Anti-perspirant Compositions with Improved Properties
Field of the Invention
5
The present invention relates to compositions of matter useful in personal care end-use
applications. More particularly, it relates to compositions of matter useful in providing
deodorant and anti-perspirant compositions.
10
Background Information
Anti-perspirant products are available in today's market in many forms, such as solid
15 sticks, soft-solid sticks, roll-ons, wipes, and aerosols. These products are normally made with an active anti-perspirant agent dispersed in a medium which in non-aqueous products is typically a
volatile silicone. Non-aqueous products have sensorial benefits vs. aqueous materials, such as
lack of wetness, reduced tackiness, and faster drying. The composition of anti-perspirants is
completed with the addition of other materials that are usually hydrophobic, especially in soft-
20 solid and solid stick products.
One drawback associated with prior art formulations is that upon their application to the
f-( skin, the hydrophobic nature of the volatile silicones and other ingredients prevents the water of
perspiration from dissolving the particles of active stringent to the extent that these particles are
coated,
25 Further, as stated in Patent 4,151,272, volatile silicones can take up to 20 hours to
volatilize.
Li addition, stains caused by prior art anti-perspirants on clothing and the like, or residue
of the products on the skin, are difficult to remove owing to their hydrophobic nature.
Further still, the presence of volatile compounds, such as silicones, increases volatile
oiganic compounds ("VOCs") in the environment. This volatility is also a negative factor in the
manufacturing of sticks, in which hot processing is required to incorporate the solidifying agents.
Thus, there exists a need for anti-perspirants and deodorants having improved properties
including no VOCs, ease of removal of stains left on cloths, ease of removal or residues left on
skin, and ease of manufacturing due to the absence of volatile materials. The present invention
provides compositions by which this is accomplished.
Summary of the Invention
In one broad respect, the present invention provides compositions useful for controlling
underarm moisture which comprise from about 0.1% to about 99.9% by weight of a first
component that comprises at least one alkylene carbonate having a structure selected from:
0
ϋ)
O
Il
/c\
R3 O O R4
wherein R1, R2 , R3 , and R4 are in each occurrence independently selected from the group
consisting of: hydrogen, and a C1 to C24 hydrocarbyl group, subject to the proviso that R3 and R4
are not simultaneously hydrogen. A composition of the invention may take the physical form of
sticks, gels, roll-ons, wipes, pump sprays, and aerosols.
In another broad respect the present invention provides compositions useful for controlling
underarm moisture which comprises at least one alkylene carbonate having the structure:
in which Ri an R2 may each be independently selected from the group consisting of any C1 to C4
alkyl group, wherein the compositions may exist in a form selected from the group consisting of:
sticks, gels, roll-ons, wipes, pump sprays, and aerosols.
Ih one embodiment the compositions of the invention comprise an effective perspiration-
inhibiting amount of an anti-perspirant active ingredient selected from the group consisting of:
zirconium compounds, aluminum compounds, zinc compounds and compounds which contain two
or more of zirconium, zinc, and aluminum. In one embodiment the compositions of the invention
comprise an alkylene carbonate present in any amount between about 12 % to about 90 % by
weight based on the total weight of said composition. In one embodiment the compositions of the invention include an anti-perspirant active ingredient, present in any amount between about 5 %
and 30 % by weight based on the total weight of said composition. According to alternate
embodiments, a composition according to the invention may further, include one or more
ingredients selected from the group consisting of: emollients, absorbents, anti-microbial agents,
perfumes, dyes, and masking agents.
Preferably, a composition according to the invention is free from silicones.
Detailed Description
The present invention provides for the replacement of volatile compounds in prior art
anti-perspirant and deodorant formulations with non-volatile alkyl carbonates and/or alkylene
carbonates. The invention is applicable to anti-perspirant, deodorant, or anti-perspirant and
deodorant compositions which exist in a physical foim selected from the group consisting of
sticks, gels, rolls-ons, wipes, pump sprays, and aerosols.
hi a broad sense, deodorants according to the prior art typically contain: a) at least one
astringent anti-perspirant compound material; b) a carrier for the active ingredient(s); and c) a
series of other ingredients required to complete the formulation, such as solidifying agent(s) in
sticks, gelling agent(s) in soft-solids, and suspending agent(s) in roll-ons. In the case of aerosols,
a propellant gas is further required. Other optional ingredients which may be included in a
formulation according to the present invention include emollients, absorbents, anti-microbials,
perfumes, and masking or coloring agents. The complete package is tailored towards delivering
a final product with the desirable sensorial properties.
The improvement of this invention comprises the replacement of volatile compounds,
preferentially volatile silicones, with one or more non-volatile alkylene carbonates having the
structure:
wherein R1, R2 , R3 , and R4 are in each occurrence independently selected from the group
consisting of: hydrogen, and a Ci to C24 hydrocarbyl group, subject to the proviso that R3 and R4
are not simultaneously hydrogen. A composition of the invention may take the physical form of
sticks, gels, roll-ons, wipes, pump sprays, and aerosols.
The alkylene carbonates and alkyl carbonatesused in this invention to replace the volatile
compounds normally used in these products, such as volatile silicones, have relatively high
boiling points around 250° C, and low vapor pressures, below about 0.03 mmHg. At first glance,
their physical properties would be expected to disqualify the alkylene carbonates as being useful
for replacing volatile compounds in personal care formulations such as antiperspirants and
deodorants, since it is well-known that non-volatile materials normally yield products which
leave tacky and non-drying residues, which render them unacceptable for such end-use
applications.
We have surprisingly found that the direct application of alkylene carbonates to the skin
results in the formation of a thin film, similar in feel to that of volatile silicones, that disappears
quickly leaving the skin soft and non-greasy. Consequently there lack of Volatility has no
negative impact on the actual application of the product.
The anti-perspirants of this invention have the added benefit that they do no emit VOCs.
For the purposes of the National Pollutant Inventory, the definition of VOC is "Any chemical
compound based on carbon chain or ring (and also containing hydrogen) with a vapour pressure
greater than 2 mmHg at 25° C, excluding methane". The vapour pressure of the alkylene
carbonates of this invention have vapour pressures below 0.03 mmHg, which is well below the 2
mmHg required by the VOC definition.
The alkylene carbonates have refractive indices on the order of about 1.42 - 1.43 range,
which makes them very valuable for delivering the active on the skin with reduced whitening.
The refractive indices of volatile silicones volatile silicones commonly employed in personal care
end-use compositions are about 1.39.
A unique property of the alkylene carbonates is their limited water solubility which
results in products having a reduced hydrophobic nature. The solubility of propylene carbonate in water is limited to 15%, and that of butylene carbonate to about 5%. This limited solubility
permits faster interaction between the water of perspiration and the active stringent. An
additional and very valuable benefit to the consumer derived from this partial solubility in water
is that stains on clothes or residues of these compositions on skin can be easily washed-off. In
addition the non- volatile nature of the carbonates makes the manufacturing of these products,
especially those requiring hot processing, a simpler and safer procedure than when volatile
compounds are used.
Incorporation of one or more alkylene carbonates into a deodorant of anti-perspirant
formulation according to the present invention may be undertaken regardless of what active
ingredients are present in the formulation. Various compounds of aluminum and zirconium are
known to be useful as active ingredients in anti-perspirants, including without limitation:
aluminum zirconium tetrachlorohydrex gly (CAS Registry Number: 057158-29-9); aluminum
chlorohydrate; aluminum zirconium; potassium alum, and other compounds of aluminum.
As used in this specification and the appended claims, the word "hydrocarbyl", when
referring to a substituent or group is used in its ordinary sense, which is well-known to those
skilled in the art. Specifically, it refers to a group having a carbon atom directly attached to the
remainder of the molecule and having predominantly hydrocarbon character. Examples of
hydrocarbyl substituents or groups include: (1) hydrocarbon substituents, that is, aliphatic (e.g.,
alkyl or alkenyl), alicyclic (e.g., cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl) substituents, and aromatic-, aliphatic-, and alicyclic-substituted aromatic substituents, as well as cyclic substituents wherein the ring is
completed through another portion of the molecule (e.g., two substituents together form an
alicyclic radical); (2) substituted hydrocarbon substituents, that is, substituents containing non-
hydrocarbon groups which, in the context of this invention, do not alter the predominantly
hydrocarbon substituent (e.g., halo (especially chloro and fluoro), hydroxy, alkoxy, mercapto,
alkylmercapto, nitro, nitroso, and sulfoxy); (3) hetero substituents, that is, substituents which,
while having a predominantly hydrocarbon character, in the context of this invention, contain
other than carbon in a ring or chain otherwise composed of carbon atoms. Heteroatoms include
sulfur, oxygen, nitrogen, and encompass substituents as pyridyl, furyl, thienyl and imidazolyl. In
general, no more than two, preferably no more than one, non-hydrocarbon sUbstituent will be
present for every ten carbon atoms in the hydrocarbyl group; typically, there will be no non-
hydrocarbon substituents in the hydrocarbyl group.
The following examples shall be construed as exemplary of the present invention, and not
delimitive thereof in any way. Unless specified otherwise, all parts and percentages are by weight.
Example 1 - Anti-perspirant Stick with Propylene Carbonate propylene carbonate 44% stearyl alcohol 16% steareth-10 14%
Al-Zr tetrachlorohydrex,gly 20% talc 6 % fragrance: q.s.
Example I was prepared mixing the first three ingredients at 75° - 800C, followed by addition of
the Al-Zr salt and talc. The formulation was poured into the appropriate containers at about 50°
C to allow solidification. No fumes and weight loss were observed during the manufacturing or filling processes.
Example II - Anti-perspirant Stick with Butylene Carbonate butylene carbonate 49% stearyl alcohol 13% hydrogenated castor oil 4%
PPG-14 butyl ether 4%
Al-Zr tetrachlorohydrex, gly 20% talc 10% fragrance q.s.
Example II was prepared mixing the first four ingredients at 75°;- 80° C, "followed by addition of
the Al-Zr salt and talc. The formulation was poured into the appropriate containers at about 50°
C to allow solidification. No fumes and no weight loss were observed during the manufacturing
or filling processes.
Examples I and II provided stick anti-perspirants having acceptable hardness and rigidity.
For comparative evaluation purposes, a commercially available premium anti-perspirant
stick was selected. It was made of Al-Zr salt as active, volatile silicone as carrier, and stearyl
alcohol and hydrogenated castor oil and solidifying agents. Talc and a dimethicone were also
part of the formulation. This was compared with an anti-perspirant made in accordance with
example II above. In terms of VOCs, the conventional stick with a nominal weight of 48 gm,
lost about 30 milligrams when left open for 40 minutes @ 25° C, whereas the stick of the
example II of the invention lost no weight. The pay-load of both products was about the same, at
0.08 g after 4 strokes on the aim of a panelist, each stroke about 10 cm long. Neither product left a visible residue. Both sticks were sensorially rated the same in non-tackiness and quick drying.
No-sweat controlled experiments were conducted using the FDA guidelines for OTC anti-
perspirant drug products. Nevertheless, the panelists that used these products for one week, one
in each underarm, noticed no significant differences in terms of sweat and/or odor control, as
these effects were excellent for both samples. The panelist did report that the formulation made
according to example II was easier to wash from the underarm as evidenced by the fact that there
was no residue whatsoever remaining after the showering process.
A clear difference was observed in the removal of the stains left by the sticks on a black
cotton shirt used by one panelist for several days. These stains appear in shirt in the underarm
region as result of product transferred by contact from the body to the shirt. The shirt, containing
stains from both sticks, was washed in a conventional washer with a conventional laundry
detergent. The stains corresponding to the deodorant stick of example II of this invention were
totally removed, whereas the stains corresponding to the commercial product were not.
To further illustrate the difference, another black shirt was stained with about 0.1 gm of
each product in a 10 cm2 area. The residue from the stick of the invention was easily removed
with a damp cloth, whereas the residue from the conventional stick iemained in the shirt even
after the shirt was washed in a washer with a laundry detergent.
Example III - anti-perspirant roll-on
propylene carbonate: 76%
Al-Zr Trichlorohydrex, gly 20% fumed silica 4% fragrance q.s.
The above composition was prepared dispersing the fumed silica in the propylene
carbonate, followed by the dispersion of the anti-perspirant powder. The fumed silica helps to
suspend the active. This composition was applied on the skin using a roll-on dispenser,
rendering a non visible residue, with very little tackiness, and quickly drying into a non-sticky
residue.
Example IV- anti-mrspirantwipe propylene carbonate 86%
Al-Zr Trichlorohydrex, gly 12% fume silica 2% fragrance ' q.s.
The above composition was prepared dispersing the fumed silica in the propylene
carbonate, followed by the dispersion of the anti-perspirant powder. In this composition the
fumed silica was reduced to 2% since only limited suspending properties are needed.
Wipes prepared with the above product glide smoothly on the skin, leaving it not tacky and
without white residue. Unwanted product on skin can be easily washed off. These wipes
remained wet if left exposed to the air, due to the non- volatility of the carbonate.
Example V, soft solid antiperspirant
Ethylehexyl carbonate 53.41
Mineral Oil 18.42
SynchroWax (C18-36) 7.37
Active 20.25
Fumed silica 0.55
TOTAL 100.00
As is well-known, the prior art is replete with many different compositions and
combinations which are purported as being useful in the control and/or deodorization of
underarm sweat-derived nuisances. The various prior art compositions, in their finished, ready-
for-use manufactured form, include sticks, gels, roll-ons, wipes, pump sprays, and aerosols.
Owing to the wide variance in the formulation of the different vehicles of delivery associated with
each of these product types, ingredients other than anti-perspiraniactive materials are often present
in such formulations and manufactures, which may include, without limitation: fatty acids, esters,
alkyl sulfates, alkanolamines, amine oxides, alkali carbonates, water, ethanol, isopropanol, pine
oil, sodium chloride, citric acid, citrates, nitriloacetic acid, sodium silicate, polymers, alcohol
alkoxylates, zeolites, alkali sulfates, hydrotropes, dyes, fragrances, preservatives, polyacrylates,
essential oils, alkali hydroxides, alkylaromatic sulfonates, ether sulfates, alkylphenol alkoxylates,
fatty acid amides, alpha olefin sulfonates, paraffin sulfonates, betaines, chelating agents,
tallowamine ethoxylates, polyetheramine ethoxylates, ethylene oxide/propylene oxide block
copolymers, alcohol ethylene oxide/propylene oxide low foam surfactants, glycols, ethers, methyl
ester sulfonates, alkyl polysaccharides, N-methyl glucamides, alkylated sulfonated diphenyl
oxide, polyethylene glycols, and other materials known to be included in deodorant and anti-
perspirant formulations.
Consideration must be given to the fact that although this invention has been described
and disclosed in relation to certain preferred embodiments, obvious equivalent modifications and
alterations thereof will become apparent to one of ordinary skill in this art upon reading and
understanding this specification and the claims appended hereto. The present disclosure includes
the subject matter defined by any combination of any one of the various claims appended hereto
with any one or more of the remaining claims, including the incorporation of the features and/or
limitations of any dependent claim, singly or in combination with features and/or limitations of
any one or more of the other dependent claims, with features and/or limitations of any one or
more of the independent claims, with the remaining dependent claims in their original text being
read and applied to any independent claim so modified. This also includes combination of the
features and/or limitations of one or more of the independent claims with the features and/or
limitations of another independent claim to arrive at a modified independent claim, with the
remaining dependent claims in their original text being read and applied to any independent
claim so modified. Accordingly, the presently disclosed invention is intended to cover all such
modifications and alterations, and is limited only by the scope of the claims which follow, in
view of the foregoing and other contents of this specification.