WO2024130110A1

WO2024130110A1 - Home care compositions

Info

Publication number: WO2024130110A1
Application number: PCT/US2023/084275
Authority: WO
Inventors: Felix PATRICIO; Henry Pena
Original assignee: Colgate-Palmolive Company
Priority date: 2022-12-16
Filing date: 2023-12-15
Publication date: 2024-06-20

Abstract

Home care compositions are disclosed herein. According to one aspect, provided is a home care composition that includes a preservative comprising an alpha hydroxy acid and/or salt thereof; and from about 1 to about 25 wt.% of a surfactant system comprising: (i) an anionic surfactant, (ii) a non-ionic surfactant, and (iii) optionally, an amphoteric surfactant; wherein the home care composition has a Micro Robustness Index value of 0.85 or greater, and all weight percentages are based on the total weight of the home care composition.

Description

HOME CARE COMPOSITIONS

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority from U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/433,071, filed December 16, 2022, the contents of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND

[0002] In recent years all-purpose light duty liquid or hard surface cleaning compositions have become widely accepted for cleaning hard surfaces, e.g., dishes, glasses, sinks, painted woodwork and panels, tiled walls, wash bowls, washable wallpaper, etc. Such all-purpose liquids comprise clear and opaque aqueous mixtures of water-soluble organic detergents and water-soluble detergent builder salts.

[0003] There is an ongoing need for improved home care products that clean, are mild to human skin, and have improved resistance to bacteria.

BRIEF SUMMARY

[0004] This summary is intended merely to introduce a simplified summary of some aspects of one or more implementations of the present disclosure. Further areas of applicability of the present disclosure will become apparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. This summary is not an extensive overview, nor is it intended to identify key or critical elements of the present teachings, nor to delineate the scope of the disclosure. Rather, its purpose is merely to present one or more concepts in simplified form as a prelude to the detailed description below.

[0005] In accordance with an aspect of the invention, provided is a home care composition having a preservative comprising alpha hydroxy acid and/or a salt thereof; and from about 1 to about 25 wt.% of a surfactant system comprising: (i) an anionic surfactant, (ii) a non-ionic surfactant, and (iii) optionally, an amphoteric surfactant, wherein the home care composition has a Micro Robustness Index value of 0.85 or greater, and all weight percentages are based on the total weight of the home care composition.

[0006] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, provided is a home care composition having a preservative system comprising a plurality of alpha hydroxy acids and/or a salts thereof; and from about 1 to about 25 wt.% of a surfactant system comprising: (i) an anionic surfactant, (ii) a non-ionic surfactant, and (iii) optionally, an amphoteric surfactant, wherein the home care composition has a Micro Robustness Index value of 0.85 or greater, and all weight percentages are based on the total weight of the home care composition.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

[0007] The features, and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following more detailed description of certain embodiments of the invention and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings in which:

[0008] FIGS. 1-3 depict bar graphs of microbial growth of bacteria within compositions prepared in accordance with aspects of the disclosure.

[0009] It should be understood that the various aspects are not limited to the compositions, arrangements, and instrumentality shown in the figures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0010] For illustrative purposes, the principles of the present invention are described by referencing various exemplary embodiments thereof. Although certain embodiments of the invention are specifically described herein, one of ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize that the same principles are equally applicable to and can be employed in other apparatuses and methods. Before explaining the disclosed embodiments of the present invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of any particular embodiment disclosed herein. The terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation.

[0011] As used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural references unless the context dictates otherwise. The singular form of any class of the ingredients refers not only to one chemical species within that class, but also to a mixture of those chemical species. The terms “a” (or “an”), “one or more” and “at least one” may be used interchangeably herein. The terms “comprising”, “including”, and “having” may be used interchangeably. The term “include” should be interpreted as “include, but are not limited to”. The term “including” should be interpreted as “including, but are not limited to”.

[0012] As used throughout, ranges are used as shorthand for describing each and every value that is within the range. Any value within the range can be selected as the terminus of the range. Thus, a range from 1-5, includes specifically 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5, as well as subranges such as 2-5, 3-5, 2-3, 2-4, 1-4, etc.

[0013] The term “about” when referring to a number means any number within a range of 10% of the number. For example, the phrase “about 2 wt.%” refers to a number between and including 1.8 wt.% and 2.2 wt.%.

[0014] All references cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties. In the event of a conflict in a definition in the present disclosure and that of a cited reference, the present disclosure controls.

[0015] The abbreviations and symbols as used herein, unless indicated otherwise, take their ordinary meaning. The abbreviation “wt.%” means percent by weight with respect to the home care composition. The symbol “°” refers to a degree, such as a temperature degree or a degree of an angle. The symbols “h”, “min”, “mL”, “nm”, and “pm” refer to hour, minute, milliliter, nanometer, and micrometer, respectively. The abbreviation “UV-VIS” referring to a spectrometer or spectroscopy, means Ultraviolet-Visible. The abbreviation “rpm” means revolutions per minute. [0016] When referring to chemical structures, and names, the symbols “C”, “H”, and “O” mean carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, respectively. The symbols

“=” and “=” mean single bond, double bond, and triple bond, respectively.

[0017] “Volatile”, as used herein, means having a flash point of less than about 100° C. “Nonvolatile”, as used herein, means having a flash point of greater than about 100° C.

[0018] Any member in a list of species that are used to exemplify or define a genus, may be mutually different from, or overlapping with, or a subset of, or equivalent to, or nearly the same as, or identical to, any other member of the list of species. Further, unless explicitly stated, such as when reciting a Markush group, the list of species that define or exemplify the genus is open, and it is given that other species may exist that define or exemplify the genus just as well as, or better than, any other species listed.

[0019] The phrases, “a mixture thereof,” “a combination thereof,” or a combination of two or more thereof” do not require that the mixture include all of A, B, C, D, E, and F (although all of A, B,

C, D, E, and F may be included). Rather, it indicates that a mixture of any two or more of A, B, C,

D, E, and F can be included. In other words, it is equivalent to the phrase “one or more elements selected from the group consisting of A, B, C, D, E, F, and a mixture of any two or more of A, B, C, D, E, and F.” Likewise, the term “a salt thereof’ also relates to “salts thereof.” Thus, where the disclosure refers to “an element selected from the group consisting of A, B, C, D, E, F, a salt thereof, and a mixture thereof,” it indicates that that one or more of A, B, C, D, and F may be included, one or more of a salt of A, a salt of B, a salt of C, a salt of D, a salt of E, and a salt of F may be included, or a mixture of any two of A, B, C, D, E, F, a salt of A, a salt of B, a salt of C, a salt of D, a salt of E, and a salt of F may be included.

[0020] All components and elements positively set forth in this disclosure can be negatively excluded from the claims. In other words, the home care compositions of the present disclosure can be free or essentially free of all components and elements positively recited throughout the present disclosure. In some instances, the home care compositions of the present disclosure may be substantially free of non-incidental amounts of the ingredient(s) or compound(s) described herein. A non-incidental amount of an ingredient or compound is the amount of that ingredient or compound that is added into the home care composition by itself. For example, a home care composition may be substantially free of a non-incidental amount of an ingredient or compound, although such ingredient(s) or compound(s) may be present as part of a raw material that is included as a blend of two or more compounds.

[0021] Some of the various categories of components identified may overlap. In such cases where overlap may exist and the home care composition includes both components (or the composition includes more than two components that overlap), an overlapping compound does not represent more than one component. For example, certain compounds may be characterized as both a pH adjuster and an alpha hydroxy acid. If a particular home care composition includes citric acid, the citric acid will serve only as either a pH adjuster or an alpha hydroxy acid — not both.

[0022] For readability purposes, the chemical functional groups are in their adjective form; for each of the adjectives, the word “group” is assumed. For example, the adjective “alkyl” without a noun thereafter, should be read as “an alkyl group.”

[0023] Aspects of the present invention relate to home care compositions and, particularly, home care compositions that provide improved preservative attributes. The home care compositions may, in many instances, provide enhanced cleaning to surfaces, are mild to human skin, and provide an enhanced reduction to bacteria and/or an enhanced inhibition to bacteria growth. In some embodiments, the home care compositions include natural or naturally derived preservatives, such as an alpha hydroxy acid (e.g., citric acid, lactic acid, and/or salts thereof), while exhibiting a Micro Robustness Index value of 0.85 or greater. For example, the home care composition may have a Micro Robustness Index value of about 0.9 or greater, about 1 or greater, about 1.2 or greater, about 1.4 or greater, about 1.6 or greater, about 1.7 or greater, about 1.75 or greater, about 1.8 or greater, about 1.85 or greater, or about 1.9 or greater.

[0024] The home care compositions preferably achieve one of the above referenced Micro Robustness Index values while being substantially free of or free of isothiazolinones and/or glutaraldehyde. For example, the amount of isothiazolinones in the home care composition may be about 3 wt.% or less, about 2 wt.% or less, about 1 wt.% or less, about 0.5 wt.% or less, about 0.1 wt.% or less, about 0.05 wt.% or less, about 0.01 wt.% or less, or about 0.001 wt.% or less, based on the total weight of the home care composition. In some embodiments, the home care composition comprises 0 wt.% of isothiazolinones, based on the total weight of the home care composition. Additionally or alternatively, the amount of glutaraldehyde in home care composition may be about 1 ppm or less, about 0.5 ppm or less, about 0.2 ppm or less, about 0.1 ppm or less, about 0.05 ppm or less, about 0.01 ppm or less, about 0.001 ppm or less, based on the total weight of the home care composition. In at least one embodiment, the home care composition comprises 0 wt.% of glutaraldehyde, based on the total weight of the home care composition.

[0025] In accordance with an aspect of the invention, the home care composition includes a preservative comprising an alpha hydroxy acid and/or a salt thereof; and from about 1 to about 25 wt.% of a surfactant system comprising: (i) an anionic surfactant, (ii) a non-ionic surfactant, and (iii) optionally, an amphoteric surfactant, wherein the home care composition has a Micro Robustness Index value of 0.85 or greater, and all weight percentages are based on the total weight of the home care composition.

[0026] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the home care composition comprises a preservative system comprising a plurality of alpha hydroxy acids and/or a salts thereof; and from about 1 to about 25 wt.% of a surfactant system comprising: (i) an anionic surfactant, (ii) a non-ionic surfactant, and (iii) optionally, an amphoteric surfactant, wherein the home care composition has a Micro Robustness Index value of 0.85 or greater, and all weight percentages are based on the total weight of the home care composition.

[0027] The home care compositions may have a pH of about 2 to about 13. In some cases, the pH of the home care composition is from about 2 to about 13, about 4 to about 13, about 6 to about 13, about 7 to about 13, about 9 to about 13, about 10 to about 13; from about 2 to about 11, about 4 to about 11 , about 6 to about 11 , about 7 to about 1 1 , about 9 to about 1 1 ; from about 2 to about 9, about 4 to about 9, about 6 to about 9, about 7 to about 9; from about 2 to about 7, about 4 to about 7, about 6 to about 7; from about 2 to about 6, about 4 to about 6, about 5 to about 6; about 2 to about 5, about 4 to about 5; from about 2 to about 4, about 2 to about 3, about 3 to about 4, or any range or subrange thereof.

[0028] Additionally or alternatively, the home care composition may have a viscosity of from about 1 to about 100,000 mPas (cps), such as from about 25 to about 50,000 mPas (cps), about 1 to about 10,000 mPas (cps), or about 1 to about 2,000 mPas (cps), at a temperature of 25°C and a spindle no. 1 or spindle no. 2 on a Brookfield device. For example, the home care composition may have a viscosity of about 1 to about 2,000 mPas (cps), about 1 to about 1,500 mPas (cps), about 1 to about 1,000 mPas (cps), about 1 to about 500 mPas (cps); from about 500 to about 2,000 mPas (cps), about 500 to about 1,500 mPas (cps), about 500 to about 1,000 mPas (cps); from about 1,000 to about 2,000 mPas (cps), about 1,000 to about 1,500 mPas (cps); or from about 1,500 to about 2,000 mPas (cps) at a temperature of 25°C and a spindle no. 1 or spindle no. 2 on a Brookfield device. The Brookfield spindle number for evaluating lower viscosities (e.g., viscosities of 1 to 1,000 cps) is typically spindle no. 2 is typically spindle no. 1, while the Brookfield spindle number for evaluating higher viscosities (e.g., viscosities of 1,001 to 2,000 cps) is typically spindle no. 2. [0029] The home care compositions may be in the form of soaps, surface cleaners (e.g., allpurpose surface cleaners), dish detergents, dishwasher detergents, clothing detergents, hand soaps, window cleaners, and the like. The home care compositions may, in some cases, have an emulsion, such as an oil-in-water or water-in-oil emulsion. Suitable components, such as those listed below, may be included or excluded from the formulations for the home care compositions depending on the specific combination of other components, the form of the home care compositions, and/or the use of the formulation (e.g., to clean hardwood surfaces, tile surfaces, granite surfaces, window glass, pots and pans, dishes, etc.).

[0030] The home care compositions include a preservative and/or a preservative system comprising one or more alpha hydroxy acid(s) and/or salts thereof. The alpha hydroxy acid(s), such as those disclosed herein, may be in the form of a salt. The salt of the alpha-hydroxy acid may be a sodium salt or a potassium salt. Non-limiting examples of alpha hydroxy acids include but are not limited to, levulinic acid, mandelic acid, glycolic acid, citric acid, lactic acid, malic acid, tartaric acid, phytic acid, hydroxycaprylic acid, hydroxycapric acid, glutaric acid, gluconic acid, or a combination of two or more thereof. The alpha hydroxy acid and/or a salt thereof may comprise citric acid, lactic acid, glycolic acid, malic acid, tartaric acid, levulinic acid, a salt thereof, or a combination of two or more thereof. Preferably, the alpha hydroxy acid and/or a salt thereof is selected from citric acid, lactic acid, levulinic acid, a salt thereof, and a combination of two or more thereof. In some instances, the preservative system comprises lactic acid and optionally another alpha hydroxy acid and/or salt thereof, such as citric acid.

[0031] Preferably, the preservative system comprises a plurality of alpha hydroxy acids and/or salts thereof. For example, the preservative system may comprise 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, or any range thereof, of alpha hydroxy acids. The home care composition may include from 2 to 5, 2 to 4, 2 or 3; from 3 to 5, 3 or 4, or 4 or 5 alpha hydroxy acids in some cases. The plurality of alpha hydroxy acids may comprise or consist of levulinic acid, mandelic acid, glycolic acid, citric acid, lactic acid, malic acid, tartaric acid, phytic acid, hydroxycaprylic acid, hydroxycapric acid, glutaric acid, gluconic acid, or a combination of two or more thereof. Preferably, two or more of the plurality of alpha hydroxy acids are selected from citric acid, lactic acid, glycolic acid, malic acid tartaric acid, levulinic acid, a salt thereof, and a combination of two or more thereof. In some embodiments, at least one of the plurality of alpha hydroxy acids comprises lactic acid and/or a salt thereof. Additionally or alternatively, at least one of the plurality of alpha hydroxy acids may be citric acid and/or a salt thereof. The plurality of alpha hydroxy acids may comprise levulinic acid and/or a salt thereof in some cases.

[0032] In some preferred embodiments, the preservative system comprises lactic acid and/or a salt thereof and citric acid and/or a salt thereof. The preservative system may comprise lactic acid and/or a salt thereof and citric acid and/or a salt thereof, wherein the amount of lactic acid and/or a salt thereof is, preferably, from about 0.01 to about 1 wt.% about 0.01 to about 0.8 wt.%, about 0.01 to about 0.6 wt.%, about 0.01 to about 0.5 wt.%, about 0.01 to about 0.4 wt.%; from about 0.05 to about 1 wt.%, about 0.05 to about 0.8 wt.%, about 0.05 to about 0.6 wt.%, about 0.05 to about 0.5 wt.%, about 0.05 to about 0.4 wt.%; from about 0.1 to about 1 wt.% about 0.1 to about 0.8 wt.%, about 0.1 to about 0.6 wt.%, about 0.1 to about 0.5 wt.%, about 0.1 to about 0.4 wt.%; from about 0.2 to about 1 wt.% about 0.2 to about 0.8 wt.%, about 0.2 to about 0.6 wt.%, about 0.2 to about 0.5 wt.%; from about 0.3 to about 1 wt.% about 0.3 to about 0.8 wt.%, about 0.3 to about 0.6 wt.%, about 0.3 to about 0.5 wt.%, including any range or subrange thereof, or any range disclosed below with reference to the amount of alpha hydroxy acid(s) and/or a salt(s), based on the total weight of the home care composition. Additionally or alternatively, the amount of citric acid and/or a salt thereof may be from about 0.05 to about 1 wt.%, about 0.05 to about 0.8 wt.%, about 0.05 to about 0.6 wt.%, about 0.05 to about 0.5 wt.%, about 0.05 to about 0.4 wt.%; from about 0.1 to about 1 wt.% about 0.1 to about 0.8 wt.%, about 0.1 to about 0.6 wt.%, about 0.1 to about 0.5 wt.%, about 0.1 to about 0.4 wt.%; from about 0.2 to about 1 wt.% about 0.2 to about 0.8 wt.%, about 0.2 to about 0.6 wt.%, about 0.2 to about 0.5 wt.%; from about 0.3 to about 1 wt.% about 0.3 to about 0.8 wt.%, about 0.3 to about 0.6 wt.%, about 0.3 to about 0.5 wt.%, from about 0.4 to about 1 wt.% about 0.4 to about 0.8 wt.%, about 0.4 to about 0.6 wt.%; from about 0.5 to about 1 wt.% about 0.5 to about 0.8 wt.%, about 0.5 to about 0.6 wt.%, about 0.5 to about 0.5 wt.%, including any range or subrange thereof, or any range disclosed below with reference to the amount of alpha hydroxy acid(s) and/or a salt(s), based on the total weight of the home care composition.

[0033] The home care compositions may be formulated to comprise lactic acid and/or a salt thereof and citric acid and/or a salt thereof in a weight ratio from about 3:1 to about 1:5. In some embodiments, the home care compositions have a weight ratio of lactic acid and/or a salt thereof to citric acid and/or a salt thereof of from about 3:1 to about 1:5, about 3:1 to about 1:4, about 3:1 to about 1:3, about 3:1 to about 1:2, about 3: 1 to about 1:1; from about 2:1 to about 1:5, about 2:1 to about 1:4, about 2:1 to about 1:3, about 2:1 to about 1:2, about 2:1 to about 1:1; from about 1:1 to about 1:5, about 1:1 to about 1:4, about 1:1 to about 1:3, about 1:1 to about 1:2, about 1:1, or any range or subrange thereof.

[0034] The alpha hydroxy acid(s) and/or a salt(s) thereof may be present in the home care composition in an amount of from about 0.01 to about 15 wt.%, based on the total weight of the home care composition. In some embodiments, the total amount of alpha hydroxy acid(s) and/or a salt(s) thereof present in the home care composition is from about 0.01 to about 10 wt.%, about 0.01 to about 8 wt.%, about 0.01 to about 6 wt.%, about 0.01 to about 4 wt.%, about 0.01 to about 3 wt.%, about 0.01 to about 2 wt.%, about 0.01 to about 1 wt.% about 0.01 to about 0.8 wt.%, about 0.01 to about 0.6 wt.%, about 0.01 to about 0.5 wt.%, about 0.01 to about 0.4 wt.%; from about 0.05 to about 10 wt.%, about 0.05 to about 8 wt.%, about 0.05 to about 6 wt.%, about 0.05 to 4 wt.%, about 0.05 to about 3 wt.%, about 0.05 to about 2 wt.%, about 0.05 to about 1 wt.%, about 0.05 to about 0.8 wt.%, about 0.05 to about 0.6 wt.%, about 0.05 to about 0.5 wt.%, about 0.05 to about 0.4 wt.%; from about 0.1 to about 15 wt.%, about 0.1 to about 10 wt.%, about 0.1 to about 8 wt.%, about 0.1 to about 6 wt.%, about 0.1 to about 4 wt.%, about 0.1 to about 3 wt.%, about 0.1 to about 2 wt.%, about 0.1 to about 1 wt.% about 0.1 to about 0.8 wt.%, about 0.1 to about 0.6 wt.%, about 0.1 to about 0.5 wt.%, about 0.1 to about 0.4 wt.%; from about 0.3 to about 15 wt.%, about 0.3 to about 10 wt.%, about 0.3 to about 8 wt.%, about 0.3 to about 6 wt.%, about 0.3 to about 4 wt.%, about 0.3 to about 3 wt.%, about 0.3 to about 2 wt.%, about 0.3 to about 1 wt.% about 0.3 to about 0.8 wt.%, about 0.3 to about 0.6 wt.%, about 0.3 to about 0.5 wt.%; from about 0.5 to about 15 wt.%, about 0.5 to about 10 wt.%, about 0.5 to about 8 wt.%, about 0.5 to about 6 wt.%, about 0.5 to about 4 wt.%, about 0.5 to about 3 wt.%, about 0.5 to about 2 wt.%, about 0.5 to about 1 wt.%, about 0.5 to about 0.8 wt.%; from about 1 to about 15 wt.%, about 1 to about 10 wt.%, about 1 to about 8 wt.%, about 1 to about 6 wt.%, about 1 to about 4 wt.%, about 1 to about 3 wt.%, about 1 to about 2 wt.%; from about 2 to about 15 wt.%, about 2 to about 10 wt.%, about 2 to about 8 wt.%, about 2 to about 6 wt.%, about 2 to about 4 wt.%, about 2 to about 3 wt.%; from about 3 to about 15 wt.%, about 3 to about 10 wt.%, about 3 to about 8 wt.%, about 3 to about 6 wt.%, about 3 to about 4 wt.%; from about 5 to about 15 wt.%, about 5 to about 10 wt.%, about 5 to about 8 wt.%; from about 7.5 to about 15 wt.%, about 7.5 to about 10 wt.%; or from about 10 to about 15 wt.%, including ranges and subranges thereof, based on the total weight of the home care composition.

[0035] One or more preservatives other than alpha hydroxy acid and/or a salt thereof may be incorporated into the home care composition. Non-limiting examples of preservatives other than alpha hydroxy acid(s) and/or salt(s) thereof that may be incorporated into the home care composition include, but are not limited to, ethylhexylglycerin, phenoxyethanol, benzyl alcohol, parabens (such as, methylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben, isobutylparaben, etc.), sodium benzoate, ethylenediamine-tetraacetic acid (EDTA), disodium EDTA, potassium sorbate, and/or grapefruit seed extract, or combinations thereof. More than one preservative may be included in the composition. Other preservatives include salicylic acid, DMDM hydantoin, formaldahyde, chlorphenism, triclosan, imidazolidinyl urea, diazolidinyl urea, sorbic acid, methylisothiazolinone, sodium dehydroacetate, dehydroacetic acid, Quaternium-15, stearalkonium chloride, zinc pyrithione, sodium metabisulfite, 2-bromo-2-nitropropane, chlorhexidine digluconate, polyaminopropyl biguanide, benzalkonium chloride, sodium sulfite, sodium salicylate, neem oil, essential oils (various), and Vitamin E (tocopherol). In one instance, the cosmetic composition has a plurality of preservatives including or chosen from disodium EDTA, phenoxyethanol, ethylhexylglycerin, tocopheryl acetate, and/or a mixture thereof.

[0036] The one or more preservatives other than alpha hydroxy acid and/or a salt thereof may be present in an amount from about 0.01 to about 6 wt.%, about 0.01 to about 4 wt.%, about 0.01 to about 3 wt.%, about 0.01 to about 2 wt.%, about 0.01 to about 1 wt.% about 0.01 to about 0.8 wt.%, about 0.01 to about 0.6 wt.%, about 0.01 to about 0.5 wt.%, about 0.01 to about 0.4 wt.%; from about 0.05 to about 6 wt.%, about 0.05 to 4 wt.%, about 0.05 to about 3 wt.%, about 0.05 to about 2 wt.%, about 0.05 to about 1 wt.%, about 0.05 to about 0.8 wt.%, about 0.05 to about 0.6 wt.%, about 0.05 to about 0.5 wt.%, about 0.05 to about 0.4 wt.%; from about 0.1 to about 6 wt.%, about 0.1 to about 4 wt.%, about 0.1 to about 3 wt.%, about 0.1 to about 2 wt.%, about 0.1 to about 1 wt.% about 0.1 to about 0.8 wt.%, about 0.1 to about 0.6 wt.%, about 0.1 to about 0.5 wt.%, about 0.1 to about 0.4 wt.%; from about 0.3 to about 6 wt.%, about 0.3 to about 4 wt.%, about 0.3 to about 3 wt.%, about 0.3 to about 2 wt.%, about 0.3 to about 1 wt.% about 0.3 to about 0.8 wt.%, about 0.3 to about 0.6 wt.%, about 0.3 to about 0.5 wt.%; from about 0.5 to about 6 wt.%, about 0.5 to about 4 wt.%, about 0.5 to about 3 wt.%, about 0.5 to about 2 wt.%, about 0.5 to about 1 wt.%, about 0.5 to about 0.8 wt.%; from about 1 to about 6 wt.%, about 1 to about 4 wt.%, about 1 to about 3 wt.%, about 1 to about 2 wt.%; from about 2 to about 6 wt.%, about 2 to about 4 wt.%, about 2 to about 3 wt.%, including ranges and subranges thereof, based on the total weight of the home care composition.

[0037] The surfactant systems disclosed herein typically comprise two or more surfactants selected from anionic surfactants, nonionic surfactants, amphoteric surfactants, zwitterionic surfactants, and combinations of two or more thereof. For instance, the surfactant system may include two or more surfactants, with the two or more surfactants being chosen from different categories of anionic surfactants, nonionic surfactants, amphoteric surfactants, and zwitterionic surfactants. The home care composition may include from 2 to 5, 2 to 4, 2 or 3; from 3 to 5, 3 or 4, or 4 or 5 surfactants in some cases.

[0038] The home care compositions may include one or more anionic surfactant(s) in an amount of, e.g., from about 0.5 to about 20 wt.%, based on the total weight of the home care composition. In some embodiments, the amount of anionic surfactant present in the home care composition is from about 0.5 to about 20 wt.%, about 0.5 to about 15 wt.%, about 0.5 to about 10 wt.%, about 0.5 to about 8 wt.%, about 0.5 to about 6 wt.%, about 0.5 to about 5 wt.%, about 0.5 to about 4 wt.%, about 0.5 to about 3 wt.%, about 0.5 to about 2 wt.%; about 1 to about 20 wt.%, about 1 to about 15 wt.%, about 1 to about 10 wt.%, about 1 to about 8 wt.%, about 1 to about 6 wt.%, about 1 to about 5 wt.%, about 1 to about 4 wt.%, about 1 to about 3 wt.%, about 1 to about 2 wt.%; about 1.5 to about 20 wt.%, about 1.5 to about 15 wt.%, about 1.5 to about 10 wt.%, about 1.5 to about 8 wt.%, about 1.5 to about 6 wt.%, about 1.5 to about 5 wt.%, about 1.5 to about 4 wt.%, about 1.5 to about 3 wt.%, about 1.5 to about 2 wt.%; about 2 to about 20 wt.%, about 2 to about 15 wt.%, about 2 to about 10 wt.%, about 2 to about 8 wt.%, about 2 to about 6 wt.%, about 2 to about 5 wt.%, about 2 to about 4 wt.%; about 4 to about 20 wt.%, about 4 to about 15 wt.%, about 4 to about 10 wt.%, about 4 to about 8 wt.%, about 4 to about 6 wt.%; about 6 to about 20 wt.%, about 6 to about 15 wt.%, about 6 to about 10 wt.%, about 6 to about 8 wt.%, including all ranges and subranges thereof, based on the total weight of the home care composition.

[0039] Anionic surfactants that may be useful herein include water-soluble salts of alkyl sulfates and alkyl ether sulfates having from 8 to 20 carbon atoms in the alkyl group (e.g., sodium alkyl sulfate) and the water-soluble salts of sulfonated monoglycerides of fatty acids having from 8 to 20 carbon atoms. Sodium laurel ether sulfate (SLES), sodium lauryl sulfate, and sodium coconut monoglyceride sulfonates are examples of anionic surfactants of this type. Other suitable anionic surfactants include sarcosinates, such as sodium lauroyl sarcosinate, laurates, sodium lauryl sulfoacetate, sodium lauroyl isethionate, sodium laureth carboxylate, and sodium dodecyl benzenesulfonate. In one embodiment, the anionic surfactant comprises sodium laureth sulfate, sodium lauryl ether sulfate, sodium pareth sulfate, or a combination of two or more thereof.

[0040] In one embodiment, the home care composition includes sodium lauryl ether sulfate. The sodium lauryl ether sulfate may have an average ethoxylation of about 1 to about 5 mole per mole of lauryl ether sulfate group. In some instances, the average ethoxylation of the sodium lauryl ether sulfate is about 1 to about 4, about 1 to about 3, about 1 to about 2, or about 1 mole per mole of lauryl ether sulfate group.

[0041] Mixtures of anionic surfactants can also be employed. For instance, a variety of anionic surfactants can be utilized in the home care composition including, for example, anionic surfactants having a long chain (C6-C22) alkyl group, such as long chain alkyl sulfates, long chain alkyl sulfonates, long chain alkyl phosphates, long chain alkyl ether sulfates, long chain alkyl alpha olefin sulfonates, long chain alkyl taurates, long chain alkyl isethionates, long chain alkyl glyceryl ether sulfonates, sulfosuccinates and the like. These anionic surfactants can be alkoxylated, for example, ethoxylated, although alkoxylation is not required. These surfactants are typically highly water soluble as their sodium, potassium, alkyl and ammonium or alkanol ammonium containing salt form and can provide high foaming cleansing power. Other equivalent anionic surfactants may be used in some cases.

[0042] The home care compositions may include one or more nonionic surfactant(s) in an amount that typically ranges from about 0.1 to about 10 wt.%, based on the total weight of the home care composition. For instance, the home care composition may include one or more nonionic surfactant(s) in an amount of from about 0.1 to about 10 wt.%, about 0.1 to about 8 wt.%, 0.1 to about 6 wt.%, about 0.1 to about 5 wt.%, about 0.1 to about 4 wt.%, about 0.1 to about 3 wt.%, about 0.1 to about 2 wt.%, about 0.1 to about 1 wt.%; about 0.5 to about 10 wt.%, about 0.5 to about 8 wt.%, about 0.5 to about 6 wt.%, about 0.5 to about 5 wt.%, about 0.5 to about 4 wt.%, about 0.5 to about 3 wt.%, about 0.5 to about 2 wt.%, about 0.5 to about 1 wt.%; about 0.75 to about 10 wt.%, about 0.75 to about 8 wt.%, about 0.75 to about 6 wt.%, about 0.75 to about 5 wt.%, about 0.75 to about 4 wt.%, about 0.75 to about 3 wt.%, about 0.75 to about 2 wt.%, about 0.75 to about 1 wt.%; about 1 to about 10 wt.%, about 1 to about 8 wt.%, about 1 to about 6 wt.%, about 1 to about 5 wt.%, about 1 to about 4 wt.%, about 1 to about 3 wt.%, about 1 to about 2 wt.%; about 2 to about 10 wt.%, about 2 to about 8 wt.%, about 2 to about 6 wt.%, about 2 to about 5 wt.%, about 2 to about 4 wt.%; about 4 to about 10 wt.%, about 4 to about 8 wt.%, about 4 to about 6 wt.%; about 6 to about 10 wt.%, or about 6 to about 8 wt.%, including ranges and subranges thereof, based on the total weight of the home care composition.

[0043] The nonionic surfactant may be selected from an alkanolamide, a glucoside, a fatty amine, a polyether, and a combination of two more thereof. For instance, the home care composition may include a glucoside selected from arachidyl glucoside, C12-20 alkyl glucoside, caprylyl/capryl glucoside, cetearyl glucoside, coco-glucoside, lauryl glucoside, decyl glucoside, or a combination of two more thereof. In some instances, the nonionic surfactant is selected from decyl glucoside, PEG- 120 methyl glucose dioleate, coco monoethanolamide, brassica amido propyl dimethyl amine, and a combination of two more thereof. In further instances, the nonionic surfactant comprises two or more of decyl glucoside, PEG- 120 methyl glucose dioleate, coco monoethanolamide, and/or brassica amido propyl dimethyl amine.

[0044] Examples of nonionic surfactants that may, in some cases, be suitably incorporated into the home care composition include alkylphenols and esters of fatty acids, optionally being ethoxylated, propoxylated, or glycerolated and having at least one fatty chain comprising, e.g., from 8 to 18 carbon atoms, it being possible for the number of ethylene oxide or propylene oxide groups to range from 2 to 50, and for the number of glycerol groups to range from 1 to 30. Maltose derivatives are also worth mentioning. Additional examples of nonionic surfactants include those made of copolymers of ethylene oxide and/or of propylene oxide; condensates of ethylene oxide and/or of propylene oxide with fatty alcohols; polyethoxylated fatty amides comprising, e.g., from 2 to 30 mole of ethylene oxide; polyglycerolated fatty amides comprising, e.g., from 1.5 to 5 glycerol groups, such as from 1.5 to 4; ethoxylated fatty acid esters of sorbitan comprising from 2 to 30 mole of ethylene oxide; ethoxylated oils from plant origin; fatty acid esters of sucrose; fatty acid esters of polyethylene glycol; N-(C6-C24)alkylglucamine derivatives, amine oxides such as (Cio-C 14) alkylamine oxides or N-(Cio-Ci4)acylaminopropylmorpholine oxides; and a combination of two or more thereof.

[0045] The nonionic surfactants may, additionally or alternatively, be chosen from those broadly defined as compounds produced by the condensation of alkylene oxide groups (hydrophilic in nature) with an organic hydrophobic compound which may be aliphatic or alkyl-aromatic in nature. Other examples of suitable nonionic surfactants include but are not limited to monoethanol amides, for example, alkyl monoethanolamides, such as cocomonoethanolamide, lauramide monoethanolamide, and the like. Further examples of nonionic surfactants include poloxamers, polyoxyethylene, polyoxyethylene sorbitan esters, hydrogenated castor oil, fatty alcohol ethoxylates, polyethylene oxide condensates of alkyl phenols, products derived from the condensation of ethylene oxide with the reaction product of propylene oxide and ethylene diamine, ethylene oxide condensates of aliphatic alcohols, alkyl polyglycosides (e.g., fatty alcohol ethers of polyglycosides, such as fatty alcohol ethers of polyglucosides having decyl, lauryl, capryl, caprylyl, myristyl, stearyl groups; other ethers of glucose; and polyglucoside polymers, including mixed ethers such as capryl /caprylyl glucoside, coco glucoside, and lauryl glucoside), long chain tertiary amine oxides, long chain tertiary phosphine oxides, long chain dialkyl sulfoxides, and mixtures of two or more thereof.

[0046] Additional examples of nonionic surfactants include polysorbate 20, long chain alkyl glucosides having C8-C22 alkyl groups; coconut fatty acid monoethanolamides, such as cocamide MEA; coconut fatty acid diethanolamides; fatty alcohol ethoxylates (alkylpolyethylene glycols); alkylphenol polyethylene glycols; alkyl mercaptan polyethylene glycols; fatty amine ethoxylates (alkylaminopolyethylene glycols); fatty acid ethoxylates (acylpolyethylene glycols); polypropylene glycol ethoxylates; fatty acid alkylolamides, (fatty acid amide polyethylene glycols); N-alkyl-, N-alkoxypolyhydroxy fatty acid amides; sucrose esters; sorbitol esters; polyglycol ethers; and combinations of two or more thereof.

[0047] The home care compositions may include one or more amphoteric surfactant(s). The amount of amphoteric surfactants present in the home care composition may be from about 0.1 to about 10 wt.%, based on the total weight of the home care composition. For example, the home care composition may include one or more amphoteric surfactant(s) in an amount of from about 0.1 to about 10 wt.%, about 0.1 to about 8 wt.%, 0.1 to about 6 wt.%, about 0.1 to about 5 wt.%, about 0.1 to about 4 wt.%, about 0.1 to about 3 wt.%, about 0.1 to about 2 wt.%, about 0.1 to about 1 wt.%; about 0.5 to about 10 wt.%, about 0.5 to about 8 wt.%, about 0.5 to about 6 wt.%, about 0.5 to about 5 wt.%, about 0.5 to about 4 wt.%, about 0.5 to about 3 wt.%, about 0.5 to about 2 wt.%, about 0.5 to about 1 wt.%; about 0.75 to about 10 wt.%, about 0.75 to about 8 wt.%, about 0.75 to about 6 wt.%, about 0.75 to about 5 wt.%, about 0.75 to about 4 wt.%, about 0.75 to about 3 wt.%, about 0.75 to about 2 wt.%, about 0.75 to about 1 wt.%; about 1 to about 10 wt.%, about 1 to about 8 wt.%, about 1 to about 6 wt.%, about 1 to about 5 wt.%, about 1 to about 4 wt.%, about 1 to about 3 wt.%, about 1 to about 2 wt.%; about 2 to about 10 wt.%, about 2 to about 8 wt.%, about 2 to about 6 wt.%, about 2 to about 5 wt.%, about 2 to about 4 wt.%; about 4 to about 10 wt.%, about 4 to about 8 wt.%, about 4 to about 6 wt.%; about 6 to about 10 wt.%, or about 6 to about 8 wt.%, including ranges and subranges thereof, based on the total weight of the home care composition.

[0048] Amphoteric surfactants are typically characterized by a combination of high surfactant activity, lather forming and mildness. The amphoteric surfactant may comprise a substituent containing 8 to 18 carbon atoms and a substituent containing one or more carboxylate, sulfonate, sulfate, phosphate, or phosphonate. The amphoteric surfactant(s) may include, but are not limited to, derivatives of aliphatic secondary and tertiary amines in which the aliphatic radical can be straight chain or branched and wherein one of the aliphatic substituents contains about 8 to about 18 carbon atoms and one contains an anionic water solubilizing group, e.g., carboxy, sulfonate, sulfate, phosphate, or phosphonate. Examples of such compounds include sodium 3- dodecyaminopropionate, sodium 3-dodecylaminopropane sulfonate, N-alkyl taurines and N- higher alkyl aspartic acids. Other equivalent amphoteric surfactants may be used in some cases. [0049] Additional examples of amphoteric surfactants include, but are not limited to, a range of betaines including, e.g., high alkyl betaines, such as coco dimethyl carboxymethyl betaine, lauryl dimethyl carboxy-methyl betaine, lauryl dimethyl alpha-carboxycthyl betaine, cetyl dimethyl carboxymethyl betaine, lauryl bis-(2-hydroxyethyl)carboxy methyl betaine, stearyl bis-(2- hydroxypropyl)carboxymethyl betaine, oleyl dimethyl gamma-carboxypropyl betaine, and lauryl bis-(2-hydroxypropyl)alpha-carboxyethyl betaine, sulfobetaines (such as coco dimethyl sulfopropyl betaine), stearyl dimethyl sulfopropyl betaine, amido betaines, amidosulfobetaines and the like. Betaines having a long chain alkyl group, particularly coco, may be useful as are those that include an amido group, such as the cocamidopropyl and cocoamidoethyl betaines. In at least one embodiment, the betaine surfactant is selected from cocamidopropyl betaine, lauryl dimethyl betaine, cetyl dimethyl betaine, and cocoamphodiacetate, and a combination of two or more thereof.

[0050] Mixtures of amphoteric surfactants can also be employed. Further examples of suitable amphoteric surfactants include sultaines, also known as sulfobetaines, and hydroxy sultaines, such as cocamidopropyl hydroxy sul tain. Additional amphoteric surfactants and nonionic surfactants can be found in U.S. Pat. No. 4,051,234, which is incorporated herein in its entirety for all purposes.

[0051] Cationic surfactants can, optionally, be included in the home care composition. The cationic surfactant, when present, is typically included in the home care composition in an amount of from about 0.1 to about 10 wt.%, about 0.1 to about 8 wt.%, 0.1 to about 6 wt.%, about 0.1 to about 5 wt.%, about 0.1 to about 4 wt.%, about 0.1 to about 3 wt.%, about 0.1 to about 2 wt.%, about 0.1 to about 1 wt.%; from about 0.5 to about 10 wt.%, about 0.5 to about 8 wt.%, about 0.5 to about 6 wt.%, about 0.5 to about 5 wt.%, about 0.5 to about 4 wt.%, about 0.5 to about 3 wt.%, about 0.5 to about 2 wt.%, about 0.5 to about 1 wt.%; from about 0.75 to about 10 wt.%, about 0.75 to about 8 wt.%, about 0.75 to about 6 wt.%, about 0.75 to about 5 wt.%, about 0.75 to about 4 wt.%, about 0.75 to about 3 wt.%, about 0.75 to about 2 wt.%, about 0.75 to about 1 wt.%; from about 1 to about 10 wt.%, about 1 to about 8 wt.%, about 1 to about 6 wt.%, about 1 to about 5 wt.%, about 1 to about 4 wt.%, about 1 to about 3 wt.%, about 1 to about 2 wt.%; about 2 to about 10 wt.%, about 2 to about 8 wt.%, about 2 to about 6 wt.%, about 2 to about 5 wt.%, about 2 to about 4 wt.%; from about 4 to about 10 wt.%, about 4 to about 8 wt.%, about 4 to about 6 wt.%; from about 6 to about 10 wt.%, or about 6 to about 8 wt.%, including ranges and subranges thereof, based on the total weight of the home care composition. [0052] The term “cationic surfactant” means a surfactant that may be positively charged when it is contained in the home care compositions according to the disclosure. This surfactant may bear one or more positive permanent charges or may contain one or more functional groups that are cationizable in the home care composition according to the disclosure.

[0053] The one or more cationic surfactants, if present, may include or be chosen from quaternary ammonium compounds, amidoamines, or a mixture of two or more thereof. Examples of cationic surfactants that may be suitable for the home care composition may be chosen from cetrimonium chloride, steartrimonium chloride, behentrimonium chloride, behentrimonium methosulfate, behenamidopropyltrimonium methosulfate, stearamidopropyltrimonium chloride, arachidtrimonium chloride, distearyldimonium chloride, dicetyldimonium chloride, tricetylmonium chloride, oleamidopropyl dimethylamine, linoleamidopropyl dimethylamine, isostearamidopropyl dimethylamine, oleyl hydroxyethyl imidazoline, stearamidopropyldimethylamine, behenamidopropyldimethylamine, behenamidopropyldiethylamine, behenamidoethyldiethyl-amine, behenamidoethyldimethylamine, arachidamidopropyldimethylamine, arachidamido- propyidiethylamine, arachidamidoethyidiethylamine, arachidamidoethyidimethylamine, and a combination of two or more thereof.

[0054] Additional, non-limiting examples of cationic surfactants include: cetyl trimethyl ammonium chloride available, stearyl trimethyl ammonium chloride, hydrogenated tallow alkyl trimethyl ammonium chloride, stearyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride, stearyl propyleneglycol phosphate dimethyl ammonium chloride, stearoyl amidopropyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride, stearoyl amidopropyl dimethyl (myristylacetate) ammonium chloride, and N-(stearoyl colamino formyl methy) pyridinium chloride.

[0055] Hydrophilically substituted cationic surfactants in which at least one of the substituents contain one or more aromatic, ether, ester, amido, or amino moieties present as substituents or as linkages in the chain may also be in the home care composition. Non-limiting examples of hydrophilically substituted cationic surfactants that may be useful in the home care compositions include the materials having the following INCI designations: quaternium-16, quatemium-26, quatemium-27, quaternium-30, quaternium-33, quatemium-43, quaternium-52, quaternium-53, quatemium-56, quaternium-60, quaternium-61, quatemium-62, quaternium-70, quaternium-71, quatemium-72, quaternium-75, quaternium-76 hydrolyzed collagen, quaternium-77, quatemium- 78, quatemium-79 hydrolyzed collagen, quaternium-79 hydrolyzed keratin, quatemium-79 hydrolyzed milk protein, quatcrnium-79 hydrolyzed silk, quatcrnium-79 hydrolyzed soy protein, and quaternium-79 hydrolyzed wheat protein, quaternium-80, quaternium-81, quatemium-82, quatemium-83, quaternium-84, or a combination of two or more thereof.

[0056] In certain instances, the cationic surfactant is selected from cetrimonium chloride, stearimonium chloride, behentrimonium chloride, behentrimonium methosulfate, behenamidopropyltrimonium methosulfate, stearamidopropyltrimonium chloride, arachidtrimonium chloride, distearyldimonium chloride, dicetyldimonium chloride, tricetylmonium chloride, oleamidopropyl dimethylamine, linoleamidopropyl dimethylamine, isostearamidopropyl dimethylamine, oleyl hydroxyethyl imidazoline, stearamidopropyldimethylamine, behenamidopropyldimethylamine, behenamidopropyldiethylamine, behenamidoethyldiethyl- amine, behenamidoethyldimethylamine, arachidamidopropyldimethylamine, arachidamido- propyidiethylamine, arachidamidoethyidiethylamine, arachidamidoethyidimethylamine, and a combination of two or more thereof. In some cases, the cationic surfactant is selected from cetrimonium chloride, behentrimonium chloride, and a combination of two or more thereof.

[0057] In some cases, the home care compositions may include one or more base(s). The one or more base(s), if present in the home care compositions, are typically in an amount of from about 0.01 to about 5 wt.%, based on the total weight of the home care composition. For example, the home care composition may include one or more base(s) in amount of from about 0.01 to about 3 wt.%, 0.01 to about 2 wt.%, about 0.01 to about 1.5 wt.%, about 0.01 to about 1 wt.%, about 0.01 to about 0.5 wt.%; from about 0.05 to about 5 wt.%, about 0.05 to about 3 wt.%, about 0.05 to about 2 wt.%, about 0.05 to about 1.5 wt.%, about 0.05 to about 1 wt.%, about 0.05 to about 0.5 wt.%; from about 0.1 to about 5 wt.%, about 0.1 to about 3 wt.%, about 0.1 to about 2 wt.%, about 0.1 to about 1.5 wt.%, about 0.1 to about 1 wt.%, about 0.1 to about 0.5 wt.%; from about 0.5 to about 5 wt.%, about 0.5 to about 3 wt.%, about 0.5 to about 2 wt.%, about 0.5 to about 1.5 wt.%, about 0.5 to about 1 wt.%; from about 0.75 to about 5 wt.%, about 0.75 to about 3 wt.%, about 0.75 to about 2 wt.%, about 0.75 to about 1.5 wt.%, about 0.75 to about 1 wt.%; from about 1 to about 5 wt.%, about 1 to about 3 wt.%, about 1 to about 2 wt.%; from about 2 to about 5 wt.%, about 2 to about 4 wt.%, or about 2 to about 3 wt.%, including ranges and subranges thereof, based on the total weight of the home care composition. [0058] The one or more base(s) comprise or be selected from caustic soda, sodium hydroxide, triethanolamine, and a combination thereof. Other examples of bases include potassium hydroxide, lye, metal hydroxide, metal hydroxide, and the like. In at least one embodiment, the home care composition comprises caustic soda.

[0059] The home care compositions may comprise one or more fatty acid(s) and/or neutralized derivatives thereof. The amount of fatty acid and/or neutralized derivatives thereof present in the home care composition may be from about 0.1 to about 30 wt.%, based on the total weight of the home care composition. In some embodiments, the amount of fatty acid and/or neutralized derivatives thereof present in the home care composition is from about 0.1 to about 30 wt.%, about 0.1 to about 25 wt.%, about 0.1 to about 20 wt.%, about 0.1 to about 15 wt.%, about 0.1 to about 10 wt.%, about 0.1 to about 8 wt.%, about 0.1 to about 6 wt.%, about 0.1 to about 5 wt.%, about 0.1 to about 4 wt.%, about 0.1 to about 3 wt.%, about 0.1 to about 2 wt.%; from about 0.5 to about 30 wt.%, about 0.5 to about 25 wt.%, about 0.5 to about 20 wt.%, about 0.5 to about 15 wt.%, about 0.5 to about 10 wt.%, about 0.5 to about 8 wt.%, about 0.5 to about 6 wt.%, about 0.5 to about 5 wt.%, about 0.5 to about 4 wt.%, about 0.5 to about 3 wt.%, about 0.5 to about 2 wt.%; from about 1 to about 30 wt.%, about 1 to about 25 wt.%, about 1 to about 20 wt.%, about 1 to about 15 wt.%, about 1 to about 10 wt.%, about 1 to about 8 wt.%, about 1 to about 6 wt.%, about

1 to about 5 wt.%, about 1 to about 4 wt.%, about 1 to about 3 wt.%, about 1 to about 2 wt.%; from about 1.5 to about 30 wt.%, about 1.5 to about 25 wt.%, about 1.5 to about 20 wt.%, about 1.5 to about 15 wt.%, about 1.5 to about 10 wt.%, about 1.5 to about 8 wt.%, about 1.5 to about 6 wt.%, about 1.5 to about 5 wt.%, about 1.5 to about 4 wt.%, about 1.5 to about 3 wt.%, about 1.5 to about

2 wt.%; from about 2 to about 30 wt.%, about 2 to about 25 wt.%, about 2 to about 20 wt.%, about 2 to about 15 wt.%, about 2 to about 10 wt.%, about 2 to about 8 wt.%, about 2 to about 6 wt.%, about 2 to about 5 wt.%, about 2 to about 4 wt.%; from about 4 to about 30 wt.%, about 4 to about 25 wt.%, about 4 to about 20 wt.%, about 4 to about 15 wt.%, about 4 to about 10 wt.%, about 4 to about 8 wt.%, about 4 to about 6 wt.%; from about 6 to about 30 wt.%, about 6 to about 25 wt.%, about 6 to about 20 wt.%, about 6 to about 15 wt.%, about 6 to about 10 wt.%, about 6 to about 8 wt.%, including all ranges and subranges thereof, based on the total weight of the home care composition

[0060] The one or more fatty acids may, in some cases, may comprise myristic acid, lauric acid, palmitic acid, stearic acids, and/or other fatty acids. Sources of fatty acids include coconut oil, palm oil, palm kernel oil, tallow, avocado, canola, corn, cottonseed, olive, hi-oleic sunflower, mid- olcic sunflower, sunflower, palm stearin, palm kernel olein, safflower, babassu oils, and mixtures thereof.

[0061] The fatty acids can be neutralized with a neutralizing agent, such as base, including those described herein. Typical bases include, but are not limited to, sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, and triethanolamine. In certain embodiments, the home care composition is formed from fatty acids neutralized by two or more bases. In certain embodiments, the bases are sodium hydroxide and triethanolamine. In certain embodiments, the molar ratio of sodium hydroxide and triethanolamine is from about 4:1 to about 1:4, about 3:1 to about 1:3, or about 2:1 to about 1:2. In at least one embodiment, the home care composition has a molar ratio of sodium hydroxide to triethanolamine of about 1:1.

[0062] Additionally or alternatively, the home care composition may include a fatty acid comprising stearic acid and an acid comprising lauric acid. In certain embodiments, the amount of stearic acid based on a total weight of starting fatty acids is 60 wt.%, and the amount of lauric acid based on a total weight of starting fatty acids is 40 wt.%. In certain embodiments, the molar amount of fatty acids is greater than the molar amount of neutralizing agent such that fatty acid remains in the composition.

[0063] The fatty acid may be neutralized with neutralizing agents selected from alkali metal carbonates, alkali metal phosphates, organic amines, hydroxide base compounds, and mixtures thereof, and particularly from, e.g., organic amines, alkali metal hydroxides, alkali earth metal hydroxides, and mixtures thereof. Organic amines may be selected from amino-2-methyl-l- propanol (or aminomethyl propanol), ethylamines, ethyleneamines, alkanolamines, cyclic amines and other cyclic compounds, saturated or unsaturated, having one or more nitrogen atoms within the ring, and mixtures thereof. The organic amines may be chosen from the ones having a pKb at a temperature of 25°C of less than 12, such as less than 10 or less than 6. It should be noted that this is the pKb corresponding to the function of highest basicity.

[0064] Non-limiting examples of organic amines include organic amines comprising one or two primary, secondary, or tertiary amine functions, and at least one linear or branched Ci-Cs alkyl groups bearing at least one hydroxyl radical. Organic amines may also be chosen from alkanolamines, such as mono-, di- or trialkanolamines, comprising one to three identical or different C1-C4 hydroxyalkyl radicals, ethylamines, ethyleneamines, quinoline, aniline and cyclic amines, such as pyrroline, pyrrole, pyrrolidine, imidazole, imidazolidine, imidazolidinine, morpholine, pyridine, piperidine, pyrimidine, piperazine, triazinc and derivatives thereof. Examples of compounds of the alkanolamine type include, but are not limited to, monoethanolamine (also known as monoethanolamine or MEA), diethanolamine, triethanolamine, monoisopropanolamine, diisopropanolamine, N-dimethylaminoethanolamine, 2- amino-2-methyl-l -propanol, triisopropanolamine, 2-amino-2-methyl-l,3-propanediol, 3-amino- 1 ,2-propanediol, 3-dimethylamino-l,2-propanediol, 2-amino-2-methyl- 1 -propanol, and tris(hydroxymethylamino)methane. Other examples include, but are not limited to: 1,3- diaminopropane, l,3-diamino-2-propanol, spermine, and spermidine.

[0065] In some cases, the home care composition may include a thickening agent. The thickening agent may be included in the home care compositions in an amount from about 0.1 to about 20 wt.%, based on the total weight of the home care composition. For example, the thickening agent may be present in the home care composition in an amount of from about 0.1 to about 15 wt.%, about 0.1 to about 10 wt.%, about 0.1 to about 8 wt.%, about 0.1 to about 6 wt.%, about 0.1 to about 5 wt.%, about 0.1 to about 4 wt.%, about 0.1 to about 3 wt.%, about 0.1 to about 2 wt.%; from about 1 to 20 wt.%, about 1 to about 15 wt.%, about 1 to about 10 wt.%, about 1 to about 8 wt.%, about 1 to about 6 wt.%, about 1 to about 5 wt.%, about 1 to about 4 wt.%, about 1 to about 3 wt.%, about 1 to about 2 wt.%; from about 2 to about 20 wt.%, about 2 to about 15 wt.%, about 2 to about 10 wt.%, about 2 to about 8 wt.%, about 2 to about 6 wt.%, about 2 to about 5 wt.%, about 2 to about 4 wt.%; from about 4 to about 20 wt.%, about 4 to about 15 wt.%, about 4 to about 10 wt.%, about 4 to about 8 wt.%, about 4 to about 6 wt.%; from about 6 to about 20 wt.%, about 6 to about 15 wt.%, about 6 to about 10 wt.%, about 6 to about 8 wt.%; from about 8 to about 20 wt.%, about 8 to about 15 wt.%, about 8 to about 10 wt.%; from about 10 to about 20 wt.%, or about 10 to about 15 wt.%, including ranges and subranges thereof, based on the total weight of the home care composition.

[0066] Typically, thickening agent can increase the viscosity or yield point in the home care composition. Examples of the thickening agents include, but are not limited to, clay, polymers, polymeric gums, polysaccharides, microfibrous cellulose, gellan gum, pectine, alginate, arabinogalactan, carageenan, xanthan gum, guar gum, rhamsan gum, furcellaran gum, and other natural gums.

[0067] A polymer thickening agent in one embodiment is a polyacrylate. Examples of polyacrylates include acrylates/steareth-20 methacrylate crosspolymer, acrylates/steareth-20 methacrylate crosspolymcr, and combinations thereof. Non-limiting examples, of polymers that may be included as thickening agents, solely or in conjunction with other thickening agents, include polyvinyl pyrrolidone, carbomers (e.g., carboxyvinyl polymers), carrageenans (e.g., Irish moss, carrageenan, iota-carrageenan, etc.), high molecular weight polyethylene glycols, cellulosic polymers, hydroxyethylcellulose, carboxymethylcellulose, and salts thereof (e.g., CMC sodium), natural gums (e.g., karaya, xanthan, gum arabic, and tragacanth), colloidal magnesium aluminum silicate, and the like, and mixtures or combinations of two or more thereof. The thickening agent may, optionally, comprise gums, sucrose esters, polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) and co-polymers, celluloses, polyquaternium compounds, and carboxylic acid or carboxylate based homopolymer or co-polymer, which can be linear or crosslinked.

[0068] The home care compositions may, in some embodiments, include one or more polyol(s). The one or more polyol(s) may be present in the home care composition in an amount from about 0.1 to about 20 wt.%, based on the total weight of the home care composition. In some instances, the home care compositions include one or more polyol(s) in an amount from about 0.1 to about 18 wt.%, about 0.1 to about 16 wt.%, about 0.1 to about 14 wt.%, about 0.1 to about 12 wt.%, about 0.1 to about 10 wt.%, about 0.1 to about 8 wt.%, about 0.1 to about 6 wt.%, about 0.1 to about 4 wt.%; from about 0.5 to about 20 wt.%, about 0.5 to about 18 wt.%, about 0.5 to about 16 wt.%, about 0.5 to about 14 wt.%, about 0.5 to about 12 wt.%, about 0.5 to about 10 wt.%, about 0.5 to about 8 wt.%, about 0.5 to about 6 wt.%, about 0.5 to about 4 wt.%; from about 1 to about 20 wt.%, about 1 to about 18 wt.%, about 1 to about 16 wt.%, about 1 to about 14 wt.%, about 1 to about 12 wt.%, about 1 to about 10 wt.%, about 1 to about 8 wt.%, about 1 to about 6 wt.%, about 1 to about 4 wt.%; from about 2 to about 20 wt.%, about 2 to about 18 wt.%, about 2 to about 16 wt.%, about 2 to about 14 wt.%, about 2 to about 12 wt.%, about 2 to about 10 wt.%, about 2 to about 8 wt.%, about 2 to about 6 wt.%, about 2 to about 4 wt.%; from about 4 to about 20 wt.%, about 4 to about 18 wt.%, about 4 to about 16 wt.%, about 4 to about 14 wt.%, about 4 to about 12 wt.%, about 4 to about 10 wt.%, about 4 to about 8 wt.%, or about 4 to about 6 wt.%, including ranges and subranges thereof, based on the total weight of the home care composition.

[0069] The term "polyol" should be understood as meaning, within the meaning of the present disclosure, an organic molecule comprising at least two free hydroxyl groups. The polyols of the home care composition may be glycols or compounds with numerous hydroxyl groups. In some cases, the polyol(s) is selected from the group consisting of C2-C32 polyols. The one or more polyols may be liquid at ambient temperature (25 °C). The polyol(s) may have from 2 to 32 carbon atoms, from 3 to 16 carbon atoms, or from 3 to 12 carbon atoms.

[0070] Polyols that may be included in the home care composition, in certain instances, include ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, butylene glycol, hexylene glycol, glycerin, diglycerin, diethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, and combinations of two or more thereof. In some cases, the polyol is propylene glycol. In some further cases, the polyol is one or both of propylene glycol and butylene glycol. Non-limiting examples of polyols that may, optionally, be included in the home care include those chosen from alkanediols, such as glycerin, 1,2,6-hexanetriol, trimethylolpropane, ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, butylene glycol, pentylene glycol, hexylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, pentaethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, 2-butene- 1 ,4-diol, 2-ethyl- 1 ,3-hexanediol, 2-methyl-2,4-pentanediol, caprylyl glycol, 1 ,2-hexanediol, 1,2-pentanediol, and 4-methyl-l,2-pentanediol; glycol ethers, such as ethylene glycol monomethyl ether, ethylene glycol monoethyl ether, ethylene glycol monobutyl ether, ethylene glycol monomethyl ether acetate, diethylene glycol monomethyl ether, diethylene glycol monoethyl ether, diethylene glycol mono-n-propyl ether, ethylene glycol mono-iso-propyl ether, diethylene glycol mono-iso-propyl ether, ethylene glycol mono-n-butyl ether, ethylene glycol mono-t-butyl ether, diethylene glycol mono-t-butyl ether, 1 -methyl- 1 -methoxybutanol, propylene glycol monomethyl ether, propylene glycol monoethyl ether, propylene glycol mono-t- butyl ether, propylene glycol mono-n-propyl ether, propylene glycol mono-iso-propyl ether, dipropylene glycol monomethyl ether, dipropylene glycol monoethyl ether, dipropylene glycol mono-n-propyl ether, dipropylene glycol mono-iso-propyl ether; sorbitol; sorbitan; triacetin; and a combination of two or more thereof.

[0071] The one or more polyols may, optionally, be glycols or glycol ethers such as, e.g., monomethyl, monoethyl and monobutyl ethers of ethylene glycol, propylene glycol or ethers thereof, such as, monomethyl ether of propylene glycol, butylene glycol, hexylene glycol, dipropylene glycol as well as alkyl ethers of diethylene glycol, such as monoethyl ether or monobutyl ether of diethylene glycol. In some cases, the one or more polyols may include or are chosen from ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, butylene glycol, hexylene glycol, pentylene glycol, 1,3-propanediol, diethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, 1,4-butanediol, 1,5-pentanediol, hexane- 1 ,6-diol, glycerin, diglycerin, caprylyl glycol, and a mixture of two or more thereof. [0072] The home care compositions may be aqueous and, e.g., include water in an amount from about 1 to about 95 wt.%, based on the total weight of the home care composition. For example, the water may be present in the home care composition in an amount from about 5 to about 95 wt.%, about 10 to about 95 wt.%, about 15 to about 95 wt.%, about 20 to about 95 wt.%, about 30 to about 95 wt.%, about 40 to about 95 wt.%, about 50 to about 95 wt.%, about 60 to about 95 wt.%, about 70 to about 95 wt.%, about 80 to about 95 wt.%, about 90 to about 95 wt.%; from about 5 to about 90 wt.%, about 10 to about 90 wt.%, about 15 to about 90 wt.%, about 20 to about 90 wt.%, about 30 to about 90 wt.%, about 40 to about 90 wt.%, about 50 to about 90 wt.%, about 60 to about 90 wt.%, about 70 to about 90 wt.%, about 80 to about 90 wt.%; from about 5 to about 80 wt.%, about 10 to about 80 wt.%, about 15 to about 80 wt.%, about 20 to about 80 wt.%, about 30 to about 80 wt.%, about 40 to about 80 wt.%, about 50 to about 80 wt.%, about 60 to about 80 wt.%, about 70 to about 80 wt.%; from about 5 to about 70 wt.%, about 10 to about 70 wt.%, about 15 to about 70 wt.%, about 20 to about 70 wt.%, about 30 to about 70 wt.%, about 40 to about 70 wt.%, about 50 to about 70 wt.%, about 60 to about 70 wt.%; from about 5 to about 60 wt.%, about 10 to about 60 wt.%, about 15 to about 60 wt.%, about 20 to about 60 wt.%, about 30 to about 60 wt.%, about 40 to about 60 wt.%, about 50 to about 60 wt.%; from about 5 to about 50 wt.%, about 10 to about 50 wt.%, about 15 to about 50 wt.%, about 20 to about 50 wt.%, about 30 to about 50 wt.%, or about 40 to about 50 wt.%, including any ranges and subranges therebetween, based on the total weight of the home care composition.

[0073] Additional ingredients may be present in the home care composition. The additional ingredients may include, e.g., ingredients to preserve, emulsify, add fragrance, stabilize (e.g., chelating agents), adjust the pH, and color. The home care compositions may include any of the following additional ingredients in an amount of from about 0.01 to about 5 wt.%, based on the total weight of the home care composition. In some instances, the amount of additional ingredients present in the home care composition is from about 0.01 to about 4 wt.%, about 0.01 to about 3 wt.%, about 0.01 to about 2 wt.%, about 0.01 to about 1 wt.%, about 0.01 to about 0.5 wt.%, about 0.01 to about 0.1 wt.%; from about 0.1 to about 5 wt.%, about 0.1 to about 4 wt.%, about 0.1 to about 3 wt.%, about 0.1 to about 2 wt.%, about 0.1 to about 1 wt.%, about 0.1 to about 0.5 wt.%, about 0.1 to about 0.1 wt.%; from about 0.5 to about 5 wt.%, about 0.5 to about 4 wt.%, about 0.5 to about 3 wt.%, about 0.5 to about 2 wt.%, about 0.5 to about 1 wt.%; from about 0.75 to about 5 wt.%, about 0.75 to about 4 wt.%, about 0.75 to about 3 wt.%, about 0.75 to about 2 wt.%, about 0.75 to about 1 wt.%; from about 1 to about 5 wt.%, about 1 to about 4 wt.%, about 1 to about 3 wt.%, about 1 to about 2 wt.%; from about 2 to about 5 wt.%, about 2 to about 4 wt.%, about 2 to about 3 wt.%; from about 3 to about 5 wt.%, about 3 to about 4 wt.%, including any range or subrange therebetween, based on the total weight of the home care composition.

[0074] Non-limiting examples of fragrances and perfumes include odor compounds selected from: 7-acetyl-l,2,3,4,5,6,7,8-octahydro-l,l,6,7-tetramethylnaphthalene, a-ionone, P-ionone, y- ionone a-isomcthy I ionone, methylcedrylone, methyl dihydrojasmonate, methyl 1,6,10-trimethyl- 2,5,9-cyclododecatrien-l-yl ketone, 7-acetyl-l,l,3,4,4,6-hexamethyltetralin, 4-acetyl-6-tert- buty 1-1,1 -dimethylindane, hydroxyphenylbutanone, benzophenone, methyl P-naphthyl ketone, 6- acetyl- 1 , 1 ,2,3,3,5-hexamethylindane, 5-acetyl-3-isopropyl- 1 , 1 ,2,6-tetramethylindane, 1- dodecanal, 4-(4-hydroxy-4-methylpentyl)-3-cyclohexene-l-carboxaldehyde, 7 -hydroxy-3, 7- dimethyloctanal, 10-undecen-l-al, isohexenylcyclohexylcarboxaldehyde, formyltricyclodecane, condensation products of hydroxycitronellal and methyl anthranilate, condensation products of hydroxycitronellal and indole, condensation products of phenylacetaldehyde and indole, 2- methyl-3-(para-tert-butylphenyl)propionaldehyde, ethylvanillin, heliotropin, hexylcinnamaldehyde, amylcinnamaldehyde, 2-methyl-2-(isopropylphenyl)propionaldehyde, coumarin, y-decalactone, cyclopentadecanolide, 16-hydroxy-9-hexadecenoic acid lactone, l,3,4,6,7,8-hexahydro-4,6,6,7,8,8-hexamethylcyclopenta-y-2-benzopyran, P-naphthol methyl ether, ambroxane, dodecahydro-3a,6,6,9a-tetramethylnaphtho[2,lb]furan, cedrol, 5-(2,2,3- trimethylcyclopent-3-enyl)-3-methylpentan-2-ol, 2-ethyl-4-(2,2,3-trimethyl-3-cyclopenten-l-yl)- 2-buten-l-ol, caryophyllene alcohol, tricyclodecenyl propionate, tricyclodecenyl acetate, benzyl salicylate, cedryl acetate, tert-butylcyclohexyl acetate, and combinations of two or more thereof. [0075] Other fragrances may include odor compounds selected from essential oils, resinoids and resins from a large number of sources, such as Peru balsam, olibanum resinoid, styrax, labdanum resin, nutmeg, cassia oil, benzoin resin, coriander, and lavandin.

[0076] Further suitable fragrances include odor compounds selected from phenylethyl alcohol, terpineol, linalool, linalyl acetate, geraniol, nerol, 2-(l,l-dimethylethyl)cyclo-hexanol acetate, benzyl acetate, eugenol, and a combination of two or more thereof. The fragrances or perfumes can be used as single substances or in a mixture with one another.

[0077] The home care composition may further comprise one or more colorants. The colorants may be a pigment, a dye, or mixtures thereof. Non-limiting examples of pigments include titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, kaolin, mica, etc. Non-limiting examples of dyes include food dyes suitable for food, drug and cosmetic applications, and mixtures thereof. Some color agents (colorants) arc known as FD&C dyes.

[0078] The colorants may be present in an amount ranging from about 0.0001 wt.% to about 0.4 wt.%, including all percentages and subranges therebetween, based on the total weight of the home care composition. In some embodiments, the colorants may be present in an amount ranging from about 0.0001 wt.% to about 4 wt.%, including all percentages and subranges therebetween, based on the total weight of the home care composition.

[0079] Non-limiting examples of chemical chelating agents include aminotrimethyl phosphonic acid, B-alanine diacetic acid, cyclodextrin, cyclohexanediamine tetracetic acid, diethylenetriamine pentamethylene phosphonic acid, diethanolamine N-acetic acid, ethylene diamine tetracetic acid (EDTA or YH₄) and its sodium (YH₃Na, Y₂H₂Na₂, YHNa₃ and YNa₄), potassium (YH₃K, Y₂H₃K₃ and YK₄), calcium disodium, and diammonium salts and its salts with triethanolamine (TEA- EDTA), etidronic acid, galactanic acid, hydroxyethyl ethylenediamine tetracetic acid (HEDTA) and its trisodium salt, gluconic acid, glucuronic acid, nitrilotriacetic acid (NT A) and its trisodium salt, pentetic acid, phytic acid, ribonic acid, diammonium citrate, disodium azacycloheptane diphosphonate, disodium pyrophoshate, hydroxypropyl cyclodextrin, methyl cyclodextrin, pentapotassium triphosphate, pentasodium aminotrimethylene phosphonate, pentasodium ethylenediamine tetramethylene phosphonate, pentasodium pentetate, pentasodium triphosphate, potassium citrate, potassium EDTMP, sodium EDTMP, sodium chitosan methylene phosphonate, sodium hexametaphosphate, sodium metaphosphate, potassium polyphosphate, sodium polyphosphate, sodium trimetaphosphate, sodium dihydroxyethylglycinate, potassium gluconate, sodium gluconate, sodium glucopeptate, sodium glycereth-1 polyphosphate, tetrapotassium pyrophosphate, triethanolamine polyphosphate (TEA), tetrasodium pyrophosphate, trisodium phosphate, potassium tripho sphonomethylamine oxide, sodium metasilicate, sodium phytate, sodium polydimethylglycinophenolsulfonate, tetrahydroxyethyl ethylene diamine, tetrahydroxypropyl ethylene diamine, tetrapotassium etidronate, tetrasodium etidronate, tetrasodium iminodisuccinate, trisodium ethylenediamine disuccinate, ethanolamine N,N-diacetic acid, disodium acetate, dimercaprol, deferoxamine, Zylox, and combinations of two or more thereof. Additional iron chelating agent include those disclosed and/or claimed in the international patent application WO 94/61338, which is incorporated herein in its entirety for all purposes. Examples of biological chelating agents include metallothionein, transferrin, calmodulin, and sodium chitosan methylene phosphonatc.

[0080] The home care composition may include one or more pH adjusters to increase or decrease the overall pH of the home care composition. For example, one or more acids may be included to decrease the pH of the home care composition. Examples of suitable acids for decreasing the pH of the home care composition include, but are not limited to, citric acid, acetic acid, and the like. The home care composition may include one or more bases, such as sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide and the like, to increase the pH of the home care composition. Additional or alternative acids and bases that are suitable for adjusting the pH of the home care composition are readily known to one of ordinary skill in the art.

EXAMPLES

Example 1

[0081] Seven compositions were prepared in the form of a surface cleaner according to aspects of the invention. Two non-limiting example compositions (Ex. A and Ex. B) were formulated to contain two alpha hydroxy acids, namely lactic acid and citric acid. Five comparative compositions (Comp. Ex. 1 to Comp. Ex. 5) were formulated to contain one alpha hydroxy acid, specifically lactic acid or citric acid. Example Comp. A and Comp. B and Comp. Ex. 1 to Comp. Ex. 5 included caustic soda in an amount to obtain a pH of 3 to 3.5 for the respective home care composition. The formulations for Ex. A and Ex. B and Comp. Ex. 1 to Comp. Ex. 5 are shown in Table 1.

Table 1

Example 2

[0082] Ex. A and Ex. B and Comp. Ex. 1 to Comp. Ex 5 were evaluated to assess the microbial growth of bacteria within each composition. Specifically, Ex. A and Ex. B and Comp. Ex. 1 to Comp. Ex. 5 were evaluated using a standard Micro Robustness test and expressed on a Micro Robustness Index (“MRI”). The MRI test evaluated the microbial growth of standard bacteria pool containing: Burkholderia cepacia ATCC 10856; Enterobacter cloacae PLS 237; Escherichia coli ATCC 8739; Klebsiella oxytoca PLS 104B; Klebsiella pneumoniae PLS 113; Serratia marcescens PLS 201; Providencia rettgeri PLS 200; Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 15442; Pseudomonas putida PLS 111; Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538; and Staphylococcus saprophyticus PLS 110B. For liquids, a 9 gram sample of each of Ex. A, Ex. B and Comp. Ex. 1 to Comp. Ex. 5 was inoculated by adding 1.0 mL of the bacteria inoculum at time 0 hours (first inoculation). Each inoculated sample was then thoroughly mixed using a sterile wooden stick or other sterile stirrer. A MRI value of 0.85 or greater is generally considered to be robust and, thus, suitable for home care compositions.

[0083] The results of the Micro Robustness Index evaluation are shown in FIGS. 1-3. Notably, Ex. A and Ex. B exhibited an MRI value that was greater than the expected additive effect of the respective amounts of citric acid and lactic acid.

Claims

CLAIMS What Is Claimed Is:

1. A home care composition comprising: a preservative system comprising an alpha hydroxy acid and/or a salt thereof; and from about 1 to about 25 wt.% of a surfactant system comprising:

(i) an anionic surfactant,

(ii) a non-ionic surfactant, and

(iii) optionally, an amphoteric surfactant, wherein the home care composition has a Micro Robustness Index value of 0.85 or greater, and all weight percentages are based on the total weight of the home care composition.

2. A home care composition comprising: a preservative system comprising a plurality of alpha hydroxy acids and/or a salts thereof; and from about 1 to about 25 wt.% of a surfactant system comprising:

(i) an anionic surfactant,

(ii) a non-ionic surfactant, and

3. The home care composition of claim 2, wherein the plurality of alpha hydroxy acids and/or a salts thereof is selected from levulinic acid, lactic acid, glycolic acid, malic acid, tartaric acid, citric acid, a salt thereof, and a combination of two or more thereof.

4. The home care composition of any preceding claim, wherein the preservative system comprises lactic acid and/or a salt thereof and citric acid and/or a salt thereof.

5. The home care composition of claim 4, wherein the home care composition has a weight ratio of the lactic acid and/or the salt thereof to the citric acid and/or the salt thereof of from about 3: 1 to about 1 :5, optionally wherein the weight ratio of the lactic acid and/or the salt thereof to the citric acid and/or the salt thereof is from 1:1 to 1:2.

6. The home care composition of any preceding claim, wherein the preservative system comprises lactic acid and/or salt thereof in an amount from about 0.05 wt.% to 1.5 wt.%.

7. The home care composition of any preceding claim, wherein the preservative system comprises citric acid and/or salt thereof in an amount from about 0.05 wt.% to 1.5 wt.%.

8. The home care composition of any preceding claim, wherein the home care composition is free of glutaraldehyde.

9. The home care composition of any preceding claim, wherein the anionic surfactant comprises sodium laureth sulfate, ammonium laureth sulfate, disodium lauryl sulfosuccinate, disodium laureth sulfosuccinate, diammonium lauryl sulfosuccinate, diethylhexyl sodium sulfosuccinate, sodium oleyl succinate, sodium lauroyl methyl isethionate, sodium lauryl isethionate, sodium cocoyl isethionate, sodium laureth-5 carboxylate, lauryl ether carboxylic acid, ammonium lauryl sulfate, triethylamine lauryl sulfate, triethylamine laureth sulfate, triethanolamine lauryl sulfate, triethanolamine laureth sulfate, monoethanolamine lauryl sulfate, monoethanolamine laureth sulfate, diethanolamine lauryl sulfate, diethanolamine laureth sulfate, lauric monoglyceride sodium sulfate, sodium lauryl sulfate, potassium lauryl sulfate, potassium laureth sulfate, ammonium cocoyl sulfate, ammonium lauroyl sulfate, sodium cocoyl sulfate, sodium lauroyl sulfate, potassium cocoyl sulfate, monoethanolamine cocoyl sulfate, sodium tridecyl benzene sulfonate, sodium dodecyl benzene sulfonate, sodium C14-C16 olefin sulfonate, sodium lauryl sarcosinate, sodium lauroyl sarcosinate, stearoyl sarcosine, lauryl sarcosine, cocoyl sarcosine, sodium methyl cocoyl taurate, sodium methyl lauroyl taurate, sodium lauroyl glutamate, sodium cocoyl glutamate, disodium cocoyl glutamate, potassium myristoyl glutamate, TEA- cocoyl glutamate, sodium cocoyl glycinate, potassium cocoyl glycinate, sodium cocoyl alaninate, TEA-cocoyl alaninate, or a combination of two or more thereof.

10. The home care composition of claim 9, wherein the anionic surfactant comprises disodium lauryl sulfosuccinate, disodium laureth sulfosuccinate, diammonium lauryl sulfosuccinatc, dicthylhcxyl sodium sulfosuccinatc, sodium oleyl succinate, sodium lauroyl methyl isethionate, sodium lauryl isethionate, sodium cocoyl isethionate, sodium laureth-5 carboxylate, lauryl ether carboxylic acid, sodium tridecyl benzene sulfonate, sodium dodecyl benzene sulfonate, sodium C14-C16 olefin sulfonate, sodium lauryl sarcosinate, sodium lauroyl sarcosinate, stearoyl sarcosine, lauryl sarcosine, cocoyl sarcosine, sodium methyl cocoyl taurate, sodium methyl lauroyl taurate, sodium lauroyl glutamate, sodium cocoyl glutamate, disodium cocoyl glutamate, potassium myristoyl glutamate, TEA-cocoyl glutamate, sodium cocoyl glycinate, potassium cocoyl glycinate, sodium cocoyl alaninate, TEA-cocoyl alaninate, or a combination of two or more thereof.

11. The home care composition of claim 9, wherein the anionic surfactant comprises sodium laureth sulfate, ammonium laureth sulfate, ammonium lauryl sulfate, triethylamine lauryl sulfate, triethylamine laureth sulfate, triethanolamine lauryl sulfate, triethanolamine laureth sulfate, monoethanolamine lauryl sulfate, monoethanolamine laureth sulfate, diethanolamine lauryl sulfate, diethanolamine laureth sulfate, lauric monoglyceride sodium sulfate, sodium lauryl sulfate, potassium lauryl sulfate, potassium laureth sulfate, ammonium cocoyl sulfate, ammonium lauroyl sulfate, sodium cocoyl sulfate, sodium lauroyl sulfate, potassium cocoyl sulfate, monoethanolamine cocoyl sulfate, or a combination of two or more thereof.

12. The home care composition of any preceding claim, wherein the non-ionic surfactant comprises a polyglycoside, alkoxylated fatty alcohols, alkyl(ether)phosphates, alkyl phosphate esters, or a combination of two or more thereof, optionally wherein the non-ionic surfactant comprises an alky polyglycoside, further optionally wherein the alkyl polyglycoside has at least one C8-C22 alkyl group,

13. The home care composition of claim 12, wherein the polyglycoside is an alkyl polyglycoside having C10-C15 alkyl groups.

14. The home care composition of claim 12, wherein the polyglycoside comprises decyl glucoside.

15. The home care composition of claim 12, wherein the alkoxylatcd fatty alcohol is selected from a di-alkyl alkoxylatcd fatty alcohol polymer, a tri-alkyl alkoxylatcd fatty alcohol polymer, and a combination of two or more thereof.

16. The home care composition of claim 12, wherein the alkoxylatcd alkyl phosphate esters comprises PPG-5-ceteth-10 phosphate, oleth-3 phosphate, oleth-10 phosphate, ceteth-10 phosphate, dicetyl phosphate, cetyl phosphate, stearyl phosphate, or a combination of two or more thereof.

17. The home care composition of any preceding claim comprising an amphoteric surfactant selected from betaines, sultaines, amphoacetates, amphoproprionates, or a combination of two or more thereof.

18. The home care composition of claim 16, wherein the amphoteric surfactant is selected from C8-C20 alkylbetaines, C8-C20 alkylamido(Ci-C6)alkylbetaines, sulfobetaines, C8-C20 alkylsulfobetaines, C8-C20 alkylamido(Ci-C6)alkylsulfobetaines, C8-C 0 alkylamphoacetate, Cx- C20 alkylamphodiacetate, a salt thereof, and a combination of two or more thereof.

19. The home care composition of any preceding claim further comprising from about 0.1 to about 20 wt.% of a thickening agent, optionally wherein the thickening agent comprises an acrylate polymer, a polymeric gum, a polysaccharide, a microfibrous cellulose, a gellan gum, a pectine, an alginate, an arabinogalactan, a carageenan, a xanthum gum, a guar gum, a rhamsan gum, a furcellaran gum, or a combination of two or more thereof.

20. The home care composition of claim 24, wherein the acrylate polymer is selected from polyacrylates, methacrylates, crosslinked acrylic acid polymers, and a combination of two or more thereof.