preparation comprises the mitigation component in an amount of from 0.001 to 7.5% by weight of the surfactant preparation; ii) optionally adding to the surfactant preparation a mitigation booster comprising a B vitamin or derivative thereof, the B vitamin or derivative thereof comprising thiamine, thiamine pyrophosphate, riboflavin, niacin, niacinamide, biotin, folic acid, cyanocobalamin, or cysteine or a non-acetylated derivative thereof, ascorbic acid or a derivative thereof, zwitterionic surfactant, antimicrobial agent, an alcohol, hydrotrope, antioxidant or mixture thereof, the antioxidant comprising tert-butylhydroquinone, butylated hydroxyanisole, butylated hydroxytoluene, citrate (or a derivative thereof), vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin E (or a derivative of such vitamins) or a mixture thereof; and iii) optionally modifying the pH, temperature, water activity or a combination thereof of the surfactant preparation.

2. The method for reducing dioxane formation in a surfactant preparation according to claim 1 wherein the acetylated amino acid, acetylated hetero-oligopeptide and the acetylated homooligopeptide comprise at least one of N-acetyl methionine, N-acetyl histidine, N-acetyl cysteine, or a mixture thereof.

3. The method for reducing dioxane formation in a surfactant preparation according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the mitigation booster is present and comprises a zwitterionic surfactant, and at least one of N-acetyl methionine, N-acetyl cysteine, N-acetyl histidine, N-acetyl glycine, N- acetyl lysine, N-acetyl arginine, N-acetyl threonine, N-acetyl tyrosine, N-acetyl serine N-acetyl threonine, O-acetyl tyrosine, O-acetyl serine O-acetyl threonine or a mixture thereof.P0001081 CPL394. The method for reducing dioxane formation in a surfactant preparation according to claim 3 wherein the zwitterionic surfactant is cocamidopropyl betaine, lauryl sulfobetaine, lauryl hydroxysultaine, or a mixture thereof.

5. The method for reducing dioxane formation in a surfactant preparation according any of the previous claims wherein the surfactant preparation resulting from the method has at least 1 % less 1 ,4-dioxane when compared to an identical surfactant preparation not having mitigation component after being stored at 60°C for 2 weeks.

6. The method according to any of the previous claims wherein the anionic surfactant comprises a pareth sulfate, an alkyl ether sulfate or both.

7. The method according to any of the previous claims wherein the surfactant preparation resulting from the method comprises less than 50 ppm, and preferably, less than 42 ppm, and most preferably, less than 38 ppm or less than 32 ppm or less than 27 ppm or less than 24 ppm or less than 18 ppm or less than 14 ppm or less than 7 ppm or less than 2 ppm or less than 1 ppm dioxane or less than 0.6 ppm or less than 0.4 ppm or less than 0.1 ppm or 0.0 ppm dioxane.

8. The method according to any of the previous claims, wherein the surfactant preparation is substantially free of alkyl sulfate, does not comprise an acrylate-based thickener, and is paraben free.

9. The method according to any of the previous claims wherein the mitigation booster is present.

10. A surfactant preparation obtained by the method according to any of the previous claims.

11. An end use product comprising the surfactant preparation obtained by the method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the end use product preferably comprises the mitigation component in an amount of from 0.001 to 7.5% by weight of the end use product.P0001081 CPL4012. The end use product according to claim 11 wherein the product is a shampoo, shampoo and conditioner, antiperspirant, deodorant, body wash, face wash, hand wash, leave-on topical composition, a cleaning-in-place wash composition, laundry detergent, dish washing detergent or glass cleaning composition.

13. The end use product according to claims 11 or 12 wherein the product is substantially free of at least one of a paraben, hydantoin, isothiazolinone, phthalate, dye, fragrance, acrylate-based thickener, alkyl sulfate, and / or silicone oil.

14. The end use product according to any one of claims 11 , 12, and 13 wherein the product further comprises soap, a co-anionic surfactant or both.

15. The end use product according to any one of claims 11 to 14 wherein the product further comprises alpha olefin sulfate, a taurate, isethionate, glycinate, sarcosinate, sultaine or a mixture thereof.

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