TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to novel low skin irritation surfactant compositions
which are high in foaming properties containing, as active ingredients, a diamine
monoalkyl phosphate salt and an alkylamine oxide.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Soaps, detergents and abrasives have long been used to cleanse the skin on various
portions of the body. Anionic surfactants such as alkyl sulfates, polyoxyethylene
alkyl sulfates, alkylbenzene sulfonates and α-olefin sulfonates have been widely used
as the surfactant component for many cleansers.
[0003] It is known that such anionic surfactants are adsorbed and thereby remain on the
skin surface to cause dryness and scaling of the epidermis, or skin chapping and roughness,
if they are used continually. Thus, skin troubles such as roughness of hands are apt
to be caused by the use of detergents. Skin roughness can be a precursor of more severe
skin troubles such as eczema. Thus, there is an urgent need to eliminate this disadvantage.
[0004] Nonionic surfactants, on the other hand, cause little or no skin dryness or roughness.
However, they do not have the same advantageous properties of foaming and detergency
as anionic surfactants. It has, therefore, not been suitable to incorporate nonionic
surfactants into cleansing compositions as the primary detergent component.
[0005] Phosphoric acid esters have been known as anionic surfactants, generally as mono-
and diesters, or mixtures thereof. However, in general, their water solubilities and
foaming properties are not very good.
[0006] European Patent No. 265 702 published May 4, 1988 discloses transparent or semi-transparent
cosmetic compositions containing a monoalkyl phosphate, water, oil and alcohol for
skin treatment. The oils and alcohols are used to obtain clarity. U.S. Patent 4,573,749
to McIntosh, issued June 28, 1988 discloses monoamine alkyl phosphates having antimicrobial
activity. U.S. Patent 4,290,904 to Poper et al., issued September 22, 1981, U.K. Patent
No. 1,513,053, published June 7, 1978 and European Patent 023 978, published February
18, 1981 disclose cosmetic and toiletry preparations containing alkoxylated alkylene
diamines. U.S. Patent 4,476,043, 4,476,044 and 4,476,045 to O'Lenick, all issued October
9, 1984 and U.S. Patent 4,477,372 to O'Lenick, issued October 16, 1984 disclose substantially
non-aqueous surfactants containing an organic sulfate, mineral oil and an alkoxylated
amine. However, none of these references disclose the use of a diamine alkyl phosphate
surfactant alone or in combination with an amine oxide.
[0007] Monoalkyl phosphate salts have also been disclosed as useful surfactants in U.S.
Patent 4,139,485 to Imokawa et al., issued February 13, 1979. However, these surfactants
form turbid aqueous solutions unless they contain other solvents (e.g., solubilizing
agents). Further, the rheology of these salts limits the variety of formulations which
can be made with aesthetically pleasing characteristics.
[0008] It has been discovered that certain novel transparent and stable surfactant compositions
containing diamine monoalkyl phosphate salts and alkylamine oxides readily enable
the preparation of stable non-pressurized, aerated foams. These foams possess good
cleansing power and detergency, are mild and non-irritating, and leave little, if
any, residual film remaining on the cleansed surface of the skin. These compositions
are homogeneous in nature, can be structured to be wet or dry, stable or fastbreaking,
and are aesthetically suitable for use in a wide variety of personal care products.
[0009] One of the principal purposes of this invention is to describe the preparation of
an aqueous skin cleansing composition which will produce a usable foam from a hand-held,
squeezable foam dispensing device, as well as from an aerosol device and further which
will not render the device unusable by, for example, clogging the device.
[0010] Another object of this invention is to provide surfactant compositions which produce
relatively stable or collapsible foams. A preferred embodiment of this invention is
to provide skin cleansing foams of low density.
[0011] Another object of this invention is to provide surfactant compositions with creamy
lather, good skin feel and good rinsability and which retains skin elasticity.
[0012] Another object of this invention is to provide surfactant compositions which are
mild and non-irritating to skin and eyes and which do not require the use of propellants,
thereby avoiding the danger of explosion or corrosion of the container.
[0013] Still another object of this invention is to provide a foam producing composition
such that if placed in a hand-held, foam dispensing device having deformable walls,
the amount of force required to produce the foam is not excessive (i.e., less than
about 15 psi) and is readily usable by the average person.
[0014] These objectives as well as others apparent to those skilled in the art are obtained
with the compositions described herein.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0015] This invention comprises surfactant compositions comprising:
(a) from about 0.1% to about 99.0% of one or more of a surfactant compound of the
formula:

wherein R is a hydrophobic group or the condensation product of a hydrophobic group
with ethylene oxide, preferably R is alkyl or alkenyl having an average of from about
10 to 18 carbon atoms, and wherein X₁ and X₂ are independently selected from the group
consisting of hydrogen, alkali metal, ammonium, substituted ammonium (e.g., alkoxylated
ammonium, alkylammonium, alkoxylated aliphatic amines, polyethoxylated amines) and
alkylene diamine, provided that at least one of X₁ and X₂ is an alkylene diamine;
and
(b) from about 0.1% to about 20.0% of an alkylamine oxide which has a hydrocarbon
group having from about 10 to about 14 carbon atoms.
[0016] Sesquialkyl phosphate salts are not within the scope of the present invention.
[0017] All parts, percentages and ratios used herein are by weight and all measurements
are at 25°C unless otherwise indicated.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0018] The surfactants of the present invention are certain diamine monoalkyl phosphate
salts of the formula:

wherein R is a hydrophobic group or the condensation product of a hydrophobic group
with ethylene oxide, preferably R is alkyl or alkenyl having an average of from about
10 to 18 carbon atoms, and wherein X₁ and X₂ are independently selected from the group
consisting of hydrogen, alkali metal, ammonium, substituted ammonium (e.g., alkoxylated
ammonium, alkylammonium, alkoxylated aliphatic amines, polyethoxylated amines) and
alkylene diamine, provided that at least one of X₁ and X₂ is an alkylene diamine.
Preferably, R is the condensation product of a hydrophobic group with from about 1
to about 10 moles and preferably from about 1 to about 4 moles of ethylene oxide.
[0019] Preferred compositions comprise a mixture of the diamine monoalkyl phosphate salts
wherein R is selected from the group consisting of C₁₂ to C₁₄ alkyl or alkenyl and
C₁₆ to C₁₈ alkyl or alkenyl (or the condensation product of these moieties with ethylene
oxide) and wherein said salts are present in a ratio of from about 80:20 to about
20:80, preferably from about 60:40 to about 40:60 and most preferably from about 55:45
to about 45:55, respectively.
[0020] These monoalkyl phosphate salts can be prepared, for example, by a known process
wherein a long chain aliphatic alcohol is reacted with a phosphatizing agent such
as phosphoric anhydride or phosphorus oxychloride. It is recognized that the dialkyl
phosphate can be by-produced by this process and which possess poor water-solubility
or foaming properties. Such dialkyl phosphates have the formula:

wherein R is a hydrophobic group or the condensation product of a hydrophobic group
with ethylene oxide, preferably R is alkyl or alkenyl having an average of from about
10 to 18 carbon atoms, and wherein X₃ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen,
alkali metal, ammonium, substituted ammonium (e.g., alkoxylated ammonium, alkylammonium,
alkoxylated aliphatic amines, polyethoxylated amines) and alkylene diamine.
[0021] Preferably, the weight ratio of the diamine monoalkyl phosphate salt to the dialkyl
phosphate salt is from about 99:1 to about 70:30, respectively, preferably from about
100:0 to about 90:10, most preferred is a ratio of substantially 100:0. However, unlike
monoamine, alkali or ammonium phosphate salts, these diamine phosphates of the diester
are uniquely water-soluble and, therefore, will not interfere as much with the devices
and formulations described herein.
[0022] These surfactants are particularly useful in detergent products which are directly
contacted with the skin for a long time such as facial cleansers, shampoos, and solid
synthetic detergent toilet bars, because they have a characteristic, excellent foaming
power and skin roughness is not caused. The surfactants can also be used as ingredients
of dish-washing liquid detergents, powder detergents and dentifrices and are particularly
useful compositions where a clear and non-turbid surfactant is desirable.
[0023] The saturated and unsaturated hydrocarbon groups having an average carbon number
of 10-18 (R) are straight chain, branched or alicyclic hydrocarbons such as decyl,
undecyl, dodecyl, tridecyl, tetradecyl, pentadecyl, hexadecyl, heptadecyl and octadecyl
groups and corresponding olefinically unsaturated groups. Those hydrocarbon groups
are contained in the compositions singly or in the form of a combination of several
groups. Saturated hydrocarbon groups of an average carbon number of 10 to 14 and unsaturated
hydrocarbon groups of an average carbon number of 16 are particularly preferred. Also
preferred for use herein are the saturated or unsaturated hydrocarbon groups wherein
said hydrocarbon groups possess from about 1 to about 10 units and preferably from
about 1 to about 4 units of ethylene oxide per molecule.
[0024] The preferred alkali metals for X₁ and X₂ according to the invention, are, for example,
lithium, sodium and potassium.
[0025] The alkylammonium or substituted alkylammonium for X₁ and X₂ according to the invention,
are cations produced from amines used for neutralization of the corresponding phosphoric
acids by salt formation after the neutralization step in the process for preparing
monoalkyl phosphate salts in the present invention. The corresponding amines are primary,
secondary and tertiary amines having alkyl groups of 1 to 4 carbon atoms which can
be further substituted, particularly by hydroxyl groups. As the amines, there can
be mentioned, for example, dimethylmonoethanolamine, methyldiethanolamine, trimethylamine,
triethylamine, dibutylamine, butyldimethylamine, monoethanolamine, diethanolamine,
triethanolamine, isopropyldimethylamine and isopropylethanolamine. Preferred amines
are monoethanolamine, diethanolamine and triethanolamine. A particularly preferred
amine is triethanolamine. Other useful amines include arginine, lysine, mono-, di-
or triisopropanolamine, N,N-tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane, diglycolamine, glucamine,
aminomethylpropanol, and aminomethylpropanediol. Also useful in the present invention
are the copolymers derived from the addition of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide
available as Tetronic® and Tetronic R® available from BASF Corporation and the polyethoxylated
amines available as the Ethomeen® series available from Armak Corporation.
[0026] The alkylene diamine, according to the present invention has the general formula:

in which R₁, R₂, R₄ and R₅ are independently hydrogen, an alkyl group having 1 to
4 carbon atoms or a hydroxylalkyl or dihydroxyalkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms
or R₄ and R₅ jointly form a saturated 5 or 6 membered heterocyclic ring, which can
be substituted by an oxo- or hydroxyalkyl group and R₃ represents an alkylene or hydroxyalkylene
group having 2 to 4 carbon atoms, provided that at least one of R₁, R₂, R₃, R₄ and
R₅ contain at least one hydroxy group.
[0027] These compounds are fully disclosed in U.K. Patent 1,513,053, published June 7, 1978.
[0028] A particular amine class that is useful herein is an N,N-tetrakis (hydroxyalkyl)
ethylene diamine having the formula:

wherein R₁ is alkylene having two to four carbon atoms, R is hydrogen or an alkyl
group having one to six carbon atoms and n is from one to four. The foregoing diamine
preferably has a molecular weight of under about 1700, preferably under about 1200,
even more preferably under about 800 and most preferably under about 500.
[0029] Although other examples will also be given hereinafter, the tetrakis (hydroxyalkyl)
ethylene diamine is best exemplified by the compound N,N,N′,N′-tetrakis(2-hydroxypropyl)-ethylenediamine,
obtainable commercially under the trademark Quadrol or Neutrol TE (both available
from BASF Wyandotte Company).
[0030] Examples of diamine monoalkyl phosphate salts useful in the present invention include,
but are not limited to,
tetrahydroxypropylethylenediamine monococoylphosphate,
tetrahydroxypropylethylenediamine monolaurylphosphate,
tetrahydroxypropylethylenediamine (monoethoxylated) monolaurylphosphate,
tetrahydroxypropylethylenediamine monoisostearylphosphate,
tetrahydroxypropylethylenediamine monostearylphosphate,
tetrahydroxypropylethylenediamine (monoethoxylated) monostearylphosphate,
tetrahydroxypropylethylenediamine monomyristylphosphate,
tetrahydroxypropylethylenediamine (monoethoxylated) monomyristylphosphate,
tetrahydroxypropylethylenediamine monooleoylphosphate,
tetrahydroxypropylethylenediamine monopalmiltylphosphate,
tetrahydroxypropylethylenediamine (monoethoxylated) monopalmiltylphosphate,
tetrahydroxypropylethylenediamine monocaprylphosphate,
tetrahydroxypropylethylenediamine (monoethoxylated) monocaprylphosphate,
tetrahydroxypropylethylenediamine monoundecylenylphosphate,
tetrahydroxypropylethylenediamine monotridecylenylphosphate,
tetrahydroxypropylethylenediamine mono(methylmyristyl)phosphate,
tetrahydroxypropylethylenediamine mono(isopropyllauryl)phosphate,
tetrahydroxypropylethylenediamine mono(isodecylneopentyl)phosphate,
tetrahydroxypropylethylenediamine monocetylphosphate, and
tetrahydroxypropylethylenediamine mono(isopropylmyristyl)phosphate.
[0031] The alkylamine oxides of the present invention have a hydrocarbon group having from
about 10 to about 14 carbon atoms. The alkylamine oxides can be represented, for example,
by the following general formula:

wherein R₁ is a hydrocarbon group having about 10 to about 14 carbon atoms and R₂
and R₃ are independently a methyl or ethyl group.
[0032] The compositions of the present invention can be administered topically, i.e., by
the direct laying on or spreading of the composition on epidermal or epithelial tissue.
Such compositions can be formulated as foams, lotions, creams, ointments, solutions,
gels or solids. A highly preferred composition contains the monoalkyl phosphate salt
in a soap matrix (i.e., liquid or solid). These topical compositions comprise a safe
and effective amount, usually from about 0.1% to about 99.0%, and preferably from
about 1% to about 10%, of the monoalkyl phosphate salt and from about 0.1% to about
20.0% of the alkylamine oxide. Bar compositions generally contain very high levels
i.e., above 80%, of the diamine monoalkyl phosphate salt. Generally, the carrier is
either organic in nature or a solution or an aqueous emulsion and is capable of having
the active components dispersed, dissolved or suspended therein. The carrier can include
pharmaceutically-acceptable emollients, skin penetration enhancers, coloring agents,
fragrances, emulsifiers, thickening agents, and solvents. A more detailed description
of such forms follows:
1. Lotions.
[0033] The lotions can comprise a safe and effective amount of the monoalkyl phosphate salt
and the alkylamine oxide; from about 0.1% to about 25%, preferably from about 3% to
about 15%, of an emollient; the balance being water, a C₂ or C₃ alcohol, or a mixture
of water and the alcohol. Examples of suitable emollients are as follows:
1. Hydrocarbon oils and waxes. Examples are mineral oil, petrolatum, paraffin, ceresin,
ozokerite, microcrystalline wax, polyethylene, and perhydrosqualane.
2. Silicone oils, such as polydimethylsiloxanes, methylphenylpolysiloxanes, water-soluble
and alcohol-soluble silicone-glycol copolymers.
3. Triglyceride fats and oils, such as those derived from vegetable, animal and marine
sources. Examples include castor oil, safflower oil, cotton seed oil, corn oil, olive
oil, cod liver oil, almond oil, avocado oil, palm oil, sesame oil, and soybean oil.
4. Acetoglyceride esters, such as acetylated monoglycerides.
5. Ethoxylated glycerides, such as ethoxylated glyceryl monostearate.
6. Alkyl esters of fatty acids having 10 to 20 carbon atoms. Methyl, isopropyl and
butyl esters of fatty acids are especially useful herein. Examples include hexyl laurate,
isohexyl laurate, isohexyl palmitate, isopropyl palmitate, decyl oleate, isodecyl
oleate, hexadecyl stearate, decyl stearate, isopropyl isostearate, diisopropyl adipate,
diisohexyl adipate, dihexyldecyl adipate, diisopropyl sebacate, lauryl lactate, myristyl
lactate, and cetyl lactate.
7. Alkenyl esters of fatty acids having 10 to 20 carbon atoms. Examples thereof include
oleyl myristate, oleyl stearate, and oleyl oleate.
8. Fatty acids having 9 to 22 carbon atoms. Suitable examples include pelargonic,
lauric, myristic, palmitic, stearic, isostearic, hydroxystearic, oleic, linoleic,
ricinoleic, arachidonic, behenic, and erucic acids.
9. Fatty alcohols having 10 to 22 carbon atoms. Lauryl, myristyl, cetyl, hexadecyl,
stearyl, isostearyl, hydroxystearyl, oleyl, ricinoleyl, behenyl, erucyl, and 2-octyl
dodecyl alcohols are examples of suitable fatty alcohols.
10. Fatty alcohol ethers. Ethoxylated fatty alcohols of 10 to 20 carbon atoms include
the lauryl, cetyl, stearyl, isostearyl, oleyl, and cholesterol alcohols having attached
thereto from 1 to 50 ethylene oxide groups or 1 to 50 propylene oxide groups, or a
mixture thereof.
11. Ether-esters such as fatty acid esters of ethoxylated fatty alcohols.
12. Lanolin and its derivatives. Lanolin, lanolin oil, lanolin wax, lanolin alcohols,
lanolin fatty acids, isopropyl lanolate, ethoxylated lanolin, ethoxylated lanolin
alcohols, ethoxylated cholesterol, propoxylated lanolin alcohols, acetylated lanolin,
acetylated lanolin alcohols, lanolin alcohols linoleate, lanolin alcohols ricinoleate,
acetate of lanolin alcohols ricinoleate, acetate of ethoxylated alcohols-esters, hydrogenolysis
of lanolin, ethoxylated hydrogenated lanolin, ethoxylated sorbitol lanolin, and liquid
and semisolid lanolin absorption bases are illustrative of emollients derived from
lanolin.
13. Polyhydric alcohols and polyether derivatives. Propylene glycol, dipropylene glycol,
polypropylene glycol (M.W. 2000-4000), polyoxyethylene polyoxypropylene glycols, polyoxypropylene
polyoxyethylene glycols, glycerol, ethoxylated glycerol, propoxylated glycerol, sorbitol,
ethoxylated sorbitol, hydroxypropyl sorbitol, polyethylene glycol (M.W. 200-6000),
methoxy polyethylene glycols, poly(ethylene oxide) homopolymers (M.W. 100,000-5,000,000),
polyalkylene glycols and derivatives, hexylene glycol (2-methyl-2,4-pentanediol),
1,3-butylene glycol, 1,2,6-hexanetriol, ethohexadiol USP (2-ethyl-1,3-hexanediol),
C₁₅-C₁₈ vicinal glycol, and polyoxypropylene derivatives of trimethylolpropane are
examples thereof.
14. Polyhydric alcohol esters. Ethylene glycol mono- and di-fatty acid esters, diethylene
glycol mono- and di-fatty acid esters, polyethylene glycol (M.W. 200-6000) mono- and
di-fatty acid esters, propylene glycol mono- and di-fatty acid esters, polypropylene
glycol 2000 monooleate, polypropylene glycol 2000 monostearate, ethoxylated propylene
propylene glycol monostearate, glyceryl mono- and di-fatty acid esters, polyglycerol
poly-fatty acid esters, ethoxylated gylceryl monostearate, 1,3-butylene glycol monostearate,
1,3-butylene glycol distearate, polyoxyethylene polyol fatty acid ester, sorbitan
fatty acid esters, and polyoxyethylene sorbitan fatty acid esters are satisfactory
polyhydric alcohol esters.
15. Wax esters, such as beeswax, spermaceti, myristyl myristate, stearyl stearate.
16. Beeswax derivatives, e.g., polyoxyethylene sorbitol beeswax. These are reaction
products of beeswax with ethoxylated sorbitol of varying ethylene oxide content, forming
a mixture of ether-esters.
17. Vegetable waxes including carnauba and candelilla waxes.
18. Phospholipids, such as lecithin and derivatives.
19. Sterols. Cholesterol, cholesterol fatty acid esters are examples thereof.
20. Amides, such as fatty acid amides, ethoxylated fatty acid amides, solid fatty
acid alkanolamides.
[0034] The lotions further comprise from about 1% to about 10%, preferably from about 2%
to about 5%, of an emulsifier. The emulsifiers can be nonionic, anionic or cationic.
Examples of satisfactory nonionic emulsifiers include fatty acid alcohols having 10
to 20 carbon atoms, fatty alcohols having 10 to 20 carbon atoms condensed with 2 to
20 moles of ethylene oxide or propylene oxide, alkyl phenols with 6 to 12 carbon atoms
in the alkyl chain condensed with 2 to 20 moles of ethylene oxide, mono- and di-fatty
acid esters of ethylene oxide, mono- and di-fatty acid esters of ethylene glycol wherein
the fatty acid moiety contains from 10 to 20 carbon atoms, diethylene glycol, polyethylene
glycols of molecular weight 200 to 6000, propylene glycols of molecular weight 200
to 3000, glycerol, sorbitol, sorbitan, polyoxyethylene sorbitol, polyoxyethylene sorbitan
and hydrophilic wax esters. Suitable anionic emulsifiers include the fatty acid soaps,
e.g. sodium, potassium and triethanolamine soaps, wherein the fatty acid moiety contains
from 10 to 20 carbon atoms. Other suitable anionic emulsifiers include the akali metal,
ammonium or substituted ammonium alkyl sulfates, alkyl arylsulfonates, and alkyl ethoxy
ether sulfonates having 10 to 30 carbon atoms in the alkyl moiety. The alkyl ethoxy
ether sulfonates contain from 1 to 50 ethylene oxide units. However, it is recognized
that certain anionic emulsifiers can result in a turbid formulation, and hence, anionic
emulsifiers are less preferred for use herein.
[0035] The balance of the lotion is water or a C₂ or C₃ alcohol, or a mixture of water and
the alcohol. The lotions are formulated by simply admixing all of the components together.
Preferably the monoalkyl phosphate salt is dissolved in the mixture. Conventional
optional components can be included. One such additive is a thickening agent at a
level from about 1% to about 10% of the composition. Examples of suitable thickening
agents include: cross-linked carboxypolymethylene polymers (sufficiently neutralized),
magnesium aluminum silicate, carboxymethylcellulose, hydroxyethylcellulose, acrylic
acid polymers (e.g., Acrysol ICS-I, available from Rohm & Haas Corporation), polyethylene
glycols, gum tragacanth, gum kharaya, xanthan gums and bentonite. Cationic polymers,
such as cationic guar gum, are not preferred for use herein.
2. Creams.
[0036] Compositions of the present invention also can be formulated in a cream form. The
creams comprise safe and effective amounts of the monoalkyl phosphate salt and alkyl
amine oxide; from about 0.1% to 95%, preferably from about 10% to about 25%, of an
emollient; the balance being water. The emollients above described can also be used
in the cream compositions. Optionally, the cream form contains a suitable emulsifier,
as previously described. When an emulsifier is included, it is is the composition
at a level from about 3% to about 50%, preferably from about 5% to about 20%.
3. Solutions.
[0037] The compositions of this invention can also be formulated as a solution. The solution
form comprises a safe and effective amount of the surfactant composition containing
the monoalkyl phosphate salt and amine oxide, usually at least about 0.01% up to about
50% and preferably about 0.1% to about 10%; the balance being water or a suitable
organic solvent. Suitable organic materials useful as the solvent or a part of a solvent
system are as follows: propylene glycol, polyethylene glycol (M.W. 200-1000), polypropylene
glycol (M.W. 425-2025), butylene glycol, glycerine, sorbitol esters, 1,2,6-hexanetriol,
ethanol, isopropanol, diethyl tartrate, butanediol, and mixtures thereof.
[0038] These solutions can be applied to the skin as is, or else can be formulated into,
for example, squeeze devices as described below or as an aerosol and sprayed onto
the skin from an aerosol container, or as a mouthwash composition and used as an oral
rinse. The aerosol compositions further comprise from about 25% to about 80%, preferably
from about 30% to about 50%, of suitable propellants. Examples of such propellants
are the chlorinated, fluorinated and chlorofluorinated lower molecular weight hydrocarbons.
Nitrous oxide, carbon dioxide, butane, and propane can also be used as propellant
gases. These propellants are used at a level sufficient to expel the contents of the
container.
[0039] Squeeze foamer packages are well known as exemplified by the disclosures in the following
patents that are incorporated herein by reference. U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,709,437, Wright,
issued Jan. 9, 1973; 3,937,364, Wright, issued Feb. 10, 1976; 4,022,351, Wright, issued
May 10, 1977; 4,147,306, Bennett, issued Apr. 3, 1979; 4,184,615, Wright, issued Jan.
22, 1980; 4,598,862, Rice, issued July 8, 1986; and 4,615,467, Grogan et al., issued
Oct. 7, 1986; and French Pat. 2,604,622, Verhulst, published Apr. 8, 1988.
[0040] The above containers (packages) do not use any propellant and are therefore safe
for the consumer and the environment. They create a foam from almost any surfactant
composition. Although there is no need to add foam boosters merely for the purpose
of stabilizing the foam, such materials can be desirable. In some compositions the
use of foam boosters can even be counterproductive since the foam has to break in
order for the container to work properly. The composition is placed in the container
reservoir (plastic squeeze bottle). Squeezing the container with the hand forces the
composition through a foamer head, or other foam producing means, where the composition
is mixed with air and then through a homogenizing means that makes the foam more homogeneous
and controls the consistency of the foam. The foam is then discharged as a uniform,
non-pressurized aerated foam.
[0041] The minimum pressure to activate the squeeze foamer is about 1 psig, typically from
about 2 psig to about 7 psig. The minimum pressure is related to the size of the channels
in the dispenser, the viscosity of the composition, etc.
[0042] In general, the density of the foam should be between about 0.002 and about 0.25
g/cc, preferably between about 0.01 and about 0.12 g/cc, and more preferably between
about 0.02 and about 0.07 g/cc.
[0043] The carrier liquid in a mouthwash is generally a mixture of ethanol and water. The
amount of ethanol is generally from about 5% to about 60%, preferably from about 5%
to about 25% by weight of the carrier. Water then constitutes the remainder of the
carrier liquid mixture. These mouthwash compositions can also contain other optional
components such as emulsifying agents as previously described, flavoring agents, sweeteners,
and humectants. Other mouthwash formulations and methods for making mouthwashes useful
in the present invention are disclosed in U.S. Patent 4,323,551 to Parran, issued
April 6, 1982, which is incorporated by reference herein.
4. Gels.
[0044] Compositions herein can be formulated into a gel form by simply admixing a suitable
thickening agent to the previously described solution compositions. Examples of suitable
thickening agents have been previously described with respect to the lotions.
[0045] The gelled compositions comprise a safe and effective amount of the surfactant composition,
from about 0.5% to about 20%, preferably from about 1% to about 10%, of the thickening
agent; the balance being water or a mixture of water and ethanol and propanol.
5. Solids.
[0046] The compositions of this invention can also be formulated in a solid form, e.g.,
a stick-type composition. Such compositions comprise a safe and effective amount of
the surfactant composition and from about 0.01% to about 99%, preferably from about
60% to about 90%, of the previously described emollients. This composition can further
comprise from about 0.1% to about 20%, preferably from about 5% to about 15%, of a
suitable thickening agent, and optionally emulsifiers and water. Thickening agents
previously described with respect to lotions are also suitable herein.
6. Soaps.
[0047] The compositions of this invention can also be formulated into a liquid or solid
(e.g., bar) soap matrix. Such compositions comprise a safe and effective amount of
the surfactant composition ranging from about 0.1% to about 99%; and from about 1%
to about 99% of an excipient such as those previously described. Optionally, the soap
contains a suitable emulsifier as previously described. When an emulsifier is included,
it is in the composition at a level from about 10% to about 50%.
7. Dentifrices.
[0048] The compositions of this invention can also be formulated as dentifrices. Such dentifrices,
especially toothpaste, comprise a safe and effective amount of the surfactant composition
ranging from about 0.1% to about 20% by weight of the composition. Toothpaste compositions
conventionally contain abrasive materials, sudsing agents, binders, humectants, flavoring
and sweetening agents. Suitable dentifrice compositions and the methods of their manufacture
useful in the present invention are fully set forth in U.S. Patent 3,535,421 to Briner
et al., issued October 20, 1970, which is incorporated by reference herein.
8. Shampoos.
[0049] Compositions of this invention also can be formulated in a shampoo form. The shampoos
comprise a safe and effective amount of the surfactant composition ranging from about
0.1% to about 99%; from about 5% to about 60% of a synthetic surfactant; and the balance
water. A secondary surfactant can also be utilized, however, such secondary surfactant
should be neutralized by a diamine as described above.
[0050] These shampoos can contain a variety of nonessential optional components. Such conventional
optional ingredients are well known to those skilled in the art, e.g., preservatives,
such as benzyl alcohol, ethyl paraben, propyl paraben and imidazolidinyl urea; cationic
surfactants, such as cetyl trimethyl ammonium chloride, stearyldimethyl benzyl ammonium
chloride, and di(partially hydrogenated tallow) dimethylammonium chloride; thickeners
and viscosity modifiers such as diethanolamide of a long-chain fatty acid (e.g. PEG
3 lauramide), block polymers of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide, sodium chloride,
sodium sulfate, polyvinyl alcohol, and ethyl alcohol; pH adjusting agents, such as
citric acid, succinic acid, phosphoric acid, sodium carbonate; perfumes; dyes; and,
sequestering agents, such as disodium ethylenediamine tetraacetate. Such agents generally
are used individually at a level of from about 0.01% to about 10%, preferably from
about 0.5% to about 5.0% by weight of the composition.
[0051] Additional minor components can be added to the compositions of this invention in
order to increase their attractiveness, versatility, and shelf-life. Perfumes and
water soluble, pharmaceutically acceptable dyes or food colors can be added to enhance
the attractiveness of these compositions. Antifungal and antimicrobial agents are
useful in preventing mold or bacterial contamination and in increasing the shelf-life
of the compositions. Conventional antibacterial agents can be included in the present
compositions at levels of from about 0.1% to about 4%, preferably from about 0.2%
to about 1%. Typical antibacterial agents which are suitable for use herein are 3,4-di-
and 3,4′,5-tribromosalicylanildes; 4,4′-dichloro-3-(trifluoromethyl)carbanilide; 3,4,4′-trichlorocarbanilide;
phenoxy ethanol or propanol; chlorhexidene salts; hexamidine salts; Irgasan DP 300
(Triclosan); salicylic acid; parachlorometaxylenol; Octopirox; and mixtures of these
materials. For general purposes skin cleansing compositions having a pH range from
about 5.0 to about 8.0 are desirable. If necessary, the pH of these compositions can
be adjusted downward using citric or lactic acid. For skin cleansers which deal with
more sensitive skin surfaces, such as in vaginal and perianal cleansers, a pH of about
6.5 is desirable. These and other minor modifications can be made without materially
altering or departing from the basic concept of this invention.
[0052] The nature of the foam produced determines the usefulness of the present compositions.
In order for a foam to be useful as a skin cleansing agent, it must have a uniform
consistency, good spreadability, and good cleansing ability.
[0053] The foamability and wettability characteristics are governed by the surface tension
of the skin cleansing composition. The surface tension for the compositions of this
invention varies from about 20 to 70 dynes/cm. For general skin cleansing compositions
a range of from about 23 to about 50 dynes/cm is preferred. Liquid compositions having
a surface tension in the lower portion of this range possess greater spreading and
better wetting characteristics with increased foamability. Foamable compositions having
higher surface tensionsgenerally provide more stable foams but are also more difficult
to cause to foam and require more force to extrude the foam.
[0054] The foam-producing skin cleansing compositions of this invention are particularly
advantageous in that they leave a minimum amount of surfactant residue on the surface
of the skin. This has been achieved in part by utilizing a low percentage of total
surfactants in the skin cleansing compositions itself, and by preparing foams with
unusually low density. The present compositions provide foam densities provide good
cleansing ability and more importantly, leave a negligible amount of surfactant residue
on the surface of the skin upon rinsing or flattening, thereby preserving skin elasticity,
and reducing transepidermal moisture loss.
[0055] The cleansing ability of these aerated foams is a direct function of the cleansing
ability of the surfactant solution itself which produces the foam.
[0056] The following non-limiting examples illustrate embodiments of the subject invention
wherein both essential and optional ingredients are combined. It is to be understood
that these examples are for illustrative purposes only and are not to be construed
as limiting the scope of the invention thereto.
EXAMPLE I
[0057] A facial cleansing composition for topical administration is prepared by combining
the following ingredients:

[0058] The N,N,N′,N′-tetrakis(2-hydroxypropyl)-ethylenediamine monolaurylphosphate is formed
by heating 1 mole of monolauryl phosphate acid over a steam bath to about 50°C until
molten. 1 mole of N,N,N′,N′-tetrakis(2-hydroxypropyl)-ethylenediamine (available as
Quadrol from BASF Corporation) is heated in a separate beaker to 50°C until pourable.
[0059] The molten phosphate is slowly added to the N,N,N′,N′-tetrakis(2-hydroxypropyl)-ethylenediamine.
The phosphate is added until a pH of 5.0 to 9.0 is reached (preferably 7.0). The resulting
N,N,N′,N′-tetrakis(2-hydroxypropyl)-ethylenediamine monolaurylphosphate is then cooled
to form a clear, yellow solid. The remaining ingredients are then combined in order
to produce a facial cleansing composition.
[0060] Application of approximately 0.5 grams to the skin will provide a foaming cleanser
possessing good cleansing power and detergency, which is mild and non-irritating,
and leaves little, if any, residual film remaining on the cleansed surface of the
skin.
[0061] Substantially similar results are obtained when the monolauryl phosphate acid is
replaced with an equivalent amount of monococoylphosphate acid, monolaurylphosphate
acid, monoisostearylphosphate acid, monostearylphosphate acid, monomyristylphosphate
acid, monooleoylphosphate acid, monopalmitylphosphate acid, monocaprylphosphate acid,
monoundecylenylphosphate acid, monotridecylenylphosphate acid, mono(methylmyristyl)phosphate
acid, mono(isopropyllauryl)phosphate acid, mono(isodecylneopentyl)phosphate acid,
monocetylphosphate acid, and mono(isopropylmyristyl)phosphate acid and mixtures thereof.
EXAMPLE II
[0062] A facial cleansing composition for topical administration is prepared by combining
the following ingredients:

EXAMPLE III
[0063] A facial cleansing compositions for topical administration is prepared by combining
the following ingredients:

EXAMPLE IV
[0064] A facial cleansing gel composition for topical administration is prepared by combining
the following ingredients:

EXAMPLE V
[0065] A facial shaving foam composition for topical administration is prepared by combining
the following ingredients:

EXAMPLE VI
[0066] A facial cleansing composition for topical administration is prepared by combining
the following ingredients:

1. A surfactant composition comprising:
(a) from about 0.1% to about 99.0% of one or more of a surfactant compound of the
formula:

wherein R is a hydrophobic group or the condensation product of a hydrophobic group
with ethylene oxide, and wherein X₁ and X₂ are independently selected from the group
consisting of hydrogen, alkali metal, ammonium, substituted ammonium and alkylene
diamine, provided that at least one of X₁ and X₂ is an alkylene diamine; and
(b) from about 0.1% to about 20.0% of one or more of an alkylamine oxide which has
a hydrocarbon group having from about 10 to about 14 carbon atoms.
2. A compound according to Claim 1 wherein R is alkyl or alkenyl having an average of
from about 10 to about 18 carbon atoms.
3. A compound according to Claim 2 wherein R is alkyl or alkenyl having an average of
from about 10 to 14 carbon atoms, wherein said substituted ammonium is selected from
the group consisting of alkoxylated ammonium, alkylammonium, alkoxylated aliphatic
amines and polyethoxylated amines, and wherein said alkali metal is selected from
the group consisting of sodium, potassium and lithium and mixtures thereof.
4. A compound according to Claim 3 wherein said alkylammonium is selected from the group
consisting of trimethylammonium, triethylammonium, dibutylammonium, butyldimethylammonium,
isopropyldimethylammonium, diglycolamines, glucamines and mixtures thereof and wherein
said substituted alkylammonium is a hydroxyalkylammonium.
5. A compound according to Claim 4 wherein at least one of X₁ and X₂ is a totally hydroxyalkylated
alkylene diamine and wherein R is the condensation product of a hydrophobic group
with from about 1 to about 10 moles of ethylene oxide.
6. A compound according to Claim 5 wherein at least one of X₁ and X₂ is an alkylene diamine
wherein the alkylene moiety contains from 2 to about 6 carbon atoms, said alkylene
diamine having been oxyalkylated with an alkylene oxide containing at least 2 carbon
atoms or a mixture of alkylene oxides containing from 2 or more carbon atoms.
7. A compound according to Claim 6 wherein at least one of X₁ and X₂ is N,N,N′,N′-tetrakis(2-hydroxypropyl)ethylenediamine.
8. A detergent composition according to Claim 7 in a form selected from the group consisting
of soaps, creams, solutions, mouthwashes, dentifrices or shampoos.
9. A detergent composition according to Claim 1 comprising a mixture of the diamine monoalkyl
phosphate salts wherein R is selected from the group consisting of C₁₂ to C₁₄ alkyl
or alkenyl and C₁₆ to C₁₈ alkyl or alkenyl and wherein said salts are present in a
ratio of from about 60:40 to about 40:60.
10. A detergent composition according to Claim 1 comprising a mixture of the diamine monoalkyl
phosphate salts wherein R is selected from the group consisting of the condensation
product of a C₁₂ to C₁₄ alkyl or alkenyl with from about 1 to about 10 moles of ethylene
oxide and the condensation product of a C₁₆ to C₁₈ alkyl or alkenyl with from about
1 to about 10 moles of ethylene oxide and wherein said salts are present in a ratio
of from about 60:40 to about 40:60.
11. A detergent composition having low irritation effect comprising:
(a) from about 0.1% to about 99% of a surfactant component comprising:
(i) one or more of a surfactant compound having the formula:

wherein R is a hydrophobic group or the condensation product of a hydrophobic group
with ethylene oxide, and wherein X₁ and X₂ are independently selected from the group
consisting of hydrogen, alkali metal, ammonium, substituted ammonium and alkylene
diamine, provided that at least one of X₁ and X₂ is an alkylene diamine; and
(ii) one or more of a surfactant compound having the formula

wherein R is a hydrophobic group or the condensation product of a hydrophobic group
with ethylene oxide, and wherein X₃ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen,
alkali metal, ammonium, substituted ammonium and alkylene diamine;
wherein the ratio of (i) to (ii) is from about 99:1 to about 70:30; and
(b) from about 0.1% to about 20.0% of one or more of an alkylamine oxide which has
a hydrocarbon group having from about 10 to about 14 carbon atoms.
12. A detergent composition according to Claim 11 wherein R is alkyl or alkenyl having
an average of from about 10 to 18 carbon atoms and wherein said substituted ammonium
is selected from the group consisting of alkoxylated ammonium, alkylammonium, alkoxylated
aliphatic amines and polyethoxylated amines.
13. A detergent composition according to Claim 12 wherein at least one of X₁ and X₂ is
N,N,N′,N′-tetrakis(2-hydroxypropyl)ethylenediamine.
14. A detergent composition according to Claim 13 wherein R is alkyl or alkenyl having
an average of from about 10 to about 14 carbon atoms.
15. A detergent composition according to Claim 13 wherein R is the condensation product
of an alkyl or alkenyl having an average of from about 10 to about 14 carbon atoms
with from about 1 to about 10 moles of ethylene oxide.
16. A detergent composition according to Claim 13 in a form selected from the group consisting
of soaps, creams, solutions, mouthwashes, dentifrices or shampoos.
17. A detergent composition according to Claim 15 in a form selected from the group consisting
of soaps, creams, solutions, mouthwashes, dentifrices or shampoos.