MXPA00011321A - Cleaning composition - Google Patents

Abstract

A composition comprising a clear, aqueous cleansing phase having stably dispersed and suspended tehrein particles bearing a conditioning agent comprising:a) a high foaming anionic surfactant;b) an amphoteric surfactant in quantities from zero wt.%of the composition to a quantity wherein clarity of the aqueous phase is maintained;c) an effective amount of a viscoelasticity enhancing suspending material mixture comprised of a xanthan gum having an initial transmittance in a 1 wt.%distilled water solution of at least 85%and a guar gum having an initial transmittance in a 1 wt.%distilled water solution of at least 85%;d) the said particles, insoluble and stably suspended in the aqueous phase, bearing an effective amount of oily water insoluble or essentially water insoluble skin or hair conditioning agents.

Description

CLEANING COMPOSITION Background of the Invention There is a continued need to prepare cleaning products which carry out the proper cleaning, and which are to soften the skin, condition the skin and be aesthetically pleasing as well. Recently there have been a number of "two in one" products which have tried to provide these functions in a product. However, these products have a number of disadvantages. For example, the products are marketed as a heavy emulsion which has a tendency to separate over time and are not aesthetically pleasing. Additionally, such systems may have particles which are not stable in the long term thus releasing their contents or their systems where the materials bearing emollients are not stably suspended over time and / or the aqueous phase becomes cloudy and changes color over time.

Systems have been developed which have taken demonstrative steps to solve these problems. Among the main ones are the patent of the United States of America No. 5,681,801 (801). This patent describes an aqueous and transparent cleaning system having particles stably suspended there that carry hair conditioning agents or of the skin insoluble in water or essentially insoluble in water. The clarity and stable subsidence of the particles is achieved through the use of xanthan gum that has certain properties.

A new composition has been discovered which provides an aqueous, preferably clear, cleaning composition having particles stably suspended therein which carry water-insoluble or essentially water-insoluble hair or skin conditioning agents. Stable clarity and suspension are achieved with a mixture of some xanthan gum and some guar gum. This mixture not only suspends the particles stably, without a loss of clarity, but also provides greater clarity and a concomitantly increased viscosity as opposed to using xanthan gum alone. A further advantage is that the tendency of the composition of U.S. Patent No. 5,681,801 of the prior art containing only xanthan gum to blast from its container when subjected to pressure is essentially reduced or essentially eliminated when the Xanthan gum is combined with the guar gum of this invention. The economics of the new composition is very similar to that of the composition of U.S. Patent No. 5,681,801.

Various other combinations of xanthan gum with a viscosity enhancing and gelation component did not bring the set of properties which possesses the mixture of the invention, particularly the increased clarity coupled with the increased viscosity. Examples of these potential agents which did not bring the desired properties when combined with xanthan gum include other guar gums, alginate gum, (ketone NV), a cross-linked polymer of C10.30 acrylate alkyl acrylate (Carbopol ETD 2020) , hydroxyalkyl (propyl) methyl cellulose (Methocel J12MS from Dow) and a standard thickener such as lauramide diethanolamine.

Synthesis of the Invention According to the invention, there is a composition comprising a clear and stable aqueous cleaning phase having dispersed and suspended therein the particles that carry the conditioning agents comprising: to . a high foaming anionic surfactant, b. an amphoteric surfactant in amounts of from 0% by weight of the composition to an amount wherein the clarity of the aqueous phase is maintained, c. an effective amount of a viscoelastic enhancing suspension material composed of xanthan gum, said xanthan gum has an initial transparency of at least 85% and a guar gum, said guar gum has an initial transparency of at least 85%, d. insoluble particles stably suspended in the aqueous phase, carrying a hair or skin conditioning agent insoluble in water or essentially insouble in water and oily.

Detailed description of the invention Any high foaming anionic surfactant can be employed in the composition. Examples of such surfactants include but are not limited to long chain alkyl materials (8-20 carbon atoms, preferably 10-18) such as long chain alkyl sulfates, long chain alkyl sulfonates, long chain alkyl phosphates, long chain alkyl ether sulphates, long chain alkyl alpha olefin sulphonates, long chain alkyl taurates, long chain alkyl isethionates (SCI), alkyl sulfonates glyceryl ether long chain (AGES), sulfosuccinates and the like. Those anionic surfactants can be &alkoxylated, preferably ethoxylated or not. The preferred anionic surfactants are high foaming sulfates and sulfonates, particularly those which are ethoxylated such as sodium laureth sulfate (2-ethoxy). these materials are highly soluble in water as the salt form containing ammonium or alkanolammonium, sodium, potassium, alkyl and provides a high foam cleaning force. Since softness is clearly an undesirable attribute, it is preferred to have very little or no anionic surfactant which has a high irritation potential. For example, the fatty acid carboxylate soaps are present in a limited amount, for example less than about 2% by weight of the composition, or are not present at When surfactants such as sulfates or sulfonates, preferably ethoxylated, are used, the composition gener has less than about 3% by weight, more preferably no presence of an additional anionic surfactant.

The amount of the anionic surfactant is not unduly significant; however, minimum quantities of at least about 2% by weight of the composition should be employed. With very little benefit of around 25% by weight of the composition you usu win. Gener, a range of around 5 to about 20% by weight, preferably from about 7 to about 13% by weight of the composition can be employed. When appropriate, mixtures of anionic surfactants can be used.

The second component of the cleaning phase is an amphoteric surfactant even when it can be omitted completely if desired. These surfactants are gener known for their high surfactant activity, their foaming and softness. Examples of the amphoteric surfactants which can be used in the compositions of the present invention are those which can be broadly described as derivatives of aliphatic secondary and tertiary amines in which the aliphatic radical can be straight or branched chain and wherein one of the aliphatic substituents contains from about 8 to about 18 carbon atoms and one contains an anionic water solubilizing group, for example carboxy, sulfonate, sulfate, phosphate or phosphonate. Examples of the compounds fng within this definition are 3-sodium dodecyl aminopropionate, sodium 3-dodecyl aminopropane sulfonate, N-alkyl taurines, such as one prepared by reacting dodecylamine with sodium isethionate according to the teachings of the US Pat. United States of America No. 2,658,072, the higher alkyl aspartic N-acids, such as those produced according to the teachings of United States of America No. 2,438,091, and the products sold under the trade name "Miranol" and described in the United States of America No. 2,528,278. Phopnotics such as betaines are also useful in the present composition.

Examples of the betaines useful herein include the higher alkyl betaines such as cocodimethyl carboxymethyl betaine, lauryl dimethyl carboxymethyl betaine, lauryl dimethyl-alpha-carboxyethyl betaine, cetyl dimethylcarboxymethyl betaine, lauryl bis- (2-hydroxyethyl) carboxymethyl betaine, stearyl bis- (2-hydroxypropyl) carboxymethyl betaine, oleyl dimethyl gamma-carboxypropyl betaine, lauryl bis (2-hydroxy-cypropropyl) alpha-carboxyethyl betaine, et cetera. The sulfobetaines can be represented by cocodimethyl sulphopropyl betaine, stearyl dimethyl sulfopropyl betaine, amido betaines, amido sulfobetaines and the like. Betaines are generally preferred with the most preferred coconut long chain alkyl group. The amido groups there are also preferred. The most preferred betaines are cocoamidopropyl or ethyl betaines.

The amount of amphoteric agent if present is not unduly significant but should be at least about 0.2% of the composition, preferably at least about 0.5%. However, the clarity of the aqueous phase can be maintained. The amount of the amphoteric reagent can affect clarity. For example, with cocoamidopropyl betaine, a level that does not < ? * Eda of 2% by weight can be employed. Generally, say no more than about 10% by weight, assuming clarity is maintained, preferably no more than about 7% by weight.

A third component of the cleaning phase of the composition is not required but is preferred and is the mild non-ionic surfactant. Examples of such surfactants include fatty alcohol of ethylene oxide, sorbitol and sorbitol esters, glucose ethers, and alkoxylated amine polyglycoside oxides, alkanolamines (CDEA, CMEA) and the like. Alkanolamides and alkylated polyglycosides (APG) are preferred. The degree of polymerization of the APG is preferably in a range of from about 1 to about 2, more preferably from about 1.1 to about 1.8. The number of carbon atoms in the alkyl, preferably normal, ranges from about 8 to about 0, preferably from about 10 to about 18. The alkanolamides have an alkyl group of the same length range as the alkyl APG . The APG can be alkoxylated, preferably ethoxylated or left without ethoxylation. These materials are readily available from suppliers such as Emery, Henkel and Seppic.

The amount of nonionic surfactants can vary substantially. Generally, a minimum of around 0. 5% by weight of the employee composition. Up to about 10% by weight overall) substantial benefits are achieved and the cost is merely added. A range of from about 0.75 to about 7% by weight, preferably from about 1 to about 4% by weight can be employed. The amount of nonionic must not exceed that amount which is capable of maintaining the clarity of the composition.

From the nature of the invention, it is clear that any additional materials which may typically be present in aqueous compositions such as dyes, preservatives, chelating agents, fragrances, antibacterial agents and the like may also be present in the composition provided that the clarity and stability of the system, as defined, can be maintained. The same criteria also apply to any additional "assets" such as surfactants.

The equalization of these three components of the aqueous phase of the compositions provides an excellent mixture of cleaning properties, such as a high foam, a prolonged and controlled duration of the foam and a desired smoothness. Clearly it is a significant characteristic of this phase and clarity is maintained for extended periods of time. For example, the clarity of the finished composition has been maintained for a period of at least 2, preferably of 3 months at a temperature of 43.3 ° C. This clarity is measured by turbidity. This is measured directly on the final product before the addition of the particles and preferably of any material or materials which may adversely affect clarity. Clarity is visually or preferably evaluated by measuring it on a turbidimeter in Nephelometric turbidity units (NTU). The acceptable turbidity is almost around 20 units of Nephelometric turbidity. During the stability test, the aqueous phase without particles is measured visually or by the turbidimeter. The composition that has the suspended particles is measured visually.

With the clear aqueous phase are the stably suspended particles which carry on and / or within their surface the conditioning agents. These conditioning agents include but are not limited to emollients, antioxidants, vitamins, oils, and any other type of oil material which when applied to the skin or hair provides a conditioning effect. These particles have a density generally very close to that of water, 1 gm / cm3, for ease of suspension and stability.

A preferred density range is from about 0.92 to about 1.05 gm / cm 3 more preferred, from about 0.97 to about 1.02 gm / cm 3.

The particle size must be such that it can withstand the desired amount of conditioning agent and be physically degraded in an easy manner to release the conditioning agent. An additional desired attribute of the particle is that it has an optimum visual impact for the user of the composition. Generally, the minimum particle size is at least about 200 microns. Preferably, the particle size is at least about 400 microns, and even more preferably is at least about 800 microns, and more preferably at least about 1000 microns. The maximum particle size it is not unduly significant but is generally not larger than about 2500, preferably not more than about 2000 to 1800 microns. The material that comprises the particle must be compatible with water and skin or hair. Generally, such materials may include gelatins, gum arabic, collagens, polypeptides of vegetable or animal origin, alginates, polyamides, glycosamino glycans, mucopolysaccharides, ethyl cellulose and the like. Through coacervation, multi-layer protein deposition or cross-linking technologies, microcapsules can be formed which enclose the oil as conditioning agents. The conditioning agents can be applied to the surfaces of the particles by impregnation.

The examples < J§ > the "oily" materials which may be inside the microcapsules are the vitamins, the provitamins, the mineral aeites, the vegetable oils, the emollients such as the fatty esters and silicones, the oil-soluble vegetable extracts or the oil-soluble animal extracts and similar. These oil-bearing particles are available from Hallcrest Liquid Crystal Technology Limited, an English company that has offices in Glenview, Illinois, United States of America and LIPO Chemicals. Other materials which can be used are ® the impregnated oil particles available from Eelesheres Laboratories Serobiologiques, France. Also the collagen spheres and the glucose spheres aminoglicans ("GAG") of Coletics (France) called Collaspheres or Thalaspheres. The particles plus the conditioning agents carrying thereon are generally at least about 0.02% by weight of the composition, preferably at least about 0.03% by weight. Generally there is no specific maximum but due to various factors including cost, there is more than 3% by weight of the composition, preferably not above about 2 or 1.5% by weight of the composition. An effective amount of the conditioning agent must be carried by the particles. Generally at least about 40% of the charged particle is a conditioning agent, preferably at least about 55% by weight of the particles. One of the charged particles of Colectffea from France is around 98% by weight of conditioning agent.

The combination of properties of the composition with respect to clarity and stable suspension of particles is brought by the mixture of xanthan gum and guar gum. Xanthan gum is, in general, hydrophilic colloids made of polymer column residues of ß-1, 4-linked D-glucose. A trisaccharide branch contains a unit of glucuronic acid between two handy units and is linked to each other glucose unit at position number 3. The xanthan gum has a light transition of at least 85% when measured as a solution of 1% by weight in distilled water using an ultraviolet light spectrophotometer such as Pye Unicam at 600 nm. Distilled water is used as a 100% transmission standard. The broadcast preferred is at least about 90%. This feature preferably coupled with the particle size of xanthan gum appears to be significant for the preparation of a clear and stable composition. The particle sizes of the preferred xanthan gums can also be significant and are such as 100% going through a 60 mesh (250 microns) and at least 95% through an 80 mesh (180 microns) and preferably at least 99% through 177 microns and more preferably at least 92% through a 200 mesh (80 microns).

The second part of the clarity particle stabilization system is guar gum. Guar gums are generally D-galactose / D-mannose in a molar ratio of 1: 2. Guar gums which are useful in this invention are characterized by the same set of parameters and values of xanthan gum. Guar gum is preferably an alkoxylated guar gum such as ethoxylated or more preferably propoxylated.

The combination of xanthan gum with guar gum provides an improvement in the property of the composition. The clarity of the aqueous phase and the stable suspension of the particles is maintained. This was achieved with approximately the same cost of materials as xanthan gum alone. Additionally, these properties are maintained at a viscosity level of approximately 50% or higher than by the use of xanthan gum alone. Even more, the composition leaves a container under pressure in a continuous stream rather than dripping. Finally, the composition is softer in its flow rather than having an interrupted flow even when it is not under any external pressure. Thus, it appears that the mixture of guar and xanthan gum provides a different rheology to the composition than xanthan gum alone. Generally, the amount of xanthan gum is from about 0.4 to about 1.5% by weight, preferably from about 0.6 to about 1.0% by weight of the composition. Guar gum is from about 0.2 to about 1.5% by weight preferably from about 0.3 to about 0.8% by weight of the composition. Generally, xanthan gum is present in the composition in larger amounts than guar gum. However, the opposite may also occur.

The successful suspension system must also provide the desired viscosity. The composition must be liquid, pourable and non-gelular or non-gelular. Delivery systems include pumping the container by hand, tightening the container or pouring it from a container. Generally, the preferred viscosity is from about 3000 to about 15,000 centipoise as measured on a Brookfield RVTD viscometer spindle of 4 to 10 revolution per minute and at 25 ° C, more preferably around 5000 to about 10,000 centipoise. Suitable xanthan gums are available from Kelco located in Brussels, Belgium and are marketed as Keltrol T or Keltrol TF, preferably Ketrol T. Suitable guar gums are available from Rhone Poulenc, preferably Jaguar HP 105.

The compositions of the invention are prepared by standard techniques taking into consideration the specific requirements of the composition. The xanthan gum employed is wetted in an emulsifier, fragrance and a condom or various combinations thereof. Guar gum is available in solution U6 in a relatively low molecular weight polyethylene glycol of from about 200 to about 600 molecular weight. This combination is then added to the water of the composition using a high cut homogenizer, such as an oscillating knife edge thereby proposing clarity and viscoelasticity of the composition. The various surfactants are then added followed by the particles that carry conditioner. The proper viscosity and suspension are achieved. The preferred pH is slightly acidic and more preferably ranges from about 5 to about 7, such as to help maintain adequate stability with the skin. After the optional materials are added, the rest of the composition is water.

The aging studies are carried out as to measure both the clarity (transparency) of the aqueous phase and the stability of the suspended particles. In order to be clear, the composition must show less than or equal to around a turbidity of 20 Nephelometric turbidity units. The turbidity standard is the water used in the composition (zero nephelometric turbidity units). A stable suspension is determined as having no visual settling of particles at the bottom of the container and no visual elevation of the particles at the top. Additionally, no significant alteration of the particle positions in the vessel in any observed physical changes of particles such as' shape or color will indicate what an interaction will occur in your environment. The period of time evaluated is preferably at least 3 months at 43.3 ° C. No significant modification of the foam performance profile of the finished product must be present in that period of time. This is an indication that the oily contents of the solid particles have not been released.

Below is an example of the invention which demonstrates the unique character of the formula with respect to its components, particularly the viscoelastic suspension system. This example of the invention is intended to exemplify said invention and not to limit it unduly.

EXAMPLE 1 Composition of Shower Gel with Guar and Xanthan Gum After three months at 433 ° C, the compositions remained visually clear and with no more than a turbidity of 15 nephelometric turbidity units. The particles that remained stable as measured visually by grouping them together at the top or bottom as well as changing physical shape. No discoloration of the aqueous phase or the particles is observed after three months at 43.3 ° C. It does not appear that there is an effect on the foam at the end of the aging period of three months. The viscosity of the composition is 7,500 centipoise and is easily supplied to an even flow from a container that is tightened. This is more easily pourable in soft form from an open container than a composition of a similar viscosity using xanthan gum alone.

Claims (15)

R E I V I N D I C A C I O N S

1. A composition comprising a clear aqueous cleaning phase having therein dispersed and suspended therein particles carrying a conditioning agent comprising: a) a high foaming anionic surfactant, b) an amphoteric surfactant in amounts of from 0% by weight of the composition to an amount wherein the clarity of the aqueous phase is maintained, c) an effective amount of a blend of viscoelasticity improving suspension material comprising a xanthan gum having an initial transmission in 1% by weight of distilled water solution of at least 85% and a guar gum having a initial transmission in 1% by weight of distilled water solution of at least 85%, d) said particles, insoluble and stably suspended in the aqueous phase, carrying an effective amount of hair or skin conditioning agents that are insoluble in water or essentially insoluble in water and oily.

2. The composition, as claimed in clause 1, characterized in that (a) is an ethoxylated sulfonate or sulfate.

3. The composition, as claimed in clause 1, characterized in that (b) is a betaine.

4. The composition, as claimed in clause 1, characterized in that the non-ionic surfactant is also present.

5. The composition, as claimed in clause 1, characterized in that xanthan gum and guar have a particle size such that 100% of each goes through a mesh grid of 250 microns.

6. The composition, as claimed in clause 1, characterized in that the particles carry the oily conditioning agent in or on the surface of the particles.

7. The composition, as claimed in clause 2, characterized in that the sulfate or sulfonate is from about 2% by weight to about 20% by weight of the composition.

8. The composition, as claimed in clause 3, characterized in that the betaine is at least about 0.2% by weight of the composition.

9. The composition, as claimed in clause 4, characterized in that the nonionic surfactant is an alkylated polyglycoside and is from about 0.5% to about 10% by weight of the composition.

10. The composition, as claimed in clause 5, characterized in that the xanthan gum is from about 0.4% to about 1.0% by weight of the composition and the guar gum is from about 0. to 1.0% by weight. weight of the composition.

11. The composition, as claimed in clause 6, characterized in that the particles have an average diameter size of from about 800 to about 1800 microns.

12. The composition, as claimed in clause 1, characterized in that the oily conditioning agents are selected from the group consisting of vitamins, provitamins, emollients, humidifiers, silicones, vegetable oils and mineral oils.

13. The composition, as claimed in clause 8, characterized in that betaine is cocoamidropropyl betaine.

14. A method for concomitant cleansing and conditioning of the skin or hair which comprises applying the composition, as claimed in clause 1 to the skin or hair.

15. A process for preparing a composition which comprises mixing the components, as claimed in clause 1. A composition comprising a clear, aqueous cleaning phase having stably dispersed and suspended particles therein that carry a conditioning agent comprising: a) a high foaming anionic surfactant; b) an amphoteric surfactant in amounts of from 0% by weight of the composition to an amount wherein the clarity of the aqueous phase is maintained; c. an effective amount of a mixture of viscoelasticity enhancing suspension material composed of a xanthan gum having an initial transmission in a distilled water solution of 1% by weight of at least 85% and a guar gum having an initial transmission in a solution of distilled water of 1% by weight of at least 85%. ; d) said particles, which are stably suspended and insoluble in the aqueous phase, carry an effective amount of water-insoluble or essentially water-insoluble and oily hair or skin conditioning agents.