An antimicrobial cleansing composition

Abstract

The present invention provides an antimicrobial cleansing composition comprising: 0.1 to 2 wt% beta hydroxy acid, 0.01 to 5 wt% alpha hydroxy acid, 0.001 to 2 wt% hydroxy stearic acid, 7 to 25 wt% non-soap surfactant; wherein, pH of the composition is in the range of 5 to 6.

Description

[0001] AN ANTIMICROBIAL CLEANSING COMPOSITION

[0002] Field of the invention

[0003] The invention relates to mild antimicrobial cleansing compositions, particularly to personal cleansing compositions. The present invention relates to the field of antimicrobial liquid cleansing compositions which are gentle and mild on skin.

[0004] Background of the invention

[0005] Personal cleansing compositions are formulated for specific purpose, such as antimicrobial effect and exfoliation to mild and gentle cleansing.

[0006] Acne, also known as acne vulgaris, is a common skin condition that affects nearly all adolescents and adults at some times in their lives. It has a complex etiology, involving abnormal keratinization, excess sebum production, androgen function, bacterial growth, and immune hypersensitivity. Other factors which have been linked to acne are presence of free radicals with subsequent oxidative stress leading to cellular damage.

[0007] The earliest acne lesion is known as the microcomedone. These evolve into comedones which may either be open ("blackhead") or closed ("whitehead"). The various stages of acne have been classified as comedones, papules, pustules, and cysts.

[0008] It has been observed that acne usually occurs in areas rich in sebaceous glands like the face, neck and back. An anaerobic gram-positive bacteria Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) recently renamed as Cutibacterium acnes (C. acnes) has also been implicated in occurrence of acne. It resides in the sebaceous glands. P. acnes uses sebum and by-products from the surrounding skin tissue as sources of energy and nutrients, leading to acne or acne vulgaris.

[0009] Many products are marketed for the treatment of acne, including the ingestion of pills and topical applications of ointments (e.g., gels and creams). Typically, anti-acne agents, such as salicylic acid are known for use in topical application; yet it is also known that salicylic acid is difficult to formulate, especially in water-based products. Topical applications are popular among consumers, yet continuous and repeated use of such products can lead to dry and irritated skin, typically as a result of the anti-acne agent. Accordingly, there remains a need to topically deliver the benefits of anti-acne agents, such as salicylic acid, which is mild on the skin.

[0010] Usually the pH of mild cleansing compositions is close to or less than 7. Even if the pH of such compositions is alkaline, it is usually below 8. The reason is that generally strongly alkaline cleansers such as conventional bars of soap and soap-containing liquid cleaners are considered to be harsh. On the other hand, conventional non-soap surfactant based cleaning compositions having pH of about 5 to 7 are generally considered gentle and mild and therefore these surfactants form the base of many such compositions.

[0011] US6162774A discloses a skin wash composition intended for topical application to water- wetted skin comprising an a-hydroxy acid active ingredient formulated in a mild and nonirritant detergent base consisting of a mixture of a non-ionic alkylpolyglucoside surfactant and an amphoteric surfactant. The invention comprises 0.2 to 5% salicylic acid at pH range 3 to 4.5 which is lower than skin pH.

[0012] Summary of the invention

[0013] According to a first aspect, the present invention provides an antimicrobial cleansing composition comprising: a. 0.1 to 2 wt% beta hydroxy acid, b. 0.01 to 5 wt% alpha hydroxy acid, c. 0.001 to 2 wt% hydroxy stearic acid, d. 7 to 25 wt% non-soap surfactant; and wherein, pH of the composition is in the range of 5 to 6.

[0014] A second aspect of the present invention provides use of 0.1 to 2 wt% beta hydroxy acid comprising salicylic acid, 0.01 to 5 wt% alpha hydroxy acid comprising citric acid and 0.001 to 2 wt% hydroxy stearic acid in an antimicrobial cleansing composition comprising 7 to 25 wt% non-soap surfactant, wherein pH of the composition is in the range of 5 to 6, to provide antimicrobial efficacy as compared to similar composition which does not comprising salicylic acid, alpha hydroxy acid comprising citric acid and hydroxy stearic acid.

[0015] Third aspect of the present invention provides use of a non-therapeutic method of controlling, reducing or inhibiting P. acnes or Cutibacterium acnes from skin, the method comprising the step of applying a composition according to the first aspect on to a desired skin surface.

[0016] Another aspect of the present invention provides use of a non-therapeutic method of controlling, reducing or inhibiting acne from skin, the method comprising the step of applying a composition according to the first aspect on to a desired skin surface.

[0017] Another aspect of the present invention provides a packaged personal care / personal wash product comprising: a container or bottle comprising a label or advertising intended for sale or distribution to consumers; and an antimicrobial cleansing composition according to the first aspect of this invention.

[0018] These and other aspects, features and advantages will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art from reading the following detailed description and the appended claims. For the avoidance of doubt, any feature of one aspect of the present invention may be utilized in any other aspect of the invention.

[0019] The term "comprising" is meant not to be limiting to any subsequently stated elements but rather to encompass non-specified elements of major or minor functional importance. In other words, the listed steps, elements or options need not be exhaustive. Whenever the words "including" or "having" are used, these terms are meant to be equivalent to "comprising" as defined above. It is noted that the examples given in the description below are intended to clarify the invention and are not intended to limit the invention to those examples perse. Similarly, all percentages are weight / weight percentages unless otherwise indicated.

[0020] Except in the operating and comparative examples, or where otherwise explicitly indicated, all numbers in this description and claims indicating amounts of material or conditions of reaction, physical properties of materials and / or use are to be understood as modified by the word "about".

[0021] Numerical ranges expressed in the format "from x to y" are understood to include x and y. When for a specific feature multiple preferred ranges are described in the format "from x to y", it is understood that all ranges combining the different endpoints are also contemplated.

[0022] It should be noted that in specifying any range of concentration or amount, any particular upper concentration can be associated with any particular lower concentration or amount.

[0023] Skin, as used herein, includes skin on the face, neck, chest, back, arms (including underarms), axilla, buttocks, hands, legs and scalp.

[0024] Acne, as used herein, refers to, for example, acne lesions such as microcomedones, open comedones ("blackhead"), closed comedones ("whitehead"), papules, pustules, and cysts. Treating, preventing, controlling and / or reducing acne may refer to the appearance and / or lessening the appearance of acne lesions on a skin surface (e.g., size, type of lesion, and / or colour) and / or the number of acne lesions on skin. As used herein, an "anti-acne benefit" may refer to killing the bacteria known to cause acne, reducing the number of acne lesions, reducing the appearance of acne lesions on skin, removing excess oil from the skin, promote growth of new skin cells and / or the removal of dead skin cells.

[0025] For a more complete understanding of the above and other features and advantages of the invention, reference should be made to the following detailed description of preferred embodiments.

[0026] Detailed description of the invention

[0027] The present invention relates to aqueous skin cleansing compositions suitable for topical application for cleansing the human body, such as the skin and hair. In particular, the invention provides a mild antimicrobial cleansing composition which provides a moisturized after-feel on the skin.

[0028] The present invention provides an antimicrobial cleansing composition comprising 0.1 to 2 wt% beta hydroxy acid, 0.01 to 5 wt% alpha hydroxy acid, 0.001 to 2 wt% hydroxy stearic acid, 7 to 25 wt% non-soap surfactant wherein, pH of the composition is in the range of 5 to 6.

[0029] The present inventors were faced with the problem of developing a mild skin cleansing composition which has good antimicrobial effect and yet is mild on the skin. For this, they were faced with multiple challenges in terms of formulating a mild non-drying formulation at skin friendly pH with high antimicrobial efficacy against acne-causing bacteria.

[0030] Present inventors intended to develop a mild cleanser with superior antimicrobial property against acne-causing bacteria at skin friendly pH range of 5.5±0.5. During experimentation, it was an unexpected finding by the inventors of the present invention that when the ingredients of the present invention according to the first aspect are combined in the specified concentration levels, a mild cleansing composition with synergistic antimicrobial efficacy was achieved. It was a surprising finding for the inventors that beta-hydroxy acid (such as salicylic acid) at three to four times lesser concentration in liquid cleansers, in synergistic combination with alpha-hydroxy acid (such as citric acid) and hydroxystearic acid in the composition provided superior anti acne efficacy at skin friendly pH compared to similar formulation without citric acid and 12-hydroxy stearic acid.

[0031] Optimum pH of human skin lies between 4.7 and 5.75. The pH of pure water is 7 which is considered as neutral. Anything below that is acidic and above is alkaline, so skin’s natural pH is slightly acidic. This mildly acidic pH is caused by skin’s acid mantle. Skin’s most important role is to act as a protective barrier of body and external world. This acid mantle acts as a protective barrier to the skin by neutralizing alkaline aggressors. Also inhibits bacterial growth and restores as well as maintains optimal acid environment so that skin’s natural flora can thrive. Cleansers with skin pH will help retain skin’s natural moisture.

[0032] Salicylic acid is a primary anti-acne ingredient, however it comes with a set of problems and cannot be used at a higher concentration as it may cause irritation, dryness to skin and especially sensitive acne-prone, inflamed skin. Therefore, even though high concentrations of salicylic acid is useful and more effective for providing antimicrobial benefits, it cannot practically be used. Even if higher concentration of salicylic acid is used, the undesirable effect of high concentration needs to be offset by other skin care adjuvants and higher concentration of pH modulating agents, which may again affect the antimicrobial efficacy of the composition. So, even though some market products may claim to have higher concentration of salicylic acid and milder, but in reality the skin care adjuvants and pH modulating agents used to offset the undesirable effect of higher concentration of salicylic acid is marred in the process of making it milder. The pH modulating agents when added generally would make the composition in the neutral pH range than in the skin friendly pH range. The pH modulating agents used are generally alkalis to balance the low pH of acids used for controlling acne such as salicylic acid, these alkalis are again not good for skin. The inventors of the present invention have been able to arrive at a composition which has excellent antimicrobial efficacy of up to 99.999 % bacterial kill at as low concentration as 0.5 wt% of salicylic acid. This antimicrobial efficacy is even better than market products using 2wt% salicylic acid. It was a surprising and unexpected finding that salicylic acid at such a low concentration was highly effective when used in combination with alpha hydroxy acid and hydroxystearic acid in the concentrations according to the first aspect. When higher concentration of salicylic acid is used, the choice of surfactant system is also restricted as one can only choose milder surfactants such as non-sulfate based. It is a known consumer preference to have lather in the cleansing compositions which is greatly compromised when the cleansing compositions are non-sulfate based. In the present compositions the inventors have been able to successfully use sulfate based surfactants while still retaining the mildness of the composition within skin friendly pH between 5 to The antimicrobial cleansing formulation with synergistic combination of beta hydroxy acid alpha hydroxy acid and hydroxy stearic acid is clinically proven to reduce skin discomfort, redness, reduce acne and effectively control oil and remove excel oil in 72 days.

[0033] In the consumer tests the consumers agreed that skin felt clean and clear, smooth, supple and tender and had better radiance level.

[0034] Antimicrobial cleansing composition

[0035] The present invention provides an antimicrobial cleansing composition comprising 0.1 to 2 wt% beta hydroxy acid, 0.01 to 5 wt% alpha hydroxy acid, 0.001 to 2 wt% hydroxy stearic acid, 7 to 25 wt% non-soap surfactant and 0.01 to 1wt% pH modulating agent; wherein, pH of the composition is in the range of 5 to 6.

[0036] Personal cleansing products are frequently marketed based on their degree of mildness to the skin of the user. Unfortunately, many surfactants in common use tend to bind to the skin proteins, which can result in irritation. Moreover different surfactants bind to skin proteins to varying degrees. Cleansers that do not leave residual surfactants on the skin are therefore more desirable for use.

[0037] The purpose of the zein test is to investigate the irritation potential (harshness) of any cleansing composition which typically contains surfactants. Zein is a yellow corn protein which is similar to keratin, and which is present in the skin and hair. Zein is denatured (solubilized) by irritant products (e.g., the surfactant product diluted in a specific amount of water). The more Zein dissolved by the solution, the higher is the predicted irritation potential. Conversely, mild compositions cause lesser dissolution of Zein. The Zein test provides a rapid and convenient screen for irritation potential, especially for compositions that contain surface active agents. The Zein number (also called Zein value) is a fairly standard parameter used by the cosmetics industry.

[0038] The present invention provides an antimicrobial cleansing composition having a skin friendly pH in the range of 5 to 6, which is usually difficult to achieve while balancing the acidity of the active ingredients of composition such as beta hydroxy acid, alpha hydroxy acid and hydroxy stearic acid. The present composition is mild and gentle on the skin with zein score in the range of 15 to 35.

[0039] The composition of the present invention is suitable for use as a cleansing composition, more particularly a personal cleansing composition and preferably a personal cleansing composition for skin.

[0040] It is preferred that in the composition of the present invention beta hydroxy acid is selected from the group of salicylic acid, beta hydroxybutanoic acid, tropic acid, trethocanic acid, and combinations thereof.

[0041] It is preferred that in the composition of the present invention beta hydroxy acid comprises at least 80 wt% of salicylic acid by weight of the total beta hydroxy acid and preferably that the beta hydroxy acid is salicylic acid.

[0042] It is preferred that in the composition of the present invention alpha hydroxy acid is selected from the group consisting of citric acid, glycolic acid, lactic acid, malic acid, tartaric acid, and combinations thereof.

[0043] It is preferred that in the composition of the present invention alpha hydroxy acid comprises at least 80 wt% of citric acid by weight of the total alpha hydroxy acid, and preferably that the alpha hydroxy acid is citric acid.

[0044] It is preferred that in the composition of the present invention the hydroxystearic acid is 10- hydroxystearic acid or 12- hydroxystearic acid, or combination thereof.

[0045] It is preferred that in the composition of the present invention the composition comprises pH modulating agent in the range of 0.01 to 1wt%, wherein the pH modulating agent is a salt.

[0046] It is preferred that in the composition of the present invention the composition comprises 0.01 to 3 wt% chelating agent. It is preferred that in the composition of the present invention the chelating agent is selected from the group of Ethylene Diamine Tetra Acetic acid (EDTA), or Diethylene Triamine Penta Acetic acid (DTPA), and mixtures thereof.

[0047] It is preferred that in the composition of the present invention the composition comprises preservative in the range of 0.01 to 3 wt% of the cleansing composition.

[0048] It is preferred that in the composition of the present invention the preservative is benzoic acid or derivative, paraben derivative, or a sorbate derivative, or mixtures or combinations thereof.

[0049] It is preferred that in the composition of the present invention the preservative is selected from sodium benzoate, benzoic acid, potassium sorbate, methylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben and heptyl paraben, combinations or mixtures thereof.

[0050] It is preferred that in the composition of the present invention, the non-soap surfactant is selected from the group of anionic surfactant, amphoteric surfactant, zwitterionic surfactant, non-ionic surfactant, and mixtures thereof. ic acid

[0051] The composition of the invention comprises hydroxystearic acid. Hydroxystearic acids are C18 chain fatty acids with one or more OH groups present along the hydrocarbon chain. It is preferred that the hydroxy stearic acid is 10-hydroxystearic acid, 12- hydroxystearic acid or tri-hydroxy stearic acid (e.g. 9,10,13-trihydroxystearic acid) or trihydroxy stearin or compounds that yield one or more molecules of hydroxystearic acid or hydroxy stearate on their breakdown, like mono, di or tri ester of glycerol with hydroxystearic acid. Of these, 10-hydroxystearic acid, 12-hydroxystearic acid and 9,10,13-trihydroxystearic acid are more preferred, 12-hydroxystearic acid (12-HSA) being most preferred. 12-HSA has the structure as given below: The present invention comprises hydroxy stearic acid, more preferably the hydroxy stearic acid is 12-hydroxystearic acid and 10-hydroxystearic acid, and most preferably 12- hydroxystearic acid. It is preferable that the hydroxystearic acid is present in the liquid cleansing composition of the present invention in the range of 0.001 wt% to 1.8 wt%, more preferably 0.008 to 1.5 wt% and most preferably 0.005 wt% to 1.2 wt% by weight of the cleansing composition. It is even more preferable that hydroxystearic acid is present in less than 1wt%, more preferably less than 0.8 wt% by weight of the composition of the present invention. It is therefore more preferable that hydroxy stearic acid is present in the range of 0.001 wt% to 1 wt%, and most preferably 0.008 to 0.8 wt% by weight of the composition of the present invention.

[0052] Alpha-hydroxy acid

[0053] The present invention comprises alpha-hydroxy acid or combinations thereof. Alphahydroxy acids (AHAs) are naturally occurring organic carboxylic acids such as glycolic acid, a natural constituent of sugar cane juice and lactic acid, found in sour milk and tomato juice. Alpha-hydroxy acid may be selected from the group of citric acid, glycolic acid, lactic acid, malic acid, tartaric acid, or a combination thereof. Citric acid is the most preferred alpha-hydroxy acid for the present invention.

[0054] It is preferred that the alpha-hydroxy acid in the composition of the present invention is present in the range of 0.01 to 5 wt%, more preferably in the range of 0.02 to 3 wt%, and most preferably 0.05 to 2 wt%, and still more preferably 0.05 to 1 wt% by weight of the cleansing composition.

[0055] It is preferred that the alpha-hydroxy acid in the composition of the present invention comprises at least 80wt% citric acid by weight of the total alpha-hydroxy acid, preferably at least 85wt%, more preferably at least 90 wt% and most preferably at least 95wt%. In a highly preferred aspect, the alpha-hydroxy acid of the present composition is citric acid.

[0056] It is preferred that when citric acid is present in the composition of the present invention, it is present in the range of 0.01 to 5 wt%, more preferably 0.02 to 3 wt%, and most preferably 0.05 to 2 wt%, and still more preferably 0.05 to 1 wt% by weight of the cleansing composition.

[0057] Beta-hydroxy acid

[0058] The present invention comprises beta-hydroxy acid or combinations thereof. Betahydroxy acid may be selected from the group of salicylic acid (or related substances, such as salicylate, sodium salicylate, and willow extract^ beta hydroxybutanoic acid, tropic acid, trethocanic acid, or a combination thereof. Salicylic acid is the most preferred beta-hydroxy acid for the present invention.

[0059] It is preferred that the beta-hydroxy acid in the composition of the present invention is present in the range of 0.01 to 2 wt%, more preferably of 0.02 to 1.5 wt% by weight of the cleansing composition, and most preferably 0.03 to 1.2 wt% and still more preferably 0.05 to 1 wt% by weight of the cleansing composition. It is preferred that beta-hydroxy acid is present in less than 1 wt% concentration in the composition of the present invention. It is most preferable that beta-hydroxy acid is present in the range of 0.1 to 0.98 wt% by weight of the composition, even more preferably 0.1 to 0.95 and further more preferably 0.1 to 0.90. It is further preferable that beta-hydroxy acid is present in the range of 0.1 to 0.8 wt% by weight of the composition.

[0060] It is preferred that the beta-hydroxy acid in the composition of the present invention comprises at least 80wt% salicylic acid by weight of the total beta-hydroxy acid, preferably at least 85wt%, more preferably at least 90 wt% and most preferably at least 95wt%. In a highly preferred aspect, the beta-hydroxy acid of the present composition is salicylic acid.

[0061] It is preferred that when salicylic acid is present in the composition of the present invention, it is present in the range of from 0.01 to 3 wt% by weight of the cleansing composition, more preferably 0.02 to 2.5 wt%, and most preferably 0.05 to 2 wt% and still more preferably 0.05 to 1.5 wt% by weight of the cleansing composition. It is preferred that salicylic acid is present in less than 1 wt% concentration in the composition of the present invention. It is most preferable that salicylic acid is present in the range of 0.1 to 0.98 wt% by weight of the composition, even more preferably 0.1 to 0.95 and further more preferably 0.1 to 0.90. It is further preferable that salicylic acid is present in the range of 0.1 to 0.8 wt% by weight of the composition.

[0062] Non-soap surfactant

[0063] It is preferred that the cleansing composition comprises 7 to 25 wt%, more preferably in the range of 8 to 23 wt%, further, more preferably in the range of 10 to 22wt% and most preferably in the range of 11 to 21wt% of non-soap surfactant by weight of the cleansing composition. The compositions of the present invention may contain anionic surfactants, non-ionic surfactants, cationic surfactants, or amphoteric surfactants.

[0064] The synthetic anionic detergent active which may be used in the invention may be aliphatic sulfonates, such as a primary alkane (e.g., C8-C22) sulfonate, primary alkane (e.g., C8-C22) disulfonate, C8-C22 alkene sulfonate, C8-C22 hydroxyalkane sulfonate or alkyl glyceryl ether sulfonate (AGS); or aromatic sulfonates such as alkyl benzene sulfonate. The anionic surfactant may also be an alkyl sulfate (e.g., C12-C18 alkyl sulfate) or alkyl ether sulfate (including alkyl glyceryl ether sulfates). Among the alkyl ether sulfates are those having the formula:

[0065] RO(CH2CH2O)nSO3M wherein R is an alkyl or alkenyl having 8 to 18 carbons, preferably 12 to 18 carbons, n has an average value of greater than 1 .0, preferably lesser than 3; and M is a solubilizing cation such as sodium, potassium, ammonium or substituted ammonium. Ammonium and sodium lauryl ether sulfates are preferred.

[0066] The anionic surfactant may also be alkyl sulfosuccinates (including mono- and dialkyl, e.g., C6-C22 sulfosuccinates); alkyl and acyl taurates, alkyl and acyl sarcosinates, sulfoacetates, C8-C22 alkyl phosphates and phosphates, alkyl phosphate esters and alkoxyl alkyl phosphate esters, acyl lactates, C8-C22 monoalkyl succinates and maleates, sulphoacetates, alkyl glucosides and acyl isethionates, and the like.

[0067] Sulfosuccinates may be monoalkyl sulfosuccinates having the formula: R4O2CCH2CH(SO3M)CO2l\ / l; and amide-MEA sulfosuccinates of the formula;

[0068] R4CONHCH2CH2O2CCH2CH(SO3M)CO2l\ / l wherein R4ranges from C8-C22 alkyl and M is a solubilizing cation.

[0069] Sarcosinates are generally indicated by the formula: R1CON(CH3)CH2CO2M, wherein R1ranges from C8-C20 alkyl and M is a solubilizing cation.

[0070] Taurates are generally identified by formula:

[0071] R2CONR3CH2CH2SO3M wherein R2ranges from C8-C20 alkyl, R3ranges from C1-C4 alkyl and M is a solubilizing cation.

[0072] The inventive cleansing composition may contain Cs-Cis acyl isethionates. These esters are prepared by reaction between alkali metal isethionate with mixed aliphatic carboxylic acids having from 6 to 18 carbon atoms and an iodine value of less than 20. At least 75% of the mixed carboxylic acids have from 12 to 18 carbon atoms and up to 25% have from 6 to 10 carbon atoms.

[0073] The acyl isethionate may be an alkoxylated isethionate such as is described in llardi et al., U.S. Patent No. 5,393,466, titled “Fatty Acid Esters of Polyalkoxylated isethonic acid”; issued February 28, 1995; hereby incorporated by reference. This compound has the general formula:

[0074] R C-O(O)-C(X)H-C(Y)H2-(OCH-CH2)m-SO3M+wherein R is an alkyl group having 8 to 18 carbons, m is an integer from 1 to 4, X and Y are hydrogen or an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbons and M+is a monovalent cation such as, for example, sodium, potassium or ammonium.

[0075] The most preferred anionic surfactants for the compositions of the present invention are selected from the group of sulfonic acids, their salts; alkyl ether sulfates; mixtures and combinations thereof. Most preferable anionic surfactants may include sodium lauryl ether sulfate, its derivatives such as ethylene oxide derivatives and the likes.

[0076] It is preferred that the cleansing composition comprises anionic surfactant in the range of 7 to 25 wt%, more preferably in the range of 8 to 23 wt%, further, more preferably in the range of 10 to 22 wt% and most preferably in the range of 11 to 21 wt% of the composition.

[0077] Preferably the cationic surfactants for the purposes of the present invention are, for example, quarternary surfactants, these include, but are not limited to: benzalkonium chloride, alkyl betaine, alkylamidopropyl betaine, alkyl-amidopropylhydroxysultaine alkylamines, alkylimidazoles and ethoxylated amines. It is preferred that the cleansing composition comprises cationic surfactant in the range of 7 to 25 wt%, more preferably in the range of 8 to 23 wt%, further, more preferably in the range of 10 to 22 wt% and most preferably in the range of 11 to 21 wt% by weight of the composition.

[0078] Preferably the amphoteric surfactants for the purposes of the present invention are, for example, acyl / dialkylethylene diamines, for example sodium acylamphoacetate, Cocamidopropyl betaine (CAPB), disodium acyl amphodipropionate, disodium alkylamphodiacetate, sodium acrylamphohydroxypropyl sulfonate, disodium acrylamphodiacetate and sodium acrylamphopropionate, N-alkylamino acids, for example aminopropyl alkylglutamide, alkylaminopropionic acid, sodium alkylimidodipropionate and lauroamphocarboxyglycinate. It is preferred that the cleansing composition comprises amphoteric surfactant in the range 7 to 25 wt%, more preferably in the range of 8 to 23 wt%, further, more preferably in the range of 10 to 22 wt% and most preferably in the range of 11 to 21 wt% by weight of the composition. Preferably, the compositions will comprise a combination of anionic synthetic and amphoteric surfactant (e.g., betaine), especially when anionic comprises 50% or greater of such mixture of synthetics.

[0079] One or more nonionic surfactant(s) may be used in the cleansing composition of the present invention as a co-surfactant. Nonionic surfactants are preferably used at levels as low as 5 wt%, 7.5 wt% or 10 wt%. and at levels as high as 20 wt%, 25 wt% or 30 wt%. The nonionic surfactants which may be used include in particular the reaction products of compounds having a hydrophobic group and a reactive hydrogen atom, for example aliphatic alcohols, acids, amides or alkylphenols with alkylene oxides, especially ethylene oxide, either alone or with propylene oxide. Specific nonionic detergent compounds are alkyl (C6-C22) phenols ethylene oxide condensates, the condensation products of aliphatic (Os-Cis) primary or secondary linear or branched alcohols with ethylene oxide, and products made by condensation of ethylene oxide with the reaction products of propylene oxide and ethylenediamine. Other so-called nonionic detergent compounds include long chain tertiary amine oxides, long chain tertiary phosphine oxides and dialkyl sulphoxide, and the like.

[0080] Preferred nonionic surfactants include alkylpolyglucosides and carboxylic acid / alcohol ethoxylates having the following structures a) HOCH2(CH2)n(CH2CH2O)x H or b) HOOC(CH2)m(CH2CH2O)y H; where m, n are independently < 18; and x, y are independently > 1 ; preferably m, n are independently 6 to 18; x, y are independently 1 to 30; c) HOOC(CH2)i-CH=CH-(CH2)k(CH2CH2O)z H; where i, k are independently 5 to 15; and z is independently 5 to 50; preferably i, k are independently 6 to 12; and z is independently 15 to 35.

[0081] The nonionic may also include a sugar amide, such as a polysaccharide amide. Specifically, the surfactant may be one of the lactobionamides described in U.S. Patent No. 5,389,279 to Au et al. titled “Compositions Comprising Nonionic Glycolipid Surfactants” issued February 14, 1995; which is hereby incorporated by reference, or it may be one of the sugar amides described in Patent No. 5,009,814 to Kelkenberg, titled “Use of N-Poly Hydroxyalkyl Fatty Acid Amides as Thickening Agents for Liquid Aqueous Surfactant Systems” issued April 23, 1991 ; hereby incorporated into the subject application by reference.

[0082] Preferably the non-ionic surfactants for the purposes of the present invention are, for example, Alkanolamides, such as Cocamide MEA DEA / MIPA, esters produced by the esterification of carboxylic acids with ethylene oxide, glycerol, sorbitan or other alcohols, ethers, for example ethoxylated alcohols, ethoxylated lanolin, ethoxylated poly-siloxanes, propoxylated POE ethers, and alkyl polyglycosides such as lauryl glucoside, decyl glucoside and cocoglucoside. It is preferred that the cleansing composition comprises non-ionic surfactant in the range of 7 to 25 wt%, more preferably in the range of 8 to 23 wt%, further, more preferably in the range of 10 to 22 wt%, and most preferably in the range of 11 to 21 wt% by weight of the cleansing composition.

[0083] Suitable surfactants that may be used in the formulations disclosed herein may comprise one or more of sodium cocoyl isethionate, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, disodium lauryl sulfosuccinate, lauryl glucoside, myristyl glucoside, decyl glucoside, sodium sulfate, sodium silicate, Cocamidopropyl betaine, sodium coco sulfate, sodium lauryl sulfate. In one embodiment, the surfactant may comprise sodium cocoyl isethionate. In another embodiment, the surfactant may comprise disodium lauryl sulfosuccinate. In a further embodiment, the surfactant may comprise a mixture of lauryl glucoside, myristyl glucoside, sodium sulfate, sodium silicate, and sodium coco sulfate). In yet another embodiment, the surfactant may comprise sodium lauryl sulfate. Suitable surfactants are not limited to the ones enumerated herein, and may include other surfactants that are in powder form prior to their incorporation into the formulation and are water-soluble to maximize the cleansing potential of the formulation.

[0084] It is most preferred that the composition of the present invention comprises non-soap surfactant selected from the group consisting of anionic, non-ionic and amphoteric surfactants or mixtures thereof.

[0085] Chelating Agent

[0086] The cleansing composition of the present invention preferably comprises a chelating agent. It is preferred that the chelating agent in the cleansing composition is present in the range of 0.01 to 3 wt% by weight of the cleansing composition, more preferably in the range of 0.02 to 2.5 wt% by weight of the cleansing composition, and most preferably in the range of 0.05 to 1.5 wt% by weight of the cleansing composition. It is preferred that the chelating agent in the cleansing composition is present at least 0.01 wt%, more preferably at least 0.02 wt%, and most preferably at least 0.05 wt% by weight of the cleansing composition.

[0087] It is preferred that the chelating agent in the cleansing composition is present at most 3 wt%, more preferably at most 2.5 wt%, further preferably at most 2 wt%, and most preferably at most 1 .5 wt% by weight of the cleansing composition.

[0088] The preferred chelating agents are as follows (names followed by their abbreviation in parenthesis):

[0089] Ethylene Diamine Tetra Acetic acid (EDTA), Disodium ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, Diethylene Triamine Penta Acetic acid (DTPA), Ethane-1 -hydroxy-1 ,1 -diphosphonate (EHDP), Ethylene Diamine-N,N'-Disuccinate (EDDS), Nitrilo Triacetic Acid (NTA), Sodium Imino Disuccinate (IDS), Ethylene Glycol-bis-(2-aminoethyl)-N,N,N', N'-Tetra Acetic acid (EGTA), Methyl Glycine Diacetic Acid (MGDA), N-(2-hydroxyethyl) Ethylene Diamine N,N',N'-Thacetic acid) (HEDTA), Ethylene Diamine Tetra Methylene Phosphonic acid (EDTMP), Diethylene Thamine-Penta-Methylene Phosphonic acid (DTPMP), Glutamic acid-N,N-Diacetic Acid (GLDA), Cyclohexane-1 ,2-Diamine- N,N,N',N'-Tetra-Acetic Acid (CDTA), 1 ,3-Propylenediamine Tetra-Acetic Acid (PDTA), Ethylene Diamine Triacetic Acid (EDTA), L-hydroxy Imino Disuccinic acid (L-IDS), Trisodium N-Carboxyethyl Imino Succinate (CEIS), Citric Acid, Sodium Thpolyphosphate (STP), Thethylene Tetramine Hexaacetic Acid (TTHA). Other preferred chelating agents are Trisodium Ethylene Diamine Disuccinate, Tetra-sodium-lmino disuccinate, Glutamic acid-N,N diacetic acid tetra sodium salt, 2-hydroxyethyl iminodiacetic acid, Sodium salt (disodium ethanol diglycinate), Tetrasodium 3-hydroxy-2,2 imino disuccinate, Trisodium methylglycine diacetic acid, L- Aspartate-N,N-diacetic acid tetrasodium salt. The more preferred chelating agents are salt of Ethylene Diamine Tetra Acetic acid (EDTA) and salt of Diethylene Thamine Penta Acetic acid (DTPA). Preferred salts of EDTA are disodium Ethylene Diamine Tetra Acetic acid and tetrasodium Ethylene Diamine Tetra Acetic acid. Preferred salt of DTPA is the pentasodium Diethylene Thamine Penta Acetic acid. It is most preferred that the chelating agent suitable for the compositions of the present invention are selected from the group of Ethylene Diamine Tetra Acetic acid (EDTA), or Diethylene Triamine Penta Acetic acid (DTPA), their derivatives and combinations, or mixtures thereof. The EDTA derivative is selected from tetrasodium EDTA, trisodium EDTA, disodium EDTA, and combinations thereof. The DTPA derivative is selected from tetrasodium DTPA, trisodium DTPA, disodium DTPA, and combinations thereof.

[0090] Preservative

[0091] The composition of the cleansing composition of the present invention preferably comprises a preservative. It is preferred that the preservative in the cleansing composition is present in the range of 0.01 to 3 wt% by weight of the cleansing composition, more preferably in the range of 0.02 to 2 wt% by weight of the cleansing composition, and most preferably in the range of 0.05 to 1 wt% by weight of the cleansing composition.

[0092] Very useful examples of the preservatives suitable for the compositions of the present inventions, but are not limited to, chlorite components, benzoic acid components, sorbic acid components and mixtures thereof.

[0093] Other preferred preservatives include but not limited to commonly used in cosmetics, such as dibromdicyanobutane (2-bromo-2-bromomethylglutarodinitrile), phenoxyethanol, 3-lod-2-propinylbutylcarbamate, 2-bromo-2-nitro-propane-1 , 3-diol, imidazolidinyl hamstoff, 5-chloro-2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one, 2-chloroacetamide, benzalkonium chloride, sodium benzoate, benzyl alcohol.

[0094] It is particularly preferred according to the invention if sodium benzoate, sodium salicylate, methyldibromoglutaronitrile, phenoxyethanol, and combinations thereof are used as preservatives.

[0095] Water

[0096] The cleansing composition of the present invention comprises water in the range of 60 to 90 wt% water, more preferably 65 to 85 wt% and and most preferably from 68 to 80 wt% by weight of the composition. The composition of the present invention is primarily an aqueous composition.

[0097] £H

[0098] It is preferred that the pH of the compositions of the present invention ranges from 5 to 7, more preferably 5 to 6.

[0099] The pH of a solution is expressed as the negative logarithm of the hydrogen ion activity which is related to a millivolt potential of the pH indicating electrode. This electrode is calibrated with standard buffer mixtures whose pH values lie on either side (acidic & basic) of that of the solution which is being measured. About 1 gm of the cleansing composition is weighed in a beaker & made up to 100 grams by adding distilled water. 25°C and pH is measured. pH modulating agent

[0100] The composition of the present invention preferably comprises a pH modulating agent. When pH modulating agent is present in the composition of the present invention, it is present in the range of from 0.01 to 1 wt%, preferably 0.05 to 0.8 wt%, more preferably 0.08 to 0.7 wt%, and most preferably 0.09 to 0.6 wt% by weight of the composition of the present invention.

[0101] The pH modulating agent is an ingredient which is responsible to modulate the existing pH of the composition.

[0102] The pH modulating agent is selected so as to maintain the pH of the composition in the range of 5 to 7, more preferably 5 to 6, and most preferably 5.0 to 5.75.

[0103] It is preferred that the pH modulating agent is a salt, and modulates the pH of the composition in a manner to increase the pH. The pH modulating agent is preferably a skinsafe or a cosmetic-grade salt. The pH modulating agent may be sodium bicarbonate, potassium carbonate, calcium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, potassium bicarbonate, sodium hydroxide, or a combination thereof. In various embodiments, the pH modulating agent is sodium bicarbonate. For the purposes of this invention, pH modulating agent does not include beta hydroxy acid, alpha hydroxy acid, and hydroxy stearic acid of the first aspect.

[0104] Emollients

[0105] The term “emollient” is defined as a substance which softens or improves the elasticity, appearance, and youthfulness of the skin (stratum corneum) by either increasing its water content, adding, or replacing lipids and other skin nutrients; or both, and keeps it soft by retarding the decrease of its water content.

[0106] Moisturizers that also are humectants such as polyhydric alcohols, e.g. glycerin and propylene glycol, and the like; and polyols such as the polyethylene glycols such as Polyox WSR N-60K (PEG-45M) and the like are used in a preferred embodiment of the invention. Humectants are preferably used at a minimum of 0.5 wt%, 2.5 wt% or 5 wt% and a maximum of 15 wt%, 20 wt% or 25 wt%.

[0107] Hydrophobic emollients are used in a preferred embodiment of the invention. Preferred are hydrophobic emollient(s) with weight average particle sizes below either 1000 or 500 microns in diameter and are defined herein as “finely dispersed oils”. These emollients are preferably used at a minimum of 0.5 wt%, 2.5 wt% or 5 wt% and a maximum of 15 wt%, 20 wt% or 25 wt%.

[0108] Suitable hydrophobic emollients include but are not limited to the following:

[0109] (a) silicone oils and modifications thereof such as linear and cyclic polydimethylsiloxanes; amino, alkyl, alkylaryl, and aryl silicone oils;

[0110] (b) fats and oils including natural fats and oils (triglycerides) such as jojoba, soybean, sunflower, rice bran, avocado, almond, olive, sesame, persic, castor, coconut, mink oils; cacao fat; beef tallow, lard; hardened oils obtained by hydrogenating the aforementioned oils; and synthetic mono, di and triglycerides such as myristic acid glyceride and 2-ethylhexanoic acid glyceride;

[0111] (c) waxes such as carnauba, spermaceti, beeswax, lanolin, and derivatives thereof;

[0112] (d) hydrophobic plant extracts; (e) hydrocarbons such as petrolatum, polybutene, liquid paraffins, microcrystalline wax, ceresin, squalene, pristan and mineral oil;

[0113] (f) higher alcohols such as lauryl, cetyl, stearyl, oleyl, behenyl, cholesterol and 2- hexydecanol alcohol;

[0114] (g) esters such as cetyl octanoate, myristyl lactate, cetyl lactate, isopropyl myristate, myristyl myristate, isopropyl palmitate, isopropyl adipate, butyl stearate, decyl oleate, cholesterol isostearate, glycerol monostearate, glycerol distearate, glycerol tristearate, alkyl lactate, alkyl citrate and alkyl tartrate;

[0115] (h) essential oils and extracts thereof such as mentha, jasmine, camphor, white cedar, bitter orange peel, ryu, turpentine, cinnamon, bergamot, citrus unshiu, calamus, pine, lavender, bay, clove, hiba, eucalyptus, lemon, starflower, thyme, peppermint, rose, sage, sesame, ginger, basil, juniper, lemon grass, rosemary, rosewood, avocado, grape, grapeseed, myrrh, cucumber, watercress, calendula, elder flower, geranium, linden blossom, amaranth, seaweed, ginko, ginseng, carrot, guarana, tea tree, jojoba, comfrey, oatmeal, cocoa, neroli, vanilla, green tea, penny royal, aloe vera, menthol, cineole, eugenol, citral, Citronelle, borneol, linalool, geraniol, evening primrose, camphor, thymol, spirantol, penene, limonene and terpenoid oils;

[0116] (i) mixtures of any of the foregoing components, and the like.

[0117] Benefit Agents

[0118] In addition to the ingredients described earlier, preferred embodiments of the cleansing compositions may also include other optional and preferred ingredients for their known benefits. The type and content will largely depend on the nature and type of cleansing composition as well as general principles of formulation science.

[0119] Other optional components include one or more skin benefit agents. The term "skin benefit agent" is defined as a substance which softens or improves the elasticity, appearance, and youthfulness of the skin (stratum corneum) by either increasing its water content, adding, or replacing lipids and other skin nutrients; or both, and keeps it soft by retarding the decrease of its water content. Included among the suitable skin benefit agents are emollients, including, for example, hydrophobic emollients, hydrophilic emollients, or blends thereof. Water-soluble skin benefit agents may optionally be formulated into the liquid compositions of the invention. A variety of water-soluble skin benefit agents can be used and the level can be from 0 to 50% but preferably from 1 to 30% by weight of the composition. These materials include, but are not limited to, polyhydroxy alcohols. Preferred water-soluble skin benefit agents are glycerin, sorbitol and polyethylene glycol.

[0120] Water-insoluble skin benefit agents may also be formulated into the compositions as conditioners and moisturizers. Examples include silicone oils; hydrocarbons such as liquid paraffins, petrolatum, microcrystalline wax, and mineral oil; and vegetable triglycerides such as sunflower seed and cottonseed oils.

[0121] Preservatives can also be added into the compositions to protect against the growth of potentially harmful microorganisms. Suitable traditional preservatives for compositions of this invention are alkyl esters of para-hydroxybenzoic acid. Other preservatives which have more recently come into use include hydantoin derivatives, propionate salts, and a variety of quaternary ammonium compounds. Particularly preferred preservatives are phenoxyethanol, methyl paraben, propyl paraben, imidazolidinyl urea, sodium dehydroacetate and benzyl alcohol. The preservatives should be selected having regard for the use of the composition and possible incompatibility between the preservatives and other ingredients. Preservatives are preferably employed in amounts ranging from 0.01% to 2% by weight of the composition.

[0122] A variety of other optional materials may be formulated into the compositions. These may include: antimicrobials; scrub and exfoliating particles such as polyethylene and silica or alumina; cooling agents such as menthol; skin calming agents such as aloe vera; and colorants.

[0123] Shower gel or Body wash may contain particles that are greater than 50 pm in average diameter that help remove dry skin. Not being bound by theory, the degree of exfoliation depends on the size and morphology of the particles. Large and rough particles are usually very harsh and irritating. Very small particles may not serve as effective exfoliants. Such exfoliants used in the art include natural minerals such as silica, talc, calcite, pumice, tricalcium phosphate; seeds such as rice, apricot seeds, etc; crushed shells such as almond and walnut shells; oatmeal; polymers such as polyethylene and polypropylene beads, flower petals and leaves; microcrystalline wax beads; jojoba ester beads, and the like. These exfoliants come in a variety of particle sizes and morphology ranging from micron sized to a few mm. They also have a range of hardness. Some examples are talc, calcite, pumice, walnut shells, dolomite and polyethylene.

[0124] Advantageously, active agents other than skin conditioning agents defined above may be added to the composition. These active ingredients may be advantageously selected from bactericides, vitamins, anti-acne actives; anti-wrinkle, anti-skin atrophy and skin repair actives; skin barrier repair actives; non-steroidal cosmetic soothing actives; artificial tanning agents and accelerators; skin lightening actives; sunscreen actives; sebum stimulators; sebum inhibitors; anti-oxidants; protease inhibitors; skin tightening agents; anti-itch ingredients; hair growth inhibitors; 5-alpha reductase inhibitors; desquamating enzyme enhancers; anti-glycation agents; or mixtures thereof; and the like.

[0125] These active agents may be selected from water-soluble active agents, oil soluble active agents, pharmaceutically acceptable salts and mixtures thereof. The term "active agent" as used herein, means personal care actives which can be used to deliver a benefit to the skin and / or hair and which generally are not used to confer a skin conditioning benefit, such are delivered by emollients as defined above. The term "safe and effective amount" as used herein, means an amount of active agent high enough to modify the condition to be treated or to deliver the desired skin care benefit, but low enough to avoid serious side effects. The term "benefit," as used herein, means the therapeutic, prophylactic, and / or chronic benefits associated with treating a particular condition with one or more of the active agents described herein. What is a safe and effective amount of the active agent(s) will vary with the specific active agent, the ability of the active to penetrate through the skin, the age, health condition, and skin condition of the user, and other like factors.

[0126] A wide variety of active agent ingredients are useful for the compositions of the present inventions and include those selected from anti-acne actives, anti-wrinkle and anti-skin atrophy actives, skin barrier repair aids, cosmetic soothing aids, topical anesthetics, artificial tanning agents and accelerators, skin lightening actives, antimicrobial and antifungal actives, sunscreen actives, sebum stimulators, sebum inhibitors, antiglycation actives and mixtures thereof and the like.

[0127] Anti-acne actives can be effective in treating acne vulgaris, a chronic disorder of the pilosebaceous follicles. Non limiting examples of useful anti-acne actives include the keratolytics such as salicylic acid (o-hydroxybenzoic acid), derivatives of salicylic acid such as 5-octanoyl salicylic acid and 4 methoxysalicylic acid, and resorcinol; retinoids such as retinoic acid and its derivatives (e.g., cis and trans); sulfur-containing D and L amino acids and their derivatives and salts, particularly their N-acetyl derivatives, mixtures thereof and the like.

[0128] Skin barrier repair actives are those skin care actives which can help repair and replenish the natural moisture barrier function of the epidermis. Non limiting examples of skin barrier repair actives include lipids such as cholesterol, ceramides, sucrose esters and pseudo-ceramides as described in European Patent Specification No. 556,957; ascorbic acid; biotin; biotin esters; phospholipids, mixtures thereof, and the like.

[0129] Artificial tanning actives can help in simulating a natural sun tan by increasing melanin in the skin or by producing the appearance of increased melanin in the skin. Non limiting examples of artificial tanning agents and accelerators include dihydroxyacetaone; tyrosine; tyrosine esters such as ethyl tyrosinate and glucose tyrosinate; mixtures thereof, and the like.

[0130] Skin lightening actives can actually decrease the amount of melanin in the skin or provide such an effect by other mechanisms. Non limiting examples of skin lightening actives useful herein include aloe extract, alpha-glyceryl-L-ascorbic acid, aminotyrosine, ammonium lactate, glycolic acid, hydroquinone, 4 hydroxyanisole, mixtures thereof, and the like.

[0131] Also useful are sunscreen actives. Non limiting examples of sunscreens which are useful in the compositions of the present invention are those selected from the group consisting of octyl methoxyl cinnamate (Parsol MCX) and butyl methoxy benzoylmethane (Parsol 1789), 2-ethylhexyl p-methoxycinnamate, 2-ethylhexyl N,N-dimethyl-p-aminobenzoate, p-aminobenzoic acid, 2-phenylbenzimidazole-5sulfonic acid, oxybenzone, mixtures thereof, and the like.

[0132] Also useful are protease inhibitors. Protease inhibitors can be divided into two general classes: the proteinases and the peptidases. Proteinases act on specific interior peptide bonds of proteins and peptidases act on peptide bonds adjacent to a free amino or carboxyl group on the end of a protein and thus cleave the protein from the outside. The protease inhibitors suitable for use in the cleansing compositions include, but are not limited to, proteinases such as serine proteases, metalloproteases, cysteine proteases, and aspartyl protease, and peptidases, such as carboxypepidases, dipeptidases and aminopepidases, mixtures thereof and the like.

[0133] Other useful active ingredients are skin tightening agents. Non-limiting examples of skin tightening agents which are useful in the compositions of the present invention include monomers which can bind a polymer to the skin such as (meth)acrylic acid and a hydrophobic monomer comprised of long chain alkyl (meth)acrylates, mixtures thereof, and the like.

[0134] Active ingredients in the cleansing compositions may also include anti-itch ingredients. Suitable examples of anti-itch ingredients which are useful in the compositions of the present invention include hydrocortisone, methdilizine and trimeprazine, mixtures thereof, and the like.

[0135] Non limiting examples of hair growth inhibitors which are useful in the inventive personal toilet bar compositions include 17 beta estradiol, anti-angiogenic steroids, curcuma extract, cycloxygenase inhibitors, evening primrose oil, linoleic acid and the like. Suitable 5-alpha reductase inhibitors such as ethynylestradiol and, genistine mixtures thereof, and the like.

[0136] Advantageously cationic skin feel agent(s) or polymer(s) are used from about 0.01 wt%, 0.1 wt% or 0.2 wt% to about 1 wt%, 1.5 wt% or 2.0 wt%. Cationic cellulose is available from Amerchol Corp. (Edison, N.J., USA) in their Polymer JR® and LR® series of polymers, as salts of hydroxyethyl cellulose reacted with trimethyl ammonium substituted epoxide, referred to in the industry (CTFA) as Polyquaternium® 10. Another type of cationic cellulose includes the polymeric quaternary ammonium salts of hydroxyethyl cellulose reacted with lauryl dimethyl ammonium-substituted epoxide, referred to in the industry (CTFA) as Polyquaternium® 24. These materials are available from Amerchol Corp. (Edison, N.J., USA) under the tradename Polymer LM-200®, and quaternary ammonium compounds such as alkyldimethylammonium halogenides.

[0137] A particularly suitable type of cationic polysaccharide polymer that can be used is a cationic guar gum derivative, such as guar hydroxypropyltrimonium chloride (Commercially available from Rhone-Poulenc in their JAGUAR® trademark series). Examples are JAGUAR® C13S, which has a low degree of substitution of the cationic groups and high viscosity, JAGUAR® C15, having a moderate degree of substitution and a low viscosity, JAGUAR® C17 (high degree of substitution, high viscosity), JAGUAR® C16, which is a hydroxypropylated cationic guar derivative containing a low level of substituent groups as well as cationic quaternary ammonium groups, and JAGUAR® 162 which is a high transparency, medium viscosity guar having a low degree of substitution.

[0138] Particularly preferred cationic polymers are JAGUAR® C13S, JAGUAR® C15, JAGUAR® C17 and JAGUAR® C16 and JAGUAR® C162, especially JAGUAR® C13S. Other cationic skin feel agents known in the art may be used provided that they are compatible with the inventive formulation.

[0139] Other preferred cationic compounds that are useful in the present invention include amido quaternary ammonium compounds such as quaternary ammonium propionate and lactate salts, and quaternary ammonium hydrolyzates of silk or wheat protein, and the like. Many of these compounds can be obtained as the Mackine® Amido Functional Amines, Mackalene® Amido functional Tertiary Amine Salts, and Mackpro® cationic protein hydrolysates from the McIntyre Group Ltd. (University Park, III.). In embodiments having a hydrolyzed protein conditioning agent, the average molecular weight of the hydrolyzed protein is preferably about 2500. Preferably 90% of the hydrolyzed protein is between a molecular weight of about 1500 to about 3500. In a preferred embodiment, MACKPRO® WWP (i.e. wheat germ amido dimethylamine hydrolyzed wheat protein) is added at a concentration of 0.1% (as is) in the composition.

[0140] Antimicrobial efficacy

[0141] The antimicrobial efficacy of may be evaluated via a procedure similar to the one described in ASTM International testing method ASTM E2783- 22: Standard test method for assessment of antimicrobial activity for water miscible compounds using time- kill procedure: accredited by ENAC (Spanish National Accreditation Entity), incorporated herein by reference. This test method measures the changes of a population of aerobic and anaerobic microorganisms within a specific sampling time when tested against antimicrobial test materials in vitro. The organisms used are standardized as to growth requirements and inoculum preparation and must grow under the conditions of the test. The primary purpose of this test method is to provide a set of standardized conditions and test organisms to facilitate comparative assessments of antimicrobial materials miscible in aqueous systems. To perform the test a dilution / aliquot of the test material is brought into contact with a known population of test organisms for specified periods of time, at a specified temperature. The activity of the test material is quenched at specified sampling intervals (example 15, 30, and 60 s, or any range covering several minutes or hours) with an appropriate neutralizing technique. The test material is neutralized at the sampling time and the surviving microorganisms enumerated. The percent and Iog10 reduction, from an initial microbial population is calculated.

[0142] Use

[0143] The present invention provides use of beta hydroxy acid comprising salicylic acid, alpha hydroxy acid comprising citric acid and hydroxy stearic acid according to the first aspect to provide antimicrobial efficacy as compared to similar composition which does not have of beta hydroxy acid comprising salicylic acid, alpha hydroxy acid comprising citric acid and hydroxy stearic acid. The present invention provides use of beta hydroxy acid comprising salicylic acid, alpha hydroxy acid comprising citric acid and hydroxy stearic acid according to according to the first aspect to provide mild antimicrobial composition having zein number in the range of 15 to 35 as compared to similar composition which does not have of beta hydroxy acid comprising salicylic acid, alpha hydroxy acid comprising citric acid and hydroxy stearic acid.

[0144] The present invention provides use of beta hydroxy acid comprising salicylic acid, alpha hydroxy acid comprising citric acid and hydroxy stearic acid according to the first aspect to provide anti-acne effect as compared to similar composition which does not have beta hydroxy acid comprising salicylic acid, alpha hydroxy acid comprising citric acid and hydroxy stearic acid.

[0145] The present invention provides use of beta hydroxy acid comprising salicylic acid, alpha hydroxy acid comprising citric acid and hydroxy stearic acid according to the first aspect to control, inhibit or reduce the growth of Cutibacterium acnes (Propioni bacterium acnes) as compared to similar composition which does not have beta hydroxy acid comprising salicylic acid, alpha hydroxy acid comprising citric acid and hydroxy stearic acid.

[0146] The present invention provides use of 0.1 to 2 wt% beta hydroxy acid comprising salicylic acid, 0.01 to 5 wt% alpha hydroxy acid comprising citric acid and 0.001 to 2 wt% hydroxy stearic acid in an antimicrobial cleansing composition comprising 7 to 25 wt% non-soap surfactant, wherein pH of the composition is in the range of 5 to 6, to provide antimicrobial efficacy as compared to similar composition which does not comprising salicylic acid, alpha hydroxy acid comprising citric acid and hydroxy stearic acid.

[0147] The present invention provides use of a non-therapeutic method of controlling, reducing or inhibiting P. acnes or Cutibacterium acnes from skin, the method comprising the step of applying a composition according to the first aspect on to a desired skin surface.

[0148] Method

[0149] The cleansing composition of the present invention is prepared using the process comprising steps of: a. solubilizing alfa hydroxy acid, beta hydroxy acid and hydroxy stearic acid at a temperature of about 70-80°C in aqueous medium followed by addition of nonsoap surfactants. b. adding humectants (such as glycerin), colorants, preservatives, fragrance, and other skin benefit aids to obtain the antimicrobial cleansing composition of the first aspect.

[0150] It is preferred that in the method of present invention the chelating agent is solubilized in water medium followed by partial addition of sodium lauryl ether sulfate. After uniform dispersion, 12 hydroxy stearic acid and salicylic acid are added at 70-80°C until solubilized under stirring, followed further by addition of remaining anionic surfactants until complete dissolution followed by cooling down the mixture before addition of decyl glucoside and glycerin. It is preferred that preservatives, colourants, fragrance, and other skin benefit aids are added after addition of non-soap surfactants.

[0151] The present invention provides method of controlling, reducing or inhibiting the growth of Cutibacterium acnes (Propionibacterium acnes) effect as compared to similar composition which does not have beta hydroxy acid, alpha hydroxy acid and hydroxy stearic acid.

[0152] The present invention provides a method of controlling, reducing or inhibiting the growth of Cutibacterium acnes (Propionibacterium acnes) from skin comprising the step of applying a composition of the first aspect on to a desired skin surface. It is preferred that the composition is rinsed off after application.

[0153] While this invention has been described with respect to particular embodiments thereof, it is apparent that numerous other forms and modifications of the invention will be obvious to those skilled in the art. The appended claims and this invention generally should be construed to cover all such obvious forms and modifications which are within the true spirit and scope of the present invention. Examples

[0154] The invention will now be demonstrated with examples. The examples are for purpose of illustration only and do not limit the scope of claims in any manner.

[0155] Example 1

[0156] Preparation of formulations

[0157] The chelating agent was solubilized in water medium followed by partial addition of sodium lauryl ether sulphate. After uniform dispersion, 12 hydroxy stearic acid and salicylic acid are added at 70-80°C until solubilized under stirring, followed by further addition of remaining anionic surfactants until complete dissolution followed by cooling down the mixture before addition of decyl glucoside and glycerine. Preservative, colourants, fragrance, and other skin benefit aids were then added.

[0158] The compositions P1 to P5 were prepared in accordance with the above method and compared with each other and the control with respect to their antimicrobial activity and mildness.

[0159] Compositions P1 and P2 was prepared in accordance with the present invention, the control composition did not have hydroxy stearic acid, beta hydroxy acid and alpha hydroxy acid. P3 did not have alpha hydroxy acid, P4 did not have beta hydroxy acid and P5 did not have hydroxy stearic acid.

[0160] Antimicrobial Efficacy

[0161] Bacteria

[0162] Evaluation of Bacterial Reduction Efficacy in Liquid cleanser was done based on Test Method: ASTM E2783-22. Organisms Used was Cutibacterium acnes ATCC 6919 at test temperature 25°C±1°C and contact time 30 seconds at concentration of sample: 50%. Incubation conditions was 35°C± 2°C for 5days under anaerobic condition. The test was carried out in a replicate of 3.

[0163] The antimicrobial efficacy of compositions in Table 1 were evaluated via a procedure similar to the one described in ASTM International testing method ASTM E2783- 22: Standard test method for assessment of antimicrobial activity for water miscible compounds using time- kill procedure: accredited by ENAC (Spanish National Accreditation Entity), incorporated herein by reference.

[0164] This test method measures the changes of a population of aerobic and anaerobic microorganisms within a specific sampling time when tested against antimicrobial test materials in vitro. The organisms used are standardized as to growth requirements and inoculum preparation and must grow under the conditions of the test. The primary purpose of this test method is to provide a set of standardized conditions and test organisms to facilitate comparative assessments of antimicrobial materials miscible in aqueous systems.

[0165] To perform the test a dilution / aliquot of the test material is brought into contact with a known population of test organisms for specified periods of time, at a specified temperature. The activity of the test material is quenched at specified sampling intervals (example 15, 30, and 60 s, or any range covering several minutes or hours) with an appropriate neutralizing technique. The test material is neutralized at the sampling time and the surviving microorganisms enumerated. The percent and Iog10 reduction, from an initial microbial population was calculated.

[0166] The log reduction for each challenge suspension attributable to the test solution at each timed exposure is calculated for each replicate as follows:

[0167] LoglOReduction = Log10 average (NC) - Log10 average (Pex);

[0168] Where NC = Number Control cfu / ml Population, Pex= Post exposure population cfu / ml *A verage log reduction:

[0169] >1 log = 90%, >2 log = 99%, >3 log = 99.9%, >4 log = 99.99% and 5 log or >5log = 99.999%

[0170] Average log reduction 5 or more in formulations indicate 99.999% antimicrobial efficacy against C.Acne, the acne causing bacteria. Mildness Assessment

[0171] The liquid compositions of Table 1 , control and compositions from P1 to P2 made consistent with the present invention were evaluated for skin mildness using a Zein solubilization assay. Zein powder, 0.3 grams, (Sigma. 23625-1 kg, lot# SLBZ2926 or Acros Organic™ Zein) was added to 10 ml of a 5 percent dilution of the test formulations and mixed for 30 mins at room temperature. After 30 minutes, the resulting samples were visually inspected to determine if excess undissolved zein was present. In cases where excess zein was not present, an additional 0.3 grams of zein was added and mixed for an additional 30 mins. The resulting sample was then filtered using a 0.45 micron filter. The filtrate was diluted in a 2 percent sodium dodecyl sulfate solution and the absorbance at 298nm was measured to determine the amount of dissolved zein. A control experiment with liquid composition deplete of zein was prepared in a similar way and measured at 298 nm to measure background. The amount of dissolved Zein is reported as: Zein Absorbance = [Absorbance (298nm) of Zein of liquid composition - Absorbance (298nm) of background sample] * dilution factor. Milder products dissolve less zein and give lower absorbance values. Table A gives zein number range according to mildness of different cleansing compositions in terms of their mildness.

[0172] Table A

[0173] Table 1

[0174] The data of Table 1 clearly shows that the control composition without having any of the hydroxy stearic acid, beta hydroxy acid and alpha hydroxy acid has some antimicrobial activity of average log kill of 1 .14. Whereas, when beta hydroxy acid and alpha hydroxy acid are present such as in P5 the average log kill is raised to 1 .56, which is further higher when alpha hydroxy acid and hydroxy stearic acid are present such as in P4 when the average log kill is 1.68. The average log kill shows marked improvement when hydroxy stearic acid and beta hydroxy acid are combined such as in P3. However, when all three of beta hydroxy acid, alpha hydroxy acid and hydroxy stearic acid are combined such as in P1 and P2, there appears a clear synergy and unexpected improvement in P0001097WC

[0175] 34 the antimicrobial efficacy, depicted by synergetic increase in average log kill when the three ingredients are combined whilst rest of the components of the composition remaining constant. Furthermore, the compositions P1 and P2 according to the present invention even have a good zein score of about 25 showing that despite having good 5 antimicrobial efficacy, it is gentle and mild on the skin. It is also evident that in the composition P1 of present invention even lower concentration (0.5wt%) of salicylic acid gives excellent antimicrobial efficacy at par with P2 having higher concentration (2wt%) of salicylic acid.

[0176] 10 Composition P6 has higher alpha hydroxy acid concentration and P7 has lower concentration. Composition P6 was not suitable to be in the desired pH range while composition P7 has antibacterial efficacy not more than 90%. Composition P8 has higher concentration of hydroxy stearic acid and P8 had a lower concentration of hydroxy stearic acid. Composition P8 has antibacterial efficacy not more than 90% while 15 composition P9 is unstable under storage condition with sedimentation observed.

Claims

Claims:

1. An antimicrobial cleansing composition comprising: a. 0.1 to 2 wt% beta hydroxy acid, b. 0.01 to 5 wt% alpha hydroxy acid, c. 0.001 to 2 wt% hydroxy stearic acid, d. 7 to 25 wt% non-soap surfactant; and wherein, pH of the composition is in the range of 5 to 6.

2. A composition according to claim 1 , wherein beta hydroxy acid is selected from the group of salicylic acid, beta hydroxybutanoic acid, tropic acid, trethocanic acid, and combinations thereof.

3. A composition according to claim 1 or 2, wherein beta hydroxy acid comprises at least 80wt% of salicylic acid by weight of the total beta hydroxy acid.

4. A composition according to any one of the preceding claims from 1 to 3, wherein alpha hydroxy acid is selected from the group of citric acid, glycolic acid, lactic acid, malic acid, tartaric acid, and combinations thereof.

5. A composition according to any one of the preceding claims from 1 to 4, wherein alpha hydroxy acid comprises at least 80wt% of citric acid by weight of the total alpha hydroxy acid.

6. A composition according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 5, wherein the hydroxystearic acid is 10- hydroxy stearic acid or 12-hydroxystearic acid, or a combination thereof.

7. A composition according to any one of the preceding claims from 1 to 6, wherein the composition comprises pH modulating agent in the range of from 0.01 to 1wt%.

8. A composition according to claim 7, wherein the pH modulating agent is a salt.P0001097WQ369. A composition according to any one of the preceding claims from 1 to 8, wherein the composition comprises 0.01 to 3 wt% of chelating agent.

10. A composition according to claim 9, wherein the chelating agent is selected from the group consisting of Ethylene Diamine Tetra Acetic acid (EDTA), or Diethylene Triamine Penta Acetic acid (DTPA), and mixtures thereof.

11. A composition according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 10, wherein the composition comprises preservative in the range of from 0.01 to 3 wt% of the cleansing composition.

12. A composition according to claim 11 , wherein the preservative is selected from sodium benzoate, benzoic acid, potassium sorbate, methylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben and heptyl paraben, combinations or mixtures thereof.

13. A composition according to any one of the preceding claims from 1 to 12, wherein the non-soap surfactant is selected from the group of anionic surfactant, amphoteric surfactant, zwitterionic surfactant, non-ionic surfactant, and mixtures thereof.

14. Use of 0.1 to 2 wt% beta hydroxy acid comprising salicylic acid, 0.01 to 5 wt% alpha hydroxy acid comprising citric acid and 0.001 to 2 wt% hydroxy stearic acid in an antimicrobial cleansing composition comprising 7 to 25 wt% non-soap surfactant, wherein pH of the composition is in the range of 5 to 6, to provide antimicrobial efficacy as compared to an antibiotic cleansing composition which does not comprising salicylic acid, alpha hydroxy acid comprising citric acid and hydroxy stearic acid.

15. A non-therapeutic method of controlling, reducing or inhibiting P. Acnes or Cutibacterium acnes from skin, the method comprising the step of applying a composition according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 13 on to a desired skin surface.

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