MXPA00001090A - Hand cleanser - Google Patents

Abstract

Oil-in-water emulsions comprising one or more fatty acid esters are effective as a"waterless"cleanser in the removal of soils from the skin whilst at the same time potentially serving to effectively moisturise the skin. An aqueous hand cleanser formulation is provided comprising:(a) up to 25%by weight of a fatty acid ester or mixture of such esters;(b) at least one emulsifying surfactant;and (c) from 75 to 99%by weight of water.

Description

HAND CLEANER The present invention relates to a cleaner, in particular to a hand cleaner called "without water", and to an abrasive hand cleaner article impregnated with cleaning agent.

Conventional hand cleaning formulas contain solvents and / or surfactants capable of solubilizing emulsify the oils present on the surface of the skin. The cleaning force of such formulas however is particularly limited when dealing with the removal of a variety of heavy impregnated soils such as those found by those working in the industry.

A number of hand cleansers are currently used in the form of a gel which can contain both polar and non-polar ingredients mixed together to achieve the removal of a variety of soils from the surface of the skin. These frequently contain abrasive particles which scrub the surface of the skin to aid in the removal of the embedded dirt. A disadvantage associated with such gels is the need to wash off the gel residue or excess cleanser from the skin after use. This means that the hand-cleaning operation takes more time, and in the case of industrial hand cleaning, this eventually increases costs. An additional disadvantage associated with the use of the gels is that, depending on the formula, they have a tendency to remove the natural protective lipids of the skin, particularly when the cleanser is used repeatedly, leaving the skin unprotected in conjunction with the skin. dehydration once the gel residue is washed off. This is a particular problem in areas of low humidity.

A solution to this problem has been presented in the form of formulas called "without water" which require the addition of moisture water to be activated. And particularly, they do not require rinsing the hands with water after use _. _. . . . .. A "water-free" formula of this type is described in European patent EP-A-615720 in which a d-limonene-based formula for cleaning the skin is used. However such a formula has a citrus fragrance particularly alt leaving the hands with a citrus odor of residual and undesirable residual orange after use. In addition, solvents such as d-limonene and the like, can remove some of the natural fats from the skin and such a formulation may have only a limited tendency to return the grease or to moisten the foot after cleaning. Since d-limonene is extracted from the orange peel, it is also relatively expensive. However, its availability will depend on the crop yields and therefore its price is subject to fluctuation.

As an alternative to d limonene-based formulas, it has been proposed to use a mixture of for etadiene as a cleaning agent (see patent No. OA-97/09033). However, as with d-limonene, there is a frequent variation in ingredient quality of such "natural solvents due to crop variations." This may present difficulties in the formulation of a product of a consistent quality.

There has been a growing concern recently regarding the damage to the atmosphere due to the remission of volatile organic compounds from a wide variety of commercial products including industrial cleaning products, such as those containing the solvent of limonene. or isomers of d-limonene, for example, the parametadienes.

The use of particularly high concentrations of non-volatile vegetable oils and fatty acid esters has been proposed as a replacement for traditional volatile solvents for various cleaning purposes, particularly for the removal of printing ink and other oily contaminants from presses. printing (see, for example, U.S. Patent Nos. 5,104,567 5,194,173, 5,380,453, 5,143,629 and the SUBIMPRESSION Project promoting the use of vegetable oil cleaning agents in the printing industry.The European Patent EP-A -615720 also suggests that vegetable oils may be useful for solubilizing oily and greasy dirt on the skin.

Various oils, including vegetale oils and fatty acid esters, optionally in combination with other emollient oils such as mineral oils and / silicone have also been proposed to be used in formula for face cleaning, for example, to remove makeup compositions comprising natural and / or synthetic waxes (see, for example, U.S. Patent Nos. 4,806,572 and 5,585,104).

However, we have now surprisingly found that oil-in-water emulsions comprising one or more fatty acid esters are effective as a "waterless cleaner" in the removal of heavy-duty contaminants, in particular, soils impregnated from the surface of the skin while at the same time potentially serving to effectively moisten the skin. The present invention thus provides a hand cleansing formula that has a strong cleansing action, but which is also gentle and of a softening benefit to the hands, and in particular, non-irritating.

According to one aspect, the present invention provides both an aqueous hand cleaner formula comprising: (a) up to 25% by weight of a fatty acid esters or a mixture of such esters; (b) at least one emulsifying surfactant; (c) from 75 to 99% by weight of water.

Aqueous cleansing formulas according to the invention have been found to be particularly effective for the removal of a variety of soils from the surface of the skin, in particular oily and oily impregnated soils and are therefore seen as being of particular use for those who work in the industry.

The formulas according to the invention can be used to cleanse the skin in the absence of any additional water during the cleaning process. The invention thus provides an alternate "no water" hand cleaner which is effective only in solubilizing dirt, but which is also believed to be effective in wetting the skin without leaving any long-term residual odor on the surface of the skin. l skin In addition, the use of a fatty acid ester, or a mixture of fatty acid esters, as the cleaning agent over the problem of the emission of volatile organic compounds associated with the use of conventional industrial cleaning agents. Therefore, there are no unacceptable vapor or odor problems associated with the use of such agents in the hand cleansing formulas. However, the cleaning formula according to the invention are biologically decomposable and therefore do not present waste problems. These are not toxic either.

Conveniently, the nature and amount of surfactant present in the cleaning formula is such that it is effective in stabilizing the oil-in-water emulsion, for example, it is capable of emulsifying the fatty acid ester components and any other components present in the formula which require emulsification. As a result, the cleaning formula according to the invention and preferably an essentially homogeneous emulsion.

Although it is not desired to be bound by theoretical considerations, it is believed that maintaining the fatty acid ester in an oil-in-water emulsion increases the potential for cleaning since the emulsion has a larger volume than a "non-emulsified" mixture. "thus allowing a greater solubilization of fatty and oily deposits.

The fatty acid ester, or mixture of fatty acid esters, is an essential component of the cleaning formula and may preferably constitute the main cleaning agent present in the formula. Preferably, the formula according to the invention is essentially free of any additional mineral or vegetable oils. The formula of the invention may also contain cleaning agents such as d-limonene-paramethenes, for example, in an amount of up to 10 by weight. However, preferably, the formulas according to the invention are essentially free of any volatile organic solvents, such as hydrocarbons, paraffins, alcohols, etc. Particularly preferably, the formula is essentially non-volatile.

As used herein, the term "fatty acid ester" is intended to cover any mono-, di- or triester and one or more of these esters is derived from a fatty acid.

The aqueous cleaning emulsion suitable for use in the abrasive article according to the invention may contain a wide range of fatty acid esters.

In general, the fatty acid used to form the esters will have from 1 to 22 carbon atoms, preferably from 8 to 22, more preferably from 8 to 18, more preferably, from 8 to 12. Particularly preferred fatty acids are those that have an even number of carbon atoms. The fatty acids can be straight chain branched or cyclic. However, straight chain fatty acids are generally preferred. The fatty acids can be saturated or unsaturated, preferably saturated.

- Even though the fatty acid component of the esters for use in the invention can be prepared synthetically, these are preferably naturally occurring oil derivatives, such as animal fats and oils and vegetable oils. More preferably, these are derived from vegetable oils, for example, saffron oil, olive oil, coconut oil, coconut seed oil, menjaden oil, palm kernel oil, palm oil, peanut oil, oil soy, rapeseed oil, linseed oil, rice palm oil, pine oil, sesame oil, wheat germ oil, primrose oil, and sunflower seed oil. Thus, representative fatty acids include caprylic acid, capric caproic, lauric, myristic, palmitic, stearic, erucic behenic.

Other fatty acids suitable for use in the invention include heptanoic, oleic, linoleic, linolenic acids.

The alcohol used to form the fatty acid esters can be straight chain, branched or cyclic. Preferred alcohols include short chain monohydric alcohols having from 1 to 12 carbon atoms preferably from 2 to 10 carbon atoms, more preferably from 3 to 8 carbon atoms, particularly preferably 8 carbon atoms . Alternatively, the alcohol may be a diol or a polyol, such as a glycerol sorbitol, polyethylene glycol, polypropylene glycol or a polyglycol. Even though half of the alcohol may be saturated or unsaturated, saturated alcohols are generally preferred.

Particularly preferred alcohols for use in the formulation of the fatty acid esters include ethanol, propanol, butanol, pentanol, hexanol, heptanol and octane and structural isomers thereof.

The fatty acid ester component may be present in amounts of from 1 to about 25 percent, preferably from 1% to about 10%, and more preferably from about 3 to about 6% by weight of the formula aqueous cleaner. In order to ensure that the cleaning formula can be applied gently to the surface of the skin, the emulsion should not be too sticky so that the application of the formula is uneven. In order to reduce excessive thickness, it is preferable that the amount of fatty acid ester component in the emulsion be the minimum necessary to ensure effective cleaning and this amount will be readily determined by a person skilled in the art. However, a low concentration of fatty acid ester will reduce the cost of the cleaning formula.

Particularly preferred fatty acid esters for use in the invention include octy stearate, octyl octanoate, octyl laurate, octyl cocoat and mixtures thereof. Octyl cocoate is commercially available as ESTOL 1540® from Unichema, The Netherlands, or as CRODAMO OC® from Croda, England. Suitable surfactants for use in the formula of the invention may be nonionic, ionic or amphoteric in nature, the only requirement being that the surfactant mixture serves to emulsify the fatty acid ester components and any other components present in the formula which require emulsification. Any conventional surfactants or surfactant mixtures can be used.

In a particularly preferred form, the cleaning formula comprises at least one nonionic surfactant which serves as an emulsifier for the fatty acid ester component. A mixture of nonionic surfactants can also be used. Preferred nonionic surfactants include the ethoxylated alcohols such pareth, esteareth, ceteth surfactants derived from ceteareth. The formula of the present invention preferably comprises a total of from about 1% to about 25%, more preferably from about 1%. to about 10%, more preferably from about 3% to about 6% by weight of the nonionic surfactants or of a mixture of nonionic surfactants.

In a preferred embodiment, the cleaning Formul comprises at least one nonionic surfactant and at least one anionic po surfactant such as laureth-1 carboxylate, sodium laureth sulphate and triethanolamine lauric sulphate. In this formula, the anionic solvent conveniently comprises from about 0.01% to about 5%, preferably d from about 0.5% to about 3% by weight of the formula.

The compositions of the present invention comprise from about 75% to about 99% by weight of water, more preferably from about 75% around 95%, more preferably from about 80 to about 85%. The exact amount of water will depend on the form of the product and the desired moisture content but will be determined in particular by those skilled in the art in an easy manner.

The formulas according to the invention may further comprise one or more of the additional organic solvents and in an amount of from 0.01 to 10% by weight preferably from 2 to 4% by weight, for example, 3% by weight. Any additional organic solvent may serve to act as an effective additional emulsifying agent to form a stable emulsion with the remaining components of the formula. Such solvents may also be able to solubilize polar contaminants such as adhesives, skin paints, thereby improving the cleaning efficiency of the formula.

Suitable cosolvents include esters glyco as PPG-2 methyl ether, PPG-1 n-propyl ether, PEG-2-n-butyl ether and PEG-2 dimethyl ether, short chain polyols, glycols, such as propylene and ethylene glycol; and lactates, such as ethyl lactate, butyl lactate and ethyl hexyl lactate. A particularly preferred cosolvent is propylene glycol.

In an alternate embodiment, the formulas d according to the invention may further comprise one or má agents additional cleaners such as d-limonene parametadienos in a low concentration, for example in an amount of from 0.01 to 10% by weight, preferably desd 2 to 7% by weight, for example, 3% by weight. The amount of d limonene or paramethadienes present in any formula must be kept to a minimum in order to reduce the potential for the emulsion of volatile solvent into the atmosphere. Any additional cleaning agent will of course be emulsified by the surfactant mixture.

Additional components which may be present in the formulas of the invention include antioxidants such as hydroxytoluene "I butylated (BHT), butilatada hydroxyanisole (BHA) or others such as citric acid, vitamin E and other tocopherol derivatives; the fragrances such as citrus fragrance orange fraganci lemon or floral fragrance; emollients, such as ge aloe barbadensis, carboxylate sodium pyrrolidone and allantoin; antimicrobial agents such as methyldibromo glutaronitrile, conveniently carried on a carrier such as phenoxyethanol; or other antioxidants emollient standards and condoms.

Other examples of preservatives agents pair used in the formula include C1-5 parabens / eg methyl paraben and propyl paraben, phenoxyethanol, quaternary amoni and 2-bromo-2-nitropropane-l, 3-diol. The amount of any given antimicrobial agent or mixture thereof included in the formula will depend on its potency and stability but will generally lie in the range of from 0.1 to 1%, po weight, eg, 0.1 to 0.5% by weight.

The emulsion will also contain humidifiers to add to the hydration conferred by the fatty acid component thereof. Emollients such as lantoin not only serve to moisten the skin, but also reduce the tackiness of the cleansing formula, thus helping to apply it to the surface of the skin. Suitable amounts of emollients present in the formula lie in the range of from 0.1 to 5% by weight, for example, from 0.3 to 0.5% by weight.

Suitable amounts of fragrance will generally lie in the range of from 0.1 to 1% by weight, for example, 0.1 to 0.5% by weight. Suitable amounts of antioxidant lie in the range of from 0.01 to 0.2% by weight, for example, d from 0.01 to 0.03% by weight.

The formulas according to the invention can be prepared in any conventional manner, for example, by simple mixing of the components. Conveniently as a first step the fatty acid ester component can be mixed with the surfactants and the water with any additional components being added subsequently with additional mixing.

Seen from a further aspect, the invention thus provides a process for the preparation of a cleaning formula as described hereinabove, said process comprising the step of mixing (a) up to 25% by weight of a fatty acid or a mixture thereof. such esters (b) at least u emulsifier surfactant, and c) from 75 to 99% by weight d water.

• The fatty acid esters for use in the invention can be produced in a conventional manner by esterification of a suitable fatty acid or a mixture of such acids with an alkanol. Fatty acids are readily available from the hydrolysis of vegetable oils. The resulting mixture of fatty acids and glycerol can be separated into its constituent components so that fresh and pure fatty acid esters can be prepared. The fatty acid esters for use in the invention can also be prepared in a known manner by interesterification of a suitable vegetable oil with an alcohol, optionally after preceding the fractionation of the vegetable oil or mediating any fractionation of the ester mixture to provide a mixture of fatty acid esters. In this case, the product is a fatty acid ester of the particular vegeta oil and has several fatty acid ester components which reflect the distribution of the fatty acid components in the vegetable oil.

The formulas described here are particularly effective in solubilizing oily and greasy soils such as paint and skin oils. In addition, such formulas believe that they provide wetting to the skin leaving both hands clean and soft.

Seen from another aspect, the present invention therefore provides the use of a cleaning formula as defined hereinbelow as a hand cleaner. The abrasive materials hand cleaners-, -. - more -commonly known as wet cleansers are able to clean soaked dirt from the skin without the need for rinsing. Such materials are made predominantly from air-laid cellulosic fibers which can be saturated with a suitable cleaning solution. The formulas defined above have been found to be particularly effective in removing heavy dirt from the hands when incorporating such abrasive-hand cleaning materials.

According to another additional aspect, the invention therefore provides a cleaning article for the abrasive hand which comprises a substrate having at least one abrasive surface and which is capable of absorbing and retaining fluid there, said substrate being impregnated with an abrasive. fluid cleaner comprising: (a) up to 25% by weight of a fatty acid ester or a mixture of such esters; (b) at least one emulsifying surfactant; (c) from 75 to 99% by weight of water.

The cleaning action is achieved by the cleaning fluid and the "abrasive action is achieved by the abrasive surface of the substrate, allowing the material to produce a gentle scouring action on the skin and thus assist in the removal of the impregnated dirt.

The substrate must be capable of absorbing and retaining a predetermined amount of fluid, so that the cleaning formula associated therewith, is sufficient to provide an essentially and uniformly moistened article. The absorbent nature of the substrate is conveniently achieved by means of a number of pores provided therein which are capable of absorbing and retaining the aqueous cleaning formula, for example, by capillary action. The article must also be able to easily release the aqueous formula in contact with the skin. In order to aid cleaning, the substrate comprises at least one abrasive surface. This allows the article to produce a gentle rubbing action on the skin and therefore aids in the removal of impregnated dirt, while not injuring the foot by the scrape it. Therefore, it is envisioned that the substrate will have two opposing surfaces, at least one of which has abrasive material secured thereto or comprising an integral part thereof. It is, however, possible for both side of the substrate to comprise abrasive surfaces. In case e where the substrate has an abrasive surface, the restant side will conveniently have a smooth surface to aid in cleaning. - - The substrate may comprise a cloth-type towel consisting of a pore system capable of absorbing and retaining the aqueous cleaning fluid, but which nevertheless readily releases the fluid on the surface of the skin during use.

Conveniently, a plurality of abrasive towels containing the cleaning formula are provided, either in a stack or in continuous perforated roll, the individual towels being easily separable along the perforation line. The towels can be provided in a container in which an aqueous formula is added to moisten the towels. The capillary action ensures that the cleaning fluid is distributed evenly through the pile or the roll of towels, each towel contains a sufficient amount of cleaning to thoroughly clean the skin. Alternatively, the abrasive material is pre-soaked before or during operation to convert it into piles or rolls.

Nonwoven thermoplastic cleaners can be used as an abrasive substrate for the cleaning formula These may be either by meltblowing or spin bonding whose techniques are both known in the art, see for example, the patents of the United States of America. "3,978,185 and 3,692,618." - - - - •: - - The meltblowing technique is preferred to produce the abrasive cleaning materials of the invention This involves extruding a multiplicity of continuous thermoplastic polymer yarns through a multiplicity of holes. From a matrix in a downward direction, the extruded polymer is broken and dispersed in individual fibers by a forced air stream before being deposited on a mobile collecting surface.In addition, the fibers are essentially cooled by air to avoid any significant union between the fibers. individual fibers The bonding of the fabric to obtain integrity and strength occurs as a separate downward operation The meltblown fabrics formed in this manner are characterized by their softness, volume, absorbency and low porosity with a degree of abrasive resistance.

The meltblown fabrics or sheets suitable for the cleaners of the present invention are known in the non-woven industry. Typically such materials are made of polypropylene, although other thermoplastic polymers such as polyethylene, poly (ethylene terephthalate), poly (butylene terephthalate), polymethyl pentene polycaprolactam and ethylene propylene copolymer can also be used. Preferably, the polymers are present in an amount of from about 15 to about 200 grams per square meter (gsm) of the material, more preferably about 3 grams per square meter. The unique properties of the fabrics blown with fusion allow the retention of the liquid cleaner as well as the one that easily transfers the liquid to the fabrics of blowing with melting contactants through the capillary action. At the same time, the fabric is able to easily transfer the liquid cleanser to the skin during use and also serves to trap the dirt removed between the fibers after cleaning and to transmit the liquids out of the skin.

One or more melt blown layers may, if desired, be supported on a support fabric, which is preferably spun bonded, in order to increase the strength of the resulting materials. Such a material exhibits the strength of a yarn bonded fabric while maintaining the abrasive of the melt blown layer.

Preferred abrasive substrates are blown with a dual texture microfibre / macrofibre melt such as those described in U.S. Patent Nos. 4,775,582, 4,833,003, 4,853,281 and European Patent EP-A 256950. The terms "macro fiber" and "Microfiber" is used here to distinguish between tissues that have different pore size distributions. Meltblown meltblowing refers to "fabrics having less than 65% pore volume attributable to pores having a size of from about 20 to about 60 microns." Melt blown "microfiber" refers to tissues in which at least 65% of the pore volume is attributed to pores having a size from about 20 to about 60 microns.

Polypropylene meltblown d meltblown / dual textured macrofibers comprise 28% by weight d macrofibers and 72% by weight microfibers and are particularly preferred.

The amount of cleaner lí > liquid within cac cleaner or each sheet can be from 100 to 500% by weight suitably from 150 to about 500% by weight preferably from about 200 to about 450% by weight, more preferably from about 340 at about 400% by weight, and even more preferably from about 375% by weight. If the amount of cleaner is very low, then the cleaner will be very dry and will not clean the skin properly. If the amount of cleaner is very high, then the cleaning will be very watery and may tend to simply push dirt deposits on the skin. . The cleaned fluid may also begin to stagnate in the container.

The publications mentioned herein are incorporated by reference.

The invention will now be illustrated by way of the following non-limiting examples and with reference to appended FIGS. 1 and 2.

Example 1 - Hand cleaning formula % by weight Octyl Cocoate 3.0 Propylene Glycol 3.0 Pareth-5 C11-15 3.0 Pyrrolidone Sodium Carboxylate 1.0 (50% by weight of aqueous solution) Laureth-11 Sodium Carboxylate 2.5 (22% by weight of aqueous solution) Me ilparaben 0.1 Propilparaben 0.1 Cuaternium-15 0.2 Water to 100 The . Above mentioned ingredients were mixed in the given proportions to produce a liquid cleaner.

The use of the cleanser was found to be effective in removing SCRUB CRUD® paint and grease from subjective hand cleaning tests. Any excess cleaner did not require water for the removal of hands but was simply wiped with a towel or cloth.

The cleaner left hands clean and soft, with a minimal residual odor.

Example 2 - Hand cleaning formula % by weight PPG-ln-Propyl Ether 4. 0 D-Limonene (Dipentene) 7. 0 Alcohol ethoxylate (SO 7) 4. 0 PEG-200 Glycerol Hydrogenated Palmitate and PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate (mixture) 3.0 Methyl Paraben 0.2 Propi? Paraben 0.1 Cuaternium 15 0.1 Water up to 100 The ingredients were mixed in the given proportions to produce a liquid cleaner.

The use of cleanser was found to be effective in removing SCRUB CRUD® paint and grease in the subjective hands cleaning tests. Any cleaner in excess n required water for the removal of the hands but was simply cleaned with a towel or cloth.

The cleaner left his hands impious and soft.

Example 3 - Cleaning formula containing wet cleaner Polypropylene meltblown / microfiber dual texture (1.02 oz per square yard) meltblown comprising 28% by weight of macrofibers and 725 by weight of microfibers was produced in accordance with EP-A-0573277. These were then impregnated with either the liquid cleaner of Example 1 or 2 in a ratio of 3.5 g d the cleaning formula per g of meltblowing.

When used in hand cleaning tests, there was no need to use any cloth to remove the cleaner-in excess. The use of wet cleansers was found "to be particularly effective in removing SCRUB CRUD® paint and grease from subjective hand cleaning tests. Wet cleansers left hands clean and soft, with minimal residual odor.

Example 4 - Cleaning efficiency of wet cleaner The wet cleaners of Example 3 were tested for cleaning efficiency using a Gardner washing apparatus. The various soils were applied to a 50 mm2 section that is square of a textured vinyl substrate. The soiled panels were then mechanically cleaned with the abrasive side of the wet scrubbers wrapped around a block weighing 469 grams, this weight being designed to simulate the pressure effect applied when hands are cleaned. The panels were cleaned with a fixed number of cycles depending on the particular soil under test.

The soiled areas cleaned from the vinyl substrate panels were measured using a colorometer and compared to the initial reflectance (whiteness) of the vinyl substrate prior to soiling. The final reflectance after cleaning was taken as the average of several readings. L cleaning efficiency in the proportion of reflectance compared to the initial reflectance. Typically, the test was repeated five times to obtain an average result.

The cleaning efficiency tests were repeated using a conventional liquid cleaner incorporated in a melt with identical melting, the tube cleaner the following composition: Conventional formula A: % by weight Parametadiene blend (mixture of TABS DS Terpene) 7.00 PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil 6.00 Lauryl Glycol Ether PPG- 1 -PEG- 9 6.00 Methyl Ether PPG-2 4.00 Perfume (Orange citrus fragrance) 1.20 BHT 0.462 Phenoxyethane 0.16 Methyldibromo Glutaronitrile 0.04 Aloe Barbadensis Gel 0.01 Aqua (water) 75.128 The results of the cleaning efficiency rates are given in the attached figure 1.

Example 5 - Hand Cleaner Formulas The cleaning formulas were prepared by mixing the required amounts, the ingredients shown in Table 1.

The use of cleaning formulas was found to be particularly effective in removing SCRUB CRUD®, paint and grease from subjective hand cleaning tests. Any excess cleanser did not require water for the removal of the hands but simply washed off the towel or rag.

In each case, the cleaning formula left the hand clean and soft with minimal residual odor.

Example 6 - Cleaning efficiency of wet cleaners containing the cleaning formula The dual texture fusion blowers prepared as in Example 3 were impregnated in a 3.5: 1 ratio with the cleaning formulas of Example 5. These were then tested for cleaning efficacy according to the method described in Example 4. The results of the tests appear in the attached figure 2.

Claims (26)

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

1. The use as a hand cleaner of an aqueous formula comprising: (a) from 1 to 10% by weight of a fatty acid ester or mixture of such esters; (b) from 1 to 10% by weight of at least u emulsifying surfactant; Y (c) from 75 to 99% by weight of water.

2. The use, "as and as claimed in clause 1, characterized" in that the fatty acid ester component comprises from 8 to 22 carbon atoms.

3. The use, as claimed in clause 2, characterized in that the fatty acid component d said fatty acid ester comprises from 8 to 12 carbon atoms.

4. The use, as claimed in any of clauses 1 to 3, characterized in that the fatty acid component of said fatty acid ester comprises an even number of carbon atoms.

5. The use, as claimed in any of clauses 1 to 4, characterized in that the fatty acid component of said fatty acid ester comprises straight carbon chains.

6. The use, as claimed in clause 1, characterized in that the fatty acid component of said fatty acid ester is derived from vegetable oil.

7. The use, as claimed in clause 6, characterized in that said vegetable agent is saffron oil, olive oil, coconut oil, cottonseed oil, menjaden oil, palm kernel oil, palm oil, peanut oil, soybean oil, d rapeseed oil, linseed oil, rice palm oil, pine oil, sesame oil, wheat germ oil, primrose oil or sunflower seed oil.

8. The use, as claimed in any of clauses 1 to 7, characterized in that the alcohol component of said fatty acid ester comprises monohydric alcohol having from 1 to 12 carbon atoms.

9. The use, as claimed in clause 8, characterized in that the alcohol component of said fatty acid ester comprises a monohydric alcohol having from 3 to 8 carbon atoms.

10. The use, as claimed in clause 9, characterized in that said alcohol component of said fatty acid comprises a monohydric alcohol having carbon atoms.

11. The use, as claimed in any of clauses 1 to 11, characterized in that said alcohol component of said fatty acid ester comprises saturated straight chain alcohol.

12. The use, as claimed in clause 1, characterized in that said ester component of fatty acid comprises octyl stearate, octyl octanoate, octyl laurate, octyl cocoate or mixtures thereof.

13. The use, as claimed in clause 12, characterized in that the fatty acid ester component comprises from 3 to 6% by weight of the aqueous cleaning formula.

14. The use, as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 13, characterized in that said emulsifying surfactant comprises at least one nonionic surfactant or a mixture of at least one nonionic and at least one anionic surfactant.

15. The use, as claimed in clause 14, characterized in that said non-ionic surfactant comprises pareth, steareth, ceteth or surfactants derived from ceteareth.

16. The use, as claimed in any of clauses 14 or 15, characterized in that said nonionic surfactant comprises from 3 to 6% by weight of the aqueous cleaning formula.

17. Use, as claimed in any of clauses 14 to 16, characterized in that said anionic surfactant comprises sodium laureth-11 carboxylate laureth sulfate or lauryl sulfate triethanolamine.

18. The use, as claimed in any of clauses 14 or 15, characterized in that said anionic surfactant comprises 0.5% to 3% by weight of the aqueous cleaning formula.

19. The use, as claimed in any of clauses 1 to 18, characterized in that it comprises from 80 to 85% by weight of water.

20. The use, as claimed in any of clauses 1 to 19, further characterized in that it comprises an additional organic solvent in an amount of 0.0 to 10% by weight.

21. The use, as claimed in clause 20, characterized in that said additional organic solvent comprises a glycol ether, a short-chain polyol, a lactate.

22. The use, as claimed in clause 21, characterized in that said additional organic solvent comprises propylene glycol.

^ 23. The use, as claimed, in any of clauses 1 to 21, characterized in that it comprises d-limonene or parametadienes in an amount of from 0.01 to 10% by weight.

24. An abrasive hand cleaner article comprising a substrate having at least one abrasive surface and being capable of absorbing and retaining the fluid therein, said substrate being impregnated with an aqueous cleaning formula comprising: (a) of 1 to 10% by weight of a fatty acid ester or mixture of such esters; (b) from 1 to 10% by weight of at least u. emulsifying surfactant; Y (c) from 75 to 99% by weight of water; wherein the fatty acid ester alcohol component comprises a monohydric alcohol having 8 to 1 carbon atoms.

25. An article, as claimed in clause 24, characterized in that one side of the article and abrasive and the other side is smooth.

26. An abrasive hand cleaner article which comprises a substrate having at least one abrasive surface and which is capable of absorbing and retaining the fluid therein, said substrate being impregnated with an aqueous hand cleaner formula comprising: (a) from 1 to 10% by weight of a fatty acid ester or mixture of such esters; (b) from 1 to 10% by weight of at least u emulsifying surfactant; Y (c) from 75 to 99% by weight of water; wherein the fatty acid ester alcohol component comprises a monohydric alcohol having 8 to 1 carbon atoms. SUMMARY Oil-in-water emulsions comprising one or more fatty acid esters are effective as a "waterless" cleansing in removing dirt from the skin while at the same time potentially serving to effectively moisturize the skin. An aqueous hand cleansing formula comprising (a) up to 25% by weight of a fatty acid ester or a mixture of such esters is provided; (b) at least u emulsifier surfactant; and (c) from 75 to 99% by weight of water.