Field of the invention

Disclosed herein is a cleansing composition. The cleansing composition includes a sulfate free anionic surfactant, a viscosity building agent, and a deposition agent. The cleansing composition can be in the form of a gel or slime.

Background of the invention

Children can be notoriously difficult to clean. Various bath toys have been introduced to distract children to enable parents to cleanse their children more easily while in the bathtub or shower. One popular, non-bathing related toy for children is slime. Slime generally has properties of both solids and liquids. Like a solid, slime can be formed into a ball and keep its shape. However, slime contains over 90% water and can flow like a liquid. It can be desirable to provide a cleansing composition that will entice children to want to clean themselves.

Cleansing compositions are generally formulated with various surfactants that produce large amounts of foam to clean the hair and/or skin of excess sebum and dirt. Anionic surfactants, such as sulfate surfactants, can remove natural protective oils from the skin and hair, leaving the skin and/or hair feeling dry, bristly, and/or tangled. After cleansing, a conditioning agent can be applied to the skin and/or hair to remove the dry and bristly feeling as well as to untangle the hair. Cleansing compositions that cleanse both the skin and hair as well as leaving the skin and hair feeling soft, silky, and/or smooth are continually desired.

U.S. Patent No. 6,770,607 discloses hair shampoos and body wash gels having a consistency such that they jiggle like gelatin and can also hold a shape. The compositions can be molded into various solid shapes such as ducks, fish, birds, etc. A ratio of anionic to amphoteric surfactant is 1 :3.

U.S. Patent Publication No. 2002/0010111 discloses liquid cleansing compositions in lamellar phase, which have a lotion-like appearance conveying signals of enhanced moisturization in one embodiment and are contained in a partitionless container in another embodiment conveying signals of a plurality of compositions. This multiphase composition is stable upon storage and is dispensed as a striped product where one stripe has a cleansing function, and a second stripe has a moisturization function. U.S. Patent Publication No. 2020/0188243 discloses shampoo compositions having an anionic surfactant, cationic deposition polymer, sheet-like microcapsules, and an aqueous carrier. The shampoo delivers both good in use benefits, while maintaining a consumer desirable appearance. The sheet-like microcapsules can also contain perfumes, extracts, dyes, colorants, and/or benefit agents.

U.S. Patent Publication No. 2018/0098923 discloses a personal care composition substantially free of sulfated surfactants that includes a dispersed gel network, a detersive surfactant, and water. The dispersed gel network includes one or more fatty alcohols, a gel network surfactant, and water. Methods of making such composition are also disclosed.

International Patent Publication No. WO 2013/049644 discloses a method for reducing the appearance of thinning hair comprising the successive steps of a) treating hair with an exfoliating shampoo composition comprising at least one chemical exfoliant; b) treating hair with a conditioner comprising at least one natural conditioning polymer and at least one natural stimulant; c) treating hair with a scalp serum comprising at least one natural extract, and salicylic acid.

Thus, it is continually desired to provide a cleansing composition that not only entices children to want to clean themselves, but also cleanses both the skin and hair while leaving the skin and hair feeling soft, silky, and/or smooth. Sulfate free compositions are often desired.

Summary of the invention

Disclosed in various aspects are cleansing compositions.

A cleansing composition comprises 2 to 25% by weight of a sulfate free anionic surfactant; 0.1 to 1.5% by weight of a viscosity building agent; and 0.2 to 1.0% by weight of a deposition agent.

These and other features and characteristics are more particularly described below. Detailed description of the invention

Disclosed herein is a cleansing composition. The cleansing composition can include a sulfate free anionic surfactant, a viscosity building agent, and a deposition agent. The cleansing composition can form a gel-like consistency. For example, the cleansing composition with the above-described components can be formed into a shape and hold that shape temporarily. The cleansing composition can also flow like a liquid. The cleansing composition therefore behaves similarly to slime. Slime generally contains water integrated into a solid network of polymer chains that are cross-linked, forming a gel-like substance. Slime can be sticky, slippery, and wet, making it a desirable consistency for young, curious children, especially if they are encouraged to play with it and use it to cleanse their hair and/or body.

Mixed surfactant solutions are used in a varying rage of industrial and consumer products. The flow properties of such systems affect the manufacturing process, package selection, and consumer perception of the products. The surfactants used in the cleansing compositions disclosed herein can arrange themselves into different microstructures and can also exhibit viscoelastic properties.

Cosmetic cleansers, such as shampoos and body wash liquids can include surfactant systems that are in a micellar region. Such systems include elongated and rod-like micelles, which exhibit entangled polymer-like flow behavior because of their length and flexibility.

It was unexpectedly discovered that the cleansing composition disclosed herein comprising a sulfate free anionic surfactant, a viscosity building agent, and a deposition agent has a consistency and flow such that it feels and looks like slime, thereby enticing a child to play with it while taking a shower/bath thereby cleaning himself/herself in the process.

The anionic surfactant disclosed herein can be present in the cleansing composition in an amount of 0.5 to 50% by weight, preferably 1 to 30% by weight, more preferably 2 to 25% by weight.

As to the anionic surfactant present in the cleansing composition of the present application, the anionic surfactant can be alkyl and acyl taurates (often methyl taurates), alkyl and acyl sarcosinates, C8-C22 alkyl phosphates and phosphonates, alkyl phosphate esters and alkoxyl alkyl phosphate esters, acyl lactates, C8-C22 monoalkyl succinates and maleates, alkyl glucosides and acyl isethionates, a combination thereof, and the like.

Sarcosinates are generally indicated by the formula:

R ² CON(CH3)CH2CC>2M, wherein R ² ranges from C8-C20 alkyl.

Taurates are generally identified by formula:

R ³ CONR ⁴ CH ₂ CH2SO ₃ M wherein R ³ is a C8-C20 alkyl, R ⁴ is a C1-C4 alkyl.

M is a solubilizing cation such as sodium, potassium, ammonium or substituted ammonium.

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

The acyl isethionate may be an alkoxylated isethionate such as is described in llardi et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,393,466, entitled "Fatty Acid Esters of Polyalkoxylated isethonic acid; issued Feb. 28, 1995; hereby incorporated by reference. This compound has the general formula:

R ⁵ C— (0)0— C(X)H— C(Y)H— (OCH ₂ — CH ₂ )m— SO3M wherein R ⁵ is an alkyl group having 8 to 18 carbons, m is an integer from 1 to 4, X and Y are each independently hydrogen or an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbons and M is a solubilizing cation as previously described.

In an embodiment of the cleansing composition, the anionic surfactant used can be ammonium perfluorononanoate, sodium laurate, sodium lauroyl sarcosinate, sodium stearate, sodium sulfosuccinate esters, or a combination thereof. Such anionic surfactants are commercially available from suppliers like Galaxy Surfactants, Clariant, Sino Lion, Stepan Company, and Innospec.

The anionic surfactant used can include alkyl sulfosuccinates; alkyl and acyl taurates; alkyl and acyl sarcosinates; C8-C22 alkyl phosphates and phosphonates, alkyl phosphate esters and alkoxyl alkyl phosphate esters, acyl lactates, C8-C22 monoalkyl succinates and maleates, sulphoacetates, alkyl glucosides, and acyl isethionates, or a combination thereof, preferably wherein the sulfate free anionic surfactant comprises taurate, more preferably wherein the sulfate free anionic surfactant comprises a sodium salt of a lauric acid amine of N-methyl taurine. Preferably, the anionic surfactant comprises sodium methyl lauroyl taurate.

Optionally, amphoteric surfactants can be included in the cleansing compositions disclosed herein. Amphoteric surfactants (which depending on pH can be zwitterionic) include sodium acyl amphoacetates, sodium acyl amphopropionates, disodium acyl amphodiacetates and disodium acyl amphodipropionates where the acyl (i.e. , alkanoyl group) can comprise a C7-C18 alkyl portion. Illustrative examples of amphoteric surfactants include sodium lauroamphoacetate, sodium cocoamphoacetate, sodium lauroamphoacetate, sodium cocoamphoacetate, or a combination thereof.

The zwitterionic surfactant disclosed herein can be present in the cleansing composition in an amount of 3 to 20% by weight, preferably 4 to 15% by weight, more preferably 5 to 14% by weight. In an embodiment, the zwitterionic surfactant is present in an amount of greater than 5% by weight, even greater than 10% by weight. As to the zwitterionic surfactants employed in the present cleansing composition, such surfactants include at least one acid group. Such an acid group may be a carboxylic or a sulphonic acid group. They include often include quaternary nitrogen, and therefore, can be quaternary amino acids. They should generally include an alkyl or alkenyl group of 7 to 18 carbon atoms generally comply with an overall structural formula:

R ⁶ — [— C(O)— NH(CH ₂ ) _q — ]r— N ⁺ (R ⁷ )(R ⁸ )-A— B where R ⁷ is alkyl or alkenyl of 7 to 18 carbon atoms; R ⁷ and R ⁸ are each independently alkyl, hydroxyalkyl or carboxyalkyl of 1 to 3 carbon atoms; q is 2 to 4; r is 0 to 1 ; A is alkylene of 1 to 3 carbon atoms optionally substituted with hydroxyl, and B is — CO2 — or — SO3 — . Desirable zwitterionic surfactants for use in the cleansing composition disclosed herein and within the above general formula include simple betaines of formula:

R ⁶ — N ⁺ (R ⁷ )(R ⁸ )-CH ₂ CO ₂ - and amido betaines of formula:

R ⁶ — CONH(CH ₂ ) _t — N ⁺ (R ⁷ )(R ⁸ )-CH ₂ CO ₂ - where t is 2 or 3.

In both formulae R ⁶ , R ⁷ and R ⁸ are as defined previously. R ⁶ may, in particular, be a mixture of Ci ₂ and C14 alkyl groups derived from coconut oil so that at least half, preferably at least three quarters of the groups R ⁶ have 10 to 14 carbon atoms. R ⁷ and R ⁸ are preferably methyl.

A further possibility is that the zwitterionic surfactant is a sulphobetaine of formula:

R ⁶ — N ⁺ (R ⁷ )(R ⁸ )-(CH ₂ ) ₃ SO ₃ - or

R ⁶ — CONH(CH ₂ ) _U — N ⁺ (R ⁷ )(R ⁸ )-(CH ₂ ) ₃ SO ₃ - where u is 2 or 3, or variants of these in which — (CH ₂ ) ₃ SO ₃ ‘ is replaced by — CH ₂ C(OH)(H)CH ₂ SO ₃ -.

In these formulae, R ⁶ , R ⁷ and R ⁸ are as previously defined.

Illustrative examples of the zwitterionic surfactants desirable for use include betaines like cocodimethyl carboxymethyl betaine, cocoamidopropyl betaine (CAPB) and laurylamidopropyl betaine. An additional zwitterionic surfactant suitable for use includes cocoamidopropyl sultaine. Preferred zwitterionic surfactants include lauryl betaine, betaine citrate, sodium hydroxymethylglycinate, carboxymethyl)dimethyl-3-[(1 -oxododecyl) amino] propylammonium hydroxide, coco alkyldimethyl betaines, (carboxymethyl) dimethyloleylammonium hydroxide, cocoamidopropyl betaine, (carboxylatomethyl) dimethyl(octadecyl)ammonium, or a combination thereof. Such surfactants are made commercially available from suppliers like Stepan Company, Solvay, Evonik and the like and it is within the scope of the cleansing compositions disclosed herein to employ mixtures of the aforementioned surfactants.

Nonionic surfactants may optionally be used in the cleansing composition. When used, nonionic surfactants are typically used at levels as low as 0.5, 1 , 1.5 or 2% by weight and at levels as high as 6, 8, 10 or 12% by weight. The nonionics 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 surfactant compounds are alkyl (C6-C22) phenols ethylene oxide condensates, the condensation products of aliphatic (Cs-C ) 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 nonionic surfactants include long chain tertiary amine oxides, long chain tertiary phosphine oxides, dialkyl sulphoxides, and the like.

In an embodiment, nonionic surfactants can include fatty acid/alcohol ethoxylates having the following structures a) HOCH ₂ (CH2)S(CH2CH ₂ O)V H or b) HOOC(CH2)c(CH ₂ CH ₂ O)d H; where s and v are each independently an integer up to 18; and c and d are each independently an integer from 1 or greater. In an embodiment of the invention, s and v are each independently 6 to 18; c and d are each independently 1 to 30. Other options for nonionic surfactants include those having the formula HOOC(CH2)i — CH=CH — (CH2)k(CH2CH2O) _z H, where i, k are each independently 5 to 15; and z is 5 to 50. In another embodiment of the invention, i and k are each independently 6 to 12; and z is 15 to 35.

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

In an embodiment, cationic surfactants may optionally be used in the cleansing composition of the present application.

One class of cationic surfactants includes heterocyclic ammonium salts such as cetyl or stearyl pyridinium chloride and lapyrium chloride.

Tetra alkyl ammonium salts are another useful class of cationic surfactants suitable for use. Examples include cetyl or stearyl trimethyl ammonium chloride or bromide; hydrogenated palm or tallow trimethylammonium halides; behenyl trimethyl ammonium halides; decyl isononyl dimethyl ammonium halides; ditallow (or distearyl) dimethyl ammonium halides, and behenyl dimethyl ammonium chloride.

Still other types of cationic surfactants that may be used are the various ethoxylated quaternary amines and ester quats. Examples include PEG-5 stearyl ammonium lactate (e.g., Genamin KSL manufactured by Clariant), PEG-2 coco ammonium chloride, PEG-15 hydrogenated tallow ammonium chloride, PEG 15 stearyl ammonium chloride, dipalmitoyl ethyl methyl ammonium chloride, and strearyl amidopropyl dimethylamine lactate.

Still other useful cationic surfactants include quaternized hydrolysates of silk, wheat, and keratin proteins, and it is within the scope of the cleansing compositions to use mixtures of the aforementioned cationic surfactants.

If used, cationic surfactants will make up no more than 1.0% by weight of the cleansing composition. When present, cationic surfactants typically make up from 0.01 to 0.7%, and more typically, from 0.1 to 0.5% by weight of the cleansing composition, including all ranges subsumed therein. As previously mentioned, the cleansing composition comprises a viscosity building agent. The viscosity building agent can be present in an amount of 0.01 to 2.5% by weight, for example, 0.05 to 2.0% by weight, for example, 0.1 to 1.5% by weight, for example, 0.2 to 1.0% by weight, including and all ranges subsumed therein. The viscosity building agent can be used to assist in providing structure to the cleansing composition. Depending on the desired thickness of the cleansing composition, the amount of viscosity building agent can be varied.

The viscosity building agent can be an amide, an amine, or a combination thereof, preferably wherein the viscosity building agent comprises alkanolamide, cocamide diethanolamide, cocamide monoethyanolamine, oleamide diethanolamide, dimethyl amine, potassium chloride, sodium chloride powder or glycols such as polypropylene glycol, e.g., PPG-9, or a combination thereof, preferably wherein the viscosity building agent comprises stearamidopropyl dimethylamine.

The cleansing composition comprises a deposition agent. The deposition agent can be present in an amount of 0.1 to 2.5% by weight, for example, 0.2 to 2.0% by weight, for example, 0.3 to 1.5% by weight, for example, 0.4 to 1.0% by weight, for example, 0.5 to 0.9% by weight. The deposition agent can assist in depositing actives onto the skin and/or hair.

The deposition agent can be a fatty acid, preferably wherein the fatty acid is selected from triglyceride, stearic acid, palmitic acid, oleic acid, or a combination thereof.

The cleansing composition disclosed herein can further include a thickening agent in an amount of 0.25 to 2.5% by weight, preferably 0.5 to 2.0% by weight, more preferably 0.75 to 1 .5% by weight. Particularly useful are the polysaccharides. Examples include fibers, starches, natural/synthetic gums and cellulosics. Representative of the starches are chemically modified starches such as sodium hydroxypropyl starch phosphate and aluminum starch octenylsuccinate. Tapioca starch is often preferred, as is maltodextrin. Suitable gums include xanthan, sclerotium, pectin, karaya, arabic, agar, guar (including Acacia Senegal guar), carrageenan, alginate and combinations thereof. Suitable cellulosics include hydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) commercially available as METHOCEL™, ethylcellulose, sodium carboxy methylcellulose (cellulose gum/carboxymethyl cellulose) and cellulose (e.g. cellulose microfibrils, cellulose nanocrystals or microcrystalline cellulose). Sources of cellulose microfibrils include secondary cell wall materials (e.g. wood pulp, cotton), bacterial cellulose, and primary cell wall materials. Preferably the source of primary cell wall material is selected from parenchymal tissue from fruits, roots, bulbs, tubers, seeds, leaves and combination thereof; more preferably is selected from citrus fruit, tomato fruit, peach fruit, pumpkin fruit, kiwi fruit, apple fruit, mango fruit, sugar beet, beet root, turnip, parsnip, maize, oat, wheat, peas and combinations thereof; and even more preferably is selected from citrus fruit, tomato fruit and combinations thereof. A most preferred source of primary cell wall material is parenchymal tissue from citrus fruit. Citrus fibers, such as those made available by Herbacel® as AQ Plus can also be used as source for cellulose microfibrils. The cellulose sources can be surface modified by any of the known methods including those described in Colloidal Polymer Science, Kalia et al., “Nanofibrillated cellulose: surface modification and potential applications” (2014), Vol 292, Pages 5-31.

Synthetic polymers are yet another class of effective thickening agent. This category includes crosslinked polyacrylates such as the Carbomers, polyacrylamides such as Sepigel® 305 and taurate copolymers such as Simulgel® EG and Aristoflex® AVC, the copolymers being identified by respective INCI nomenclature as Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate and Acryloyl Dimethyltaurate/Vinyl Pyrrolidone Copolymer. Another preferred synthetic polymer suitable for thickening is an acrylate-based polymer made commercially available by Seppic and sold under the name Simulgel INS100. Calcium carbonate, fumed silica, and magnesium-aluminum-silicate may also be used.

Particularly preferred thickening agents include sodium hydroxypropyl starch phosphate, aluminum starch octenylsuccinate, tapioca starch, maltodextrin, xanthan gum, agar gum, guar gum, carrageenan gum, alginate gum, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, ethylcellulose, sodium carboxy methylcellulose, cellulose, polyethylene glycol (e.g., polyethylene glycol diester stearic acid), or a combination thereof. Such thickening agents are commercially available from the Dow Chemical Company or the Hallstar Company.

The cleansing composition can further optionally include an anti-static agent. The anti-static agent can include imidazolinium salt, pyridinium salt, piperidinium salt, morpholinium salts, quaternary ammonium salt, or a combination thereof. For example, the anti-static agent can be a polyquaternium salt. One such polyquaternium salt is polyquaternium 10 available from various suppliers including KCL Limited and the Dow Chemical Company. When present, the anti-static agent can be present in an amount of less than 1% by weight, preferably, less than 0.5% by weight, more preferably, less than 0.25% by weight, for example, 0.2% by weight. For example, the anti-static agent can be present in an amount of 0.01 to 0.2% by weight, for example, 0.1 % by weight.

A conditioning agent can optionally be included in the cleansing composition. Conditioning agents can include occlusives, e.g., petrolatum, dimethicone, and the like; humectants, e.g., glycerin, propylene glycol, sorbitol, and the like; emollients and oils, e.g., trigylcerides, natural oils, lanolin, synthetic esters, and the like; proteins; silicones, e.g., dimethicone, cyclomethicone, amodimethicone, and the like; cationic surfactants, e.g., cetrimonium chloride, stearalkonium chloride, and the like; and polymers, e.g., cationic polymers such as polyquarterniums. When present, the conditioning agent can be present in an amount of 2% by weight to 7% by weight, preferably, 3% by weight to 6% by weight, more preferably, 3.5% by weight to 5% by weight.

Water preferably makes up 10 to 99% by weight of the liquid and composition, preferably 65 to 95% by weight of the liquid and composition, and more preferably, from 70 to 90% by weight water based on total weight of the liquid and composition, including all ranges subsumed therein.

Preservatives can desirably be incorporated into the cleansing composition to protect against the growth of potentially harmful microorganisms. Preservatives are antimicrobial ingredients added to maintain the microbiological safety of products. They act to inhibit the growth of microbes and so reduce the level of microbial contamination. As personal wash formulations contain biodegradable ingredients, they can become unpleasant and unsafe if microbial breakdowns is not controlled. Microbial growth is water dependent, so preservatives must partition to some extent into the aqueous phase of a formulation. Commonly used preservatives can be categorized into the following five classes:

1) Parabens such as Methyl-, Propyl-, and Butylparaben and Germaben II are derived from para-hydroxy benzoic acid. These materials are economical and effective against fungals and some Gram negative bacteria but need a second ingredient to control Gram positives. They also tend to partition more towards the oil phase in emulsion-containing formulations. They are widely employed at levels of 0.01-0.3% by weight and are generally considered safe - though there have been concerns over possible estrogenic activity and links to cancer.

2) Formaldehyde Releasers such as Germall Plus, DMDM Hydantoin, and Imadozolidinyl or Diazolidinyl Urea. This class of materials is effective against bacteria but offers only weak antifungal activity. They are used at levels of 0.1-0.5% by weight in the pH range 3-8. The low levels of free formaldehyde released ensure microbial inhibition, but cause concerns as potential carcinogens.

3) Isothiazolinones such as methylcholoroisothiazolinone (MCI), methylisothiazolinone (Ml), and Kathon. Isothiazolinones offer broad spectrum effectiveness over a broad pH range, but they may cause skin irritation for some consumers. This class of materials is employed at low levels, on the order of 10’s of ppms.

4) Phenoxyethanol, marketed as Optiphen or Optiphen Plus and NeoIone PH 100. Phenoxyethanol is often considered as a milder alternative to parabens or formaldehyde- donors but has a narrow spectrum of applicability to Gram negative bacteria. It is generally combined with caprylyl glycol, sorbic acid/potassium sorbate, or EDTA to create broad spectrum efficacy. It is applicable over a wide range of pH, with a typical usage level of 1% or less. However, there are some concerns over possible carcinogenic activity.

5) Organic Acids such as Benzoic Acid/Sodium Benzoate, Sorbic Acid/Potassium Sorbate, Salicylic Acid/Sodium Salicylate, and Levulinic or Anisic Acids. The use of these acids is confined to aqueous applications in the pH range 2-6. They typically are used at higher levels than some of the above alternatives and have somewhat weaker efficiency against bacteria (which can be augmented by combination with diazolidinyl urea), though they are very good against fungi. This class of preservatives are generally considered as natural.

Preservatives for use in the cleansing compositions disclosed herein preferably include organic-acid based preservatives, preferably benzoic acid, salicylic acid, levulinic acid, ansic acid, or a combination thereof. Traditional preservatives for use include hydantoin derivatives and propionate salts. Other preservatives for use are iodopropynyl butyl carbamate, phenoxyethanol, 1 ,2- octanediol, hydroxyacetophenone, ethylhexylglycerine, hexylene glycol, methyl paraben, propyl paraben, imidazolidinyl urea, sodium dehydroacetate, dimethyl-dimethyl (DM DM) hydantoin and benzyl alcohol and mixtures thereof. Other preservatives include sodium benzoate, sodium dehydroacetate, chlorophenesin and decylene glycol. The preservatives should be selected having regard for the use of the composition and possible incompatibilities between the preservatives and other ingredients in the cleansing composition. Also preferred is a preservative system with hydroxyacetophenone alone or in a mixture with other preservatives. Particularly preferred is sodium benzoate.

The cleansing composition can additionally include various additives including, but not limited to, colorants, emollients, anti-dandruff agents, skin feel agents, hair dyes, styling polymer, silicon oil, cationic polymers, or a combination thereof. Each of these substances may range from about 0.03 to about 5%, preferably between 0.1 and 3% by weight of the total weight of the liquid and composition, including all ranges subsumed therein. For example, colorants can be present in an amount of 5 parts per million (ppm) to 15 ppm, for example, about 15 ppm.

Fragrances, fixatives, chelators (like EDTA) salts (like NaCI) and exfoliants may optionally be included in the cleansing compositions. Each of these substances may be present in an amount of about 0.03 to about 5%, preferably 0.1 to 3% by weight of the total weight of the liquid and composition, including all ranges subsumed therein. For example, a chelating agent such as disodium EDTA can be present in an amount of 0.05% by weight.

Other additives that can optionally be present in the cleansing composition include pH adjusting agents. pH adjusting agents, when present, can be present in an amount of less than or equal to 1 % by weight, for example, less than or equal to 0.9% by weight, for example, less than or equal to 0.8% by weight. For example, the pH adjusting agents can be present in an amount of 0.25 to 1 .0% by weight, for example, 0.35 to 0.9% by weight, for example, 0.8. pH adjusting agents include acids, such as citric acid or lactic acid. The pH adjusting agent can also include sodium hydroxide (NaOH).

The compositions can include dissolution rates suitable for use as a personal wash or hair cleansing product. Cleansing and/or conditioning hair can be accomplished with the cleansing composition disclosed herein. Cleansing skin can be accomplished with the cleansing composition disclosed herein. The cleansing composition of the present application can be used to cleanse a body and/or can be used to clean and/or condition hair by applying the cleansing composition to hair or skin. The cleansing composition of the present application can be used in a cleansing product, including, but not limited to, body wash, shampoo, and/or conditioner.

The cleansing composition disclosed herein can be poured into the hands of the person using it. The cleansing composition can be dissolved in water to form a thick and rich lather for the skin and hair. The cleansing composition can come in different colors to appeal to children. The cleansing composition can also contain glitter, pearlescing agents, or beads so as to interest children. The cleansing composition can dissolve in bath water. The cleansing composition can also contain an amount of a harmless but bitter tasting ingredient, such as about 0.1 to about 0.2% bitrex, so as to prevent children from eating the cleansing composition.

Viscosity, as used herein, is taken either with a Brookfield viscometer using Spindle 6 (RVS) at 20 rpms or with a Discovery HR-2 Rheometer using sand blasted plates having a 1000 micron gap and a first shear rate SA of 4 s' ¹ for a first viscosity VA and a second shear rate SB of 10 s' ¹ for a second viscosity VB, both at 25°C and 30 second intervals. Viscosity is reported in centipoise (cps) (1000 centipoise (cps) = 1 Pascal second). Desired viscosities for the cleansing compositions are 20,000-50,000 cps at 4 s ^-1 and 10,000-20,000 cps at 10 s’ ¹ .

Figures

The following is a brief description of the drawings wherein like elements are numbered alike and which are presented for the purposes of illustrating the cleansing compositions disclosed herein and not for the purposes of limiting the same.

Figure 1 is a salt curve chart at 4 1/s of the cleansing composition.

Figure 2 is a salt curve chart at 10 1/s of the cleansing composition.

The Examples provided are to facilitate an understanding of the cleansing composition. The Examples are not intended to limit the scope of the claims. Examples

The cleansing composition was prepared by mixing the amounts of the components as indicated in Table 1. Amounts are listed in % by weight. Viscosity was measured using the Discovery HR-2 Rheometer using sand blasted plates having a 1000 micron gap and a first shear rate SA of 4 s ^-1 for a first viscosity A and a second shear rate SB of 10 s ^-1 for a second viscosity B, both at 25°C and 30 second intervals.

The cleansing composition was prepared by adding into a main mixer demineralized water and then adding the PQ-10 over the top by sprinkling slowly. The water and PQ-10 were mixed for a minimum of 1 minute, with a target of 5 minutes, and a maximum of 10 minutes. The mixture was homogenized at 3600 rpms. Then, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) was added over the top by sprinkling slowly and the solution mixed and homogenized for a minimum of 30 minutes and a maximum of 120 minutes. At this point, the mixture was checked to ensure that all particles were dissolved, that all particles were dispersed, and that the mixture was free from lumps or particles. The mixture had to be homogenized before preceding to the next step. At this point, a heating jacket heated set to a temperature of 70°C was placed over the main mixer and the mixture mixed for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes PEG-150 distearate was added over the top and the mixture mixed for 10-15 minutes. The mixture was checked for uniformity again and that all the particles had dissolved. Stearamidopropyl dimethylamine was then added over the top and mixture mixed again for 10 minutes until melted, then stearic acid was added, and the mixture was mixed for 10 minutes until melted, at which point sodium methyl lauroyl taurate was added and the resulting mixture mixed for 10 minutes until melted. Another check was conducted to ensure uniformity, that all particles had dissolved, and that the temperature was between 65-70°C.

From a first premix vessel was then added a mixture of dehomogenized water and xanthan gum. A heating jacket was placed on the premix vessel to ensure the temperature did not exceed 80°C as xanthan gum will burn at temperatures in excess of 80°C. After 10-15 minutes of mixing and ensuring that all particles had dissolved and first premix was uniform, the heat was turned off and the first premix was added to the main mixer. Xanthan gum should not be mixed for longer than 10-15 minutes or it will thicken significantly. The resulting mixture was homogenized by mixing for 10 minutes and checking to ensure that all particles had dissolved after the 10 minutes. Cocamidopropyl betaine was then added over the top and mixed for 60 minutes. A cooling jacket was placed over the main mixer to ensure the temperature remained between 40-43°C. After 60 minutes, the temperature was found to be 43°C. The dye solutions were then added over the top and mixed for 10 minutes and then the pink raspberry fragrance, citric acid, and PPG-9 added added. Also added at this time from a second premixer was a mixture of demineralized water, disodium EDTA, sodium benzoate, and sodium chloride after mixing and checking to ensure all particles had dissolved. This resulting mixture was mixed for 20 minutes.

If the pH was found to be low, i.e., below 4.0, more sodium hydroxide was added. Conversely, if the pH was found to be high, i.e., above 5.0, citric acid was added. If the viscosity was low, i.e., below 20,000 cps (4 s ^-1 @25°C), sodium chloride was added and if high, i.e., above 50,000 cps (4 s' ¹ @25°C), PPG-9 was added. For each adjustment, the mixture was mixed for 20 minutes and then discharged.

Table 1 : Cleansing Composition

Figures 1 and 2 show salt curves for the cleansing compositions. Salt curves are well- documented whereby the viscosity of a solution initially increases with the addition of salt, but then decreases with further increases in salinity. Tables 2 and 3 show viscosity measures at varying sodium chloride (NaCI) levels and the curves are shown in Figures 1 and 2. Table 2: Viscosity at 4 1/s

Table 3: Viscosity at 10 1/s

As can be seen from Tables 2 and 3 and Figures 1 and 2, the viscosity peaks at 0.1% by weight of sodium chloride and drops greatly after 1.0% by weight sodium chloride is added.

Except where otherwise explicitly indicated, all numbers in this description 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.” All amounts are by weight of the final composition, unless otherwise specified.

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 as well as any subranges consumed therein. In that regard, it is noted that all ranges disclosed herein are inclusive of the endpoints, and the endpoints are independently combinable with each other (e.g., ranges of “up to 25% by weight, or, more specifically, 5% by weight to 20% by weight, in inclusive of the endpoints and all intermediate values of the ranges of 5% by weight to 25% by weight, etc.). “Combination is inclusive of blends, mixtures, alloys, reaction products, and the like. Furthermore, the terms “first”, “second”, and the like herein do not denote any order, quantity, or importance, but rather are used to distinguish one element from another. The terms “a” and “an” and “the” herein do not denote a limitation of quantity and are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The suffix “(s)” as used herein is intended to include both the singular and the plural of the term it modifies, thereby including one or more of the term (e.g., the film(s) includes one or more films). Reference throughout the specification to “one embodiment”, “one aspect”, “another embodiment”, “another aspect”, “an embodiment”, “an aspect” and so forth means that a particular element (e.g., feature, structure, and/or characteristic) described in connection with the embodiment or aspect is included in at least one embodiment or aspect described herein and may or may not be present in other embodiments or aspects. In addition, it is to be understood that the described elements may be combined in any suitable manner in the various embodiments or aspects.

All cited patents, patent applications, and other references are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. However, if a term in the present application contradicts or conflicts with a term in the incorporated reference, the term from the present application takes precedence over the conflicting term from the incorporated reference. While particular aspects have been described, alternatives, modifications, variations, improvements, and substantial equivalents that are or may be presently unforeseen may arise to applicants or others skilled in the art. Accordingly, the appended claims as filed and as they may be amended are intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, variations, improvements, and substantial equivalents. For the avoidance of doubt the word “comprising” is intended to mean “including” but not necessarily “consisting of” or “composed of.” In other words, the listed steps, options, or alternatives need not be exhaustive. The disclosure of the invention as found herein is to be considered to cover all aspects as found in the claims as being multiply dependent upon each other irrespective of the fact that claims may be found without multiple dependency or redundancy. Unless otherwise specified, numerical ranges expressed in the format "from x to y" are understood to include x and y. In specifying any range of values or amounts, any particular upper value or amount can be associated with any particular lower value or amount. All percentages and ratios contained herein are calculated by weight unless otherwise indicated. The various features of the present invention referred to in individual sections above apply, as appropriate, to other sections mutatis mutandis. Consequently, features specified in one section may be combined with features specified in other sections as appropriate. Any section headings are added for convenience only and are not intended to limit the disclosure in any way.