Field of the Invention
[0001] The present invention relates to a transparent bar soap and a process for producing
the same.
Background of the Invention
[0002] Among fatty acid soaps containing a sodium salt of a higher fatty acid as a main
ingredient, there is known a transparent bar soap in which a transparency agent such
as glycerin, sorbitol and sucrose is incorporated to inhibit crystallization thereof
and instead form fine crystals to thereby impart a transparent appearance thereto.
Such a transparent bar soap, which contains a large amount of humectants such as polyhydric
alcohols and saccharides,_has an excellent skin protecting effect, provides a mild
use feeling, and is mainly used for face cleansing purposes.
Hitherto, transparent bar soaps have been produced by a so-called framing method in
which a fatty acid soap and a transparency agent is heated and dissolved in a mixed
solvent containing a lower alcohol such as ethanol, and water, and the resulting solution
is poured into a given frame and aged in order to let the volatile solvent gradually
evaporate to solidify, which requires over several tens of days (refer to
JP 57-30798A and
JP 2002-80896A). The transparent bar soaps obtained by the above method have an advantage that its
transparency is high, but have drawbacks such as poor production efficiency. Further,
the product obtained by the framing method must be cut and reshaped with stamp into
a final product shape after the solidification, and has drawbacks such as the need
of an additional shaping step and the generation of soap scraps.
[0003] On the other hand, a milled transparent bar soap composition obtained by compounding
an electrolyte and a specific nonionic surfactant in a fatty acid soap has been proposed
(refer to
JP 8-283795A). In such invention, it is described that the obtained transparent bar soap is improved
in term of occurrence of excess melting before and after use, and has an excellent
transparency. However, in the described method, it is difficult to uniformly mix the
nonionic surfactant in the soap. Therefore, the obtained soap is not fully satisfactory
with respect to transparency. Further, the milling method generally has a problem
that an additional shaping step is necessary and soap scraps are generated, because
it is necessary to extrude the soap composition in the form of a bar and to further
stamp the obtained bar into a final product shape.
[0004] Also, there has been proposed a framed bar cleanser containing a saturated branched
fatty acid salt and/or an unsaturated fatty acid salt and an alkyleneoxide derivative
(refer to
JP 2004-143114A). In such invention, it is described that the obtained skin cleanser can exhibit
a good foamability, a good rinsing property, a good feeling upon use, and sufficient
hardness and stability as a bar soap. However, the hardness of the framed bar cleanser
is insufficient as compared with ordinary fatty acid soaps. In addition, in such invention
which adopts the framing method, a long process time is necessary and, therefore,
the problem of low production efficiency remains unsolved. Moreover, such invention
involves a problem of smell attributed to the branched fatty acid and unsaturated
fatty acid.
Summary of the Invention
[0005] In view of the foregoing problems, the present invention relates to a transparent
bar soap which has a high transparency, a good foamability especially in hard water
and a suitable hardness necessary for bar soaps and which is free from problems concerning
deterioration of its smell over time; the present invention also relates to a production
process which is capable of producing such a transparent bar soap having a desired
shape with a high production efficiency.
[0006] The present inventor has found that the above problems can be solved by a transparent
bar soap which includes saturated straight-chain fatty salts having 12 to 18 carbon
atoms but is substantially free from a branched fatty acid salt and an unsaturated
fatty acid salt, wherein a compounding proportion of the fatty acids as well as a
compounding proportion of an agent having a transparency-imparting effect are controlled
to respective specific ranges, and a specific amount of an inorganic salt is incorporated
thereinto.
[0007] That is, the present invention relates to a transparent bar soap which includes (A)
saturated straight-chain fatty acids having 12 to 18 carbon atoms and/or salts thereof
but is substantially free from a branched fatty acid salt and an unsaturated fatty
acid salt, the transparent bar soap further including (B) one or more substances selected
from the group consisting of nonionic surfactants, amphoteric surfactants, polyhydric
alcohols which are kept in a liquid state at a room temperature, and saccharides,
(C) an inorganic salt, and (D) water, wherein the fatty acids constituting the component
(A) are present in an amount of from 20 to 40% by weight on the basis of the entire
amount of the bar soap, the components (A) and (B) are present in such an amount that
a weight ratio of the fatty acids constituting the component (A) to the component
(B) is from 30:70 to 45:55, the component (C) is present in an amount of from 0.5
to 5% by weight on the basis of the entire amount of the bar soap, and the component
(D) is present in a remainder amount of the bar soap, and
wherein C
12, C
14, C
16 and C
18 fatty acids constituting the component (A) are present in such an amount that a weight
ratio of the C
12 fatty acid to a sum of the C
16 fatty acid and the C
18 fatty acid is in the range of from 30:70 to 60:40, a weight ratio of the C
12 fatty acid to the C
14 fatty acid is in the range of from 20:80 to 80:20, and a total amount of the C
12 fatty acid and the C
14 fatty acid is from 14 to 22% by weight on the basis of the entire amount of the bar
soap.
[0008] The present invention also relates to a process for producing a transparent bar soap
from a soap composition which includes (A) saturated straight-chain fatty acids having
12 to 18 carbon atoms and/or salts thereof, (B) one or more substances selected from
the group consisting of nonionic surfactants, amphoteric surfactants, polyhydric alcohols
which are kept in a liquid state at a room temperature, and saccharides, (C) an inorganic
salt, and (D) water, wherein the fatty acids constituting the component (A) are present
in an amount of from 20 to 40% by weight on the basis of the entire amount of the
soap composition, wherein C
12, C
14, C
16 and C
18 fatty acids constituting the component (A) are present in such an amount that a weight
ratio of the C
12 fatty acid to a sum of the C
16 fatty acid and the C
18 fatty acid is in the range of from 30:70 to 60:40, a weight ratio of the C
12 fatty acid to the C
14 fatty acid is in the range of from 20:80 to 80:20, and a total amount of the C
12 fatty acid and the C
14 fatty acid is from 14 to 22% by weight on the basis of the entire amount of the soap
composition, and wherein the components (A) and (B) are present in such an amount
that a weight ratio of the fatty acids constituting the component (A) to the component
(B) is from 30:70 to 45:55, the component (C) is present in an amount of from 0.5
to 5% by weight on the basis of the entire amount of the soap composition, and the
component (D) is present in a remainder amount of the bar soap, the process including
the steps of heating and melting the soap composition to obtain a homogeneous composition,
pouring the homogeneous composition into a mold, and cooling and solidifying the poured
composition to obtain a molded bar soap.
[0009] The transparent bar soap of the present invention has a high transparency, a good
foamability especially in hard water and a suitable hardness necessary for bar soaps
and is free from problems concerning deterioration of its smell over time. The transparent
bar soap may be easily produced only by pouring a molten soap composition into a mold
cavity having a desired shape and then cooling the poured composition. Thus, molded
bar soap products having a desired shape may be produced with a high productivity.
Detailed Description of the Invention
[0010] The transparent bar soap of the present invention contains, as a main ingredient
thereof, (A) saturated straight-chain fatty acids having 12 to 18 carbon atoms and/or
salts thereof and is substantially free from a branched fatty acid salt and an unsaturated
fatty acid salt. As a result of this constitution, it is possible to harden the soap
only by cooling it for a short period of time and, therefore, to greatly improve the
productivity. Further, the transparent bar soap of the present invention may be produced
by a casting method. Namely, bar soaps having a desired shape may be efficiently produced
by pouring a molten soap composition into a mold cavity having a shape conforming
to that of the final product, followed by cooling and solidification of the poured
composition.
A branched fatty acid salt and an unsaturated fatty acid salt have been conventionally
used in bar soap compositions owing to their effect of improving the transparency
thereof. However, these salts tend to reduce the hardness of the soap. On the other
hand, the transparent bar soap of the present invention is substantially free from
the branched fatty acid salt and the unsaturated fatty acid salt and, therefore, exhibits
a good hardness. Further, the soap has an excellent stable smell and fragrance because
neither branched fatty acid salt nor unsaturated fatty acid salt is contained in the
soap. The term "substantially free from a branched fatty acid salt and an unsaturated
fatty acid salt" as used herein means that the content of these salts in the transparent
bar soap composition of the present invention is 2% by weight or less.
[0011] In the transparent bar soap of the present invention, the fatty acid constituting
the component (A) has the following compositional requirements:
- (1) the weight ratio of the C12 fatty acid to a sum of the C16 fatty acid and the C18 fatty acid (C12:(C16+C18)) (weight ratio in terms of fatty acid; hereinafter, the weight of the component
(A) is described in terms of the weight of the respective fatty acids constituting
the component (A)) is in the range of from 30:70 to 60:40;
- (2) the weight ratio of the C12 fatty acid to the C14 fatty acid (C12:C14) is in the range of from 20:80 to 80:20; and
- (3) the total amount of the C12 fatty acid and the C14 fatty acid is from 14 to 22% by weight on the basis of the entire amount of the bar
soap.
In the present invention, a high transparency and a satisfactory foamability may be
achieved by controlling the chain length distribution of the saturated straight-chain
fatty acids as defined in (1) to (3) above.
When ingredients of the component (A) are fatty acid salts, the term "fatty acids
constituting the component (A)" as used herein is intended to mean fatty acids before
the fatty acid salts are formed by neutralizing the fatty acids with a base.
[0012] In the above requirement (1), the weight ratio of the C
12 fatty acid (lauric acid) to a sum of the C
16 fatty acid (palmitic acid) and the C
18 fatty acid (stearic acid) is preferably in the range of from 30:70 to 50:50.
[0013] In the above requirement (2), the weight ratio of the C
12 fatty acid to the C
14 fatty acid (myristic acid) is preferably in the range of from 30:70 to 80:20 and
more preferably from 50:50 to 75:25.
[0014] In the above requirement (3), the total amount of the C
12 fatty acid and the C
14 fatty acid is preferably from 16 to 22% by weight.
[0015] In the transparent bar soap of the present invention, the content of the fatty acids
constituting the component (A) is preferably in the range of from 20 to 40% by weight
and more preferably from 25 to 35% by weight on the basis of the entire amount of
the bar soap. When the fatty acid content lies within the above-specified range, a
suitable balance between the component (A), the component (B) which has an effect
of suppressing the crystallization of the fatty acid soap, the component (C) which
has an effect of imparting a good stability in hard water to the soap, a neutralizing
agent and water necessary for dissolving the respective ingredients, so that the aimed
object of the present invention can be effectively achieved.
[0016] In the present invention, the above saturated straight-chain fatty acids may be present
in the form of salts neutralized with a base usually employed. Examples of the neutralized
salts include alkali metal salts, amine salts, alkanolamine salts and basic amino
acid salts. Among these salts, preferred are alkali metal salts such as sodium salts
and potassium salts, and more preferred are sodium salts. The neutralizing agent used
above may be added in such an amount that substantially 100% of the fatty acids are
neutralized.
[0017] The component (B) of the transparent bar soap of the present invention includes one
or more substances selected from the group consisting of nonionic surfactants, amphoteric
surfactants, polyhydric alcohols which are kept in a liquid state at a room temperature,
and saccharides. These substances have a function to suppress crystallization of a
fatty acid soap during the cooling and solidification upon production of the bar soap
and to contribute to the transparency thereof.
[0018] Examples of the nonionic surfactant include compounds having, as a hydrophilic group,
a polyoxyethylene group having an average number of moles of ethyleneoxides added
of from 6 to 150 and preferably from 10 to 50. Among these compounds, preferred are
compounds which contain an alkyl group having 10 to 18 carbon atoms and preferably
12 to 14 carbon atoms as a hydrophobic group and which have an HLB (Hydrophile Lipophile
Balance) value of 8 or more and preferably 10 or more.
[0019] Examples of the suitable nonionic surfactants include polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan
lauric acid ester ("RHEODOL SUPER TW-L120" (trade name) available from Kao Corporation)
having an HLB value of 14, polyoxyethylene (20) octyldodecyl ether ("EMULGEN 2020G"
(trade name) available from Kao Corporation; or "EMULEX OD-20" (trade name) available
from Nippon Emulsion Co., Ltd.) having an HLB value of 13, polyethylene glycol monolaurate
("EMANON 1112" (trade name) available from Kao Corporation) having an HLB value of
13.7, polyoxyethylene (23) lauryl ether ("EMULGEN 123P" (trade name) available from
Kao Corporation) having an HLB value of 16.9, and polyoxyethylene (30) lauryl ether
("EMULEX 730" (trade name) available from Nippon Emulsion Co., Ltd.) having an HLB
value of 18. The above HLB values are those given in the catalogues of the respective
manufacturers.
[0020] Examples of the amphoteric surfactants include betaine surfactants, amino acid surfactants,
imidazoline surfactants and amine oxide surfactants. Among these amphoteric surfactants,
betaine surfactants are preferred from the viewpoint of improving foamability and
transparency of the resulting soap.
[0021] The content of the nonionic surfactant in the transparent bar soap is preferably
from 3 to 15% by weight. When the content of the nonionic surfactant lies within the
above-specified range, both good transparency and suitable hardness necessary for
bar soaps can be attained. From the same viewpoints as described above, the content
of the nonionic surfactant is more preferably from 5 to 10% by weight.
The content of the amphoteric surfactant in the transparent bar soap is preferably
from 0 to 10% by weight and more preferably from 0 to 5% by weight from the same viewpoints
as described above for the nonionic surfactant.
[0022] When the above-described nonionic surfactant and amphoteric surfactant are used together,
it is preferred that the total content of these surfactants in the transparent bar
soap be in the range of from 5 to 20% by weight. When the total content of these surfactants
lies within the above-specified range, the effect of the surfactants can be sufficiently
exhibited, and suitable hardness necessary for bar soaps can be attained. From the
same viewpoints as described above, when the above-described nonionic surfactant and
amphoteric surfactant are used together, the total amount of these surfactants in
the transparent bar soap is more preferably in the range of from 5 to 15% by weight.
[0023] The polyhydric alcohols which are kept in a liquid state at a room temperature include
polyhydric alcohols and glycol ethers, and particularly preferred are glycols (inclusive
of glycols and glycol ethers). Specific examples of the glycols include those glycols
having an IOB value of 3 or less, such as isoprene glycol (IOB: 2.00), dipropylene
glycol (IOB: 1.83), ethoxy diglycol (diethylene glycol monoethyl ether; IOB: 1.63)
and 1,3-butylene glycol (IOB: 2.50). The use of these glycols is preferable from the
viewpoint of improved transparency and foamability of the obtained bar soap.
[0025] 
[0026] The content of the polyhydric alcohol which is kept in a liquid state at a room temperature
in the transparent bar soap is preferably from 5 to 50% by weight. When the content
of the polyhydric alcohol lies within the above-specified range, the obtained bar
soap is advantageously improved in foamability and transparency and further enhanced
in productivity owing to suppressed crystallization of saccharides and reduced viscosity
of the soap composition during the production thereof. In addition, the resulting
bar soap can also advantageously maintain a suitable hardness and exhibit an improved
foamability. From the same viewpoints as described above, the content of the polyhydric
alcohol which is kept in a liquid state at a room temperature is more preferably from
10 to 40% by weight. The above polyhydric alcohol may be used in combination with
a polyhydric alcohol having an IOB value of more than 3 such as propylene glycol (IOB:
3.33) and glycerin (IOB: 5.00) unless the transparency and foamability of the resulting
bar soap are adversely affected.
[0027] As the saccharides, there may be suitably used those which are kept in a solid state
at a room temperature. Examples of the preferred saccharides include sugar alcohols
of a monosaccharide having 4 to 6 carbon atoms or a disaccharide, such as mannitol,
xylitol, maltitol, erythritol and sorbitol. The saccharides have a high crystallization-preventing
effect in the soap, and can contribute to the transparency of the bar soap to a large
extent. Also, the saccharides are preferably used for reasons of their effect of improving
the foamability. In addition, the use of the saccharides gives an additional merit
that coloration by a caramel reaction is unlikely to occur during a neutralizing step
of the bar soap production process. These saccharides may be used alone or in combination
of any two or more thereof.
The content of the saccharide in the transparent bar soap is preferably from 10 to
30% by weight. When the content of the saccharide lies within the above-specified
range, the effect of addition thereof is sufficiently exhibited, and further crystallization
of an inside of the bar soap is unlikely to occur during the storage so that the transparency
thereof can be retained. From the same viewpoints as described above, the content
of the saccharide in the bar soap is more preferably from 10 to 20% by weight.
[0028] The compounds used as the component (B) of the transparent bar soap of the present
invention have a function to impart transparency to the bar soap and also have various
different properties. Therefore, by suitably selectively combining different compounds,
it is possible to control not only the transparency but also the foamability, hardness,
feeling upon use, etc., in view of the characteristics of the selected compounds and
to obtain the optimum formulations meeting the properties as necessary The component
(B) is preferably a combination of the polyhydric alcohol which is kept in a liquid
state at an room temperature with the surfactant or a combination of the polyhydric
alcohol which is kept in a liquid state at a room temperature with the saccharide.
Further preferred is a combination of the polyhydric alcohol which is kept in a liquid
state at a room temperature with the surfactant and the saccharide.
[0029] The weight ratio of the component (A) (in terms of fatty acids) to the component
(B) is in the range of from 30:70 to 45:55. When the weight ratio lies within the
above-specified range, the resulting bar soap can exhibit a good transparency and
further show a satisfactory foamability during use. From the same viewpoints as described
above, the weight ratio of the component (A) (in terms of fatty acids) to the component
(B) is in the range of from 40:60 to 45:55.
[0030] The content of the component (B) in the transparent bar soap of the present invention
is preferably in the range of from 20 to 50% by weight and more preferably from 30
to 45% by weight. When the content of the component (B) lies within the above-specified
range, a suitable balance between the component (A), the component (C) which will
be described in detail hereinafter, a neutralizing agent and water necessary for dissolving
the respective ingredients can be attained, so that the aimed object of the present
invention may be effectively achieved.
[0031] The transparent bar soap of the present invention contains an inorganic salt as the
component (C) in an amount of from 0.5 to 5% by weight. When the content of the component
(C) lies within the above-specified range, the resulting bar soap has enhanced stability
in hard water. More specifically, the bar soap shows a sufficient foaming capability
even in hard water having, for example, a hardness of 4, and further has a satisfactory
transparency. From the same viewpoints as described above, the content of the inorganic
salt is preferably from 1 to 3% by weight.
Any suitable inorganic salt may be used without particular limitation. Examples of
the inorganic salt include sodium chloride, potassium chloride, sodium sulfate, sodium
carbonate and sodium nitrate. Among these inorganic salts, sodium chloride is preferred
because of a satisfactory hardness of the resulting soap, a good availability and
easiness in handling.
[0032] The transparent bar soap of the present invention may also contain a non-soap anionic
surfactant for the purpose of improving the foamability at a low temperature and the
dispersibility of soap scum. Examples of the non-soap anionic surfactant include salts
of alkanoyl isethionate, salts of polyoxyethylene alkyl ether sulfate, salts of N-acylmethyltaurine,
salts of N-acylsaxcosinate, salts of N-acylated amino acid, salts of (di)alkyl sulfosuccinate
and salts of monoalkyl phosphate.
[0033] The transparent bar soap of the present invention may also contain an organic acid
other than fatty acids for the purpose of stabilizing the fragrance thereof. Examples
of the organic acid include lactic acid and gluconic acid. The content of the organic
acid in the transparent bar soap is preferably from 0.01 to 3% by weight and more
preferably from 0.1 to 1% by weight.
[0034] The transparent bar soap of the present invention additionally contains water as
the component (D) which serves as a medium for forming a homogeneous melt of the above-described
essential components and other components optionally used if necessary. The content
of water as the component (D) is from about 10 to about 40% by weight. Incidentally,
since the soap composition of the present invention solidifies rapidly, the water
is contained in the transparent bar soap immediately after production in the almost
same amount as that before the solidification.
[0035] In addition to the above-described components, the transparent bar soap of the present
invention may also contain other components conventionally employed in framed soaps,
such as an antimicrobial agent, a perfume, a pigment, a dye, an oil and an irritation
reducing agent. Examples of the antimicrobial agent include trichlosan and trichlorocarbanilide.
The content of the antimicrobial agent in the bar soap is usually from 0.01 to 2%
by weight. The contents of the perfume, pigment and dye in the bar soap are each usually
from 0.02 to 5% by weight. Examples of the oil include lanolin, paraffin, vaseline
and isopropyl myristate. The content of the oil in the bar soap is usually from 0.05
to 5% by weight.
[0036] The transparent bar soap of the present invention may be produced by pouring a melt
of a soap composition containing the above components (A), (B), (C) and (D) into a
mold cavity having a shape conforming to that of the final product, followed by cooling
and solidifying the poured melt to obtain a molded transparent bar soap having the
desired product shape.
A fatty acid salt dissolved in water tends to crystallize by salting out in the presence
of an inorganic salt. In the present invention in which the fatty acids are present
in the specific proportions, crystallization of the fatty acids does not proceed because
of their metastable state. However, when the component (B) is present in such a metastable
state in the course of cooling, crystallization of the component (A) rapidly proceeds
on the periphery of the component (B). For this reason, it is suggested that crystals
of the component (A) are finely divided so that a bar soap having a high transparency
is obtained. Thus, the bar soap can be produced over a short period of time. Also,
for the above reason, the soap has a very fine and dense structure so that problems
such as sogginess caused by water and lack of hardness can be solved.
In the conventional framing method, a soap composition in a molten state is placed
in a given frame. This method must be followed by the essential step of evaporating
ethanol or water from the soap composition to increase the transparency. It takes
about 2 months to solidify the soap composition. In contrast, the production process
of the present invention does not require such a step.
[0037] In the above production process, C
12 to C
18 saturated straight-chain fatty acids, (B) one or more substances selected from the
group consisting of nonionic surfactants, amphoteric surfactants, polyhydric alcohols
which are kept in a liquid state at a room temperature, and saccharides, (C) an inorganic
salt, and (D) water are mixed in predetermined proportions, followed by heating and
melting the resulting mixture. Then, a base diluted with a part of the water is added
to the obtained melt to neutralize the fatty acids, followed by confirming that a
homogeneous transparent composition is obtained. Alternatively, C
12 to C
18 saturated straight-chain fatty acids, (B) one or more substances selected from the
group consisting of nonionic surfactants, amphoteric surfactants and polyhydric alcohols
which are kept in a liquid state at a room temperature, and (D) water are mixed in
predetermined proportions, followed by heating and melting the resulting mixture.
Then, a base diluted with a part of the water is added to the obtained melt to neutralize
the fatty acids. After confirming that a homogeneous transparent composition is obtained,
(C) an inorganic salt and (B) a saccharide which are dissolved in a part of the water
are added thereto and homogeneously dissolved therein.
Upon the preparation of the soap composition in a molten state, the predetermined
components are mixed while heating at a temperature of usually from about 60 to about
90°C.
[0038] The thus prepared soap composition may be molded in a frame as used for the production
of conventional framed soap. The soap composition of the present invention is
characterized in that a bar soap may be obtained within a very short period of time by simply cooling and
solidifying the soap composition.
Thus, according to the present invention, a melt of the soap composition can be molded
only by directly pouring the melt into a mold cavity having a shape conforming to
that of the final product and then cooling and solidifying the poured melt. Therefore,
a transparent bar soap having the desired shape can be obtained within a short period
of time. The cooling and solidifying time may be suitably determined according to
the composition and formulating amount of the fatty acids, the formulating amount
of the transparency agent, etc. The cooling and solidifying time may also vary depending
upon the material and temperature of the mold, the size of the mold cavity, the amount
of the soap composition to be charged, outside air temperature, presence or absence
of cooling water, etc., but is usually from about 10 to about 60 min.
EXAMPLES
Example 1
[0039] The fatty acids, the polyhydric alcohol which was kept in a liquid state at a room
temperature and the surfactant as shown in Table 1 were mixed and molten at 80°C.
The resulting melt was neutralized by gradually dropping 48% aqueous solution diluted
with 5% by weight of water into the melt. After the neutralized solution became transparent
and homogeneous, a solution separately prepared by mixing sodium chloride, a saccharide
and purified water which was heated to 80°C, was added to the neutralized solution.
The obtained solution was further mixed for 15 min. at 80°C to obtain a soap composition
in a molten state.
[0040] The thus obtained soap composition was evaluated by the following methods. The results
are shown in Table 1.
Evaluation methods:
1. Transparency
[0041] Five milliliters of the soap composition kept in a molten state were poured at 80°C
into a balance dish (35×35×10 mm) and allowed to stand therein for cooling and solidifying.
The obtained bar soap was then taken out of the dish. It took about 20 min. to cool
and solidify the soap composition when allowing it to stand at room temperature (25°C).
The obtained bar soap was placed on a black mount for photographs and measured for
its transparency using a chroma-meter ("MINOLTA CR-200" available from Konica Minolta
Holdings, Inc.). The transparency was evaluated in terms of an L* value (lightness)
in the L*a*b* system. When the L* value is 38 or less, the transparency is regarded
as being good so that letters having a size of 5 points or less can be seen through
the bar soap. When measured by the above method, a commercially available framed transparent
soap had an L* value of 33 and another commercially available bar soap (for example,
"WHITE" available from Kao Corporation; white opaque) had an L* value of 70.
2. Foamability
[0042] Hard water with a hardness of 4 degrees was prepared using MgCl
2. Using the thus prepared hard water, a 1% aqueous solution of the above soap composition
was prepared. Five grams of the obtained aqueous solution was placed in a 200 mL measuring
cylinder and shaken 50 times at 30°C. Then, the height (mm) of foam thus formed was
measured. The amount of the foam formed in the above test had the following correlation
with the sensory evaluation by panelists. A height of 20 mm or more is regarded as
being good in foamability.
25 mm or more: Among 10 panelists, 9 to 10 panelists had a sense of good foamability.
20 mm or more but less than 25 mm: Among 10 panelists, 6 to 8 panelists had a sense
of good foamability.
15 mm or more but less than 20 mm: Among 10 panelists, 2 to 5 panelists had a sense
of good foamability.
Less than 15 mm: Among 10 panelists, no panelist or only one panelist had a sense
of good foamability.
3. Hardness of bar soap
[0043] The melt of the soap composition was poured into a mold cavity and then cooled and
solidified. The obtained bar soap was taken out of the mold cavity. It took about
60 min. to cool and solidify the soap composition. The 15 mm-thick bar soap obtained
after the solidification was then measured for its hardness at a central region thereof
using a hardness tester ("ASKER Rubber Hardness Tester Type C" available from Kobunshi
Keiki Co., Ltd.; JIS K7312). When measured by the above method, an ordinary commercially
available bar soap (for example, "WHITE" available from Kao Corporation) had a hardness
of 85 to 95 and another commercially available relatively soft soap (for example,
"PURE WHIP SOAP" available from Kao Corporation) had a hardness of 70 to 75. Accordingly,
a bar soap having a hardness of from about 70 to about 95 may be regarded as having
a suitable hardness.
4. Solidifying speed
[0044] In the course of producing a bar soap in the same manner as in "3. Hardness of bar
soap" in which the soap composition was poured into a mold cavity and then air cooled
at 25°C, a hardness of the resulting bar soap was measured 30 min., 60 min. and 90
min. after the start of the cooling. The solidifying speed was evaluated according
to the following ratings:
A: No further change in hardness occurred after 30 to 60 min.
B: No further change in hardness occurred after 60 to 90 min.
C: No further change in hardness occurred after 90 to 120 min.
In order to produce the soap with a higher efficiency, it is preferred that the solidification
be completed within 60 min.
5. Stability of smell
[0045] The bar soap after cooling and solidification was taken out of the mold cavity and
was placed in an aluminum pillow. After being hermetically sealed in the pillow, the
bar soaps were respectively allowed to stand in thermostatic ovens maintained at 5°C
and 50°C for one month. Thereafter, a change in smell between the bar soaps taken
out of the respective thermostatic ovens was evaluated by expert panelists for smell
according to the following ratings:
A: Slight change in smell between the bar soaps stored at 5°C and 50°C occurred, but
no bad smell was recognized; the change was within an acceptable range.
B: Significant change in smell between the bar soaps stored at 5°C and 50°C occurred,
but no bad smell was recognized the change was within an acceptable range.
C: Significant change in smell between the bar soaps stored at 5°C and 50°C occurred,
and a bad smell was recognized; the change is out of an acceptable range.
6. Resistance to sogginess
[0046] The bar soap after cooling and solidification was taken out of the mold cavity and
was placed on a soap dish, and allowed to stand in a thermostatic oven maintained
at 40°C under 75% RH for 2 weeks. Thereafter, the soap was taken out of the thermostatic
oven and then immediately evaluated for its appearance according to the following
ratings:
A: No change in appearance occurred.
B: Slight sogginess occurred but it was within an acceptable range.
C: Sogginess occurred and the bar soap was deposited on the dish.
Examples 2 to 5 and Comparative Examples 1 to 9
[0047] Soap compositions were produced in the same manner as in Example 1 except for using
the formulations as shown in Table 1. Evaluation was also made by the same method
as used in Example 1. The results are shown in Table 1.
[0048]
TABLE 1-1
Examples |
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
Component (A) Fatty acid composition (% by weight) |
Lauric acid (C12) |
9 |
10 |
12 |
10.3 |
7 |
Myristic acid (C14) |
9 |
10 |
4.5 |
10.3 |
7 |
Palmitic acid (C16) |
4.5 |
3.5 |
7 |
5.2 |
7.4 |
Stearic acid (C18) |
4.5 |
6.5 |
8.6 |
5.2 |
7.4 |
Isostearic acid (branched C18) |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
Neutralizing agent (% by weight) |
48% Sodium hydroxide |
10.6 |
11.9 |
11.7 |
11.3 |
10.2 |
Component (B) (% by weight) |
Polyhydric alcohol (liquid) |
Isoprene glycol |
10 |
14 |
9 |
10 |
10 |
Propylene glycol |
- |
- |
9 |
8 |
10 |
Glycerin |
- |
- |
- |
- |
2 |
Saccharide (solid) |
Xylitol |
10 |
9 |
9 |
10 |
10 |
Sorbitol |
10 |
12 |
5.9 |
5.2 |
14 |
Nonionic surfactant |
Eater *1 |
|
6 |
9 |
10 |
6 |
Ether *2 |
9 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
Amphoteric surfactant |
Betaine *3 |
- |
1.7 |
- |
- |
- |
Component (C): inorganic salt (% by weight) |
Sodium chloride |
1.1 |
1.1 |
1 |
0.5 |
1.2 |
(D) Purified water (% by weight) |
balance |
balance |
balance |
balance |
balance |
Total amount (% by weight) |
100 |
100 |
100 |
100 |
100 |
*1: POE (20) sorbitan lauric acid ester
*2: POE (20) octyldodecyl ether
*3: Lauryl hydroxysulfobetaine |
TABLE 1-2
Comparative Examples |
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
Fatty acid composition of Component (A) (% by weight) |
Lauric acid (C12) |
4 |
9 |
18 |
9 |
9 |
Myristic acid (C14) |
20 |
7.5 |
0 |
15 |
1 |
Palmitic acid (C16) |
2.9 |
2.9 |
9 |
2.9 |
9.2 |
Stearic acid (C18) |
1.1 |
1.1 |
9 |
1.1 |
8.8 |
Isostearic acid (branched C18) |
- |
7.5 |
- |
- |
- |
Neutralizing agent (% by weight) |
48% Sodium hydroxide |
10.5 |
13.2 |
12.8 |
12 |
12.7 |
Component (B) (% by weight) |
Polyhydric alcohol (liquid) |
Isoprene glycol |
10 |
10 |
10 |
20 |
10 |
Propylene glycol |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
Glycerin |
- |
- |
- |
- |
10 |
Saccharide (solid) |
Xylitol |
10 |
10 |
10 |
- |
10 |
Sorbitol |
10 |
10 |
10 |
- |
10 |
Nonionic surfactant |
Ester *1 |
9 |
6 |
- |
6 |
6 |
Ether *2 |
- |
- |
9 |
- |
- |
Amphoteric surfactant |
Betaine*3 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
Component (C): inorganic salt (% by weight) |
Sodium chloride |
1.1 |
1.1 |
1.1 |
1.2 |
1.2 |
(D) Purified water (% by weight) |
balance |
balance |
balance |
balance |
balance |
Total amount (% by weight) |
100 |
100 |
100 |
100 |
100 |
TABLE 1-3
Comparative Examples |
6 |
7 |
8 |
9 |
Fatty acid composition of |
Lauric acid (C12) |
9 |
10.3 |
7.1 |
7.5 |
Myristic acid (C14) |
9 |
10.3 |
8 |
7.5 |
Palmitic acid (C16) |
4.5 |
5.2 |
8.7 |
4 |
Component (A) (% by weigh) |
Stearic acid (C18) |
4.5 |
5.2 |
8.7 |
4 |
Isostearic acid (branched C18) |
- |
- |
- |
- |
Neutralizing agent (% by weight) |
48% Sodium hydroxide |
10.6 |
11.3 |
11.4 |
8.4 |
Component (B) (% by weight) |
Polyhydric alcohol (liquid) |
Isoprene glycol |
10 |
10 |
12.5 |
10 |
Propylene glycol |
- |
8 |
- |
5 |
Glycerin |
- |
- |
- |
5 |
Saccharide (solid) |
Xylitol |
10 |
10 |
9.3 |
10 |
Sorbitol |
10 |
5.2 |
8.1 |
15 |
Nonionic surfactant |
Ester *1 |
9 |
10 |
5.6 |
- |
Ether *2 |
- |
- |
- |
10 |
Amphoteric surfactant |
Betaine *3 |
- |
- |
1.9 |
2 |
Component (C): inorganic salt (% by weight) |
Sodium chloride |
0 |
0.3 |
1.1 |
1.2 |
(D) Purified water (% by weight) |
balance |
balance |
balance |
balance |
Total amount (% by weight) |
100 |
100 |
100 |
100 |
TABLE 1-4
Examples |
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
Total amount of C12 fatty acid and C14 fatty acid (% by weight of fatty acids) |
18 |
20 |
16.5 |
20.6 |
14 |
C12 Fatty : C14 fatty acid (weight ratio between fatty acids) |
50:50 |
50:50 |
73:27 |
50:50 |
50:50 |
C12 Fatty : (C14 + C18) fatty acids) (weight ratio between fatty acids) |
50:50 |
50:50 |
43:57 |
50:50 |
32:68 |
Total amount of component (A) (in terms of fatty acids) |
27 |
30 |
32.1 |
31 |
28.8 |
(Component(A) (in terms of fatty acids)): component (B) (weight ratio) |
41:59 |
41:59 |
43:57 |
42:58 |
38:62 |
Total amount of component (B) |
39 |
42.7 |
41.9 |
43.2 |
52 |
Results of evaluation |
Transparency (L value) |
33.9 |
33.9 |
36 |
38 |
33 |
Foamability (hardness 4 hard water) (mm) |
21 |
23 |
22 |
21 |
22 |
Hardness of soap |
81 |
81 |
75 |
79 |
75 |
Solidifying speed |
A |
A |
A |
A |
A |
Stability of smell |
A |
A |
A |
A |
A |
Resistance to sogginess |
A |
A |
A |
A |
A |
TABLE 1-5
Comparative Examples |
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
Total amount of C12 fatty acid and C14 fatty acid (% by weight of fatty acids) |
24 |
16.5 |
18 |
24 |
10 |
C12 Fatty : C14 fatty acid (weight ratio between fatty acids) |
17:83 |
55:45 |
100:0 |
38:62 |
90:10 |
C12 Fatty : (C14 + C18) fatty acids) (weight ratio between fatty acids) |
50:50 |
69:31 |
50:50 |
69:31 |
33:67 |
Total amount of component (A) (in terms of fatty acids) |
28 |
28 |
36 |
28 |
28 |
(Component(A) (in terms of fatty acids)) : component (B) (weight ratio) |
42:58 |
44:56 |
48:52 |
58:42 |
38:62 |
Total amount of component (B) |
39 |
36 |
39 |
26 |
46 |
Results of evaluation |
Transparency (L value) |
70 |
45 |
33 |
86 |
33 |
Foamability (hardness 4 hard water) (mm) |
18 |
21 |
10 |
21 |
10 |
Hardness of soap |
85 |
60 |
80 |
75 |
86 |
Solidifying speed |
A |
B |
A |
A |
A |
Stability of smell |
A |
C |
A |
A |
A |
Resistance to sogginess |
A |
B |
B |
A |
A |
TABLE 1-6
Comparative Examples |
6 |
7 |
8 |
9 |
Total amount of C12 fatty acid and C14 fatty acid (% by weight of fatty acids) |
18 |
20.6 |
15.1 |
15 |
C12 Fatty : C14 fatty acid (weight ratio between fatty acids) |
50:50 |
50:50 |
47:53 |
50:50 |
C12 Fatty : (C14 + C18) fatty acids) (weight ratio between fatty acids) |
50:50 |
50:50 |
29:61 |
50:50 |
Total amount of component (A) (in terms of fatty acids) |
27 |
31 |
32.5 |
23 |
(components (in terms of fatty acids)) : component (B) (weight ratio) |
41:59 |
42:58 |
46:54 |
29:71 |
Total amount of component (B) |
39 |
43.2 |
37.4 |
57 |
Results of evaluation |
Transparency (L value) |
33 |
36 |
50 |
36 |
Foamability (hardness 4 hard water) (mm) |
15 |
17 |
20 |
18 |
Hardness of soap |
75 |
75 |
85 |
40 |
Solidifying speed |
B |
B |
A |
C |
Stability of smell |
A |
A |
A |
A |
Resistance to sogginess |
C |
B |
A |
C |
Examples 6 to 15
[0049] The soap compositions having the following formulations were produced in the same
manner as in Example 1. The resulting soaps showed good evaluation results similar
to those in Example 1.
Example 6
[0050]
Transparent soap |
% by weight |
|
Lauric acid (C12) |
2.8 |
|
Myristic acid (C14) |
11.2 |
|
Palmitic acid (C16) |
0.9 |
|
Stearic acid (C18) |
0.9 |
|
48% Sodium hydroxide |
5.8 |
|
Isoprene glycol |
10 |
|
Xylitol |
9.3 |
|
Sodium chloride |
1.1 |
|
Purified water |
balance |
|
Total |
100 |
Example 7
[0051]
Transparent soap |
% by weight |
|
Lauric acid (C12) |
2.8 |
|
Myristic acid (C14) |
11.2 |
|
Palmitic acid (C16) |
3.5 |
|
Stearic acid (C18) |
3 |
|
48% Sodium hydroxide |
7.2 |
|
Isoprene glycol |
10 |
|
Propylene glycol |
10 |
|
Xylitol |
10 |
|
POE (20) sorbitan lauric acid ester |
10 |
|
Lauryl hydroxysulfobetaine |
7.8 |
|
Sodium chloride |
1.2 |
|
Purified water |
balance |
|
Total |
100 |
Example 8
[0052]
Transparent soap |
% by weight |
|
Lauric acid (C12) |
2.8 |
|
Myristic acid (C14) |
11.2 |
|
Palmitic acid (C16) |
3.5 |
|
Stearic acid (C18) |
3 |
|
48% Sodium hydroxide |
7.2 |
|
Isoprene glycol |
10 |
|
Xylitol |
10 |
|
POE (20) sorbitan lauric acid ester |
5 |
|
Sodium chloride |
1.4 |
|
Purified water |
balance |
|
Total |
100 |
Example 9
[0053]
Transparent soap |
% by weight |
|
Lauric acid (C12) |
11.2 |
|
Myristic acid (C14) |
2.8 |
|
Palmitic acid (C16) |
6.1 |
|
Stearic acid (C18) |
6 |
|
48% Sodium hydroxide |
9.4 |
|
Isoprene glycol |
10 |
|
Xylitol |
10 |
|
POE (20) sorbitan lauric acid ester |
10 |
|
Lauryl hydroxysulfobetaine |
1.9 |
|
Sodium chloride |
1.3 |
|
Purified water |
balance |
|
Total |
100 |
Example 10
[0054]
Transparent soap |
% by weight |
|
Lauric acid (C12) |
11.2 |
|
Myristic acid (C14) |
2.8 |
|
Palmitic acid (C16) |
6.1 |
|
Stearic acid (C18) |
6 |
|
48% Sodium hydroxide |
9.4 |
|
Isoprene glycol |
10 |
|
Propylene glycol |
10 |
|
Xylitol |
10 |
|
POE (20) sorbitan lauric acid ester |
10 |
|
POE (20) octyldodecyl ether |
10.9 |
|
Lauryl hydroxysulfobetaine |
10 |
|
Sodium chloride |
1.2 |
|
Purified water |
balance |
|
Total |
100 |
Example 11
[0055]
Transparent soap |
% by weight |
|
Lauric acid (C12) |
5.5 |
|
Myristic acid (C14) |
16.5 |
|
Palmitic acid (C16) |
6.1 |
|
Stearic acid (C18) |
6 |
|
48% Sodium hydroxide |
9.4 |
|
Isoprene glycol |
10 |
|
Propylene glycol |
10 |
|
Xylitol |
10 |
|
POE (20) sorbitan lauric acid ester |
10 |
|
POE (20) octyldodecyl ether |
10.9 |
|
Lauryl hydroxysulfobetaine |
10 |
|
Sodium chloride |
1.2 |
|
Purified water |
balance |
|
Total |
100 |
Example 12
[0056]
Transparent soap |
% by weight |
|
Lauric acid (C12) |
5.5 |
|
Myristic acid (C14) |
16.5 |
|
Palmitic acid (C16) |
6 |
|
Stearic acid (C18) |
6.8 |
|
48% Sodium hydroxide |
12.2 |
|
Isoprene glycol |
10 |
|
Xylitol |
10 |
|
POE (20) sorbitan lauric acid ester |
10 |
|
POE (20) octyldodecyl ether |
10 |
|
Lauryl hydroxysulfobetaine |
2 |
|
Sodium chloride |
1.3 |
|
Purified water |
balance |
|
Total |
100 |
Example 13
[0057]
Transparent soap |
% by weight |
|
Lauric acid (C12) |
16.5 |
|
Myristic acid (C14) |
5.5 |
|
Palmitic acid (C16) |
5.5 |
|
Stearic acid (C18) |
5.5 |
|
48% Sodium hydroxide |
12.2 |
|
Isoprene glycol |
10 |
|
Propylene glycol |
3 |
|
Xylitol |
10 |
|
POE (20) sorbitan lauric acid ester |
10 |
|
POE (20) octyldodecyl ether |
10 |
|
Sodium chloride |
1.5 |
|
Purified water |
balance |
|
Total |
100 |
Example 14
[0058]
Transparent soap |
% by weight |
|
Lauric acid (C12) |
4 |
|
Myristic acid (C14) |
12 |
|
Palmitic acid (C16) |
4.5 |
|
Stearic acid (C18) |
4.5 |
|
48% Sodium hydroxide |
8.8 |
|
Isoprene glycol |
10 |
|
Xylitol |
10 |
|
POE (20) sorbitan lauric acid ester |
10 |
|
Sodium chloride |
1.3 |
|
Purified water |
balance |
|
Total |
100 |
Example 15
[0059]
Transparent soap |
% by weight |
|
Lauric acid (C12) |
9 |
|
Myristic acid (C14) |
9 |
|
Palmitic acid (C16) |
8 |
|
Stearic acid (C18) |
6 |
|
48% Sodium hydroxide |
12.2 |
|
Isoprene glycol |
10 |
|
Xylitol |
10 |
|
POE (20) sorbitan lauric acid ester |
10 |
|
Lauryl hydroxysulfobetaine |
2.7 |
|
sodium chloride |
1.4 |
|
Purified water |
balance |
|
Total |
100 |
Industrial Applicability
[0060] According to the present invention, there is obtained a transparent bar soap which
has a high transparency, a good foamability especially in hard water and a suitable
hardness necessary for bar soaps, and which is free from problems concerning deterioration
of its smell over time. The transparent bar soap can be easily produced for a short
period of time by a casting method, etc., i.e., only by pouring a molten soap composition
into a mold cavity having a desired shape and then cooling the poured composition.
Thus, molded bar soap products having a desired shape can be produced with a high
productivity.