Co-emulsifier system

Abstract

The present invention generally relates to a formulation comprising at least two of compounds A, B and C, (A) maltol, (B) anisic acid, (C) an alkanediol, as well as at least one of, components D, E, and F, (D) an emulsifier, (E) an oil component, and (F) a water component.

Description

[0001] Eisenfuhr Speiser

[0002] Munich, 21 November 2025

[0003] Our Ref.: SM 7029-02WO SOE / PAP

[0004] Applicant: Symrise AG

[0005] Serial Number: Subsequent Application based on PCT / EP2024 / 083312 et al.

[0006] Symrise AG

[0007] MuhlenfeldstraBe 1 , 37603 Holzminden,

[0008] Germany

[0009] Co-emulsifier system

[0010] The present invention mainly relates to a formulation comprising a combination of compounds serving as co-emulsifier, and at least one of an emulsifier, an oil component and a water component. It further relates to a method of producing such formulation, to a method of enhancing emulsion stability, and to the use of at least one of maltol, anisic acid or a salt thereof, and an alkanediol as a co-emulsifier.

[0011] An emulsifier is the primary agent that allows oil and water to mix into an emulsion, while a co-emulsifier is a secondary agent that works with the primary emulsifier to improve stability, viscosity and / or texture. Emulsifiers contain molecules with both oil- and waterattracting parts, whereas co-emulsifiers enhance the overall effectiveness of the emulsifier, especially in complex formulations.

[0012] Oil-in-water (O / W) or water-in-oil (W / O) emulsions are well known in the field of cosmetics and dermatology, in particular for the preparation of cosmetic products, such as milks, creams, tonics, serums or toilet waters. Emulsions are heterogeneous systems of at least two, usually non-mixable liquids (phases), wherein one liquid (phase) forms small droplets which are distributed in the other liquid (phase).

[0013] O / W emulsions consist of an oil phase (or lipophilic phase) dispersed in an aqueous phase. They have an external aqueous phase and are therefore products that are more pleasant to use because of the feeling of freshness that they provide. However, they have the drawback of relatively lacking stability when the amount of oil present is too great. For some applications, it is advantageous to have a large amount of oils since the oils provide comfort for and nourishment of the skin, or capability to remove makeup.

[0014] *20250466276* An important requirement of a cosmetic emulsion is its physical stability. Also, a homogenous and stable appearing emulsion can change with increasing storage time. These changes can be unseen or lead to a clearly visible phase separation, a so-called “breaking” of the emulsion with clearly visible separation of water or oil. These processes influence the emulsion-characteristic attributes in such a way that the emulsion no longer fulfils the expectations, e.g. for a cosmetic product, and becomes useless. Generally, fine emulsions with smaller oil or water droplets are more stable than coarsely dispersed emulsions. Besides, fine emulsions with small droplet sizes are perceived as having a more pleasant skinfeel and better distrubtion properties.

[0015] To counteract phase separation, primary emulsifiers are typically added to emulsions. Emulsifiers are molecules with a polar, hydrophilic head and a non-polar lipophilic tail. Due to its amphiphilic characters, a single molecule thick emulsifier layer accumulate at the interfaces and reduce the interfacial tension.

[0016] Many emulsifiers are known. However, it is not always possible to simply increase the concentration of an emulsifier until the desired effectiveness is reached. Combining two or more different emulsifiers may often be solution to this problem. However, this solution has the disadvantage that the number of ingredients, often synthetic ingredients, is thereby increased. Especially, with the number of consumer reports on skin intolerances to cosmetics increasing, the ambition grows to generally reduce the number of ingredients in a cosmetic product. It would thus be desirable to identify multifunctional agents providing co-emulsifying properties. Desirably, the agents are not of synthetic origin.

[0017] These objects are achieved by the present invention and its embodiments as set forth in the appended claims. The invention itself, and its preferred variants, objects and advantages, are also apparent from the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying examples and drawings.

[0018] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a formulation comprises at least one, preferably at least two, more preferably all, of components A, B and C,

[0019] (A) maltol,

[0020] (B) anisic acid or a salt thereof,

[0021] (C) an alkanediol, and at least one, preferably at least two, more preferably all of, components D, E and F,

[0022] (D) an emulsifier,

[0023] (E) an oil component,

[0024] (F) a water component. Preferred formulations of the invention contain components D, E and F. These formulations contain components of an emulsion, such as an O / W or W / O-emulsion, more preferably an O / W-emulsion or a hydrodispersion gel. Thus, the formulation is capable to form a stable emulsion, preferably an O / W-emulsion. Preferably, the formulation is in the form of an emulsion.

[0025] The present invention is based on the inventors’ observation that the components A and / or B, and / or C (also referred to herein as “co-emulsifier” or “co-emulsifier of the invention”, regardless whether it is composed of one, two or all of compounds A, B and C) surprisingly exhibit co-emulsifying properties. Therefore, the co-emulsifier is capable to reduce oil droplet size in an oil and water emulsion in conjunction with one or more (common) emulsifiers, chemically distinct from the co-emulsifier. Advantageously, when combining two or three of components A, B and C, the co-emulsifying properties increase synergistically. It was particularly surprising to find that component A, maltol, does not only display antimicrobial properties, but also exhibits co-emulsifying properties and stabilizes emulsions. It was found that, advantageously, maltol can synergistically stabilize emulsions together with component D and components B and / or C.

[0026] Another advantage is that components A, B and C are available from renewable sources. It is thus not necessary to rely on synthetic components. Therefore, a co-emulsifier is provided that can be free of synthetic compounds, avoiding the number of synthetic compounds to be increased. In addition, all of components A, B and C exhibit further desirable properties, which helps to keep the total number of synthetic ingredients in the formulation low.

[0027] As used herein, the term “compound” refers to a pure substance, e.g. maltol. The term “component” may refer to a pure substance, e.g. water, or to a mixture of substances, e.g. emulsifier mixture. Accordingly, any of compounds A to C is understood to respectively denote a single compound. However, this does not exclude the general possibility that formulations of the invention may comprise one or more further compound(s) falling within the definition of one or more of compounds A to C. Moreover, any of components A to C may be provided by way of a mixture, such as a natural extract, as described herein.

[0028] Moreover, the compounds chosen from A to C, or A to F, may be provided in the form of a (homogeneous) blend, a (heterogeneous) mixture, or as a combination in separate containers. The compounds may also be provided as a solution, for instance the compounds may be dissolved in a common solvent. A combination in separate containers is also referred to as a kit-type combination provided in separate containers. This means, compound A may be contained in a first container, compound B may be contained in a second container and compound C may be contained in a third container, etc.

[0029] Although the invention is not limited in this regard, it is preferred that all compounds in the formulation of the invention occur in nature. This does not mean that the compounds are actually isolated from the nature, but they may also be synthetically derived as long as they occur naturally as such. Moreover, some compounds, for example, compounds A, B and C, may be of natural origin, whereas other compounds, for example compound D, the emulsifier, may be obtained by chemical synthesis.

[0030] In some embodiments, the formulation of the invention is a bio-formulation. The term “bioformulation” means that some or all of components A to F are from bio-based sources. For example, the components A to F may be obtained from bioderived feedstock by fermentation, or from bio-based natural and renewable feedstock - such as biomass by catalytic synthesis as described in US 2019 / 0241491 A1 and US 2020 / 0189995 A1 for the component C. However, the present invention is not limited to a bio-formulation. It is rather envisaged that one, two, three or more, or even all of components A to F are derived from petrochemical or other fossil fuel sources by chemical synthesis. A mixture of bio-based, renewable and petrochemical components is also possible. It is also possible that all compounds included in the formulation occur naturally, whether the compounds are actually of natural or synthetic origin.

[0031] The term “comprising” means that the named recitations are essential, and that additional recitations may be included. The term “consisting of’ signifies that the subject matter is closed-ended and only includes the recitations that are expressly recited. Whenever reference is made to “comprising” it is intended to cover both meanings as alternative embodiments. That is, the meaning can be either “comprising” or “consisting of’, unless the context dictates otherwise.

[0032] A second aspect closely related to the previous aspect pertains to a formulation comprising at least one, preferably at least two, of components A, B and C,

[0033] (A) a pyrone derivative,

[0034] (B) an aromatic acid or salt thereof,

[0035] (C) an alkanediol, and at least one, preferably at least two, more preferably all of, components D, E and F,

[0036] (D) an emulsifier,

[0037] (E) an oil component, (F) a water component.

[0038] The description provided herein apply generally to the formulations of both aspects.

[0039] In the related aspect, compound A, a pyrone derivative, is an organic compound that is chemically based on, preferably includes, a pyrone structure, a six-membered ring containing both oxygen and carbon atoms, along with a carbonyl group within the ring. Preferred pyrone derivatives include a-Pyrone (2-pyrone) and y-Pyrone (4-pyrone). a- Pyrones are also known as 2H-pyran-2-one, and have the carbonyl group at the 2-position relative to the oxygen atom in the ring. y-Pyrones have the carbonyl group at the 4-position, making this structure 4H-pyran-4-one. Preferred examples of pyrone derivatives include coumarin, chromones, kojic acid (5-hydroxy-2-(hydroxymethyl)-4H-pyran-4-one), flavonoids, maltol, xanthones, 6-pentyl-2H-pyran-2-one, kojic acid derivatives (e.g., kojic dipalmitate), 2-ethyl-3 -hydroxy-4H-pyran-4-one, 3-hydroxy-2-propylpyran-4-one, 3- hydroxy-2-propan-2-ylpyran-4-one, 2-acetyl-3-hydroxypyran-4-one, 2-ethyl-5- hydroxypyran-4-one, 3-hydroxy-2-(2-propen-l-y1)-4H-Pyran-4-one, 3-hydroxypyran-4-one,

[0040] 2-hex-2-eny1 -3-hydroxypyran-4-one, 3, 5-di hydroxy-2- methyl -4H-pyran-4-one (5- hydroxymaltol), 2-methy1-4-oxo-4H-pyran-3-y1 isobutyrate (maltol isobutyrate), 2-methy1-

[0041] 3-(1-oxopropoxy)-4H-pyran-4-one (maltol propionate), 2-methy1-4-oxo-4H-pyran-3-y1 butyrate (maltol butyrate), (2-methy1-4-oxopyran-3-y1) acetate, (2-ethy1-4-oxopyran-3 - y1) 2-methylpropanoate, 2-methy1-4-oxo-4H-pyran-3-y1 2-hydroxybenzoate (salicylic acid maltol ester), 2-methy1-4-oxo-4H-pyran-3-y1 lactate (maltol lactate), 2-methy1-4-oxo-4H- pyran-3-y1 , (Z)-(2-methy1-4-oxopyran-3-y1)-2-methylpent-2-enoate, (E)-(2-methy1 -4- oxopyran-3-y1)-2-methylpent-2-enoate, and combinations thereof.

[0042] Preferably, the pyrone derivative is a 3-hydroxy-4-pyrone. It consists of a pyrone ring with a hydroxyl group attached at the 3rd position and a ketone group at the 4th position. Examples of 3-hydroxy-4-pyrones are listed above and include maltol and kojic acid, among others.

[0043] Compound B, an aromatic acid or salt thereof, is characterized by an aromatic system when hydrogenatoms are substituted by carboxylgroups. Dependent on the amount of carboxygroups there is a difference between mono-, di-, and tri-substituted aromatic acid. Examples include benzoic acid, anisic acid, phenylacetic acid, terephtalic acid, salicylic acid, p-aminobenzoic acid and their salts. Mono substituted aromatic acid (monobasic aromatic acid) and salts are preferred. Most preferred is anisic acid, particularly p-anisic acid, and its salts. Compound C, an alkanediol, is a group of substances consisting of linear or branched hydrocarbon chains containing exactly two hydroxy groups at different positions. The term “alkanediol” within the context of the present invention also includes its constitutional isomers or position isomers. Constitutional isomers are compounds that have the same molecular formula and different connectivity. Position isomers, a particular form of constitutional isomerism, are structural isomers that can be viewed as differing only on the position of a functional group on a parent structure, which in this case is the position of the two alcohol functions.

[0044] Preferred formulations of the invention include maltol as compound A. In addition to providing synergistic co-emulsification effects together with the compounds B and / or C and / or D, maltol is a versatile ingredient in cosmetic formulations, contributing to fragrance, flavor, antioxidant protection, skin conditioning and overall product sensory attributes.

[0045] Preferred formulations of the invention include anisic acid, in particular, p-anisic acid as compound B. In addition to strong co-emulsification effects in combination with the other compounds A and / or C and / or D, anisic acid is a versatile ingredient, offering fragrance, pH adjustment and potential skin conditioning.

[0046] Preferred formulations of the invention include a vicinal alkanediol as compound C. Preferably, compound C is a vicinal alkanediol having a linear carbon chain of 3 to 14 carbon atoms. Preferred vicinal alkanediols include 1 ,2-propanediol, 1 ,2-pentanediol, 1 ,2- hexanediol, 1 ,2-heptanediol, 1 ,2-octanediol, 1 ,2-nonanediol and 1 ,2-decanediol. Further preferred formulations of the invention include an alkanediol as compound C. Preferably, compound C is an alkanediol having a linear carbon chain of 3 to 14 carbon atoms. Most preferred alkanediols include 1 ,3-propanediol, 1 ,2-pentanediol, 1 ,2-hexanediol, 1 ,2- heptanediol, 1 ,2-octanediol, 1 ,2-nonanediol and 1 ,2-decanediol. 1 ,2-pentanediol is particularly preferred. In addition to the described contribution to emulsion stability, alkanediols provide multiple benefits, such as antimicrobial, solubilization and moisturizing, conditioning effects.

[0047] As disclosed herein, any of compounds A to C, optionally also compounds D and E, may be provided as single compounds, or as one or more complex mixtures such as natural extract (s).

[0048] Compound A, preferably maltol, may be provided as pure substance, in diluted or dispersed form, or in the form of an extract such as a sugarcane ferment extract. Compound B, preferably anisic acid or a salt thereof, in particular, p-anisic acid or a salt thereof, may be provided as pure substance, in diluted or dispersed form, or in the form of extract such as anis oil.

[0049] Compound C, preferably an alkanediol or a vicinal alkanediol, in particular an 1 ,2-alkanediol or 1 ,3-alkanediol, may be provided as pure substance, in diluted or dispersed form.

[0050] The formulation may include a further alkanediol different from compound C.

[0051] While not being essential to the present invention, the co-emulsifying combination may be a “bio-combination”. The term “bio-combination” means that all of components A, B and C, if present, are from bio-based sources. For example, the components A, B and C may be obtained from bioderived feedstock by fermentation, or from bio-based natural and renewable feedstock - such as biomass by catalytic synthesis as described in US 2019 / 0241491 A1 and US 2020 / 0189995 A1 for the component C. However, the present invention is not limited to a bio-combination. It is rather envisaged that one, two or even all of components A, B and C are derived from petrochemical or other fossil fuel sources by chemical synthesis. A mixture of bio-based and petrochemical components is also possible. Corresponding remarks apply with respect to components D and E, and with respect to the formulation of the invention.

[0052] Besides the co-emulsifier of the invention, the formulation of the invention may comprise component D, a primary emulsifier. An emulsifier as understood herein refers to the ingredient(s) that serve to form and stabilize the foundational structure of the emulsion. Together with the co-emulsifier combination that helps the emulsifier(s) to stabilize the emulsion, the emulsion provides the medium in which cosmetic ingredients and / or functional additives can be incorporated. The emulsion, as understood herein, comprises, or consists of, an aqueous component, usually water or other water-soluble liquids (herein, water component or aqueous component), and a non-water-soluble component, typically oils, fats, or waxes (herein, oil phase or oil component).

[0053] The primary emulsifier D serves to prevent that the emulsion collapses and that two separate phases are formed, and refers to one or more compounds with emulsifying properties that is / are chemically distinct from the co-emulsifier of the invention, i.e. the maltol, anisic acid and / or alkanediol. The ingredient with co-emulsifying properties of the invention in conjunction with the emulsifier contributes to the overall emulsification properties of the formulation. The emulsifier D may consist of, or comprise, a non-ionic emulsifier (e.g., Polysorbate), an anionic emulsifier (e.g., Glyceryl Stearate citrate), or a cationic emulsifier (e.g., Cetrimonium chloride). In some embodiments, an anionic emulsifier is preferred. In some embodiments, a non-ionic emulsifier is preferred. In some embodiments, a cationic emulsifier is preferred.

[0054] According to a preferred embodiment of the formulation, an (anionic) emulsifier E is selected from the group consisting of: emulsifiers based on amino acids, preferably sodium stearoyl glutamate, sodium stearoyl lactylate, aliphatic C12-22 fatty acids, preferably selected from the group consisting of palmitic acid, stearic acid, isostearic acid, lauric acid, arachidic acid, oleic acid,behenic acid, polyhydroxystearic acid, glyceryl esters and derivatives thereof, preferably glyceryl stearate citrate, glyceryl oleate citrate, esters of citric acid and aliphatic alcohols and derivatives thereof, more preferably selected from the group consisting of dilauryl citrate, phosphorous esters of phosphoric acid and aliphatic alcohols, preferably C8-22, more preferably C16-18, alcohols, and mixtures and salts thereof, most preferably selected from the group consisting of potassium cetyl phosphate, sodium cetyl phosphate, cetyl phosphate, oleth-10 phosphate, trilaureth-4 phosphate, and triceteareth-4 phosphate, sodium sulfosuccinate esters, preferably with C8-22, more preferably C16-18, alcohols, and mixtures thereof.

[0055] More preferred anionic emulsifiers include sodium stearoyl glutamate, sodium stearoyl lactylate, palmitic acid, stearic acid, glyceryl stearate citrate, glyceryl oleate citrate, dilauryl citrate, potassium cetyl phosphate, sodium cetyl phosphate, cetyl phosphate, and mixtures thereof. Most preferred is disodium cetearyl sulfosuccinate.

[0056] According to another embodiment of the formulation, a (non-ionic) emulsifier is selected from the group consisting of: fatty alcohols and alcohols, preferably selected from the group consisting of octyldodecanol, isocetyl alcohol, cetyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol, and cetearyl alcohol,, behenyl alcohol, sorbitan derivatives, preferably sorbitan mono or diesters with saturated or unsaturated fatty acids containing 6-22 carbon atoms and ethylene oxide addition products thereof, more preferably selected from the group consisting of polysorbate- 60, polysorbate-21 , sorbitan laurate, sorbitan stearate, sorbitan isostearate, sorbitan oleate, sorbitan olivate, sorbitan caprylate, PEG-40 sorbitan oleate, sorbeth-20 beeswax, polysorbate-20, sorbitan palmitate, sorbitan trioleate, sorbitan tristearate, sorbitan sesquioleate, PEG-80 sorbitan laurate, polysorbate-80, and polysorbate-81 , glyceryl derivatives, preferably glyceryl mono or diesters with saturated or unsaturated fatty acids containing 6-22 carbon atoms and ethylene oxide addition products thereof, more preferably selected from the group consisting of diisostearoyl polyglyceryl-3 dimer dilinoleate, glyceryl oleate, glyceryl stearate, glyceryl laurate, PEG-100 stearate, PEG-200 castor oil, PEG-29 castor oil, PEG-35 castor oil, PEG- 40 hydrogenated castor oil, polyglyceryl-2 dipolyhydroxystearate, polyglyceryl-2 Stearate polyglyceryl-2 isostearate, polyglyceryl-2 tri isostea rate, polyglyceryl-3 diisostearate, polyglyceryl-3 distearate, polyglyceryl-3 oleate, polyglyceryl-3 Caprylate, polyglyceryl-4 caprlyate / caprate, polyglyceryl-4 diisostearate / polyhydroxystearate / sebacate, polyglyceryl-4 isostearate, polyglyceryl-4 laurate, polyglyceryl-4 laurate / succinate, polyglyceryl-4 laurate / sebacate, polyglyceryl-6 behenate, polyglyceryl-6 palmitate / succinate, polyglyceryl-6 stearate, polyglyceryl-6 Distearate, tri(polyglyceryl-3 / lauryl) hydrogenated trilinoleate, polyglyceryl-2-sesquiisostearate, polyglyceryl-2 caprate, polyglyceryl-10 laurate, and polyglyceryl-3 polyricinoleate, hydrogenated palm glycerides, PEG-7 glyceryl cocoate, PEG-6 caprylic / capric glycerides, polyglyceryl- 3-caprate, PEG-5 bertholletia excelsa seed oily glyceryl esters, PEG-7 carapa guianensis glyceryl esters, PEG-7 caprylic / capric glycerides, PEG-7 theobroma grandiflorum seed butter glyceryl esters, cocoglycerides, glyceryl caprylate / caprate, glyceryl caprylate, glyceryl stearate, glyceryl oleate, glyceryl undecylenate, polyglyceryl-2 caprate, polyglyceryl-4 cocoate, polyglyceryl-3 diisostearate, and PEG-10 olive glycerides, lanolin compounds and derivatives thereof, preferably lanolin mono or diesters with saturated or unsaturated fatty acids containing 6-22 carbon atoms or ethylene oxide addition products thereof, more preferably selected from the group consisting of

[0057] PEG-30 lanolin, lanolin alcohol, laneth-15, and laneth-40, carbohydrates, sugars and derivatives thereof, preferably selected from the group consisting of sucrose stearate, sucrose distearate, polyglyceryl 3-methylglucose distearate, methyl glucose sesquistearate, sucrose cocoate, lauryl glucoside, Cetearyl glucoside, Arachidyl glucoside, C12-20 alkyl Glucoside, and sucrose polystearate, and alkoxylated alcohols, preferably obtained from 1 mol C8-22 fatty alcohols and mixtures thereof and 2-50 mol ethylene or propylene oxide, more preferably selected from the group consisting of ceteareth-12, ceteareth-20, ceteareth-25, ceteareth-6, ceteareth-30, ceteareth-50, beheneth-10, behenth-25, ceteth-2, ceteth-10, ceteth- 20, laureth-23, laureth-4, laureth-7, oleth-10, oleth-20, oleth-3, oleth-30, oleth-5, PEG-40 hydrogenated castor oil, Hydrogenated lecithin PEG-5 rapeseed oil, PEG- 60 hydrogenated castor oil, PEG-7 hydrogenated castor oil, steareth-10, steareth- 100, steareth-2, steareth-20, steareth-21 , and PEG-40 Stearate.

[0058] More preferred non-ionic emulsifiers include cetyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol, and cetearyl alcohol, polysorbate-60, sorbitan isostearate, polysorbate-20, polysorbate-80, glyceryl stearate, polyglyceryl-3 Caprylate, polyglyceryl-4 caprlyate / caprate, glyceryl caprylate, polyglyceryl 3-methylglucose distearate, methyl glucose sesquistearate, Cetearyl glucoside, Arachidyl glucoside, ceteareth-12, ceteareth-20, laureth-7, PEG-40 hydrogenated castor oil, Hydrogenated lecithin, steareth-2, and steareth-21.

[0059] According to another embodiment of the formulation, a (cationic) emulsifier is selected from the group consisting of quaterny ammonium compounds including salts, preferably Behentrimonium chloride, Cetrimonium Chloride, Behentrimonium Methosulfate, Dicetyldimonium Chloride, Dipalmitoylethyl Hydroxyethylmonium Methosulfate, Distearoylethyl Dimonium chloride, Cetrimonium Methosulfate, Cinnamidopropyltrimonium Chloride, Dipalmitoylethyl Hydroxyethylmonium Methosulfate, Distearoylethyl Hydroxyethylmonium Methosulfate, Distearyldimonium Chloride, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Hydroxypropyl Guar Hydrxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Hydroxyproyltrimonium Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Laurdimonium Hydroxypropyl Hydrolyzed Keratin, Palmitamidopropyltrimonium Chloride, Polyquaternium-10, Polyquaternium-11 , Polyquaternium-16, Polyquaternium-22, Polyquaternium-37, Polyquaternium-47, Polyquaternium-55, Polyquaternium-7, Quaternium-18, Quaternium- 80, Quaternium-87, Quaternium-91 . Stearalkonium Chloride, Stearitrimonium Chloride, and Stearamidopropyl Dimethylamine.

[0060] More preferred cationic emulsifiers include Behentrimonium chloride, Cetrimonium Chloride, Behentrimonium Methosulfate, Dicetyldimonium Chloride, Distearoylethyl Hydroxyethylmonium Methosulfate, Polyquaternium-10, Polyquaternium-37, Polyquaternium-7, Steartrimonium Chloride, and Stearamidopropyl Dimethylamine.

[0061] The emulsifier D may be a single substance or a combination of two or more substances.

[0062] The oil component E (also referred to herein as “oil phase”) in the formulation according to the present invention may be selected from the group consisting of plant oils, hydrocarbons, fatty alcohols, fatty acid esters, liquid UV filters, or mixtures of two or more of the aforesaid liquid oil components. The term “oil component” also encompasses wax.

[0063] According to a preferred embodiment, the oil component E is selected from the group consisting of: esters, more preferably selected from the group consisting of cetearyl nonanoate, propanediol dicaprylate / caprate, propanediol caprylate, ethylhexyl isononanoate, PPG3 benzyl ether myristate, cetyl palmitate, myristyl myristate, myristyl stearate, myristyl oleate, myristyl behenate, ethylhexyl hydroxystearate, DI-PPG-3 myristyl ether adipate, DIPPG-2 myreth-10 adipate, PPG-15 stearyl ether, diethylhexyl succinate, propylene glycol isostearate, diethylhexyl adipate, butyl stearate, ethylhexyl cocoate, ethylhexyl stearate, pentaerythrityl tetracaprylate / tetracaprate, tridecyl neopentanonate, myristyl lactate, PPG-10 cetyl ether, PPG-15 stearyl ether, pentaerythrityl stearate / caprate / caprylate adipate, diisopropyl dimer dilinoleate, isopropyl isostearate, pentaerythrityl tetraisostearate, C12-15 alkyl benzoate, triisononanoin, isostearyl isostearate, triisostearin, trimethylolpropane triisostearate, diisopropyl adipate, isocetyl stearate, propylene glycol dicaprlyate / dicaprate, PPG 2 myristyl ether propionate, isostearyl neopentanoate, isopropyl palmitate, isopropyl myristate, cetyl esters, bis-diglyceryl polyacyladi pate-2, isoamyl cocoate, cetyl ethylhexanoate, cetyl ricinoleate, decyl cocoate, diethylhexyl carbonate, decyl oleate, cetearyl ethylhexanoate, lauryl oleate, oleyl erucate, ethylhexyl palmitate, ethylhexyl palmitate, stearyl heptanoate, phenoxyethyl caprylate, hexyl laurate, dibutyl adipate, coco-caprlyate, dicaprylyl carbonate, coco-caprylate / caprate, caprylyl caprylate, caprylyl capylate / caprate, propylheptyl caprylate, decyltetradecyl ethylhexanoate, cetearyl isononanoate, neopentyl glycol diheptanoate, diheptyl succinate, dipropylheptyl carbonate, heptyl undecylenate, propylene glycol dibenzoate, isopropyl laurate, propylene glycol diethylhexanoate, cetyl lactate, lauryl lactate, C12-15 alkyl lactate, diethylhexyl malate, isocetyl stearoyl stearate, isodecyl neopentanoate, cetyl myristate, cetyl palmitate, cetyl stearate, cetyl isostearate, cetyl oleate, cetyl behenate, cetyl erucate, stearyl myristate, stearyl palmitate, stearyl stearate, stearyl isostearate, stearyl oleate, stearyl behenate, stearyl erucate, isostearyl myristate, isostearyl palmitate, isostearyl stearate, isostearyl isostearate, isostearyl oleate, isostearyl behenate, isostearyl oleate, oleyl myristate, oleyl palmitate, oleyl stearate, oleyl isostearate, oleyl oleate, oleyl behenate, oleyl erucate, behenyl myristate, behenyl palmitate, behenyl stearate, behenyl isostearate, behenyl oleate, behenyl behenate, behenyl erucate, erucyl myristate, erucyl palmitate, erucyl stearate, erucyl isostearate, erucyl oleate, erucyl behenate, Dicaprylyl carbonate, and erucyl erucate, ethers, more preferably selected from the group consisting of PPG-3 myristyl ether, PPG-11 stearyl ether, PPG-15 stearyl ether, PPG-14 butyl ether, and dicaprylyl ether, siloxanes and silanes, more preferably selected from the group consisting of dimethicone, PEG-14 dimethicone, PEG / PPG-14 / 4 dimethicone, Cetyl PEG / PPG- 10 / 1 Dimethicone and PEG / PPG-4 / 12 dimethicone, waxes, more preferably selected from the group consisting of cera alba (beeswax), copernicia cerifera (carnauba) wax, glyceryl rosinate, rhus verniciflua peel cera, euphorbia cerifera (candelilla) wax, hydrolyzed sunflower seed wax, jasminum officinale (jasmine) flower wax, acacia decurrens flower wax, myrica cerifera (bayberry) fruit wax, citrus aurantium dulcis (orange) peel wax, hydrogenated rapeseed oil, oryza sative (rice) bran wax, camellia sinensis leaf wax, vitis vinifera (grape) leaf wax, saccharum officinarum (sugarcane) wax, microcrystalline wax, lanolin (wool) wax, paraffin, synthetic wax, ozocerite, and hydrogenated jojoba, naphthenic hydrocarbons, more preferably selected from the group consisting of squalene, dialkylcyclohexanes, tetradecane, isohexadecane, dodecane, docosane, paraffin, and mineral oils, natural fats and oils including plant oils, preferably selected from the group consisting of caprylic / capric triglyceride, argania spinose kernel oil, cannabis sativa seed oil, ricinus communis (castor) seed oil, sesamum indicum (sesame) seed oil, crambe abyssinica seed oil, and triheptanoin castoryl maleateAbies Alba Seed Oil, Acacia Victoriae Seed Oil, Actinidia Chinensis (Kiwi) Seed Oil, Amaranthus Hypochondriacus Seed Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Arachis Hypogaea (Peanut) Oil, Astrocaryum Murumuru Seed Butter, Astrocaryum Tucuma Seed Butter, Astrocaryum Tucuma Seed Oil, Astrocaryum Vulgare Fruit Oil, Astrocaryum Vulgare Kernel Oil, Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Oil, Brassica Alba Seed Oil, Brassica Campestris (Rapeseed) Seed Oil, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Oil, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) butter, Calendula Officinalis Seed Oil, Calophyllum Inophyllum Seed Oil, Calophyllum Tacamahaca Seed Oil, Camellia Oleifera Seed Oil, Camellia Reticulata Seed Oil, Camellia Sinensis Seed Oil, Cannabis Sativa Seed Oil, Cannabis Sativa Seed / Stem Oil, Canola Oil, Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed Oil, Chlorella Vulgaris Oil, Citrullus Lanatus (Watermelon) Seed Oil, Citrus Aurantifolia (Lime) Seed Oil, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Seed Oil, Citrus Grandis (Grapefruit) Seed Oil, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Seed Butter, Coffea Arabica (Coffee) Seed Oil, Chlorella Oil (biotech), Corylus Americana (Hazelnut) Seed Oil, Corylus Avellana (Hazelnut) Seed Oil, Cucumis Melo (Melon) Seed Oil, Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Seed Oil, Cucurbita Pepo (Pumpkin) Seed Oil, Elaeis Guineensis (Palm) Oil, Elaeis (Palm) Fruit Oil, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil, Gossypium Herbaceum (Cotton) Seed Oil, Gossypium Hirsutum (Cotton) Seed Oil, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Macadamia Integrifolia Seed Oil, Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil, Mangifera Indica (Mango) Seed Butter, Mangifera Indica (Mango) Seed Oil, Melissa Officinalis Seed Oil, Microalgae Oil, Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil, Moringa Peregrina Seed Oil, Oenothera Biennis (Evening Primrose) Oil, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Olus Oil, Orbignya Oleifera Seed Oil, Orbignya Speciosa Kernel Oil, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran / Germ Oil, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Oil, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Germ Oil, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Lipids, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Seed Oil, Papaver Somniferum Seed Oil, Passiflora Edulis Seed Oil, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Butter, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, Prunus Armeniaca (Apricot) Kernel Oil, Prunus Persica (Peach) Kernel Oil, Punica Granatum Seed Oil, Pyrus Malus (Apple) Seed Oil, Ricinoleic / Caproic / Caprylic / Capric Triglyceride(s), Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil, Rosa Canina Fruit Oil, Rosa Moschata Seed Oil, Rubus Idaeus (Raspberry) Seed Oil, Sesamum Indicum (Sesame) Seed Butter, Soybean Glycerides, Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Butter, Theobroma Grandiflorum Seed Butter, Triticum Vulgare (Wheat) Bran Lipids, Triticum Vulgare (Wheat) Germ Oil, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil, Zea Mays (Corn) Germ Oil, and Zea Mays (Corn) Oil, fatty alcohols and alcohols, preferably selected from the group consisting of octyldodecanol, isocetyl alcohol, cetyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol, and cetearyl alcohol, and glyceryl esters and derivatives thereof, more preferably selected from the group consisting of PEG-7 glyceryl cocoate, PEG-6 caprylic / capric glycerides, polyglyceryl- 3-caprate, polyglyceryl-4-caprate, PEG-5 bertholletia excelsa seed oily glyceryl esters, PEG-7 carapa guianensis glyceryl esters, PEG-7 caprylic / capric glycerides, PEG-7 theobroma grandiflorum seed butter glyceryl esters, cocoglycerides, glyceryl caprylate / caprate, glyceryl caprlyate glyceryl oleate, glyceryl undecylenate, polyglyceryl-2 caprate, polyglyceryl-4 cocoate, polyglyceryl-3 diisostearate, and PEG-10 olive glycerides.

[0064] Most preferred esters as oil component E include cetearyl nonanoate, propanediol caprylate, myristyl myristate, ethylhexyl stearate, C12-15 alkyl benzoate, isopropyl palmitate, isopropyl myristate, decyl cocoate, cetearyl ethylhexanoate, ethylhexyl palmitate, hexyl laurate, coco-caprylate / caprate, and caprylyl caprylate.

[0065] Most preferred ethers as oil component E include dicaprylyl ether.

[0066] Most preferred siloxanes and silanes as oil component E include dimethicone.

[0067] Most preferred waxes as oil component E include cera alba (beeswax), copernicia cerifera (carnauba) wax, glyceryl rosinate, euphorbia cerifera (candelilla) wax, hydrolyzed sunflower seed wax, hydrogenated rapeseed oil, microcrystalline wax, lanolin (wool) wax, hydrogenated jojoba, isohexadecane.

[0068] Most preferred natural fats and oils as oil component E include caprylic / capric triglyceride, argania spinose kernel oil, ricinus communis (castor) seed oil, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) butter, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Butter, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil.

[0069] The oil component E may be a single substance or a combination of two or more substances.

[0070] The water component F is also referred to as the aqueous phase. It at least includes water and optionally water-soluble ingredients, like salts, acids, or hydrophilic active compounds. The aqueous phase may further include stabilizers that help prevent the two phases from separating, maintaining the emulsion's consistency and stability.

[0071] It has been found and hence it is preferred that the respective amounts of the compounds chosen among compounds A to F are sufficient to synergistically provide or contribute to the co-emulsifying properties of the formulation. Accordingly, the present invention provides the following preferred embodiments:

[0072] Generally, one or more of compounds A to F may be synthetic compound(s) or natural compound(s). Formulations of the invention may also comprise partly synthetic compounds and partly natural compounds. Preferred formulations are free of synthetic compounds. A synthetic compound as understood herein is a compound that does not exist in nature, irrespective whether it has been provided by chemical synthesis or isolated from nature.

[0073] According to a preferred embodiment, the formulation according to the invention comprises compounds A and B. According to another preferred embodiment, the formulation according to the invention comprises compounds A and C. According to another preferred embodiment, the formulation according to the invention comprises compounds A and B and C. According to another preferred embodiment, the formulation according to the invention does not comprise both compounds B and C. According to another preferred embodiment, the formulation according to the invention only comprises both compounds B and C in case it also comprises compound A.

[0074] According to another preferred embodiment, the formulation according to the invention comprises or consists of compounds A and B and component D. According to another preferred embodiment, the formulation according to the invention comprises or consists of compounds A and C and component D. According to another preferred embodiment, the formulation according to the invention comprises or consists of compounds A and B and C and component D.

[0075] According to another preferred embodiment, the formulation according to the invention comprises or consists of compounds A and B and an anionic emulsifier D. According to another preferred embodiment, the formulation according to the invention comprises or consists of compounds A and B and a nonionic emulsifier D. According to another preferred embodiment, the formulation according to the invention comprises or consists of compounds A and C and an anionic emulsifier D. According to another preferred embodiment, the formulation according to the invention comprises or consists of compounds A and C and a nonionic emulsifier D. According to another preferred embodiment, the formulation according to the invention comprises or consists of compounds A and C and a cationic emulsifier D.

[0076] According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the formulation comprises at least two, preferably all three, of compounds A, B and C,

[0077] (A) maltol,

[0078] (B) anisic acid or a salt thereof,

[0079] (C) an alkanediol selected from the group consisting of 1 ,3-propanediol, 1 ,2- pentanediol, 1 ,2-hexanediol, 1 ,2-heptanediol, 1 ,2-octanediol, 1 ,2-nonanediol, and 1 ,2-decanediol, and at least one, preferably at least two, more preferably all three, of components D, E and F,

[0080] (D) an emulsifier,

[0081] (E) an oil component,

[0082] (F) a water component, wherein the formulation comprises compounds A and B or comprises compounds A and C or comprises compounds A and B and C, and wherein component D is present (i.e. the formulation comprises component D) and is selected from the group consisting of glyceryl stearate citrate, potassium cetyl phosphate, glyceryl oleate citrate, sodium starch octenylsuccinate, aluminium starch octenylsuccinate, palmitic acid, polyglyceryl-6 stearate, polyglyceryl-6 behenate, glyceryl caprylate, PEG-40 hydrogenated castor oil, trideceth-9, methyl glucose sesquistearate, cetearyl glucoside, behentrimonium chloride, cetrimonium chloride, distearoylethyl dimonium chloride, and myristamidopropyl PG-dimonium chloride phosphate.

[0083] The formulation of the invention may further include one or more active substances, one or more adjuvants, one or more additives, and / or one or more auxiliary compounds. For instance, the formulation of the invention may further include component G, one or more auxiliary compounds. Auxiliary compounds, as understood herein, are supplementary ingredients that enhance the performance, stability, or appeal of the cosmetic formulation, but are not the main active ingredients. While the primary actives provide the main benefit (e.g., moisturizing, anti-aging), auxiliary compounds assist in various ways, such as providing stabilization (they ensure the formulation stays homogenous and effective), aesthetic enhancement (improve texture, feel, color, and / or scent to make the formulation more appealing), protection (some provide preservative functions or protect against UV damage and oxidation), functional support (they help in better application and absorption of the main active ingredients). Within the framework of the present invention, the auxiliary compounds may be selected among preservatives, antimicrobial agents, antioxidants, viscosity modifiers (esp. thickeners), fragrances and perfuming agents, colorants and pigments, solvents, chelating agents, UV filters (sunscreens), anti-statics, binders, buffers, carrier materials, chelating agents, softeners, essential oils, fibers, film-forming agents, fixatives, foam-forming agents, foam stabilizers, substances for preventing foaming, foam boosters, gelling agents, gel-forming agents, plasticizing agents, additives against ageing of the skin, surfactants, green and synthetic polymers, skin-cooling agents, rheology additives, oils, fragrances or perfume oils, and polyols.

[0084] Within the framework of the present invention, the auxiliary compounds may be selected among preservatives, antimicrobial agents, antioxidants, viscosity modifiers (esp. thickeners), fragrances and perfuming agents, colorants and pigments, solvents, chelating agents, UV filters (sunscreens), anti-statics, binders, buffers, carrier materials, chelating agents, softeners, essential oils, fibers, film-forming agents, fixatives, foam-forming agents, foam stabilizers, substances for preventing foaming, foam boosters, gelling agents, gelforming agents, plasticizing agents, additives against ageing of the skin, surfactants, green and synthetic polymers, skin-cooling agents, rheology additives, oils, fragrances or perfume oils, and polyols.

[0085] Additionally, one or more “active” ingredients H may be included in the formulation of the invention. An “active” component H within the meaning of the present invention means a component or a compound which imparts one or more than one benefit, functions or operate via more than one mode of action, such as anti-inflammatory, anti-itching, antiredness, anti-dandruff, anti-microbial, anti-perspirant, deodorant, hair growth strengthening, anti-dark-spot, anti-cellulite, anti-oxidative, anti-wrinkle, skin-whitening, skin tanning, pain-reducing, swelling reduction, skin barrier strengthening, anti-mycotic, antisagging, and skin soothing properties.

[0086] Within the framework of the present invention, the active substance(s), adjuvant(s), additive(s), and / or auxiliary compound(s) may be selected among abrasives, agents against ageing of the skin, anti-cellulitis agents, antioxidants, astringents, odor absorbers, perspiration-inhibiting agents, anti-statics, binders, buffers, carrier materials, chelating agents, cell stimulants, depilatory agents, surface-active substances, deodorizing agents, antiperspirants, softeners, emulsifiers, enzymes, enzyme inhibitors, essential oils, fibers, film-forming agents, fixatives, foam-forming agents, foam stabilizers, substances for preventing foaming, foam boosters, gelling agents, gel-forming agents, hair care agents, hair-setting agents, hair-straightening agents, bleaching agents, strengthening agents, stain-removing agents, optically brightening agents, impregnating agents, dirt-repellent agents, dyes, friction-reducing agents, lubricants, opacifying agents, plasticizing agents, covering agents, polish, preservatives, gloss agents, green and synthetic polymers, powders, proteins, re-oiling agents, abrasives, silicones, skin-soothing agents, skin care agents, skin-healing agents, skin lightening agents, skin-protecting agents, skin-softening agents, hair promotion agents, warming agents, skin-warming agents, stabilizers, surfactants, UV-absorbing agents, UV filters, primary sun protection factors, secondary sun protection factors, detergents, fabric conditioning agents, suspending agents, skin-tanning agents, actives modulating skin or hair pigmentation, matrix-metalloproteinase inhibitors, glycosaminoglycan stimulators, TRPV1 antagonists, desquamating agents, anti-cellulite agents or fat enhancing agents, hair growth activators or inhibitors, anti-acne agents, agents against ageing of the skin, anti-dandruff agents, anti-inflammatory agents, (further) anti-microbial agents, irritation-preventing agents, irritation-inhibiting agents, astringents, odor absorbers, perspiration-inhibiting agents, antiseptic agents, cell stimulants, cleansing agents, depilatory agents, surface-active substances, deodorizing agents, antiperspirants, enzymes, enzyme inhibitors, hair care agents, hair-setting agents, hair-straightening agents, moisture-donating agents, moisturizing substances, moisture-retaining substances, bleaching agents, strengthening agents, stain-removing agents, optically brightening agents, impregnating agents, dirt-repellent agents, dyes, friction-reducing agents, lubricants, moisturizing creams, ointments, opacifying agents, covering agents, polish, gloss agents, green and synthetic polymers, powders, proteins, re-oiling agents, skin-cleansing agents, cooling agents, skin-cooling agents, fabric conditioning agents, vitamins, oils, waxes, pearlizing waxes, fats, phospholipids, saturated fatty acids, mono- or polyunsaturated fatty acids, a-hydroxy acids, poly hydroxyfatty acids, liquefiers, dyestuffs, color-protecting agents, pigments, anti-corrosives, fragrances or perfume oils, aromas, flavoring substances, odoriferous substances, polyols, electrolytes, organic solvents, and mixtures of two or more of the aforementioned substances, as described herein.

[0087] Among the aforementioned compounds preferred are agents against ageing of the skin, antioxidants, chelating agents, emulsifiers, surfactants, preservatives, green and synthetic polymers, rheology additives, oils, fragrances or perfume oils, polyols, and mixtures of two or more of the aforementioned agents.

[0088] Suitable active components are selected from the group consisting of abrasives, anti-acne agents, agents against ageing of the skin, anti-cellulitis agents, anti-dandruff agents, antiinflammatory agents, anti-microbial agents, irritation-preventing agents, irritation-inhibiting agents, antioxidants, astringents, odor absorbers, perspiration-inhibiting agents, antiseptic agents, cell stimulants, cleansing agents, depilatory agents, surface-active substances, deodorizing agents, antiperspirants, enzymes, enzyme inhibitors, hair care agents, hairsetting agents, hair-straightening agents, moisture-donating agents, moisturizing substances, moisture-retaining substances, bleaching agents, strengthening agents, stainremoving agents, optically brightening agents, impregnating agents, dirt-repellent agents, dyes, friction-reducing agents, lubricants, moisturizing creams, ointments, opacifying agents, covering agents, polish, gloss agents, green and synthetic polymers, powders, proteins, re-oiling agents, abrading agents, silicones, skin-soothing agents, skin-cleansing agents, skin care agents, skin-healing agents, skin-lightening agents, skin-protecting agents, skin-softening agents, hair promotion agents, cooling agents, skin-cooling agents, warming agents, skin-warming agents, stabilizers, surfactants, UV-absorbing agents, UV filters, primary sun protection factors, secondary sun protection factors, detergents, fabric conditioning agents, suspending agents, skin-tanning agents, actives modulating skin or hair pigmentation, matrix-metalloproteinase inhibitors, skin moisturizing agents, glycosaminoglycan stimulators, TRPV1 antagonists, desquamating agents, anti-cellulite agents or fat enhancing agents, hair growth activators or inhibitors, vitamins, oils, waxes, pearlizing waxes, fats, phospholipids, saturated fatty acids, mono- or polyunsaturated fatty acids, a-hydroxy acids, polyhydroxyfatty acids, liquefiers, dyestuffs, color-protecting agents, pigments, anti-corrosives, fragrances or perfume oils, aromas, flavoring substances, odoriferous substances, polyols, electrolytes, organic solvents, and mixtures of two or more of the aforementioned substances, as further described below.

[0089] In particular, the formulation according to the present invention preferably includes one or more further antimicrobial agents which are different from the compounds included in the formulation of the invention. These antimicrobials act primarily against microorganisms, in particular bacteria, yeast and / or fungi, preferably, against microorganisms selected from the group consisting of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Burkholderia cepacia, Candida albicans and Aspergillus brasiliensis, and combinations thereof. By suppressing or inhibiting the microorganisms’ growth, the degradation and deterioration of the formulation, in particular during storage, which sometimes goes along with impairment of the sensory quality of the products, can be prevented or at least minimized.

[0090] The antimicrobial agent may be selected from the group consisting of Butyl paraben, 2- Benzylheptanol, 4-Hydroxyacetophenone, Alkyl (C 12-22) Trimethyl Ammonium Bromide and Chloride, Ascorbic Acid and salts thereof, Benzalkonium Bromide, Benzalkonium Chloride, Benzalkonium Saccharinate, Benzethonium Chloride, Benzyl Alcohol, Camphor, Caprylhydroxamic acid, Cetylpyridinium Chloride, Chlorhexidine, Chlorhexidine Diacetate, Chlorhexidine Digluconate, Chlorhexidine Dihydrochloride, Chlorocresol, Chloroxylenol, Chlorphenesin, Cyclohexylglycerin, Dehydroacetic Acid, Diazolidinyl Urea, Disodium EDTA, DMDM Hydantoin, Ethylhexylglycerin, Ethylparabene, Glycerin, Glyceryl Caprate, Glyceryl Caprylate, Glyceryl Heptanoate, Hexamidine, Hexamidine Diisethionate, Hexylglycerin, Hydroxypropyl benzoate, Hydroxyethoxyphenyl Butanol, Hydroxyethoxyphenyl Butanone, lodopropynyl Butylcarbamate, Isobutylparaben, Itaconic Acid and salts thereof, Lactic Acid, Methyl Salicylate, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Methylisothiazolinone, Methylparaben and its salts, Natamycin, Nisin, Phenethyl Alcohol, Phenoxyethanol, Phenylpropanol, Polyarginine, Polylysine, Potassium Sorbate, Propylparaben, Silver Chloride, Silver Citrate, Sodium Benzoate, Sodium Ethylparaben, Sodium Levulinate or Levulinic Acid and esters and / or ketals thereof, Sodium Propylparaben, Sorbic Acid, Sorbitan Caprylate, TEA-Salicylate, Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate, Triclocarban, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Zinc Citrate, Trisodium Dicarboxym ethyl Alaninate, 1 ,3-propanediol, 1 ,2-pentanediol, 1 ,2-hexanediol, 1 ,2- heptanediol, 1 ,2-octanediol, 1 ,2-nonanediol, 1 ,2-decanediol, 2,3-pentanediol, 2,3- pentanediol, 2,3-hexanediol, 2,3-heptanediol, 2,3-octanediol, 2,3-nonanediol, Methylbenzyl Alcohol, Tropolone, Hinokitiol, Undecylenic acid and its salts, Methylheptyl Glycerin, o-Cymen-5-ol, Capryloyl Glycine, Benzyl Salicylate, Salicylic Acid, Farnesol, Bisabolol, Octopirox, Climbazole, Ceramide derivatives, Raspberry Ketone, Caprylyl Glyceryl Ether, and mixtures of two or more the aforesaid compounds.

[0091] Preferably, the antimicrobial agent is selected from the group consisting of 4- Hydroxyacetophenone, Benzyl Alcohol, Butyl paraben, Caprylhydroxamic Acid; Chlorhexidine, Chlorhexidine Digluconate, Chlorphenesin, Diazolidinyl Urea, Disodium EDTA, DMDM Hydantoin, Ethylparaben, Glyceryl Caprate, Glyceryl Caprylate, Glyceryl Laurate, Hydroxyethoxyphenyl Butanol, Hydroxyethoxyphenyl Butanone, lodopropynyl Butylcarbamate, Isobutylparaben, Itaconic Acid, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Methylisothiazolinone, Methylparaben, Phenethyl Alcohol, Phenoxyethanol, Potassium Sorbate, Propylparaben, Sodium Benzoate, Sodium Ethylparaben, Sodium Propylparaben, Sorbitan Caprylate, TEA-Salicylate, Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Dehydroacetic Acid, 1 ,3-propanediol, 1 ,2-pentanediol, 1 ,2- hexanediol, 1 ,2-heptanediol, 1 ,2-octanediol, 1 ,2-nonanediol, 1 ,2-decanediol, 2,3- pentanediol, 2,3-hexanediol, 2,3-heptanediol, 2,3-octanediol, 2,3-nonanediol, and mixtures of two or more the aforesaid compounds.

[0092] In a particularly preferred variant, the antimicrobial agent is selected from the group consisting of 4-Hydroxyacetophenone, Benzyl Alcohol, Butylparaben, Caprylhydroxamic acid, Disodium EDTA, DMDM Hydantoin, Ethylparaben, Ethylhexylglycerin, Glyceryl Caprylate, Glyceryl heptanoate, Hydroxypropyl benzoate, Hydroxyethoxyphenyl Butanol, Hydroxyethoxyphenyl Butanone, Itaconic Acid, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Methylisothiazolinone, Methylparaben, Natamycin, Nisin, Phenoxyethanol, Potassium Sorbate, Propylparaben, Sodium Benzoate, Sodium Propylparaben, Dehydroacetic Acid, 1 ,3-propanediol, 1 ,2-pentanediol, 1 ,2-hexanediol, 1 ,2-heptanediol, 1 ,2-octanediol, 1 ,2- nonanediol, 1 ,2-decanediol, 2,3-pentanediol, 2,3-hexanediol, 2,3-heptanediol, 2,3- octanediol, 2,3-nonanediol, and mixtures of two or more the aforesaid compounds.

[0093] In another preferred variant, the antimicrobial agent is selected from the group consisting of 4-Hydroxyacetophenone, Benzyl Alcohol, Caprylhydroxamic acid, Disodium EDTA, Ethylhexylglycerin, Glyceryl Caprylate, Hydroxypropyl benzoate, Methylparaben, Nisin, Phenoxyethanol, Potassium Sorbate and Sodium Benzoate.

[0094] The aforesaid antimicrobial agents can be used either as a single component or in combination with one or more other antimicrobial agents. In order to enhance the antimicrobial effect and to cover a broader range of antimicrobial effect, a combination of two or more antimicrobial agents is preferably used.

[0095] Additionally, one or more chelating agents may be included in the formulation. The chelating agent may be selected from the group consisting of EDTA (Ethylenediaminetetraacetic Acid) and its derivatives (Disodium EDTA, Tetrasodium EDTA, Trisodium EDTA), Sodium Phytate (Phytic Acid), Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Gluconolactone, Ascorbic Acid and its derivatives and salts, Citric Acid and its derivatives and salts , Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Dehydroacetic Acid, Sodium Gluconate (Gluconic Acid), Mandelic acid, Pentasodium Pentetate, Tartaric acid and its derivatives and salts, as well as humic acids, bile acids, bile extracts & bilirubin, Lactic Acid, Hydroxyethyl Ethylenediamine Triacetic Acid (HEDTA), Etidronic Acid (HEDP), Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate, Tetrasodium Phyrophosphate, Malic acid and its derivatives and salts, a- hydroxy fatty acids, EGTA, MGDA (Trisodiumdicarboxymethyl alaninante), and their derivatives.

[0096] In a preferred variant the chelating agent is selected from the group consisting of EDTA (Ethylenediaminetetraacetic Acid) and its derivatives (Disodium EDTA, Tetrasodium EDTA, Trisodium EDTA), Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Sodium Phytate (Phytic Acid), Citric Acid and its derivatives and salts, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Dehydroacetic Acid, Sodium Gluconate (Gluconic Acid), Etidronic Acid (HEDP), Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate, 4-hydroxyacetophenone, 2-hydroxyacetophenone and their derivatives.

[0097] Additionally, one or more polymers as viscosity controlling agent may be included in the formulation. The viscosity controlling agent may be selected among Xanthan Gum, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Cellulose Gum, Cellulose, Aluminium Starch Octenylsuccinate, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, Acacia Senegal Gum, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Sclerotium Gum, Carrageenan and salts, Hydroxypropylcellulose, Dextrin, Algin, Caesalpinia Spinosa gum, Sodium Starch Octenylsuccinate, Galactoarabinan, Hydroxypropyl Guar, Cyamopsis Tetragonoloba Gum, Sodium Polyacrylate Starch, Cetyl Hydroxyethylcellulose, Ethylcellulose, Sodium Carboxymethyl Betaglucan, Hydrolyzed Corn starch Octenylsuccinate, Pistacia Lentiscus Gum, Dehydroxanthan Gum, Pectin, Aery lates / C 10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Acrylates / beheneth-25 Methacrylate Copolymer; Ammonium Acryloyldi methyltaurate / VP Copolymer,

[0098] Butylene / Ethylene / Styrene Copolymer, Carbomer, Cera Microcrystallina, Chondrus Crispus extract, Corn Starch Modified, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Glyceryl Acrylate / acrylic Acid Copolymer, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate / Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, PVP, Pentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate, Phytosteryl / isostearyl / cetyl / stearyl / behenyl Dimer Dilinoleate, Sodium Acrylate / sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Sodium Acrylates Copolymer, Sodium Polyacrlyate, Stearalkonium Bentonite, Tapioaca Starch, Zea (Mays) Corn starch, Gellan Gum, and mixtures thereof.

[0099] Most preferred viscosity controlling agents include Xanthan Gum, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Cellulose Gum, Cellulose, Aluminium Starch Octenylsuccinate, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, Acacia Senegal Gum, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Sclerotium Gum, Carrageenan and salts, Caesalpinia Spinosa gum, Hydroxypropyl Guar, Cyamopsis Tetragonoloba Gum, Aery lates / C 10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Carbomer, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, and Tapioaca Starch.

[0100] The formulation according to the present invention may comprise a carrier or a mixture of different carriers. Preferred carrier materials are solid or liquid at 25°C and 1013 mbar (including highly viscous substances) as for example glycerol, 1 ,2-propylene glycol, 1 ,2- butylene glycol, 1 ,3-propylene glycol, 1 ,3-butylene glycol, ethanol, water, and mixtures of two or more of said liquid carrier materials with water. Other preferred liquid carrier substances are selected from the group consisting of oils such as vegetable, neutral and mineral oils.

[0101] Preferred solid carrier materials, which may be a component of the formulation according to the invention, are hydrocolloids, such as starches, degraded starches, chemically or physically modified starches, dextrins, (powdery) maltodextrins (preferably with a dextrose equivalent value of 5 to 25, preferably of 10 - 20), lactose, silicon dioxide, glucose, modified celluloses, gum arabic, ghatti gum, traganth, karaya, carrageenan, pullulan, curdlan, xanthan gum, gellan gum, guar flour, carob bean flour, alginates, agar, pectin, inulin, and mixtures of two or more of these solids, in particular maltodextrins (preferably with a dextrose equivalent value of 15 - 20), lactose, silicon dioxide and / or glucose.

[0102] Preferred formulations according to the present invention are intended for applications on a mammal’s skin (topical applications). The term “topical” is understood to mean external applications on a mammal’s skin, which are in particular for the treatment, protection, care and cleansing of the skin, scalp, eyelashes, eyebrows, nails, mucous membranes and hair. The mammal is preferably a human. For topical application, the formulations may be either rinse off or leave on preparations.

[0103] Preferred leave-on and rinse-off products include:

[0104] Moisturizers and Creams (e.g., face moisturizers, day creams, night creams), body lotions and body butters, sunscreens (e.g., SPF lotions, sprays, and creams for both face and body), Serums and Treatment Creams (e.g., Anti-aging serums (e.g., with retinoid, peptides, or hyaluronic acid), brightening serums with Vitamin C), Primers and Foundations (e.g., Makeup primers for a smooth base, Liquid foundations and BB / CC creams), Leave-In Hair Conditioners and Styling Products (e.g., Leave-in conditioners and serums for moisture and shine; Hair styling creams, gels, and sprays), Lip Balms and Lip Tints (e.g. Hydrating lip balms; Tinted lip products that provide color and hydration), Eye Creams (Targeted creams for hydration, antiaging, or de-puffing around the eyes), Acne Spot Treatments (e.g., Leave-on gels or creams with ingredients like salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide), Body Oils and Creams (e.g., Hydrating body oils, creams, and lotions);

[0105] Cleansers (e.g., Face washes, foaming cleansers, and oil cleansers; Cleansing balms and milk cleansers), Shampoos and Conditioners (e.g., Hair cleansers for the scalp and hair; Rinse-off conditioners and hair masks, Body Washes and Shower Gels (e.g., Soaps and body cleansers), Exfoliating Scrubs (e.g., Face and body scrubs), Face Masks (e.g., Clay masks, sheet masks, or peel-off masks), Shaving Creams.

[0106] In another variant, formulations in accordance with the invention are useful for home care or industrial or institutional cleaning applications. For instance, the inventive formulations can be provided in a form of a household or an industrial or institutional cleaning product selected from the group consisting of alcohol free glass cleaners, glass cleaners, allpurpose cleaners, all-purpose sprays, degreasers, carpet cleaners, wood cleaners, floor cleaners, laminate cleaners, vinyl cleaners, ceramic cleaners, cork cleaners, linoleum cleaners, porcelain cleaners, stone cleaners, concrete cleaners, parquet cleaners, high gloss floor cleaners, kitchen cleaners, fat solver cleaners, bathroom cleaners, toilet cleaners, chalk cleaners, automatic dish washes, hand dish wash fluids, antibacterial hand dish wash fluids, fabric softeners, fabric care, liquid laundry detergents, powder laundry detergents, and hygiene wash detergents.

[0107] According to a preferred embodiment, the formulation for home care, industrial or institutional cleaning according to the invention is selected from the group consisting of fabric and laundry care products, preferably main detergents, fabric enhancers, fabric softeners, stain removers, laundry pre-treatment products, specialty laundry care products, fabric care products, and ironing aids, hard surface cleaning products, preferably allpurpose cleaners, kitchen cleaners, bathroom cleaners, sanitary cleaners, floor cleaners, glass cleaners, and specialty surface cleaners, dishwashing products, preferably automatic dishwashing products and manual dishwashing products, air care and odour management products, preferably air fresheners, odor eliminators, and scented products, appliance care and maintenance products, wipes, solid cleaning bars, and car care products, preferably exterior and interior car cleaning products.

[0108] Preferred main detergents are selected from liquid laundry detergents, powder laundry detergents, pods (e.g. single-dose), packs (e.g. single-dose), solid cleansing bars, and detergent sheets.

[0109] Preferred fabric enhancers or fabric softeners are selected from liquid fabric softeners, dryer sheets, and scent boosters (e.g. beads, crystals).

[0110] Preferred stain removers or laundry pre-treatment products are selected from sprays, gels, sticks, and chlorine and non-chlorine bleaches.

[0111] Preferred specialty laundry care products or fabric care products are selected from wool detergents, delicate wash detergents, color care detergents, sportswear detergents (especially for odor removal), laundry sanitizers, hygiene wash detergents, waterproofing additives, fabric treatment additives, and color protecting I improving sheets (black and white).

[0112] Preferred ironing aids are selected from spray starches and wrinkle release sprays. Preferred all-purpose cleaners are selected from ready-to-use sprays, all-purpose sprays, concentrates (solids and dilutable liquids), wipes, and multi-surface gels.

[0113] Preferred kitchen cleaners are selected from degreasers (e.g. heavy duty), fat solver cleaners (e.g. heavy duty), oven cleaners, microwave cleaners, stainless steel polishes, stainless steel cleaners, and wipes.

[0114] Preferred bathroom cleaners or sanitary cleaners are selected from toilet bowl cleaners, preferably in the form of liquids, gels, and pucks, tub and tile cleaners, porcelain cleaners, ceramic cleaners, shower cleaners, grout and mildew cleaners, limescale removers, chalk removers, and hard water deposit removers.

[0115] Preferred floor cleaners are selected from hardwood cleaners, parquet cleaners, wood cleaners, laminate cleaners, vinyl cleaners, linoleum cleaners, stone cleaners, tile floor cleaners, cork cleaners, high gloss floor cleaners, polishes, waxes, carpet cleaners, preferably spot cleaners and foam shampoos.

[0116] Preferred glass cleaners or specialty surface cleaners are selected from alcohol-based glass cleaners, alcohol-free glass cleaners, electronic screen cleaners, leather cleaners, leather conditioners, wood furniture polishes, and waxes.

[0117] Preferred automatic dishwashing products are selected from solid dish wash formulations, preferably pods, tablets, sheets, and powders, liquid dish wash formulations, preferably liquids, gels, and concentrates, rinse aids, dishwasher cleaners, and dishwasherdescalers.

[0118] Preferred manual dishwashing products (hand dish wash products) are selected from liquid dish wash formulations, concentrated dish wash formulations, and solid dish wash formulations, preferably bars, soaps, and pastes.

[0119] Preferred air fresheners are selected from aerosol sprays, plug-in oils I warmers, gels, solids, reed diffusers, and oils.

[0120] Preferred odor eliminators are selected from fabric odor eliminating sprays, room odor eliminating sprays, enzymatic odor killers, charcoal absorbers, and baking soda absorbers.

[0121] Preferred scented products are selected from scented candles, wax melts I warmers, and essential oil diffusers. Preferred appliance care and maintenance products are selected from washing machine cleaners, washing machine sanitizers, refrigerator deodorizers, and small appliance descalers.

[0122] Preferred wipes are selected from general purpose pre-moistened wipes, disinfecting premoistened wipes, and specialty pre-moistened wipes.

[0123] Preferred exterior car cleaning products are selected from car shampoos, car wash products, car wax products, snow foams, pre-wash cleaners, wheel cleaners, tire cleaners, degreasers, bug removers, tar removers, glass cleaners, and engine cleaners.

[0124] Preferred interior car cleaning products are selected from multi-surface interior cleaners, upholstery cleaners, fabric cleaners, leather cleaners, carpet cleaners, dashboard cleaners, glass cleaners, and mirror cleaners.

[0125] The formulations according to the present invention can be present in different forms, e.g., in the form of a dispersion, a liquid surfactant formulation, a solid surfactant formulation, or an aqueous, aqueous / alcoholic, in particular aqueous / ethanolic, or an aqueous / glycolic based solution. Preferred are dispersions. The term “dispersion” in the context of the present invention means that the formulation is a dispersed two-phase system consisting of colloidal particles (disperse phase) and a medium in which they are suspended (disperse medium). Both phases are not miscible with each other. Such dispersions, for example emulsions, comprise at least an oil component, preferably in an amount of at least 0.01 % by weight and / or in an amount of 60.0 % by weight, or less.

[0126] If the formulation according to the present invention is an emulsion, the oil component is present in an amount of 0.01 to 60.0% by weight, based on the total weight of the formulation. In a preferred variant, the formulation comprises the oil component in an amount of 1.0 to 55.0 % by weight, based on the total weight of the formulation. In a particular preferred variant, the oil component is advantageously used in the formulation in an amount of at 3.0 to 35 % by weight, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0127] Suitable emulsions include a O / W emulsion, a W / O emulsion, a hydro dispersion gel, a balm, a multiple emulsion of the water-in-oil type (W / O / WO) or of the oil-in-water type (O / W / O), PIT emulsion, Pickering emulsion, a micro-emulsion, a liquid, a lotion, a suspension, a milk, an ointment, a paste, a gel, a cream based, an oil based or a liposomebased formulation. In a further alternative, the formulation according to the present invention is a liquid surfactant formulation. Such liquid surfactant formulations include for example shampoo, shower gel, micellar water, liquid soap, cleansing preparations. If the formulation according to the present invention is a liquid surfactant formulation, the surfactant component is present in an amount of 1 to 60 % by weight, preferably in an amount of 3 to 50 % by weight, more preferably in an amount of 4 to 40 % by weight, based on the total weight of the formulation.

[0128] In a further alternative, the formulation according to the present invention is a solid surfactant formulation. Such solid surfactant formulations include for example solid shampoos, solid body wash, bar soaps, etc.

[0129] Alternatively, the formulation as disclosed herein is an aqueous or aqueous / alcoholic or aqueous / glycolic based solution. Said solution is a homogeneous one phase system of water and additional components. The aqueous / alcoholic or aqueous / glycolic based solution comprises an aliphatic alcohol or a glycol in an amount of 0.1 to < 50 % by weight, preferably in an amount of 0.5 to 30 % by weight, more preferably in an amount of 2 to 20 % by weight, based on the total weight of the solution. The aliphatic alcohol is preferably selected from the group consisting of ethanol, isopropanol, n-propanol. The glycol is preferably selected from the group consisting of glycerin, propylene glycol, butylene glycol or dipropylene glycol. Preferably, the overall water content in the final solutions can be > 50 % by weight, more preferably > 70 % by weight, even more preferably > 80 % by weight, and in special cases particularly preferably even > 90 % by weight, based on the total weight of the solution. New applications such as those including solutions for water wipes have high water content. Such aqueous or aqueous / alcoholic or aqueous / glycolic based solutions include for example deo / antiperspirant preparations, after shave, cleansing preparations, or anti-acne preparations. In a preferred variant, the inventive formulation can be used for wet-wipe applications; they may then most preferably contain > 85 % by weight water, or even > 98 % by weight water.

[0130] In a preferred variant, the formulation according to the present invention is in the form of an emulsion as defined herein, advantageously in the form of an oil-in-water (O / W) emulsion comprising an oily phase dispersed in an aqueous phase in the presence of an O / W emulsifier.

[0131] In another preferred variant, the cosmetic or pharmaceutical composition according to the present invention is in the form of an aqueous or aqueous / alcoholic, preferably aqueous / ethanolic, or aqueous / glycolic based solution. Typically, this could be glycerin in water compositions.

[0132] Preferably, the cosmetic or pharmaceutical formulation according to the invention, more preferably the cosmetic formulation according to the invention, is selected from the group consisting of face creams, skin creams, moisturizing creams, treatment creams, anti-aging preparations, skin renewing creams, (daily) anti-wrinkle face creams, night repair creams, barrier repair creams, anti-aging creams, skin lightening day creams, baby nappy rash creams, aseptic wound creams, skin protection ointments, sun protection soft creams (preferably W / O emulsions and / or with SPF 40), skin lotions, body lotions, sprayable body lotions, skin soothing lotions, cleansing lotions, after sun lotions, skin care emulsions, cationic emulsions, Pickering emulsions, water-in-oil (W / O) emulsions, oil-in-water (O / W) emulsions, microemulsions, nanoemulsions, deo emulsions, skin balms, face balms, body balms, foot balms, after shave balms, anti-acne balms, barrier repair balms, body gels, moisturizing gels, hydrodispersion gels, clear gels, gel creams, skin oils, body oils, body care oils, face care oils, hair care oils, bath oils, facial oils, dry oils, body butters, whipped body butters, solid skin care concentrates, facial concentrates, serums, anti-aging serums, hydrating serums, essences, tonics, after shave tonics, facial mists, hydrating mists, sheet masks, clay masks, peel-off masks, wash-off masks, sleeping masks, overnight masks, mask powders, exfoliants (chemical or physical), facial cleansing solutions, micellar waters, cleansing wipes, facial washes, facial cleansers, cream facial cleansers, gel facial cleansers, foam facial cleansers, makeup removers, bi-phase lotion makeup removers, micellar water makeup removers, cleansing balm makeup removers, cleansing balms, cleansing oils, powder cleansers, shower gels, shower preparations, liquid washing preparations, soap bars, syndet soap bars, antimicrobial toilet soap bars, liquid soaps, hand washes, bath preparations, foam baths, bath products, bath capsules, bath tablets, bath salts, bath soaps, bath bombs, effervescent bath preparations, deodorants, antiperspirants, deo sticks, antiperspirant sticks, aerosol-based deo sprays, deo pump sprays, deo roll ons, deo creams, deo wipes, deo crystals, human-smell masking applications, shampoos, solid shampoos, sulfate free shampoos, fresh hair shampoos, hair conditioners, leave on hair conditioners, co-washes, hair masks, treatment masks, scalp treatments, sensitive scalp products, hair sprays, hair mousses, hair gels, hair waxes, hair pomades, hair clays, hair creams, styling creams, hair refresher mists, antidandruff hair conditioners, colour protection hair care products, hair serums, hair oils, hair growth treatments, hair colorants, sunscreen lotions, broadband protection sunscreen lotions, sun protection soft creams, after sun gels, after sun balms, self-tanning lotions, self-tanning sprays, self-tanning creams, foundations, liquid foundations, cream foundations, powder foundations, stick foundations, serum foundations, concealers, powders, loose powders, pressed powders, mineral powders, blushes, rouges, cream blushes, powder blushes, liquid blushes, bronzers, highlighters, primers, face primers, eye primers, mascaras, eyeliners, liquid eyeliners, gel eyeliners, pencil eyeliners, powder eyeliners, eyeshadows, cream eyeshadows, pencil eyeshadows, powder eyeshadows, eyebrow pencils, eyebrow gels, eyebrow powders, lipsticks, traditional lipsticks, cream lipsticks, matte lipsticks, liquid lipsticks, lip glosses, lip balms, lip treatment balms, lip liners, lip scrubs, lip stains, shaving foams, shaving creams, shaving gels, shaving oils, after shave balms, beard care, beard oils, beard balms, beard washes, beard waxes, aerosol-based foot sprays, foot pump spray, foot baths, foot creams, foot soaks, hand creams, nail polishes, nail lacquers, base coats, top coats, nail treatments, hardeners nail treatments, cuticle treatments, cuticle oils, intimate sprays, intimate creams, intimate wash lotions, intimate wipes, tooth pastes, mouth wash concentrates, ready-to-use mouth washes, mouth sprays, dental floss coatings, perfume compositions, eau de parfums, eau de toilettes, colognes, solid perfumes, scented oils, body mists, body splashes, repellents, anti-insect applications, insect repellent lotions, insect repellent sprays, insect repellent solutions, insect repellent creams, mosquito repellents, skin protectant creams, skin protectant ointments, diaper rash creams, barrier creams, hand sanitizers, gel hand sanitizers, liquid spray hand sanitizers, liquids, solutions, lotions, milks, tonics, essences, serums, oils, aerosols, sprays, foams, mousses, pump sprays, atomisers, gels, hydrodispersion gels, moisturizing gels, body gels, styling gels, emulsions, O / W emulsions, W / O emulsions, microemulsions, nanoemulsions, Pickering emulsions, cationic emulsions, creams, rich creams, light creams, cold creams, cleansing creams, balms, ointments, pure oils, dry oils, butters, shaving foams, shower foams, hair mousses, pastes, toothpastes, thick creams, powders, loose powders, pressed powders, micro-powders, cleansing powders, solids, sticks, bars, crystals, blocks, pencils, compacts, wipes, impregnated non-woven materials, concentrates, tablets, capsules, effervescent tablets, soluble tablets, sheets, mask sheets, clays, mask clays, peel-off bases, waxes, hair waxes, lipstick base waxes, pomades, and jellies.

[0133] According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the cosmetic or pharmaceutical formulation according to the invention is selected from the group consisting of skin care products, body care products, skin treatment products, body treatment products, cleansing products, deodorants, antiperspirants, odor control products, hair care products, scalp care products, sunscreens, after-sun products, self-tanning products, makeups, color cosmetics, men’s grooming and shaving products, beard care products, foot care products, hand care products, nail care products, intimate care and cleansing products, fragrance products, repellents, first aid products, skin protectants, and wipes. Preferred skin care products, body care products, skin treatment products or body treatment products are selected from:

[0134] Creams, lotions, milks, and sprayable emulsions, preferably emulsions (including creams, milks, lotions, balms and sprayable applications) selected from the group consisting of face emulsions, soaking emulsions for wipes, skin and body emulsions, deo emulsions, gel-creams, moisturizing emulsions, soothing emulsions, skin care emulsions, treatment emulsions (acne, sensitive skin), antiaging emulsions, anti-wrinkle emulsions, barrier repair emulsions, skin lightening emulsions, baby nappy rash emulsions, foot emulsions, after shave emulsions, aseptic wound emulsions, cleansing emulsions, after sun emulsions, sun protection emulsions (sun protection factor (SPF) 5 to 50, preferably SPF 5 to 50+), anionic emulsions, nonionic emulsions, cationic emulsions, Pickering emulsions, hydrodispersion gels, water-in-oil (W / O) emulsions, oil-in-water (O / W) emulsions, microemulsions, and nanoemulsions, ointments, gels, oils, butters, and concentrates, preferably ointments, more preferably skin protection ointments, preferably skin and body gels (clear or cloudy), more preferably moisturizing gels, hydrodispersion gels, and gel creams, preferably oils, more preferably skin oils, body oils, hair oils, face oils, and bath oils (foaming and non-foaming), preferably butters, more preferably body butters, face butters, skin butters, and whipped butters, preferably solid formulations (e.g. sticks and blocks), more preferably cleansing formulations (hair and body washes), skin care formulations (face, hair, body, and skin care), deo sticks, and antiperspirant sticks, serums, essences, and toners (with and without ethanol) for face, hair, body, and skin care, preferably serums, tonics, mists, and essences (e.g. anti-aging, antiacne, hydrating), and masks and peels (sheets, emulsions, gels, powders, and solids), preferably clay masks, peel-off masks, wash-off masks, sleeping masks, overnight masks, mask powders (preferably to be reconstituted), and exfoliants (chemical or physical).

[0135] Preferred cleansing products are selected from:

[0136] Face, skin, hair, hand, and body cleansing products (surfactant and non-surfactant based products), foams, emulsions, gels, wipes, liquids, balms, bars, soap bars, powders, oils, bi-phase products, and micellar waters, preferably anti-dandruff products, and bath products (powders, capsules, tablets, liquids, solids), preferably bath preparations, foam baths, and bath oils. Preferred deodorants, antiperspirants or odor control products are selected from balms, sticks, emulsions, roll-ons, wipes, crystals, aerosol sprays, and pump sprays.

[0137] Preferred hair care products or scalp care products are selected from:

[0138] Cleansing and conditioning products, preferably shampoos, more preferably solid shampoos, dry shampoos, sulfate free shampoos, and fresh hair shampoos, preferably hair conditioners, more preferably leave on conditioners and rinse off conditioners, preferably anti dandruff preparations, conditioning shampoos (conditioner wash), hair masks, treatment masks, hair oils, colour protection hair care products, hair growth treatments, scalp treatments, and sensitive scalp products, styling and finishing products, preferably pump-sprays, aerosols, pomades, gels, mousses, waxes, clays, and emulsions, and permanent and semi-permanent hair coloration products.

[0139] Preferred sunscreens, after-sun products or self-tanning products are selected from O / W emulsions, W / O emulsions, balms, oils, gels, sprays, bi-phase products, sun protection formulations (SPF 5 to 50, preferably SPF 5 to 50+), sun protection emulsions (SPF 5 to 50, preferably SPF 5 to 50+), and after sun emulsions.

[0140] Preferred makeups or color cosmetics are selected from:

[0141] Face products (decorative cosmetics), preferably foundations (liquids, creams, powders, sticks, and serums), concealers, loose powders, pressed powders, mineral powders, blushes (creams, powders, and liquids), rouges (creams, powders, and liquids), bronzers, highlighters, face primers, and eye primers, eye products, preferably mascaras, eyeliners (liquids, gels, pencils, and powders), eyeshadows (powders, creams, and pencils), eyebrow pencils, eyebrow gels, eyebrow powders, and hair growth formulations, and caring and coloring lip products, preferably sticks, glosses, roll-ons, balms, and pencils.

[0142] Preferred men’s grooming or shaving products or beard care products are selected from foams, O / W emulsions, W / O emulsions, balms, oils, gels, waxes, and sprays.

[0143] Preferred foot care products are selected from aerosol sprays, pump sprays, baths, creams, balms, and gels. Preferred hand care products or nail care products are selected from O / W emulsions, W / O emulsions, gels, lacquers, oils, aerosol sprays, pump sprays, nail polishes, nail lacquers, coatings (base and top), nail treatments, preferably hardeners and cuticle treatments, and hand sanitizers.

[0144] Preferred intimate care products or intimate cleansing products are selected from sprays, emulsions, balms, lotions, wipes, and rinse off formulations.

[0145] Preferred fragrance products are selected from perfume compositions, preferably eau de parfums, eau de toilettes, and colognes, solid perfumes, scented oils, body mists, and body splashes.

[0146] Preferred repellents are selected from general repellents, anti-insect applications, insect repellent lotions, sprays, solutions, creams, and mosquito repellents.

[0147] Preferred first aid products or skin protectants are selected from skin protectant creams, skin protectant ointments, preferably diaper rash creams and barrier creams.

[0148] The cosmetic or pharmaceutical formulation can, for instance, take the physical form of a liquid, preferably a solution, lotion, milk, tonic, essence, serum or oil, an aerosol, preferably a spray, foam, or mousse, a pump spray, an atomiser, a gel, preferably a hydrodispersion, moisturizing gel, body gel or styling gel, an emulsion, preferably an O / W emulsion, W / O emulsion, microemulsion, nanoemulsion, Pickering emulsion or cationic emulsion, a cream, preferably a rich, light or cold cream or a cleansing cream, a lotion, a balm, an ointment, an oil, preferably a pure oil or dry oil, a butter, preferably a body butter, a foam, preferably a shaving foam, shower foam or hair mousse, a paste, preferably a toothpaste or thick cream, a powder, preferably a loose, pressed or micro-powder or a cleansing powder, a solid, preferably a stick, bar, crystal, block, pencil or compact, a wipe, preferably an impregnated non-woven material, a concentrate, a tablet or a capsule, preferably with effervescent or soluble properties, a sheet (masks), an emulsion (masks), a peel-off base, a wax, preferably a hair wax or lipstick base, a pomade, or a jelly.

[0149] Additional active compounds that may be included in the formulations of the invention are selected from the group consisting of anti-cellulitis agents, anti-dandruff agents, antiinflammatory agents, anti-microbial agents, irritation-preventing agents, irritation-inhibiting agents, antioxidants, astringents, odor absorbers, perspiration-inhibiting agents, antiseptic agents, cell stimulants, cleansing agents, depilatory agents, surface-active substances, deodorizing agents, antiperspirants, enzymes, enzyme inhibitors, hair care agents, hairsetting agents, hair-straightening agents, moisture-donating agents, moisturizing substances, moisture-retaining substances, bleaching agents, strengthening agents, stainremoving agents, optically brightening agents, impregnating agents, dirt-repellent agents, dyes, friction-reducing agents, lubricants, moisturizing creams, ointments, opacifying agents, covering agents, polish, gloss agents, green and synthetic polymers, powders, proteins, re-oiling agents, abrading agents, silicones, skin-soothing agents, skin-cleansing agents, skin care agents, skin-healing agents, skin-lightening agents, skin-protecting agents, skin-softening agents, hair promotion agents, cooling agents, skin-cooling agents, warming agents, skin-warming agents, stabilizers, surfactants, UV-absorbing agents, UV filters, primary sun protection factors, secondary sun protection factors, detergents, fabric conditioning agents, suspending agents, skin-tanning agents, actives modulating skin or hair pigmentation, matrix-metalloproteinase inhibitors, skin moisturizing agents, glycosaminoglycan stimulators, TRPV1 antagonists, desquamating agents, anti-cellulite agents or fat enhancing agents, hair growth activators or inhibitors, vitamins, oils, waxes, pearlizing waxes, fats, phospholipids, saturated fatty acids, mono- or polyunsaturated fatty acids, a-hydroxy acids, polyhydroxy fatty acids, liquefiers, dyestuffs, color-protecting agents, pigments, anti-corrosives, fragrances or perfume oils, aromas, flavoring substances, odoriferous substances, polyols, electrolytes, organic solvents, and mixtures of two or more of the aforementioned substances, as further described below.

[0150] According to a particularly preferred embodiment of the formulation according to the invention, the formulation comprises or consists of a combination selected from the group consisting of:

[0151] Maltol, and Anisic Acid, and Pentylene Glycol (1 ,2-Pentanediol)

[0152] Maltol, and Anisic Acid, and 1 ,2-Hexanediol

[0153] Maltol, and Anisic Acid, and 1 ,2-Heptanediol

[0154] Maltol, and Anisic Acid, and Caprylyl Glycol (1 ,2-Octanediol)

[0155] Maltol, and Anisic Acid, and Potassium Cetyl Phosphate

[0156] Maltol, and Anisic Acid, and Glyceryl Stearate Citrate

[0157] Maltol, and Anisic Acid, and Sodium Starch Octenylsuccinate Maltol, and Anisic Acid, and Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate Maltol, and Anisic Acid, and Glyceryl Oleate Citrate Maltol, and Anisic Acid, and Palmitic acid

[0158] Maltol, and Anisic Acid, and Polyglyceryl-6 stearate

[0159] Maltol, and Anisic Acid, and Polyglyceryl-6 behenate Maltol, and Anisic Acid, and Polyglyceryl-6 stearate, and Polyglyceryl-6 behenate

[0160] Maltol, and Anisic Acid, and Glyceryl Caprylate

[0161] Maltol, and Anisic Acid, and PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor oil

[0162] Maltol, and Anisic Acid, and Trideceth-9

[0163] Maltol, and Anisic Acid, and Methyl glucose sesquistearate

[0164] Maltol, and Anisic Acid, and Cetearyl glucoside

[0165] Maltol, and Glyceryl Stearate Citrate, and Pentylene Glycol (1 ,2-Pentanediol)

[0166] Maltol, and Glyceryl Oleate Citrate, and Pentylene Glycol (1 ,2-Pentanediol)

[0167] Maltol, and Glyceryl Oleate Citrate, and 1 ,2-Heptanediol

[0168] Maltol, and Glyceryl Oleate Citrate, and 1 ,2-Hexanediol

[0169] Maltol, and Glyceryl Oleate Citrate, and Caprylyl Glycol (1 ,2-Octanediol)

[0170] Maltol, and Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, and Pentylene Glycol (1 ,2-Pentanediol)

[0171] Maltol, and Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, and 1 ,2 hexanediol

[0172] Maltol, and Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, and Caprylyl Glycol (1 ,2-Octanediol)

[0173] Maltol, and Glyceryl Stearate Citrate, and Caprylyl Glycol (1 ,2-Octanediol)

[0174] Maltol, and Sodium Starch Octenylsuccinate, and Pentylene Glycol (1 ,2-

[0175] Pentanediol)

[0176] Maltol, and Sodium Starch Octenylsuccinate, and 1 ,2-Hexanediol

[0177] Maltol, and Sodium Starch Octenylsuccinate, and 1 ,2-Heptanediol

[0178] Maltol, and Sodium Starch Octenylsuccinate, and Caprylyl Glycol (1 ,2-Octanediol)

[0179] Maltol, and Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate, and Pentylene Glycol (1 ,2-

[0180] Pentanediol)

[0181] Maltol, and Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate, and 1 ,2-Hexanediol

[0182] Maltol, and Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate, and 1 ,2-Heptanediol

[0183] Maltol, and Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate, and Caprylyl Glycol (1 ,2-Octanediol)

[0184] Maltol, and Sodium Starch Octenylsuccinate, and Propanediol (1 ,3-Propanediol)

[0185] Maltol, and Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate, and Propanediol (1 ,3-Propanediol)

[0186] Maltol, and Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, and Propanediol (1 ,3-Propanediol)

[0187] Maltol, and Palmitic acid, and Pentylene Glycol (1 ,2-Pentanediol)

[0188] Maltol, and Polyglyceryl-6 Stearate, and Pentylene Glycol (1 ,2-Pentanediol)

[0189] Maltol, and Polyglyceryl-6 Stearate, and 1 ,2-Hexanediol

[0190] Maltol, and Polyglyceryl-6 Stearate, and 1 ,2-Heptanediol

[0191] Maltol, and Polyglyceryl-6 Stearate, and Caprylyl Glycol (1 ,2-Octanediol)

[0192] Maltol, and Polyglyceryl-6 Behenate, and Pentylene Glycol (1 ,2-Pentanediol)

[0193] Maltol, and Polyglyceryl-6 Behenate, and 1 ,2-Hexanediol

[0194] Maltol, and Polyglyceryl-6 Behenate, and 1 ,2-Heptanediol

[0195] Maltol, and Polyglyceryl-6 Behenate, and Caprylyl Glycol (1 ,2-Octanediol) Maltol, and Glyceryl Caprlyate, and Pentylene Glycol (1 ,2-Pentanediol)

[0196] Maltol, and Methyl Glucose Sesquistearate, and 1 ,2-Hexanediol

[0197] Maltol, and Cetearyl Glucoside, and 1 ,2-Hexanediol

[0198] Maltol, and Cetearyl Glucoside, and 1 ,2-Heptanediol

[0199] Maltol, and Polyglyceryl-6 Behenate, and Polyglyceryl-6 Stearate, and Pentylene

[0200] Glycol (1 ,2-Pentanediol)

[0201] Maltol, and Polyglyceryl-6 Behenate, and Polyglyceryl-6 Stearate, and 1 ,2-

[0202] Hexanediol

[0203] Maltol, and Polyglyceryl-6 Behenate, and Polyglyceryl-6 Stearate, and 1 ,2-

[0204] Heptanediol

[0205] Maltol, and Polyglyceryl-6 Behenate, and Polyglyceryl-6 Stearate, and Caprylyl Glycol (1 ,2-Octanediol)

[0206] Maltol, and PEG-40 Hydrogenated castor oil, and Pentylene Glycol (1 ,2- Pentanediol)

[0207] Maltol, and PEG-40 Hydrogenated castor oil, and 1 ,2-Hexanediol

[0208] Maltol, and PEG-40 Hydrogenated castor oil, and 1 ,2-Heptanediol

[0209] Maltol, and Trideceth-9, and Pentylene Glycol (1 ,2-Pentanediol)

[0210] Maltol, and Trideceth-9, and 1 ,2-Hexanediol

[0211] Maltol, and Trideceth-9, and 1 ,2-Heptanediol

[0212] Maltol, and Trideceth-9, and Caprylyl Glycol (1 ,2-Octanediol)

[0213] Maltol, and Cetrimonium Chloride, and Pentylene Glycol (1 ,2-Pentanediol)

[0214] Maltol, and Distearoylethyl Dimonium Chloride, and Pentylene Glycol (1 ,2- Pentanediol)

[0215] Maltol, and Distearoylethyl Dimonium Chloride, and 1 ,2-Hexanediol

[0216] Maltol, and Distearoylethyl Dimonium Chloride, and 1 ,2-Heptanediol

[0217] Maltol, and Distearoylethyl Dimonium Chloride, and Caprylyl Glycol (1 ,2-Octanediol)

[0218] Maltol, and Behentrimonium Chloride, and Pentylene Glycol (1 ,2-Pentanediol)

[0219] Maltol, and Behentrimonium Chloride, and 1 ,2-Hexanediol

[0220] Maltol, and Myristamidopropyl PG-Dimonium chloride phosphate, and Pentylene Glycol (1 ,2-Pentanediol)

[0221] Maltol, and Myristamidopropyl PG-Dimonium chloride phosphate, and 1 ,2-

[0222] Hexanediol

[0223] Maltol, and Myristamidopropyl PG-Dimonium chloride phosphate, and 1 ,2-

[0224] Heptanediol

[0225] Maltol, and Myristamidopropyl PG-Dimonium chloride phosphate, and Caprylyl Glycol (1 ,2-Octanediol). Particularly preferably, the anisic acid in the above mentioned preferred combinations is p- anisic acid.

[0226] According to another aspect of the present invention, a co-emulsifier combination comprises the following compounds:

[0227] (A) maltol,

[0228] (B) anisic acid or a salt thereof, preferably p-anisic acid or a salt thereof, and

[0229] (C) an alkanediol.

[0230] The co-emulsifier combination of the present invention is based on the inventors’ observation that the compounds A, B, and C exhibit co-emulsifying properties. In particular, the mixture of the invention is capable to reduce oil droplet size in an oil and water emulsion stabilized by an emulsifier. Advantageously, the effect of reducing droplet size is synergistic. This means, the combination of the invention is more effective than the sum of each compound alone. Therefore, the combination is capable to function as a (synergistic) co-emulsifier in conjunction with one or more further emulsifier(s) chemically distinct from the compounds A, B and C. Compounds A, B and C are not of synthetic origin. Therefore, preferred combinations are free of synthetic compounds.

[0231] It is further preferred that the respective amounts of compound A, B and C are sufficient to synergistically reduce oil droplet size in the formulation. In preferred formulations, an amount of compound A ranges from 0.05 to 1 .5 % by weight, preferably 0.05 to 1 .0 % by weight, more preferably 0.1 to 0.7 % by weight, relative to the total weight of the formulation. In further preferred formulations, an amount of compound B ranges from 0.01 to 1 .0 % by weight, preferably 0.02 to 0.8% by weight, more preferably 0.05 to 0.5% by weight, relative to the total weight of the formulation. In yet further preferred formulations, an amount of compound C ranges from 0.01 % to 7% by weight, preferably 0.05 to 6.0% by weight, more preferably 0.1 to 5.0% by weight, relative to the total weight of the formulation. In preferred formulations, two of compound A, B and C are present in the formulation in the above specified amounts. In further preferred formulation, all compound A, B and C are present in the formulation in the above specified amounts. When combining amounts of two or all of compound A, B and C, each range shall be understood to be combinable with each other range.

[0232] Further preferred compositions according to the invention include the following:

[0233] Maltol, Anisic Acid, Pentylene Glycol (1 ,2-Pentanediol), Maltol, Anisic Acid, 1 ,2-hexanediol,

[0234] Maltol, Anisic Acid, 1 ,2-heptanediol,

[0235] Maltol, Anisic Acid, Caprylyl Glycol (1 ,2-Octanediol),

[0236] Maltol, Anisic Acid, Glyceryl Stearate Citrate,

[0237] Maltol, Anisic Acid, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate,

[0238] Maltol, Anisic Acid, Behentrimonium Chloride,

[0239] Maltol, Anisic Acid, Cetrimonium Chloride,

[0240] Maltol, Glyceryl Stearate Citrate, Pentylene Glycol (1 ,2-Pentanediol),

[0241] Maltol, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Pentylene Glycol (1 ,2-Pentanediol),

[0242] Maltol, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, 1 ,2 hexanediol,

[0243] Maltol, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Caprylyl Glycol (1 ,2-Octanediol),

[0244] Maltol, Behentrimonium Chloride, Pentylene Glycol (1 ,2-Pentanediol), Maltol, Behentrimonium Chloride, 1 ,2-hexanediol, and

[0245] Maltol, Cetrimonium Chloride, Pentylene Glycol (1 ,2-Pentanediol).

[0246] The co-emulsifier combination of the invention may be provided in the form of a (heterogeneous) blend, in separate containers, or dissolved in a common solvent. Preferably, the combination is a kit-type combination provided in separate containers. This means, compound A may be contained in the first container, compound B may be contained in a second container and compound C may be contained in a third container.

[0247] As will be rapidly understood by the skilled reader, the co-emulsifier combination of the invention may be used to form an embodiment of the formulation of the invention.

[0248] Preferably, the component C is a vicinal alkanediol. Preferably, compound C is a vicinal alkanediol having a linear carbon chain of 3 to 14 carbon atoms. Preferred vicinal alkanediol include 1 ,2-propanediol, 1 ,2-pentanediol, 1 ,2-hexanediol, 1 ,2-heptanediol, 1 ,2-octanediol, 1 ,2-nonanediol and 1 ,2-decanediol. Preferably, the component C is an alkanediol. Preferably, compound C is an alkanediol having a linear carbon chain of 3 to 14 carbon atoms. Particularly preferred alkanediols include 1 ,3-propanediol, 1 ,2-pentanediol, 1 ,2- hexanediol, 1 ,2-heptanediol, 1 ,2-octanediol, 1 ,2-nonanediol and 1 ,2-decanediol. 1 ,2- pentanediol is particularly preferred. Advantageously, 1 ,2-alkanediols are known to reduce the interfacial tension between an aqueous phase and an oil phase, but not to be capable to form a stable emulsion alone. Consequently, 1 ,2-alkanediols are not classified as emulsifying substances (emulsifiers). In combination with components A and B, a co- emulsifier is surprisingly formed. Advantageously, 1 ,2-alkanediols provide additional cosmetically relevant effects, such as for example moisturizing or antimicrobial characteristics.

[0249] With respect to the (relative) amounts of compounds A to C in the mixture (or in the formulation), a weight ratio of component A to component B may be greater than 1 and / or range from 1 :20 to 150:1 , preferably from 1 :16 to 50:1 , more preferably from 1 :5 to 5:1 . A weight ratio of component A to component C may be smaller than 1 and / or range from 1 :140 to 150:1 , preferably from 1 :120 to 20:1 , more preferably from 1 :50 to 7:1 . A weight ratio of component B to component C may be smaller than 1 and / or range from 1 :700 to 100:1 , preferably from 1 :300 to 16:1 , more preferably from 1 :100 to 5:1 .

[0250] A further aspect of the present invention pertains to a method of producing a formulation as disclosed herein, comprising the following steps:

[0251] (i) providing at least one, preferably at least two, more preferably all, of compound A, maltol, compound B, anisic acid or a salt thereof, and compound C, an alkanediol,

[0252] (ii) providing at least one, preferably at least two, more preferably all of, component D, an emulsifier, component E, an oil component, component F, a water component,

[0253] (iii) optionally providing component G, one or more auxiliary compounds, and / or component H, one or more active ingredients, and

[0254] (iv) mixing the compounds of (i) with the components of (ii) and optionally (iii) to provide the formulation.

[0255] Preferably, compounds A and B are provided in the method according to the invention. More preferably, compounds A and C are provided in the method according to the invention. More preferably, compounds A and B and C are provided in the method according to the invention. More preferably, compounds B and C are not both provided in the method according to the invention. More preferably, compounds B and C are only both provided in case compound A is also provided.

[0256] According to another preferred embodiment, compounds A and B and component D are provided in the method according to the invention. According to another preferred embodiment, compounds A and C and component D are provided in the method according to the invention. According to another preferred embodiment, compounds A and B and C and component D are provided in the method according to the invention. According to another preferred embodiment, compounds A and B and an anionic emulsifier D are provided in the method according to the invention. According to another preferred embodiment, compounds A and B and a nonionic emulsifier D are provided in the method according to the invention. According to another preferred embodiment, compounds A and C and an anionic emulsifier D are provided in the method according to the invention. According to another preferred embodiment, compounds A and C and a nonionic emulsifier D are provided in the method according to the invention. According to another preferred embodiment, compounds A and C and a cationic emulsifier D are provided in the method according to the invention.

[0257] According to a particularly preferred embodiment of the method of producing a formulation, it comprises or consists of the following steps:

[0258] (i) providing at least one, preferably at least two, more preferably all, of compound A, maltol, compound B, anisic acid or a salt thereof, and compound C, an alkanediol selected from the group consisting of 1 ,3-propanediol, 1 ,2-pentanediol, 1 ,2- hexanediol, 1 ,2-heptanediol, 1 ,2-octanediol, 1 ,2-nonanediol, and 1 ,2-decanediol,

[0259] (ii) providing at least one, preferably at least two, more preferably all of, component D, an emulsifier, component E, an oil component, and component F, a water component,

[0260] (iii) optionally providing component G, one or more auxiliary compounds, and / or component H, one or more active ingredients, and

[0261] (iv) mixing the compound(s) of (i) with the components of (ii) and optionally (iii) to provide the formulation, wherein compounds A and B are provided or compounds A and C are provided or compounds A and B and C are provided, and wherein component D is provided and is selected from the group consisting of glyceryl stearate citrate, potassium cetyl phosphate, glyceryl oleate citrate, sodium starch octenylsuccinate, aluminium starch octenylsuccinate, palmitic acid, polyglyceryl-6 stearate, polyglyceryl-6 behenate, glyceryl caprylate, PEG-40 hydrogenated castor oil, trideceth-9, methyl glucose sesquistearate, cetearyl glucoside, behentrimonium chloride, cetrimonium chloride, distearoylethyl dimonium chloride, and myristamidopropyl PG-dimonium chloride phosphate.

[0262] Yet a further aspect of the invention relates to a method of enhancing emulsion stability, comprising (i) providing at least one, preferably at least two, more preferably all, of compound A, maltol, compound B, anisic acid or a salt thereof, and compound C, an alkanediol,

[0263] (ii) providing at least one, preferably at least two, more preferably all of, component D, an emulsifier, component E, an oil component, component F, a water component,

[0264] (iii) optionally providing component G, one or more auxiliary compounds, and / or component H, one or more active ingredients, and

[0265] (iv) mixing the compound(s) of (i) with the components of (ii) and optionally (iii) to provide the formulation.

[0266] According to a particularly preferred embodiment of the method of enhancing emulsion stability, it comprises or consists of the following steps:

[0267] (i) providing at least one, preferably at least two, more preferably all, of compound A, maltol, compound B, anisic acid or a salt thereof, and compound C, an alkanediol selected from the group consisting of 1 ,3-propanediol, 1 ,2-pentanediol, 1 ,2- hexanediol, 1 ,2-heptanediol, 1 ,2-octanediol, 1 ,2-nonanediol, and 1 ,2-decanediol,

[0268] (ii) providing at least one, preferably at least two, more preferably all of, component D, an emulsifier, component E, an oil component, and component F, a water component,

[0269] (iii) optionally providing component G, one or more auxiliary compounds, and / or component H, one or more active ingredients, and

[0270] (iv) mixing the compound(s) of (i) with the components of (ii) and optionally (iii) to provide the formulation, wherein compounds A and B are provided or compounds A and C are provided or compounds A and B and C are provided, and wherein component D is provided and is selected from the group consisting of glyceryl stearate citrate, potassium cetyl phosphate, glyceryl oleate citrate, sodium starch octenylsuccinate, aluminium starch octenylsuccinate, palmitic acid, polyglyceryl-6 stearate, polyglyceryl-6 behenate, glyceryl caprylate, PEG-40 hydrogenated castor oil, trideceth-9, methyl glucose sesquistearate, cetearyl glucoside, behentrimonium chloride, cetrimonium chloride, distearoylethyl dimonium chloride, and myristamidopropyl PG-dimonium chloride phosphate. What has been stated above with regard to the method of producing a formulation according to the invention applies mutatis mutandis to the method of enhancing emulsion stability according to the invention.

[0271] As mentioned above, the formulation produced this way may exhibit a reduced mean droplet size, and hence higher emulsion stability, as compared to a corresponding formulation lacking one or more of components A and B and C. Moreover, components A and B and C contribute to this effect in a synergistic manner.

[0272] According to a further aspect of the present invention, one or more, preferably two or more, more preferably all, of component A, maltol, component B, anisic acid or a salt thereof, and component C, an alkanediol, is used as an emulsifier system or a part thereof, or as a coemulsifier, in an O / W emulsion comprising components A, B and C, and stabilized by an anionic or non-ionic emulsifier.

[0273] Preferably, at least one, more preferably at least two, more preferably all, of compound A, maltol, compound B, anisic acid or a salt thereof, and compound C, an alkanediol, is / are used as a co-emulsifier.

[0274] A specific aspect of the present invention relates to the use of compound A, maltol, to contribute to a reduced mean droplet size and / or an enhanced emulsion stability of a formulation further comprising compound B, anisic acid or a salt thereof, and / or compound C, the alkanediol. The use of compound B, anisic acid or a salt thereof, to contribute to a reduced mean droplet size and / or an enhanced emulsion stability of a formulation further comprising compound A, maltol, and / or compound C, the alkanediol, provides a related aspect. So does the use of compound C, the alkanediol, contribute to a reduced mean droplet size and / or an enhanced emulsion stability of a formulation further comprising compound A, maltol, and / or compound B, the anisic acid or a salt thereof. To sum up, the aforementioned uses pertain to compound A, maltol, and / or compound B, anisic acid or a salt thereof, and / or compound C, the alkanediol, to contribute to a reduced mean droplet size and / or an enhanced emulsion stability of a formulation comprising compound A, B and / or C.

[0275] On the basis of the observation that the combination of compound A, maltol, and compound B, anisic acid or a salt thereof, provides a synergistic efficacy with respect to the droplet size, additional aspects provide methods and uses as described herein that compound C, the alkanediol, is optional. Generally, features and embodiments described in conjunction with a specific aspect of the invention shall form corresponding features and embodiments of all other aspects, unless the context dictates otherwise.

[0276] In the following, the invention is explained in more detail with reference to representative examples and with reference to the drawings which show:

[0277] Fig. 1 Microscope images of oil droplets at different maltol concentrations ranging from 0 to 1 .0%. 60x magnification.

[0278] Fig. 2 Microscope images of oil droplets achieved with single compounds and combinations of anisic acid, maltol and pentylene glycol. 60x magnification.

[0279] Examples:

[0280] Behavior of Maltol in o / w emulsion

[0281] 1. Tested materials and formulations:

[0282] Table 1 a) Formulation O / W anionic with Glyceryl Stearate Citrate: In a first set of experiments, different maltol concentrations (0; 0.1 %; 0.3%; 1.0% and 1 .5%) were tested (Emulsions E1- E5):

[0283] Table 2

[0284] The formulations were produced by first preparing phases A, B and C separately. Phases A and B were heated to 80°C. Phase C was added to phase A, and the resulting mixture stirred for 30 seconds. To the mixture phase B was added. The combined phases were emulsified applying a Turrax Stirrer (Ultraturrax 6000 rpm) for 2 minutes. The resulting emulsion was cooled to below 40°C while stirring with a vane stirrer (150 rpm; 15 minutes I 100 rpm; 15 minutes). The pH was adjusted to 5.6 by using a 10% sodium hydroxide solution. b) Formulation O / W anionic with Glyceryl Oleate Citrate: Variations of one, two or all of Maltol, 1 ,2-Pentanediol (Pentylene Glycol) and 1 ,2-Heptanediol (Emulsions A-F). Emulsion A serves as a comparative sample.

[0285] Table 3

[0286] Heat phases A and C separately up to 80°C. Add B into A and homogenize by stirring. Add C into BA and emulsify by using a homogenizer (Ultraturrax, 6000 rpm, 2 minutes). Cool down by using a vane stirrer (150 rpm; 15 minutes 1 100 rpm; 15 minutes). Adjust pH value to 5.6 with phase D. c) Formulation O / W anionic with Potassium Cetyl Phosphate: Variations of one or both of Maltol and Anisic Acid (Emulsions A-D). Emulsion A serves as a comparative sample.

[0287] Table 4

[0288] Heat phases A and C separately up to 80°C. Add B into A and homogenize by stirring. Add C into BA and emulsify by using a homogenizer (Ultraturrax, 6000 rpm, 2 minutes). Cool down by using a vane stirrer (150 rpm; 15 minutes 1 100 rpm; 15 minutes). Adjust pH value to 5.6 by using phase D. d) Formulation O / W non-ionic with Polyglyceryl-6 Stearate, Polyglyceryl-6 Behenate: Variations of one or both of Maltol and Anisic Acid (Emulsions A-D). Emulsion A serves as a comparative sample.

[0289] Table 5

[0290] Heat phases A and C separately up to 80°C. Add B into A and homogenize by stirring. Add C into BA and emulsify by using a homogenizer (Ultraturrax, 6000 rpm, 2 minutes). Cool down by using a vane stirrer (150 rpm; 15 minutes 1 100 rpm; 15 minutes). Adjust pH value to 5.6 by using phase D. e) Formulation O / W cationic with Cetrimonium Chloride: Variations of one or both of Maltol and Pentylene Glycol (Emulsions A-D). Emulsion A serves as a comparative sample.

[0291] Table 6

[0292] Blend Water and Glycerin and heat it to 90°C at 250 rpm (magnetic stirrer). Add Cetrimonium Chloride until it is homogenous. Add the remaining ingredients in the given order and stir until the Cetearyl alcohol is melted (magnetic stirrer). Homogenize with an Ultraturrax for 2 min at 6000 rpm, cool down while stirring with a vane stirrer (to 30°C) for 30 min at 50 rpm. f) Formulation O / W cationic with Distearoylethyl Dimonium Chloride: Variations of one or both of Maltol and Pentylene Glycol (Emulsions A-G). Emulsion A serves as a comparative sample.

[0293] Table 7 Blend Water and Glycerin and heat it to 90°C at 250 rpm (magnetic stirrer). Add Distearoylethyl Dimonium Chloride until it's homogenous. Add the remaining ingredients in the given order and stir until the Cetearyl alcohol is melted, 5 min at 500 rpm (magnetic stirrer). Homogenize with Ultraturrax, 2 min at 6000 rpm. Cool down while stirring with vanestirrer (to 30°C), 30 min at 50 rpm. Homogenize at 30°C for 30 seconds at 250 rpm with vane stirrer to increase viscosity. 2. Analysis Methods:

[0294] Particle size measurement of o / w emulsions = oil droplet size: Oil droplet size was measured via laser diffraction using Malvern Mastersizer 3000 (volume based). A water / ethanol 90:10 mixture was used as the solvent. The technique measures the intensity of light scattered as a laser beam passes through a dispersed particulate sample. The data are analyzed to calculate the size of the particles (=oil droplets) that created the scattering pattern. Generally, large particles scatter light at small angles relative to the laser beam and small particles scatter light at large angles. The following parameters have been selected: Obscuration: 5-10%; Scattering Model: Mie, Parameter: Dv [4,3] = Mean value (volume based).

[0295] Microscopic images: For the microscopic images an Olympus IX70 at 60fold, bright field was used.

[0296] 3. Results: a) Formulation O / W anionic with Glyceryl Stearate Citrate: The results for the oil droplet size are summarized in the table below.

[0297] Table 8

[0298] As can be seen even at low concentrations of Maltol a reduction of oil droplet size could be achieved. Referring to Fig. 1 , microscopic images show significant smaller oil droplets in emulsions containing Maltol as without Maltol. b) Formulation O / W anionic with Glyceryl Oleate Citrate: The results for the oil droplet size are summarized in the table below.

[0299] Table 9

[0300] In formulation with Glyceryl Oleate Citrate as emulsifier, a synergistic effect for the combinations of Maltol with the tested Diols can be observed in terms of reduced particle / oil droplet sizes. c) Formulation O / W anionic Potassium Cetyl Phosphate: The results for the oil droplet size are summarized in the table below.

[0301] Table 10 Surprisingly, a combination of Maltol and Anisic Acid shows reduced particle size in emulsion with Potassium Cetyl Phosphate. d) Formulation O / W non-ionic with Polyglyceryl-6 Stearate, Polyglyceryl-6 Behenate: The results for the oil droplet size are summarized in the table below.

[0302] Table 11

[0303] A synergistic effect could be achieved by the combination of Maltol and Anisic Acid. e) Formulation O / W cationic with Cetrimonium chloride: The results for the oil droplet size are summarized in the table below.

[0304] Table 12

[0305] A synergistic effect could be achieved by the combination of Maltol and Pentylene Glycol. f) Formulation O / W cationic with Distearoylethyl Dimonium Chloride: The results for the oil droplet size are summarized in the table below.

[0306] Table 13 Maltol shows dose dependent efficiency regarding reduced oil droplet size (Samples B-E). Pentylene Glycol also shows reduced particle size (F). Surprisingly, a synergistic effect for Maltol and Pentylene Glycol can be observed (G).

Claims

Claims:1 . A formulation comprising at least two of compounds A, B and C,(A) maltol,(B) anisic acid or a salt thereof,(C) an alkanediol selected from the group consisting of 1 ,3-propanediol, 1 ,2-pentanediol, 1 ,2-hexanediol, 1 ,2-heptanediol, 1 ,2-octanediol, 1 ,2- nonanediol, and 1 ,2-decanediol, and at least one, preferably at least two, more preferably all three, of components D, E and F,(D) an emulsifier,(E) an oil component,(F) a water component, wherein the formulation comprises compounds A and B or comprises compounds A and C or comprises compounds A and B and C, and wherein component D is present and is selected from the group consisting of glyceryl stearate citrate, potassium cetyl phosphate, glyceryl oleate citrate, sodium starch octenylsuccinate, aluminium starch octenylsuccinate, palmitic acid, polyglyceryl-6 stearate, polyglyceryl-6 behenate, glyceryl caprylate, PEG-40 hydrogenated castor oil, trideceth-9, methyl glucose sesquistearate, cetearyl glucoside, behentrimonium chloride, cetrimonium chloride, distearoylethyl dimonium chloride, and myristamidopropyl PG-dimonium chloride phosphate.

2. The formulation of claim 1 , wherein component E, the oil component, comprises one or more selected from natural fats and oils, fatty alcohols and alcohols, glyceryl esters and derivatives thereof, esters, ethers, siloxanes and silanes, waxes, and naphthenic hydrocarbons, and mixtures thereof.

3. The formulation of claim 1 or 2, wherein, relative to the total weight of the formulation, one or more of the following applies: an amount of compound A ranges from 0.05 to 1.5% by weight, preferably 0.05 to 1 .0 % by weight, more preferably 0.1 to 0.7 % by weight, relative to the total weight of the formulation, an amount of compound B ranges from 0.01 to 1 .0 % by weight, preferably 0.02 to 0.8 % by weight, more preferably 0.05 to 0.5 % by weight, relative to the total weight of the formulation,an amount of compound C ranges from 0.01 % to 7.0% by weight, preferably 0.05 to 6.0 % by weight, more preferably 0.1 to 5.0 % by weight, relative to the total weight of the formulation.

4. The formulation of any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the formulation is an emulsion, or is capable to form an emulsion, preferably wherein the emulsion is selected from the group consisting of o / w emulsion, hydrodispersion gel, w / o emulsion, and multiple o / w / o or w / o / w emulsion.

5. The formulation of any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the formulation is a pharmaceutical or cosmetic formulation, or a formulation for personal care, animal care, homecare, industrial or institutional cleaning.

6. The formulation of any of claims 1 to 5, further comprising component G and / or component H,(G) one or more auxiliary compounds,(H) one or more active ingredients.

7. The formulation of claim 6, wherein component G, the one or more auxiliary compounds, comprises an alkanediol different from the component C, preferably an 1 ,2-alkanediol.

8. A co-emulsifier combination comprising compounds A, B and C:(A) maltol,(B) anisic acid or a salt thereof, and(C) an alkanediol, preferably an alkanediol selected among 1 ,3- propanediol, 1 ,2-pentanediol, 1 ,2-hexanediol, 1 ,2-heptanediol, 1 ,2- octanediol, 1 ,2-nonanediol and 1 ,2-decanediol, 1 ,2-undecanediol, in particular 1 ,2-pentanediol.

9. The co-emulsifier combination of claim 8, wherein one or more of the following (i) to (iii) applies:(i) a weight ratio of component A to component B is greater than 1 and / or ranges from 1 :20 to 150:1 , preferably from 1 :16 to 50:1 , more preferably from 1 :5 to 5:1 ,(ii) a weight ratio of component A to component C is smaller than 1 and / or ranges from 1 :140 to 150:1 , preferably from 1 :120 to 20:1 , more preferably from 1 :50 to 7:1 ,(iii) a weight ratio of component B to component C is smaller than 1 and / or ranges from 1 :700 to 100:1 , preferably from 1 :300 to 16:1 , more preferably from 1 :100 to 5:1.

10. A method of producing a formulation, comprising(i) providing at least one, preferably at least two, of compound A, maltol, compound B, anisic acid or a salt thereof, and compound C, an alkanediol selected from the group consisting of 1 ,3-propanediol, 1 ,2-pentanediol, 1 ,2- hexanediol, 1 ,2-heptanediol, 1 ,2-octanediol, 1 ,2-nonanediol, and 1 ,2- decanediol,(ii) providing at least one, preferably at least two, more preferably all of, component D, an emulsifier, component E, an oil component, and component F, a water component,(iii) optionally providing component G, one or more auxiliary compounds, and / or component H, one or more active ingredients, and(iv) mixing the compound(s) of (i) with the components of (ii) and optionally (iii) to provide the formulation, wherein compounds A and B are provided or compounds A and C are provided or compounds A and B and C are provided, and wherein component D is provided and is selected from the group consisting of glyceryl stearate citrate, potassium cetyl phosphate, glyceryl oleate citrate, sodium starch octenylsuccinate, aluminium starch octenylsuccinate, palmitic acid, polyglyceryl-6 stearate, polyglyceryl-6 behenate, glyceryl caprylate, PEG-40 hydrogenated castor oil, trideceth-9, methyl glucose sesquistearate, cetearyl glucoside, behentrimonium chloride, cetrimonium chloride, distearoylethyl dimonium chloride, and myristamidopropyl PG-dimonium chloride phosphate.

11. A method of enhancing emulsion stability, comprising(i) providing at least one of compound A, maltol, compound B, anisic acid or a salt thereof, and compound C, an alkanediol selected from the group consisting of 1 ,3-propanediol, 1 ,2-pentanediol, 1 ,2-hexanediol, 1 ,2- heptanediol, 1 ,2-octanediol, 1 ,2-nonanediol, and 1 ,2-decanediol,(ii) providing at least one, preferably at least two, more preferably all of, component D, an emulsifier, component E, an oil component, and component F, a water component,(iii) optionally providing component G, one or more auxiliary compounds, and / or component H, one or more active ingredients, and(iv) mixing the compound(s) of (i) with the components of (ii) and optionally (iii) to provide the formulation, wherein compounds A and B are provided or compounds A and C are provided or compounds A and B and C are provided, and wherein component D is provided and is selected from the group consisting of glyceryl stearate citrate, potassium cetyl phosphate, glyceryl oleate citrate, sodium starch octenylsuccinate, aluminium starch octenylsuccinate, palmitic acid, polyglyceryl-6 stearate, polyglyceryl-6 behenate, glyceryl caprylate, PEG-40 hydrogenated castor oil, trideceth-9, methyl glucose sesquistearate, cetearyl glucoside, behentrimonium chloride, cetrimonium chloride, distearoylethyl dimonium chloride, and myristamidopropyl PG-dimonium chloride phosphate.

12. Use of at least one of compound A, maltol, compound B, anisic acid or a salt thereof, and compound C, an alkanediol, as a co-emulsifier.

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