EA043004B1 - ANTIMICROBIAL COMPOSITION - Google Patents

Description

The technical field to which the invention belongs

The present invention relates to an antimicrobial composition, and more specifically, to an antimicrobial composition having a skin pH.

Prior Art

People try to take care of the outer surface of their bodies, as well as the bodies of their pets, to ensure overall good health. Some of the specific skin challenges people face include good skin health without infection, good skin tone, and adequate hydration. The oral cavity is another external surface that people actively care for. They prefer their oral cavity, including gums and teeth, to be free of problems such as cavities, tartar, gingivitis, cavities, bad breath, also known as halitosis, and plaque. As a rule, people also take care of their hair and scalp. They generally prefer to have thick and long hair with minimal hair loss. Dandruff is a common scalp problem caused by a fungal microorganism.

Good health for external surfaces, including skin, oral and scalp care, is generally achieved through protection against infections. One way to fight infections is to treat them with antimicrobials once the infection has started. Another approach is to leave a minimal amount of the antimicrobial composition on a surface, such as the skin of the hands, so that any invading microorganisms, such as bacteria, are lysed or inactivated to minimize the spread of the disease. Some bacteria, such as Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), are commonly found on human skin. These bacteria themselves do not cause a pathogenic effect, although they are usually present on the skin. However, when they enter the human body through cuts in the skin and through activities similar to ingestion, these bacteria become pathogenic. Therefore, keeping the outer surface of the body, such as the skin of the hands and head, free of bacteria helps to prevent their entry into the human body, thereby providing the necessary hygiene.

Various bactericidal compositions have been described that can be applied to the skin of humans or warm-blooded animals. Some of them also disclose an antimicrobial composition with polymers and carboxylic acids.

WO 00/13506 A2 (Alcide Corp.) discloses a freeze-resistant bactericidal agent for topical application to skin such as the teats of a dairy cow's udder. The bactericide can be a one-component composition or a two-component system. The one-component disinfectant composition contains an organic acid bactericidal agent and a non-esterifying antifreeze. The two-part system contains a first part and a second part to be mixed to form a disinfectant composition. The first part contains a metal chloride and a chlorite-resistant antifreeze, and the second part contains an organic acid bactericide and a non-esterifying antifreeze, or an inorganic acid and either an alcohol or a non-esterifying antifreeze.

US 6436444 (Ecolab Inc) discloses a composition for combating mastitis which contains an aliphatic carboxylic acid with a chain length of C6 to _C12 , an organic film forming agent such as PVA and polyvinyl acetate, a rheology modifying material, an emollient, a surface an active agent and a buffer; and a chlorine dioxide generating chemical such as sodium chlorite dissolved in an aqueous vehicle. The base composition in the examples of US 6436444 includes a carboxylic acid such as nonanoic acid, octanoic acid, decanoic acid, a mixture of octanoic acid and decanoic acid, as well as heptanoic acid, and PVA. An aqueous sodium chlorite solution is added to said base composition and some of the compositions therein have a pH of less than 3.

US 7109241 (Ecolab, Inc.) discloses an antimicrobial composition that can be used as an udder teat solution in dairy animals. At least some embodiments of the invention disclosed therein provide excellent antimicrobial protection against mastitis-causing organisms. The composition contains a fatty acid containing from 6 to 12 carbon atoms, such as, for example, heptanoic acid, and a carrier medium comprising a component that lowers the freezing point. The compositions may further include rheology modifiers such as, for example, hydroxyethylcellulose, carboxymethylcellulose, polyacrylic acid (PAA), and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) to increase the viscosity or thicken the composition.

US 2010/0234328 (Delaval Holdings) discloses an antimicrobial composition containing an organic acid and an anionic surfactant. It refers to the topical application of the composition to an animal. It also relates to a method of using an antimicrobial composition containing an organic acid and an anionic surfactant to reduce the concentration of microorganisms that may be related to the treatment or prevention of mastitis. Several examples of organic acids are disclosed, such as, for example, lactic acid, salicylic acid, citric acid, hexanoic acid and octanoic acid. The composition can additionally

- 1 043004 contain additives such as barrier forming agents such as, for example, hydroxyethyl cellulose, sodium alginate, xanthan gum, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and PVP.

US 2013/224125 (Kolazi et al.) discloses a non-alcoholic or low-alcohol antibacterial mouthwash composition with improved antimicrobial efficacy, wherein the composition comprises a water-soluble matrix composite made from a water-soluble polymer such as PVP and a water-soluble surfactant of at least one water-immiscible or water-insoluble antibacterial agent, and optionally a weak carboxylic acid such as, for example, citric acid, tartaric acid, lactic acid, benzoic acid, and combinations thereof.

Various methods have been proposed to improve the biocidal activity of soap-based detergent compositions.

US 2008014247 A (Lu et al., 2008) discloses a composition comprising a metal-containing material, stearic acid and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier for the treatment of conditions caused by Gram-positive, Gram-negative, fungal pathogens and/or antibiotic-resistant bacteria. In addition, it provides a method for inhibiting biofilm proliferation. The metal-containing material may be silver.

US 3,050,467 B1 (Horowitz et al. 1962) discloses an antimicrobial cleansing composition consisting essentially of a mixture of water-soluble soap and a silver salt of partially depolymerized alginic acid. The composition provides a synergistic antimicrobial effect.

However, the addition of soap invariably raises the pH of the composition. The high pH composition is harsh on the skin. The consumer also prefers to use a formulation with a pH close to that of human skin. Another problem is that most soap-based antimicrobial compositions must be applied for a sufficiently long time to have an antimicrobial effect. However, most people, especially children, do not wash their hands/skin long enough.

Carboxylic acids are one of the known compounds used as antimicrobials. One preferred way for consumers to use antimicrobial compositions is to use personal care detergents and cleansers that provide antimicrobial activity. Consumers generally prefer personal care detergent and cleansing compositions that tend to produce high amounts of lather, as they tend to associate the amount of lather produced with the effectiveness of such compositions. For the above reasons, surfactants, especially anionic surfactants, are often included in such compositions. We have found that the antimicrobial efficacy of carboxylic acids is significantly reduced in the presence of anionic surfactants.

Thus, on the one hand, the required amount of foam is obtained due to the presence of the surfactant, but on the other hand, the antimicrobial effect of the carboxylic acid is reduced, at least in part, which is not preferred.

Therefore, there is a need to provide an antimicrobial composition that provides an improved antimicrobial effect in the presence of an anionic surfactant and provides such an effect at skin pH (pH 4.5-6.5) with a relatively short contact time.

Therefore, the aim of the present invention is to provide an antimicrobial composition.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an antimicrobial composition at a pH close to that of human skin.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an antimicrobial composition having the ability to provide an antimicrobial effect with a relatively short contact time.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an antimicrobial composition containing carboxylic acids that provides an improved antimicrobial effect in the presence of an anionic surfactant and at a pH close to that of human skin.

The present inventors surprisingly found that the addition of a small amount of a water-soluble vinyl polymer containing polyvinyl alcohol with a carboxylic acid having a pKa greater than _4.5 provides synergistic antimicrobial activity in the presence of an anionic surfactant with a relatively short contact time, thereby solving one or more of the above tasks.

- 2 043004

Brief description of the invention

In a first aspect, the invention relates to an antimicrobial composition comprising:

(a) from 0.01 to 10 wt.% water-soluble vinyl polymer, including polyvinyl alcohol;

(b) from 0.1 to 20% by weight of a carboxylic acid having a pKa greater than 4.5; and (c) from 1 to 80 wt.% anionic surfactant; where the pH of the composition is in the range from 4.5 to 6.5.

In a second aspect, the invention relates to a method for cleaning or disinfecting a surface, comprising the step of applying the composition according to the first aspect to said surface.

These and other aspects, features and advantages will become apparent to those skilled in the art from a reading of the following detailed description and the appended claims. For the avoidance of doubt, any feature of one aspect of the present invention may be used in any other aspect of the invention. The expression containing is intended to mean including, but not necessarily consisting of or composed of. In other words, the listed steps or options should not be considered exhaustive. It should be noted that the examples given in the description below are intended to illustrate the invention and are not intended to limit the invention to these examples as such. Likewise, all percentages are by weight unless otherwise noted. Except for the operational and comparative examples, or unless expressly stated otherwise, all numbers in this specification indicating quantities of material or reaction conditions, physical properties of materials, and/or use are to be understood as being modified by the term approximately. Unless otherwise noted, numeric ranges expressed in x to y format are understood to include x and y. When multiple preferred ranges are described in x to y format for a particular feature, it is understood that all ranges spanning different endpoints are also considered.

Detailed description of the invention

An antimicrobial composition, as defined herein above, preferably means any composition that is capable of lysing or at least causing a significant reduction in common pathogenic microbes. Common pathogenic Gram-positive organisms include Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, and Enterococcus species. Some of the common Gram-negative pathogens include Escherichia coli, Salmonella, Klebsiella and Shigella. Escherichia coli and Salmonella can cause severe gastrointestinal illness.

The present invention provides an antimicrobial composition comprising water soluble vinyl polymers comprising polyvinyl alcohol, a carboxylic acid having a pK _a greater than 4.5 and an anionic surfactant wherein the pH of the composition is in the range of 4.5 to 6.5. The various components of the antimicrobial composition are described below. The compositions of the present invention are preferred for non-therapeutic use. More specifically, the compositions are preferred for use in order to obtain an antimicrobial effect when applied to surfaces of the human body, which include the skin, hair or oral cavity. The most preferred use of the composition of the present invention is on the skin, scalp, or oral surface of a human. The compositions can also preferably be used for cleaning hard surfaces.

Water soluble vinyl polymer.

The composition contains a water-soluble vinyl polymer, including polyvinyl alcohol. Water soluble vinyl polymers are known to be used as thickeners, viscosity modifiers and complexing agents when used with ingredients such as surfactants.

The water-soluble vinyl polymer for the purposes of the present invention contains polyvinyl alcohol. The most preferred water-soluble vinyl polymer is polyvinyl alcohol.

The composition contains 0.01 to 10%, preferably 0.05 to 8%, more preferably 0.1 to 6%, even more preferably 0.5 to 5%, even more preferably 0.5 to 4% , even more preferably 0.5 to 3%, even more preferably 0.5 to 2%, and most preferably 0.5 to 1.5% by weight of a water soluble vinyl polymer comprising polyvinyl alcohol.

carboxylic acid.

The composition of the present invention also contains 0.1 to 20%, preferably 0.1 to 15%, more preferably 0.2 to 10% and most preferably 0.2 to 5% by weight of a carboxylic acid with a pKa value greater than 4.5, or its derivatives.

Carboxylic acids are organic acids having a (-COOH) group as part of their structure. The acid dissociation constant (Ka) represents the strength of the acid in solution. The negative logarithm of Ka is represented by pKa, which is very relevant for the practical application of Ka.

pKa=-log _w Ka.

The higher the pK _a value, the lower the degree of dissociation at a given pH. It is well regulated.

- 3 043004 the well-known Henderson-Hasselbach equation.

According to the present invention, the carboxylic acid has a pK _a of greater than 4.5, more preferably greater than 4.6 and most preferably greater than 4.7.

Preferably, the _pKa range is in the range of 4.5 to 7, more preferably in the range of 4.5 to 6.5, and most preferably 4.5 to 6.

Preferably the carboxylic acid is selected from a fatty acid having a chain length of C ₄ to C ₁₂ , more preferably C6 to C ₁₀ and most preferably C6 to C ₈ . The carboxylic acids are preferably selected from linear or branched aliphatic carboxylic acids, cyclic aliphatic carboxylic acids and mixtures thereof. A substituted carboxylic acid with the pK _a range defined above can also be preferably used. The most preferred substitutions are methyl and/or ethyl.

The most preferred aliphatic carboxylic acids are selected from hexanoic acid (pK _a : 4.88), cyclohexanoic acid (pK _a : 4.91), 2-ethylhexanoic acid (pK _a : 4.72), octanoic acid (pK _a : 4, 89), 4-methyloctanoic acid (pK _a : 4.93), and mixtures thereof.

Anionic surfactant.

The composition of the present invention also contains an anionic surfactant.

Preferred anionic surfactants include alkyl ether sulfates and sulfonates, alkyl sulfates and sulfonates, alkyl benzene sulfonates, alkyl and dialkyl sulfosuccinates, C ₈ -C ₂₀ acyl isethionates, acyl glutamates, C ₈ -C ₂₀ alkyl ether phosphates, and mixtures thereof.

The most preferred anionic surfactants are selected from sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium lauryl ether sulfate.

The composition contains from 1 to 80%, preferably from 5 to 75%, more preferably from 10 to 70% and even more preferably from 15 to 65% by weight of the surfactant.

One of the objectives of the present invention is to provide a composition with skin pH. Therefore, the pH of the composition of the present invention is preferably in the range of 4.5 to 6.5, more preferably 4.5 to 6, and most preferably 5 to 6.

The composition of the present invention is a synergistic antimicrobial composition. A synergistic effect is provided by combining from 0.01 to 10 wt.% of a water-soluble vinyl polymer containing polyvinyl alcohol, and from 0.1 to 20 wt.% of a carboxylic acid having a pK _a of more than 4.5, or its derivatives, in the presence of an anionic surfactant. The inventors have found that adding a small amount of a water-soluble vinyl polymer containing polyvinyl alcohol to a composition containing carboxylic acids having a pKa greater than 4.5 and an anionic surfactant provides an improved antimicrobial effect, while the antimicrobial efficacy of carboxylic acids having pK _a greater than 4.5 is significantly reduced in the presence of an anionic surfactant. Moreover, this antimicrobial effect is achieved with relatively short contact times and at a pH close to that of human skin (pH 4.5 to 6.5). This antimicrobial effect is particularly important in flushing processes where the contact time of the antimicrobial actives on the surface is short, for example preferably less than 5 minutes, more preferably less than 2 minutes, even more preferably less than a minute, even more preferably less than 45 seconds, and even more preferably less 30 s.

The synergistic antimicrobial composition of the present invention also contains a cosmetically acceptable base. The base composition may vary depending on the application.

The composition of the present invention is preferably in the form of a leave-on composition. The leave-in composition may be in the form of a fast absorbing cream or may be in the form of a disinfectant composition. The most preferred application is hand disinfection.

The antimicrobial composition may be in the form of a wipe, i. antimicrobial wipes.

The cosmetically acceptable base is preferably a cream, lotion, gel or emulsion.

Personal care (non-rinsing) compositions can be formulated using a variety of cosmetically acceptable emulsifying or non-emulsifying systems and solvents. A very suitable base is a cream. Particularly preferred are fast absorbing creams. Soap is not preferred in the composition of the present invention. However, a small amount of soap that does not raise the pH of the overall composition above 7.5 is also within the scope of the present invention. Fast absorbing cream bases typically include 5 to 25% fatty acids and 0.1 to 10% soap. The fast-absorbing cream base gives the skin a preferred matte finish. C ₁₃ -C ₂₀ fatty acids are particularly preferred in fast absorbing cream bases, C ₁ 4 -C ₁₈ fatty acids are even more preferred. The most preferred fatty acid is stearic acid. The fatty acid in the composition is more preferably present in an amount in the range of 5 to 20% by weight of the composition. Soaps in a fast absorbing cream base include alkali metal fatty acid salts such as sodium or potassium salts, potassium stearate being most preferred. Soap in a fast absorbing cream base is typically present in an amount in the range of 0.1 to 10%, more preferably 0.1 to 3% by weight of the composition. Typically, a fast absorbing cream base in personal care compositions is prepared by taking the required amount of total fatty matter and mixing with potassium hydroxide in the required amounts. Soap is usually formed in situ during mixing.

A particularly suitable cosmetically acceptable base is one that contains a water-in-oil emulsion comprising silicone oils as the continuous phase. The water-in-oil emulsions preferably contain a mixture of cross-linked silicone elastomers.

The incorporation of a silicone elastomer mixture into a water-in-oil emulsion can be used as a cosmetically acceptable base for preparing the compositions of the present invention. While silicone fluids can be used, silicone elastomers that are crosslinked are particularly preferred. Crosslinking linear polymers such as dimethicone converts the linear polymer into a silicone elastomer. Unlike silicone liquid polymers, the physical properties of elastomers generally depend on the amount of cross-linking rather than molecular weight. The swellability of silicone elastomers makes them ideal thickeners for oil phases. Elastomers have a very smooth and soft feel when applied to the skin or hair. They can also be used as delivery vehicles for flavors, vitamins and other additives in cosmetic formulations.

Suitable silicone elastomer blends or gels that are commercially available and suitable for inclusion in the composition of the invention and that provide improved stability are: Dow Corning®.

EL-8051 IN silicone blend of organic elastomers [INCI name: isodecyl neopentanoate (and) dimethicone/bis-isobutyl-PPG-20 crosspolymer]; EL-8050 [INCI name: isododecane (and) dimethicone/bis-isobutyl-PPG-20 crosspolymer], DC9040, DC9041, DC9045 (dimethicone crosspolymer); DC9506, 9509 (Dimethicone Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer); Shin-Etsu KSG-15, KSG-16, KSG-17 (dimethicone-vinyldimethicone-crosspolymer). In addition, the composition preferably contains from 5 to 50% silicone elastomer by weight of the composition.

In the case of a rinse-off composition, in addition to the main ingredients as previously described, preferred embodiments of 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 on the general principles for obtaining compositions.

Preferably, the composition further comprises an additional surfactant selected from a non-ionic surfactant, a cationic surfactant, amphoteric surfactants, and mixtures thereof. In general, surfactants may be selected from those described in well known textbooks such as Surface Active Agents Vol. 1, Schwartz & Perry, Interscience 1949, Vol. 2 by Schwartz, Perry & Berch, Interscience 1958, and/or the current edition of McCutcheon's Emulsifiers and Detergents, Manufacturing Confectioners Company, or in Tenside Taschenbuch, H. Stache, 2nd Edn., Carl Hauser Verlag, 1981.

Preferred non-ionic surfactants are those in which the C ₁₀ -C ₂₀ fatty alcohol or acidic hydrophobe is condensed with 2-100 moles of ethylene oxide or propylene oxide per mole of hydrophobe; C ₂ -C ₁₀ alkylphenols condensed with 2-20 moles of alkylene oxide; ethylene glycol mono- and di-fatty acid esters, fatty acid monoglyceride, sorbitan mono- and diC ₈ -C ₂₀ fatty acids, block copolymers (ethylene oxide/propylene oxide), polyoxyethylene sorbitan and mixtures thereof. Alkyl polyglycosides and saccharide fatty amides (eg methylgluconamides) are also suitable non-ionic surfactants.

Examples of a suitable cationic detergent surfactant include cetyltrimethylammonium bromide, benzalkonium halides, which are also known as alkyldimethylbenzylammonium halides. A preferred cationic surfactant that can be used in the composition is benzalkonium chloride, also known as alkyldimethylbenzylammonium chloride (or ADBAC).

Examples of a suitable amphoteric detergent surfactant include the amide, betaine, and amine oxide types. Specific examples of amphoteric detergent surfactants include cocodiethanolamide and cocomonoethanolamide, cocoamidopropyl betaine, and cocoamidopropylamine oxide. A preferred amphoteric detergent surfactant that can be used as a detergent surfactant in the composition is cocoamidopropyl betaine.

When included, the antimicrobial composition contains from 1 to 80%, preferably from 5 to 75%, more preferably from 10 to 70% and even more preferably from 15 to 65% by weight of one or more of these additional surfactants selected from non-ionic 5 043004 surfactant, cationic surfactant, amphoteric surfactant and mixtures thereof.

When the product is in solid form for hard surface cleaning applications, the surfactants are preferably selected from primary alkyl sulfates, secondary alkyl sulfonates, alkyl benzene sulfonates, or ethoxylated alkyl sulfates.

The antimicrobial composition of the invention is useful in oral care compositions such as dentifrices/toothpaste or mouthrinses. In such applications, preferred surfactants are anionic, nonionic or amphoteric in nature, preferably anionic or amphoteric.

The antimicrobial composition may be in the form of a solid, liquid, gel or paste. One skilled in the art can prepare the compositions in various formats by selecting one or more carrier materials and/or surfactants. The antimicrobial compositions of the present invention are useful for cleaning and care, in particular for skin cleansing and skin care. It is contemplated that the antimicrobial composition can be used as a leave-on product or rinse-off product, preferably a leave-on product. The antimicrobial composition of the present invention can also be used to clean and maintain hard surfaces such as glass, metal, plastic, and the like. The antimicrobial composition may be in the form of an antimicrobial wipe. By wipe is meant a disposable substrate, such as a porous or absorbent sheet or fabric, that has been pre-treated with a composition containing an acid and a polymer of the invention (as defined above) to include the composition of the invention in the substrate or on a support prior to use by the consumer.

Water-soluble/dispersible polymers are an optional ingredient that is highly preferred to be included in the composition. These polymers may be of the cationic, anionic, amphoteric or non-ionic type with a molecular weight above 100,000 Daltons. They are known to increase the viscosity and stability of liquid cleansing compositions, improve skin sensitivity during and after use, and increase creaminess and foam stability. The amount of polymers, when present, may be from 0.1 to 10% by weight of the composition.

Examples of water-soluble or dispersible polymers include carbohydrate gums such as cellulose gum, microcrystalline cellulose, cellulose gel, hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, methyl cellulose, ethyl cellulose, guar gum, karaya gum, gum tragacanth, gum arabic, gum acacia, agar gum, xanthan gum and mixtures thereof; modified and unmodified starch granules and pregelatinized cold water soluble starch; emulsion polymers such as Aculyn® 28, Aculyn® 22 or Carbopol® Aqua SF1; a cationic polymer such as modified polysaccharides, including cationic guar available from Rhone Poulenc under the trade name Jaguar® C13S, Jaguar® C14S, Jaguar® C17 or Jaguar® C16; cationic modified cellulose such as UCARE® Polymer JR 30 or JR 40 from Amerchol; N-Hance® 3000, N-Hance® 3196, N-Hance® GPX 215 or N-Hance® GPX 196 from Hercules; synthetic cationic polymer such as Merquat® 100, Merquat® 280, Merquat® 281 and Merquat® 550 from Nalco; cationic starches such as StaLok® 100, 200, 300 and 400 from Staley Inc.; cationic galactomannans such as the Galactasol® 800 series from Henkel, Inc.; Quadrosoft® LM-200; and Polyquaternium-24®. Also suitable are high molecular weight polyethylene glycols such as Polyox® WSR-205 (PEG 14M), Polyox® WSR-N-60K (PEG 45) and Polyox® WSR-301 (PEG90M).

The composition of the invention may further comprise a skin lightening agent. In addition to niacinamide, which is in any case present as one of the essential components of the present composition, other well-known skin lightening agents can be used, for example, aloe extract, ammonium lactate, arbutin, azelaic acid, kojic acid, butylhydroxyanisole, butylhydroxytoluene, citrate esters, 3-diphenylpropane derivatives, 2,5dihydroxybenzoic acid and its derivatives, ellagic acid, fennel extract, glucopyranosyl-1-ascorbate, gluconic acid, glycolic acid, green tea extract, hydroquinone, 4hydroxyanisole and its derivatives, 4-hydroxybenzoic acid derivatives, hydroxycaprylic acid, extract lemon, linoleic acid, magnesium ascorbyl phosphate, mulberry root extract, 2,4-resorcinol derivatives, 3,5-resorcinol derivatives, salicylic acid; vitamins such as vitamin B6, vitamin B12, vitamin C, vitamin A; dicarboxylic acid, resorcinol derivatives; hydroxycarboxylic acid such as lactic acid and its salts such as sodium lactate, and mixtures thereof.

Preferably, the composition may include a sunscreen. Any sunscreen can be added that can be used appropriately with the base. Preferably, both UV-A and UV-B sunscreens can be used.

The composition according to the invention preferably contains a UV-A sunscreen agent, which is dibenzoylmethane or its derivatives. Preferred dibenzoylmethane derivatives are selected from 4-tert-butyl-4'-methoxydibenzoylmethane, 2-methyldibenzoylmethane, 4methyldibenzoylmethane, 4-isopropyldibenzoylmethane, 4-tert-butyldibenzoylmethane, 2,4dimethyldibenzoylmethane, 2,5-dimethylddibenzoylmethane, 4,4' -diisopropyl-dibenzoylmethane, 2-methyl-5isopropyl-4'-methoxydibenzoylmethane, 2-methyl-5-tert-butyl-4'-methoxy-dibenzoylmethane, 2,4-dimethyl4'-methoxydibenzoylmethane or 2,6-dimethyl-4- tert-butyl-4'-methoxydibenzoylmethane. The most preferred dibenzoylmethane derivative is 4-t-butyl-4'-methoxydibenzoylmethane. The composition according to the invention preferably contains from 0.1 to 10%, more preferably from 0.2 to 5%, even more preferably from 0.4 to 3% by weight of dibenzoylmethane or its derivative, based on the total weight of the composition, and includes all contained it has ranges.

The composition preferably contains a UV-B organic sunscreen selected from the class of cinnamic acid, salicylic acid, diphenylacrylic acid and derivatives thereof. Illustrative non-limiting examples of UV-B sunscreen agents that are commercially available and useful for inclusion in the composition of the invention are Octisalate™, Homosalate™, NeoHelipan™, Octocrylene™, Oxybenzone™ or Parsol MCX™. The UV-B sunscreen agent is most preferably 2-ethylhexyl-4-methoxycinnamate, which is commercially available as Parsol MCX. The organic UV-B sunscreen is preferably present in an amount of 0.1 to 10%, more preferably 0.1 to 7% by weight of the composition. It has been observed that the presence of an organic UV-B sunscreen such as 2-ethylhexyl-4-methoxycinnamate causes additional rapid degradation of the UV-A sunscreen agent dibenzoylmethane in the presence of UV radiation. The presence of a rosmarinic acid ester has been found to be very effective in stabilizing the composition even when UV-B sunscreen agents are present.

Useful inorganic solar reflectors are also preferably used in the present invention. These include, for example, zinc oxide, iron oxide, silicon dioxide such as colloidal silicon dioxide, and titanium dioxide.

Preservatives may also be added to the compositions to protect against the growth of potentially harmful microorganisms. Suitable conventional preservatives for the compositions of this invention are para-hydroxybenzoic acid alkyl esters. Other preservatives that have emerged recently include hydantoin derivatives, propionate salts, and various quaternary ammonium compounds. Particularly preferred preservatives are phenoxyethanol, methyl paraben, propyl paraben, imidazolidinyl urea, sodium dehydroacetate and benzyl alcohol. Preservatives should be selected taking into account the use of the composition and possible incompatibilities between preservatives and other ingredients. Preservatives are preferably used in an amount of from 0.01 to 2% by weight of the composition.

Various other optional materials may be included in the compositions. These may include antimicrobials such as 2-hydroxy-4,2', 4'-trichlorodiphenyl ether (triclosan), 2,6-dimethyl-4-hydroxychlorobenzene and 3,4,4'-trichlorocarbanilide; scrub and exfoliating particles such as polyethylene and silica or alumina; cooling agents such as menthol; skin soothing agents such as aloe vera; and dyes.

In addition, the compositions may additionally include from 0 to 10 wt.% opacifiers and pearlescent agents, such as ethylene glycol distearate, titanium dioxide or Lytron® 621 (styrene/acrylate copolymer); they are all useful for improving the appearance or properties of a product.

Diluents other than water may include liquid or solid emollients, solvents, humectants, thickeners, and powders. Examples of each of these types of diluents, which may be used alone or as a mixture of one or more diluents, are as follows:

Mitigating agents, such as stearil alcohol, glycerylmonoricinoleate, mink fat, cetyl alcohol, isopropilisostoratarata, stearic acid, ethics, isorate, oleil alcohol, isopropyllaurate, hexillaurate, decilorate, octadecan-2-ool, distillery spiral , eicosanil alcohol, runaway alcohol, cinerpalmitate , silicone oils such as dimethyl polysiloxane, di-n-butyl sebacate, isopropyl myristate, isopropyl palmitate, isopropyl stearate, butyl stearate, polyethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, lanolin, cocoa butter, corn oil, cottonseed oil, olive oil, palm oil, rapeseed oil, safflower oil, oil Evening Primrose, Soybean Oil, Sunflower Oil, Avocado Oil, Sesame Oil, Coconut Oil, Peanut Oil, Castor Oil, Acetylated Lanolin Alcohols, Petrolatum, Mineral Oil, Butyl Myristate, Isostearic Acid, Palmitic Acid, Isopropyl Linoleate, Lauryl Lactate, Myristyl Lactate, Decyloleate, Myristyl Myristate ;

solvents such as ethyl alcohol, isopropanol, acetone, ethylene glycol monoethyl ether, diethylene glycol monobutyl ether, diethylene glycol monoethyl ether.

In the case of soap, it may contain particles with an average diameter of more than 50 microns, which help to remove dry skin. Without wishing to be bound by theory, the degree of flaking depends on particle size and morphology. Large and coarse particles are usually very harsh and annoying.

- 7 043004

Very small particles cannot serve as effective exfoliators. Such exfoliating agents 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 granules; jojoba ester granules; and the like. These exfoliators come in a variety of particle sizes and morphologies ranging from microns to several millimeters. They also have a range of hardness. Some examples are talc, calcite, pumice, walnut shell, dolomite and polyethylene.

Preferably, active agents other than the skin care agents defined above may be added to the composition. These active ingredients may preferably be selected from microbicides, vitamins, anti-acne agents, anti-wrinkle agents, anti-atrophy and skin repair agents, skin barrier repair agents, non-steroidal cosmetic soothing agents, artificial tanning agents and tanning accelerators, for skin lightening, sunscreens, sebum stimulants, sebum inhibitors, antioxidants, protease inhibitors, skin tightening agents, anti-itch ingredients, hair growth inhibitors, 5-alpha reductase inhibitors, exfoliating enzyme enhancers, anti-glycating agents, or mixtures thereof , and the like.

These active agents may be selected from water-soluble active agents, oil-soluble active agents, pharmaceutically acceptable salts, and mixtures thereof. As used herein, the term active agent means personal care actives that can be used to provide skin and/or hair benefits and that are not typically used to provide skin conditioning effects such as those provided by emollients as defined above. . As used herein, the term "safe and effective amount" means an amount of active agent that is high enough to change the condition being treated or to provide a desired skin care effect, but low enough to avoid serious side effects. As used herein, the term benefit refers to the therapeutic, prophylactic and/or long-term benefits associated with the treatment of 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 depend on the particular active agent, the ability of the active to penetrate the skin, the age, health and skin condition of the user, and other such factors.

Powders such as chalk, talc, fuller's clay, kaolin, starch, gums, colloidal quartz, sodium polyacrylate, tetraalkyl and/or trialkylarylammonium smectites, chemically modified magnesium aluminum silicate, organically modified montmorillonite clay, hydrated aluminum silicate, highly dispersed silicon oxide, carboxyvinyl polymer, sodium carboxymethylcellulose, ethylene glycol monostearate.

The cosmetically acceptable base typically comprises 10 to 99.9%, preferably 50 to 99% by weight of the composition, and may, in the absence of other personal care additives, form the remainder of the composition.

The composition of the present invention may contain a conventional deodorant base as a cosmetically acceptable carrier. By deodorant is meant a stick, ball, or propellant product that is used to apply deodorant for personal care, such as underarm application, which may or may not contain antiperspirant actives.

Deodorant compositions can typically be in the form of hard solids, soft solids, gels, creams and liquids, and can be applied using applicators appropriate to the physical characteristics of the composition. Deodorant compositions that are applied by roll-on typically contain a liquid carrier. Such a liquid carrier may be hydrophobic or contain a mixture of both hydrophilic and hydrophobic liquids. They may be in the form of an emulsion or a microemulsion. The liquid carrier or mixture of carriers often makes up 30 to 95% by weight of the composition, and in many cases 40 to 80%. Hydrophobic liquid carriers may typically contain one or more materials selected from the chemical classes of siloxanes, hydrocarbons, branched aliphatic alcohols, esters, and ethers that have a melting point of at most 25°C and a boiling point of at least 100°C. Hydrophilic carrier fluids that can be used in the compositions of the present invention typically include water and/or a mono- or polyhydric alcohol, or a water-miscible homologue. Monohydric alcohols are often short chain, meaning they contain up to 6 carbon atoms, and in practice ethanol or sometimes isopropanol is most commonly used. Polyhydric alcohols usually contain ethylene or propylene glycol, or a homologue such as diethylene glycol can be used. In addition, other suitable carrier and component used for the deodorant composition may be added.

- 8 043004

Preferably, when the composition is in the form of a hand sanitizer composition, the cosmetically acceptable base may contain alcohol and water. The most preferred alcohols are ethyl alcohol and isopropyl alcohol. Even a mixture of two or more alcohols can preferably be used in a hand sanitizer composition. The amount of alcohol is preferably 50 to 95%, more preferably 60 to 80% and most preferably 65 to 80% by weight of the hand sanitizer composition.

Compositions of the present invention may contain a wide range of other optional components. The CTFA Personal Care Ingredient Handbook, Second Edition, 1992, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, describes a wide range of non-limiting personal care products and pharmaceutical ingredients commonly used in the skin care industry that are suitable for use in the composition of the present invention. . Examples include antioxidants, binders, biological additives, buffering agents, colorants, thickeners, polymers, astringents, fragrances, humectants, opacifiers, conditioners, pH adjusters, natural extracts, essential oils, cooling and warming agents, skin soothing agents, and healing agents. skin.

The present invention also discloses a method for cleaning or disinfecting a surface, comprising the steps of applying the composition of the invention to said surface in the case of a non-rinsing composition. This method optionally includes the additional step of at least partially removing the composition from the surface, if it is in the form of a washable composition. Preferably, the step of at least partially removing the composition is carried out less than 5 minutes after the step of applying the composition to the surface.

The present invention also discloses the use of the composition of the present invention, as described above, for antimicrobial activity. Therefore, the composition of the present invention is capable of providing sustained/long lasting antimicrobial benefits. The preferred intended use/method for the composition of the present invention is non-therapeutic and/or cosmetic.

The present invention also discloses the use of the composition of the present invention as described above for hand hygiene.

The present invention also provides for the use of a combination of (a) from 0.01 to 10 wt.% water-soluble vinyl polymer, including polyvinyl alcohol; (b) from 0.1 to 20% by weight of a carboxylic acid having a pKa greater than 4.5, or derivatives thereof; and (c) from 1 to 80% by weight of an anionic surfactant; where the pH of the composition is in the range from 4.5 to 6.5; in the composition to improve antimicrobial activity.

The use is preferably non-therapeutic.

The invention is further described using the non-limiting examples below.

Examples.

protocols.

All compositions shown in the examples below were prepared using the amounts (in weight percent) of polymers and carboxylic acids as shown in the respective examples and procedure as follows:

polymer solutions were prepared separately at a concentration of 2% by dissolving them in distilled water using a magnetic stirrer. Any lower required concentrations were achieved by further dilution in distilled water. All carboxylic acids were used from the original 100% solution and diluted in distilled water to obtain the required concentrations. Prior to testing for antimicrobial efficacy using the contact lysis assay, the pH of all samples was adjusted to 5.2 ± 0.2 using 0.1N. sodium hydroxide or hydrochloric acid.

Evaluation of antimicrobial efficacy.

Antimicrobial efficacy was evaluated according to US Standard Test Method 2783. Test organisms were grown on Tryptic Soy Agar (TSA) plates overnight (22 ± 2 h). Carried out no more than three passages of microorganisms extracted from the original source. The number of cells was adjusted based on the optical density (OD) of the cells by re-suspension in an appropriate amount of saline, sufficient to achieve the desired number of cells. The OD at 620 nm of cells was standardized for the number of cells for each test organism using a spectrophotometer. A minimum final suspension of 1x109 colony forming units (CFU)/ml was achieved by adjusting the OD to 2.0 in saline for the lysis on contact assay.

In each test, 9.9 ml of the test sample was withdrawn into a 100 ml sample container. 0.1 ml of culture was added to the test samples at time zero and the timer was started for 1 s. The test solution was immediately shaken when the culture was added. At a point in time, for example, 10, 30 and

- 9 043004 s, a 1.0 ml aliquot was removed from the tube and immediately transferred to 9.0 ml of neutralizer (D/E neutralizing broth from BD Difco, number 281910) in a glass tube. Serial 10-fold dilutions of neutralized samples were prepared using 9.0 ml dilution solutions and analyzed in duplicate using standard plating techniques (plate techniques). Inoculation of all samples was completed within 30 min after completion of the neutralization step. The plates were incubated at 37° C. for 24-48 hours. Colonies were counted and the results were converted to logarithmic values. The log reduction was calculated as:

Log ₁₀ reduction (LR)=Log ₁₀ control - Log ₁₀ test sample.

A log reduction greater than 5 means a 99.99% reduction in CFUs, and a log reduction less than 0.5 means no reduction in CFUs, indicating no antimicrobial efficacy. A reduction logarithm greater than 5 also means total annihilation.

In a first series of experiments, various water-soluble vinyl polymers were tested either alone or with various carboxylic acids having a pK _a greater than 4.5, as shown in Table 1. 1. The _pKa values for the various carboxylic acids used in the experiments were as follows:

octanoic acid - (pK _a =4.89; from Aldrich, catalog number O3907);

4-methyloctanoic acid - (pK _a = 4.93; from Aldrich, catalog number W357502);

hexanoic acid - (pK _a = 4.88; from Aldrich, catalog number 153745);

2-ethylhexanoic acid - (pK _a = 4.72; from Aldrich, catalog number 538701); cyclohexanoic acid - (pK _a = 4.92; from Aldrich, catalog number 101834).

Table 1

Example No. PVA pvp PAA Octanoic acid 4-methyloctanoic acid Hexanoic acid 2-ethylhexanoic acid Cyclohexanoic acid A 2 - - - - - - - IN - 2 - - - - - - WITH - - 2 - - - - - D - - - 0.5 - - - - E - - - - 0.5 - - - F - - - - - 0.5 - - G - - - - - - 0.5 - H - - - - - - - 0.5 I - 0.2 - 0.5 - - - - J - - 0.2 0.5 - - - - 1 0.2 - - 0.5 - - - - 2 0.2 - - - 0.5 - - - 3 0.2 - - - - 0.5 - - 4 0.2 - - - - - 0.5 - 5 0.2 - - - - - - 0.5

The above compositions were then tested for their antimicrobial efficacy using the protocol as discussed in the previous section. The results of the antimicrobial efficacy test are shown below in table. 2.

table 2

Example No. Log reduction value in 30 seconds For E. coli For S. aureus A <0.5 <0.5 IN <0.5 <0.5 WITH <0.5 <0.5 D 0.6±0.31 0.8±26 E 0.5 ± 0.28 0.9±0.37 F <0.5 <0.5 G <0.5 <0.5 H <0.5 <0.5 I 1.8±0.22 2.4±0.15 J 2.0±0.18 2.8±0.11 1 > 5 > s 2 >5 >5 3 > 5 > s 4 >5 >5 5 > 5 > 5

From the above table, it is clear that the compositions that are within the scope of the present invention (examples 1-5) provide complete destruction (99.9%), therefore, the log reduction exceeds 5. However, compositions that are outside the scope of the present invention ( examples AI) do not provide good antimicrobial efficacy. It can also be seen from the above table that PVA, when used in combination with any of the carboxylic acids having a pK _a greater than 4.5, provides a log reduction of greater than 5 (complete destruction). Thus, PVA and carboxylic acids exhibit synergistic antimicrobial efficacy. It is important to note that such an antimicrobial effect is achieved with a relatively short contact time, i.e. 30 s.

In the second series of experiments, various carboxylic acids having a pKa _less than 4.5 (were tested with PVA according to Table 3. The pKa values _of these various carboxylic acids are as follows:

- 10 043004 blowing:

benzoic acid - (pK _a =4.2; from Merck, catalog number MK4M542724);

salicylic acid - (pK _a = 2.97 from Sigma Aldrich, catalog number 247588); citric acid - (pK _a =3.13 from Sigma Aldrich, catalog number C83155); lactic acid - (pK _a =3.86 from Sigma Aldrich, catalog number 252476); malic acid - (pK _a =3.4 from Sigma Aldrich, catalog number M8304);

glycolic acid - (pK _a =3.6 from Sigma Aldrich, catalog number V900017).

Table 3

Example TO L m N ABOUT R PVA 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 Benzoic acid 0.5 - - - - - Salicylic acid - 0.5 - - - - Lemon acid - - 0.5 - - - Lactic acid - - - 0.5 - - Apple acid - - - - 0.5 - Glycolic acid - - - - - 0.5

The above compositions were then tested for their antimicrobial efficacy using the protocol as discussed in the previous section. The results of tasting antimicrobial efficacy are shown below in table. 4.

____________________________Table 4________________________

Example No. Log reduction value in 30 seconds For E. coli For S. aureus TO <0.5 <0.5 L <0.5 <0.5 M <0.5 <0.5 N <0.5 <0.5 ABOUT <0.5 <0.5 R <0.5 <0.5

As can be seen from the data in Table. 4, carboxylic acids having _a pKa less than 4.5, i. e. carboxylic acids outside the scope of the present invention do not exhibit any antimicrobial efficacy when used in combination with PVA.

In the third series of experiments, various polymers were tested, except for water-soluble vinyl polymers, alone and in combination with a carboxylic acid having a pK _a greater than 4.5, in accordance with the following table. 5. The following polymers were tested for this purpose.

PVA - from ALDRICH, catalog number 363170;

PVP - from SIGMA-ALDRICH under the name PVP10;

PAK - from ALDRICH, catalog number 523925;

polystyrene sulfonate (PSS) from AkzoNobel under the name FLEXAN® II;

sodium carboxymethylcellulose (CMCN) - from ALDRICH, catalog number 419273;

hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC) from SIGMA, catalog number 09368; and sodium alginate from Thomas Baker, catalog number 142582.

Table 5

Example Q R S T And PSS - 0.2 - - - CMCN - - 0.2 - - HEC - - - 0.2 - sodium alginate - - - - 0.2 Octanoic acid 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5

The above compositions were then tested for their antimicrobial efficacy using the protocol as discussed in the previous section. The results of the antimicrobial efficacy test are shown below in table. 6.

Table 6

Example No. Log reduction value in 30 seconds For K coli For S. aureus Q 0.7 ± 0.22 1.0±0.23 R 3.3±0.16 3.6±0.22 S 1.5±0.13 1.6±0.24 T <0.5 <0.5 And <0.5 <0.5

As can be seen from the data in Table. 6, polymers other than water-soluble vinyl polymers, when used in combination with octanoic acid (pKa _greater than 4.5), do not provide the necessary antimicrobial efficacy at relatively short contact times, such as 30 seconds, compared to those obtained when using PVA in combination with octanoic acid (example 1).

In the fourth series of experiments, a carboxylic acid having a pK _a greater than 4.5 and PVA were combined in the presence of anionic surfactants according to the following table. 7. For this purpose, the anionic surfactants mentioned below were tested:

- 11 043004 sodium lauryl ether sulfate (LESN), catalog number LES 70-SLES from Galaxy Surfactant Ltd; And

The above compositions were then tested for their antimicrobial efficacy using the protocol as discussed in the previous section. The results of the antimicrobial efficacy test are shown below in table. 8.

Table 8

Example No. Log abbreviation values for E. coli 10 Seconds 30 seconds 60 seconds V 4.2 ± 0.22 >5 >5 W 0.44±0.19 0.71±0.14 1.7±0.13 6 1.9±0.25 2.8±0.21 3.9±0.18 X 1.7±0.18 2.5±0.22 3.2±0.11 7 2.7±0.28 3.6±0.25 4.8±0.14 γ 4.1±0.19 >5 >5 Z 0.32±0.13 0.56±0.12 1.3±0.23 8 1.7±0.21 2.4±0.11 3.3±0.16 ZA 1.4±0.16 2.1±0.21 2.9±0.12 9 2.5±0.12 3.3±0.22 4.1±0.13

As can be seen from the data in Table. 8 above, only 1% of carboxylic acids having a pK _a greater than 4.5 provided a log reduction greater than 5 in 30 seconds (examples V and Y). However, this antimicrobial effect, provided only by a carboxylic acid having a pKa greater than 4.5, was found to be drastically reduced in the presence of anionic surfactants (Examples W, X, Z and ZA) at all contact times tested, i.e. 10, 30 and 60 s.

Only when PVA was added was an improvement in the antimicrobial effect as shown in Examples 6-9 compared to the control (examples W, X, Z and ZA, respectively) achieved. In addition, this improved antimicrobial effect was obtained with the same relatively short contact times, for example 10 and 30 seconds, which were further improved by the 60 second contact time. In addition, this improved antimicrobial effect was obtained in the pH range of 4.8 ± 0.3.

Therefore, it is clear from the description and examples above that a synergistic antimicrobial effect is achieved when water soluble vinyl polymers containing polyvinyl alcohol are used in combination with carboxylic acids having a pKa greater than 4.5 in the presence of an anionic surfactant. In addition, this synergistic antimicrobial efficacy is achieved in a relatively short contact time in the absence of soap and at a pH close to that of human skin.

Claims (12)

1. Antimicrobial composition containing: (a) from 0.01 to 10 wt.% water-soluble vinyl polymer containing polyvinyl alcohol; (b) 0.1-20% by weight of a carboxylic acid having a pKa greater than 4.5; (c) from 1 to 80 wt.% anionic surfactant; where the pH of the composition is in the range from 5 to 6.5; and wherein the anionic surfactant is selected from sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium lauryl ether sulfate. 2. The composition of claim 1 wherein the vinyl polymer is polyvinyl alcohol. 3. Composition according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the carboxylic acid is selected from aliphatic carboxylic acids with a chain length of C4 to C ₁₆ . 4. The composition of claim 3, wherein the aliphatic carboxylic acid is selected from linear or branched aliphatic carboxylic acids, cyclic aliphatic carboxylic acids, and mixtures thereof. 5. The composition of claim 4, wherein the aliphatic carboxylic acid is selected from hexanoic acid, cyclohexanoic acid, 2-ethylhexanoic acid, octanoic acid, 4-methyloctanoic acid, and mixtures thereof. 6. A composition according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a cosmetically acceptable base. 7. A method for cleaning or disinfecting a surface, comprising the step of applying a composition according to any one of claims 1 to 6 to the surface. 8. The method of claim 7 wherein the composition is in the form of a rinse-off composition and wherein there is an additional step of at least partially removing the applied composition. 9. The method of claim 8, wherein the step of at least partially removing the composition is - 12 043004 are applied less than 5 minutes after the step of applying the composition to the surface. 10. Use of a composition according to any one of claims 1 to 6 for antimicrobial activity. 11. Use of a composition according to any one of claims 1 to 6 for hand hygiene. 12. The use of a combination of (a) from 0.01 to 10 wt.% water-soluble vinyl polymer containing polyvinyl alcohol; (b) from 0.1 to 20% by weight of a carboxylic acid having a pK _a of more than 4.5; (c) 1 to 80% by weight of an anionic surfactant selected from sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium lauryl ether sulfate; where the pH of the composition is in the range from 5 to 6.5, in the composition for antimicrobial action.