THICKENING CLEANSING COMPOSITIONS AND APPLICATIONS AND METHODS OF PREPARATION THEREOF

Abstract

The present invention discloses self-thickening compositions comprising one or more N-acyl acidic amino acid and/or a salts thereof and one or more amphoteric surfactant, methods of preparation thereof, and their applications in cosmetics and personal care, home care and other fields with excellent thickening performance and easy-to-use applicability, in particular in cleansing formulations to improve performance such as foam quality and mildness.

Claims

1. A composition comprising the following components: A. an N-acyl acidic amino acid, or a salt or composition thereof; B. an amphoteric surfactant or a composition thereof; C. optionally water; D. optionally one or more other ingredients; wherein component C (water) can be added separately or alternatively along with any of components A, B, and/or D; and the composition has a pH in the range of about 4.0 to about 7.0 with a viscosity in the range of about 200 to about 100,000 mPa.Math.s.

2. The composition of claim 1, wherein the N-acyl acidic amino acid of component A is N-acyl glutamic acid, N-acyl aspartic acid, or a mixture thereof; and the salt is a sodium, potassium, ammonium, or triethanolamine (TEA) salt.

3. The composition of claim 1, wherein the acyl group of the N-acyl acidic amino acid derives from a fatty acid comprising a C8 to C22 carbon chain.

4. The composition of claim 3, wherein the fatty acid is selected from the group consisting of caprylic acid, capric acid, lauric acid, myristic acid, stearic acid, palmitic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid, behenic acid, coconut acid, palm fatty acid, hydrogenated beef tallow fatty acid, and mixtures thereof.

5. The composition of claim 2, wherein the acyl glutamic acid is selected from the group consisting of cocoyl glutamic acid, lauryol glutamic acid, myristoyl glutamic acid, and mixtures thereof; and wherein the salt is any one of cocoyl glutamate, lauroyl glutamate, or myristoyl glutamate salts, or a mixture thereof, comprising a counter cation selected from the group consisting of sodium, potassium, trimethylamine, and mixtures thereof.

6. The composition of claim 1, wherein the amphoteric surfactant of component B is selected from the group consisting of betaines, hydroxysultaines (also called sulfobetaines or sultaines), phosphobetaines, imidazoline amphoterics; amphoacetates, amphopropionates, and mixtures thereof.

7. The composition of claim 1, wherein the amphoteric surfactant of component B is selected from the group consisting of cocoamidopropyl betaine, coco betaine, lauramidopropyl betaine, lauryl betaine, cocoamidopropyl hydroxysultaine, lauramidopropyl hydroxysultaine, coco hydroxylsultaine, lauryl hydroxylsultaine, sodium lauramphoacetate, sodium cocoamphoacetate, and mixtures thereof.

8. The composition of claim 1, wherein the optional one or more other ingredients are selected from the group consisting of anionic and/or nonionic surfactants, cationic and/or cationizable surfactants such as fatty amines, conditioning agents, silicones, moisturizing agents, polymers, actives, vitamins, sunscreens, chelating agents, salts, fragrances, preservatives, and mixtures thereof.

9. The composition of claim 8, wherein the anionic surfactants are selected from the group consisting of acyl glycinate, acyl sarconsinate, acyl ananinate, acylmethyl taurates, alkyl isothionates, alkylether carboxylate, alkylsulfosuccinates, fatty acid salt, alkyl sulfates, alkylether sulfates, and combinations thereof; the cationic surfactants are selected from the group consisting of quaternary surfactants such as cetrimonium halides, steartrimonium halides and mixtures thereof; and the cationizable surfactants are selected from the group consisting of fatty amines such as stearamidopropyl dimethylamine, stearamidopropyl diethylamine, behenamidopropyl dimethyamine, behenamidopropyl diethyamine and mixtures thereof; and the non-ionic surfactants are selected from alkylglucosides.

10. The composition of claim 1, wherein the weight percentage of component A or component B is 0.5-60% in active content.

11. The composition of claim 10, which contains 1-30% by weight of component A.

12. (canceled)

13. The composition of claim 10, which contains 1-30% by weight of component B.

14. The composition of claim 1, wherein the weight percentage of water as component C is 0.01-98%.

15. The composition of claim 1, wherein the weight percentage of the optional one or more additives and other ingredients as component D is 0-20% in active content.

16. The composition of claim 1, wherein the pH is within 4.0-7.0.

17. The composition of claim 1, wherein the weight ratio of component A to component B is in the range of 95:5 to 5:95.

18. A self-thickening composition comprising an N-acyl acidic amino acid (component A) and an amphoteric surfactant (component B), the composition having a pH in the range of about 5.5-12.0 with a viscosity suitable for ease of transporting and handling, wherein the viscosity of the composition will increase to a desired higher level as needed when it is used in a formulation by dilution with water and adjustment of pH.

19. A method for producing a composition of claim 1, comprising the steps of (a) mixing component A and component B in their suitable weight percentages optionally in aqueous media, (b) stirring the mixture until it becomes uniform, and (c) adjusting pH with an acid until a desired viscosity is obtained.

20. A method for producing the thickening composition of claim 18, comprising mixing component A and component B in a limited amount of water in a pH in the range of about 5.5-12.0 until it becomes uniform.

21. A cleansing composition comprising a composition of claim 1 for use in cosmetic or personal care, home care, or institutional and industrial use.

22-28. (canceled)

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0049] Amino acid based surfactants (also called amino acid surfactants) are a category of the greener, safer and milder surfactants well-suited for personal care and cosmetic applications due to their safety, mildness and sustainability compared to the currently prevailing surfactants of alkylether sulfates such as sodium laureth sulfate (SLES). Among the four major amino acid surfactants, namely acyl glycinates, acyl glutamates, acyl sarconsinates and acyl ananinates, acyl glutamates are the most sustainable and cost effective surfactants, which can practically become the next generation surfactants to replace the current prevalent surfactants of alkylether sulfates, such as SLES, for the very first time for the betterment of the mankind and the environment, given that the present invention has also resolved the thickening challenge of the acyl glutamates enabling their widespread use in any cleansing formulations.

[0050] The present invention has successfully achieved the goal of providing a highly efficient and cost-effective non-polymer thickening solution to the aqueous sulfate-free cleansing formulations with acyl glutamate as the primary surfactant. In particular, the thickening solution is accomplished by a self-thickening composition containing one or more N-acyl acidic amino acid and/or a salt thereof as component A, one or more amphoteric surfactants as component B, water medium as component C, and optionally one or more additives and/or other ingredients as component D, with a suitable weight percentage within a pH range of 4.0-7.0, resulting in a desirable high viscosity range at a suitable pH. The self-thickening composition can increase the viscosity by 5 to 5,000 fold or more up to a viscosity of about 100,000 mPa.Math.s or higher within the pH range of 4.0-7.0 with a suitable total weight percentage of component A and B as well as a suitable weight ratio of component A to B.

[0051] N-acyl acidic amino acid and/or a salt thereof as component A in the present invention may be those obtained by the known method of Schotten-Baumann reaction of acidic amino acid and fatty acid halide. As the acidic amino acid for component A, glutamic acid, aspartic acid and the like, or a mixture thereof, can be used. They can be in any of the L form, D form or a DL form or a combination of two or more forms selected from these. Among the acidic amino acid, glutamic acid is preferred due to its superior stability and performance after acylation. The acyl glutamate and the salt thereof as component A can be expressed with a common Formula I as shown below:

##STR00001##

Formula I

[0052] Wherein, R1=C5 to C21 alkyl group, with either straight carbon chain or branched, saturated or unsaturated with one or more double bond, derived from one single fatty acid or a mixture of two or more fatty acids; and each of M1 and M2 independently represents H, Na, K, NH4, triethylamine TEA, or the like. M1 and M2 can be either the same or different. Furthermore, the acyl glutamate and/or the salt thereof can be either in the high purity solid form or in liquid form of an aqueous solution, while the latter is more preferable due to ease of handling.

[0053] The acyl group can be derived from long chain fatty acids, including but not limited to C6-C22 saturated and/or unsaturated fatty acids, for example, caprylic acid, capric acid, lauric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, isostearic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid, behenic acid, coconut fatty acid, palm fatty acid, hydrogenated beef tallow fatty acid, and the like may be used. Either one kind or a mixture of two or more of the above mentioned fatty acids may be used. Preferably, coconut fatty acid, lauric acid and myristic acid may be selected due to their superior performance in foaming and foaming quality as well as skin-feel.

[0054] The salt of component A, i.e., M1 or M2, is not in any way limited. For example, M1 or M2 can be alkali metals such as sodium, potassium and the like, alkaline earth metals such as calcium, magnesium and the like, organic amines such as ammonia, monoethanolamine, diethanolamine, triethanolamine and the like, and organic salts such as basic amino acids such as arginine, lysine and the like. Either one kind or a mixture of two or more of the above mentioned salts may be used. Preferably, alkali metal salts, organic amine salts and basic amino acids may be selected; and more preferably, sodium, potassium, triethnolamine and arginine may be used due to their easy availability and superiority in handling and performance.

[0055] The one or more amphoteric surfactants as component B in the present invention include, but are not limited to, betaines, hydroxysultaines (also called sulfobetaines or sultaines), phosphobetaines, imidazoline amphoterics; amphoacetates, propionates, and the like, which can be either in solid or liquid form, while the liquid form of aqueous solution preferred due to ease of handling. Either one kind or a mixture of two or more of the above-mentioned amphoteric surfactants may be used. The betaines, sultaines and phosphobetaines can be expressed with two common formulas to represent the two types, i.e., alkyl betaines in Formula II and alkylamido betaines in Formula III, as shown below:

##STR00002##

[0056] Wherein, R2=C6 to C22 alkyl or alkenyl group, R3 and R4 are independently H or C1 to C4 alkyl, R3 and R4 can be the same or different, n=1 to 6, R5=C5 to C21 alkyl or alkenyl group. ZCOO; SO3, CHOHCH2SO3, HPO4; or CHOHCH2OP(OH)O2. The alkyl betaines represented in Formula II are commonly made through condensation of an alkyl tertiary amine with a halogenated acid such as chloroacetic acid, chloroethyl sulfonic acid, chlorohydroxypropyl sulfonic acid, phosphoroxychloride, chlorohydroxyethyl phosphoric acid, etc. Typical examples are dimethylhexyl amine, dimethylcapryl amine; dimethyldecyl amine, dimethyllauryl amine, methylethyllauryl amine, dimethylcocoyl amine, dimethylmyristyl amine, dimethylcetyl amine, dimethylstearyl amine, methylhexylstearyl amine, dimethylloleyl amine, dimethylcetearyltallow amine, and their mixtures thereof.

[0057] Wherein R5 in Formula III includes, but not limited to, a straight or branched chain saturated C5-C21 alkyl group, or unsaturated C5-C21 alkenyl group, which is derived from long-chain fatty acids. The betaines represented in Formula III are typically prepared by first making an intermediate through a reaction of a fatty acid and a dimethylpropane diamine, then condensing such intermediate with a halogenated acid, such as chloroacetic acid, chloroethyl sulfonic acid, chlorohydroxypropyl sulfonic acid, phosphoroxychloride, chlorohydroxyethyl phosphoric acid, and industrial mixtures thereof. Typical fatty acids include, but not limited to, C6-C22 saturated fatty acid, benzoic acid, phenyl acetic acid, oleinic acid, linolic acid, linolenic acid, isocaprylic acid, isostearic acid, coconut acid, palm acid, soybean acid, erucic acid, etc., and preferably, C8-C22 fatty acid, and more preferably, C8-C18 fatty acid.

[0058] Typical betaines and hydroxylsultaines include, but not limited to, lauryl betaine, lauramidopropyl betaine, coco betaine, cocoamidopropyl betaine, lauryl hydroxysultaine, laurylamidopropyl hydroxysultaine, coco hydroxysultaine, cocoamidopropyl hydroxysultaine, lauryl phosphobetaine, cocoamidoethylhydroxyethyl phosphobetaines, etc.

[0059] The common formula for sodium alkyl amphoacetate can be expressed by Formula IV as follows:

##STR00003##

while the general formula for alkyl imidazolines can be expressed by Formula V as follows:

##STR00004##

[0060] Wherein, R6 in formula IV and formula V refers to a straight or branched chain saturated C7-C21 alkyl group, or a straight or branched chain mono-unsaturated or poly-unsaturated C7-C21 alkenyl group, which are derived from a long-chain fatty acid. In formula IV, m=1 or 2. The sodium alkyl amphoacetates are commonly prepared by first making an intermediate through a non-cyclization reaction of a long-chain fatty acid and hydroxyethyl ethylenediamine, and then reacting the intermediate with sodium chloroacetate. The alkyl imidazoline amphoteric surfactants are typically reaction products of a cyclic intermediate made through a cyclization reaction of a long-chain fatty acid and hydroxyethyl ethylenediamine, and then reacting the cyclic intermediate with sodium chloroacetate, and industrial mixtures thereof. Typical long-chain fatty acids include, but not limited to, C6-C22 saturated fatty acid, such as oleinic acid, linolic acid, linolenic acid, isocaprylic acid, isostearic acid, coconut acid, palm acid, soybean acid, and erucic acid, etc., and preferably, C8-C22 fatty acid, and more preferably, C8-C18 fatty acid.

[0061] Water as component C in the present invention is not limited in any way provided that it is of a purity level suitable for cleansing formulations. It can come from the media of component A or B or both, and it may also be added separately in addition to the amounts of water from the media of component A or B or both. In particular, de-ionized water, distilled water, purified water, well water, natural water, underground water, public water, hard water, soft water and the like can be used. One kind or a mixture of two or more of these kinds of water may be used. Preferably, de-ionized water or distilled water may be used due to the superior suitability for product preservation and hygiene for the application of the present invention.

[0062] The optional one or more other ingredients as component D in the present invention are not particularly limited, which include but not limited to one or more additional anionic and/or non-ionic surfactants, cationic compounds, including but not limited to cationic or cationizable surfactants, conditioning agents, moisturizing agents, polymers, silicones, actives, chelating agents, salts, fragrances, preservatives, etc. Some of these additives may have further thickening synergies with the self-thickening composition disclosed in this invention, in particular, cationic surfactants such as cetyltrimonium chloride, cetyltrimonium bromide, stearyltrimonium chloride, stearyltrimonium bromide, behentrimonium methosulfate, hydrogenated tallow trimonium chloride, and fatty amines such as cetyldimethyl amine; stearyldimethylamine, behenyldimethyl amine, stearamidopropyl dimethylamine; behenamidopropyl dimethylamine, other cationic compounds and the like were found to generate significant synergistic thickening to the thickening composition. The cationic surfactant herein refers to a quaternary ammonium, and the cationizable surfactants refer to an alkylamine such as tertiary or secondary amine or primary amine or the like in its molecular structure, while having a relatively long alkyl carbon chain. Such alkylamine compound shows relatively strong cationic characteristics in an acidic system. The cationic or cationizable surfactant includes but not limited to quaternary surfactants, alkyl tertiary amine, alkylamide tertiary amine, acyl arginine esters, and acyl lysine esters and the like. The cationic surfactant can be expressed with a general Formula VI as follows:

##STR00005##

[0063] Wherein, R7=C8 to C28 alkyl, alkenyl, alkylamidopropyl or alkenylamidopropyl group; whereas R8, R9 and R10 are C1 to C5 alkyl, hydroxyalkyl, or carboxylic ester group or a polyoxyethylene group with a molar addition number of less than 10.

[0064] Typical quaternary surfactants include, but not limited to, cetyltrimethyl ammonium chloride, cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide, stearyltrimethyl ammonium chloride, Behentrimonium Methosulfate, hydrogenated tallow trimonium chloride, etc.

[0065] Typical alkyl amines include, but not limited to, dimethyl cetylamine, dimethyl stearylamine, dimethyl behenyl propane diamine, etc.

[0066] Typical acyl arginine esters include, but not limited to, cocoacyl arginine ethyl ester and lauroyl arginine methyl ester.

[0067] Typical acyl lysine esters include, but not limited to, lauroyl lysine ethyl ester. Conditioning agents can be any skin or hair conditioning agents, including but not limited to polyquarternium-10, polyquarternium-7 and the like, silicones, quaternary ammoniums, long chain alkyl amines and the like. Other optional additives such as moisturizing agents, polymers, silicones, actives, chelating agents, salts, fragrances, preservatives and the like are not particularly limited and can be used either alone or in combination as needed.

[0068] The afore-mentioned self-thickening composition of the present invention can appropriately contain, besides the above-mentioned components, various further optional additives and other ingredients as component D for the general cosmetic formulations, OTC drugs and the like, to the extent that the effect of the present invention is not significantly impacted negatively. For example, optional one or more additives as component D may include further surfactants of all types (anionic surfactants such as acyl sarconsinate, acyl glycinate, acyl ananinate, acylmethyltaurate, sulfosuccinate, isothionate, alkylethercarboxylate, fatty acid salt, even alkylsulfate and alkylether sulfate, nonionic surfactants such as alkylglucosides, cationic surfactants such as cetrimonium chloride, steartrimonium chloride and the like, etc.), vegetable and synthetic oils such as olive oil, camellia oil, coconut oil, hydrogenated castor oil, beeswax, lanolin, squalene, Vaseline, silicone oil and the like, polymer thickeners such as carbomer, acrylates copolymer, xanthan gum, cellulose, guar gum, starch, carageenan, sodium alginate, bentonite, hectorite, and the like, conditioning agents include simple quaternary compounds such as Behentrimonium Methosulfate and the like as well as polymers such as polyquaternium-10, polyquaternium-7 and the like, preservatives, chelating agents, fragrances, colorants, dyes, pigments, actives such as sunscreens, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory agents, antimicrobial agent, antiperspirant, antidandruff agent, skin lighteners, moisturizers, vitamins, sensory agents for cooling or warming, pH adjusters and the like, according to the specific use and function of the cleansing compositions and the cosmetic compositions.

[0069] The weight percentages of component A and B in the afore-mentioned thickening composition of the present invention can both be in the range of about 0.5-60%, while that of component C can be in the range of 0.01-98%, and that of component D can be 0 to 20%. The weight percentage of component A is preferably 1.0-50%, more preferably 2-40%, still more preferably 3-30%, and further more preferably 3.5-20%, and particularly more preferably 4.0-10.0%; while the weight percentage of component B is preferably 1.0-50%, more preferably 1.5-40%; still more preferably 2.0-30%; and further preferably 2.5-20%, and particularly more preferably 3-10%. The weight ratio of component A to component B can be 95:5 to 5:95, preferably 10:1 to 1:10, and more preferably 5:1 to 1:5; and still more preferably 4:1-1:4; and further more preferably 3:1 to 1:3; and particularly more preferably 2:1 to 1:2. The weight percentage of water as component C may be 0.01-98%, and it can either come from the media of component A or B or both or be added separately, or a combination thereof. The weight percentage of optional one or more additives and other ingredients as component D can be 0 to 20%, preferably 0.05-15%, more preferably 0.1-10%, and still more preferably 0.2-8%, and further more preferably 0.5-5%, and particularly more preferably 1.0-3.0%.

[0070] The weight ratio of the total weight of components A, B and D to component C in the present invention is in general from about 2:98 to about 70:30. When the total weight of components A, B and D is less than 2%, the self-thickening effect becomes insufficient, while other problems such as solubility and precipitation may occur when the total weight of component A, B and D is more than 70%. A preferable ratio is from about 5:95 to about 60:40.

[0071] The total percentage of component A, B, C, and D shall be amounted to 100% by weight.

[0072] The preparation method of the thickening composition of the present invention includes the steps of (a) mixing component A and component B at a given ratio under agitation either with cold processing conditions or at mildly heated temperature, and then (b) adding water as Component C, and (c) adjusting pH with acid to a suitable pH within the range of 4.0-7.0 to achieve the desired viscosity to give the afore-mentioned self-thickening composition. In case that optional one or more additives and other ingredients as component D are used, the component D can be added either before or after component A, B and C are mixed with pH adjusted with cold processing or at an moderately elevated temperature.

[0073] The acid used to adjust the pH in the present invention can be either inorganic acid and/or organic acids. Either a single acid or a mixture of two or more acids can be used. Examples include but not limited to citric acid, lactic acid, acetic acid, oxalic acid, amino acid, hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, phosphoric acid, etc.

[0074] The thickening composition of the present invention has a viscosity of about 200 up to about 100,000 mPa.Math.s or more in general. The viscosity of the thickening composition of the present invention is preferably 500-50,000 mPa.Math.s, more preferably 1,000-30,000 mPa.Math.s, still more preferably 3,000-20,000 mPa.Math.s, further more preferably 4,000-18,000, and particularly more preferably 5,000-12,000 mPa.Math.s. The viscosity can be easily controlled by changing the pH of the said thickening composition within the range of 4.0-7.0, the total weight percentage of component A and component B as well as the weight ratio of component A and component B.

[0075] As the thickening composition of the present invention can be made in a concentrated form of surfactant blend containing only components A and B, the viscosity of the concentrated blend can be very high within the pH range of 4.0-7.0 but very low with a pH above 7.0 to enable ease of handling and transportation. This is a great advantage compared to other thick surfactants which often cause problems in handling.

[0076] The thickening composition of the present invention can be used directly by incorporating it to the cosmetic compositions and cleansing compositions, and it may also be used as a concentrated blend which can be diluted to the desired active content level with the desired viscosity within pH 4.0-7.0. Additionally, it may also be used in the design of the cosmetic compositions and cleansing formulations using the principles of the self-thickening composition of the present invention to achieve thickening of the acyl glutamate cleansing formulation.

[0077] Although the use of the thickening composition of the present invention is not limited in any way, various cleansing compositions and cosmetic compositions can be provided. For example, cosmetic liquid soap, facial cleanser of all forms, cleansing cosmetics such as hair shampoos, baby shampoos, body wash, shower gels, feminine wash, and liquid hand cleansers may be used with the thickening composition. In addition, the afore-mentioned thickening composition of the present invention may also be used in home care product including but not limited to liquid dish detergent, laundry detergent, surface cleaners, fabric care, carpet care and the like. It may also be used in institutional and industrial applications, such as diary cleaners, hospital liquid hand cleansers, etc.

[0078] As indicated above, acyl glutamate surfactant is sulfate-free, mild, safe, green and most sustainable surfactant which is to become the next generation surfactant. It is a high-performing anionic surfactant with multi-functional properties of cleansing, emulsifying, penetrating and solubilizing. Cleansing compositions containing acyl glutamate at a significant level exhibit many advantages including safety, sustainability, mildness, non-irritating, excellent skin-feel, better color-retention for dyed hair, luxurious foam quality, similar pH to the skin, etc., and therefore it is highly desired to develop personal care cleansing formulations with acyl glutamate as the primary surfactant.

[0079] The acyl glutamate-containing cleansing formulations can be widely applicable to personal care cleansing such as shampoos, shower gels, hand cleansers, home care applications such as liquid dish detergent, laundry detergent, carpet, furniture and fabric care, institutional and industrial applications such as hospital hand cleansers and diary cleaners, etc.

[0080] In general, the desirable viscosity for cleansing compositions as commercial products ranges from 1000 to 10,000 mPa.Math.s, while some may require a viscosity of 10,000 mPa.Math.s or more. As mentioned above, acyl glutamate surfactant is intrinsically extremely difficult to thicken due to its unique molecular structure of the two relatively large water soluble carboxylic head groups, and the conventional thickening strategy, such as salt addition, does not work at all with acyl glutamate surfactant. When the active content of sodium cocoyl glutamate solution is as high as 25%, its viscosity is only about 10 mPa.Math.s. Even combining with other co-surfactants such as amphoterics, conventional methods can only achieve very limited thickening effect with a viscosity of only about 200 mPa.Math.s or less. The present invention is based on a surprising discovery that certain weight percentages of the acyl glutamate and the amphoteric surfactant and their weight ratio in combination with suitable pH ranges provide superior thickening effect.

[0081] Through a series of well-designed studies, the inventors of the present invention surprisingly discovered extremely efficient and cost-effective self-thickening compositions containing a suitable weight percentage of one or more acyl glutamate and its salt thereof as component A, and a suitable weight percentage of one or more amphoteric surfactant as component B, and an appropriate weight ratio of component A to component B, in a suitable pH range, to achieve a viscosity of about 200 to about 100,000 mPa.Math.s, which can be 100 to 10,000 times higher than the conventional system.

[0082] The one or more amphoteric surfactants as component B in the present invention possess excellent stability in both acidic and alkaline pH conditions, and they are very mild and easily water soluble with great foam and foam stability and foam quality as well as system stability. The amphoteric surfactants also possess the property of cationic surfactants with certain level of anti-microbial activity, which can enhance the softness, conditioning and broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity of the cleansing composition.

[0083] When the term about is applied to a parameter, such as amount, pH, or temperature, unless stated otherwise, it indicates that the parameter can vary by at least 10%, preferably within 5%, and more preferably within 2%, and further more preferably within 1%. For example, a pH of about 5 should be interpreted as falling into the range of 4.5 to 5.5, preferably 4.75 to 5.25, and more preferably 4.9 to 5.1, and further more preferably 4.95 to 5.05. As would be understood by a person skilled in the art, when a parameter is not critical, a number is often given only for illustration purpose, instead of being limiting.

[0084] The term a, an, or the, as used herein, represents both singular and plural forms. In general, when either a singular or a plural form of a noun is used, it denotes both singular and plural forms of the noun.

EXAMPLES

[0085] The present invention is described in further detail in the following examples. These examples are provided for illustration purposes and shall not be construed as limiting. The materials that were used in the examples of the present invention of the thickening compositions and cleansing compositions as components A through D are listed in Table 1 below:

TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Components A to D used in Examples of the present invention Trade Name * or Active Product Code & Component Generic Name INCI Name Content Salt Content A EVERSOFT Disodium Cocoyl ~25% UCS; 4-5% UCS-30S glutamate A EVERSOFT Sodium Lauroyl ~25% ULS; 4-5% salt ULS-30S Glutamate B EVERMILD Lauramidopropyl ~37% SB450;~7% salt, SB450 Hydroxysultaine B EVERMILD Lauryl ~30% SB230, ~7% salt SB230 Hydroxysultaine B CAB Cocoamidopropyl ~30% CAB betaine B BS-12 Lauryl betaine ~30% BS-12, B EVERMILD Sodium ~32% LG-30; 7~8% salt LG-30 Lauroamphoacetate D EVERMINE Stearamidopropyl 100% 18 dimethylamine D EVERMINE Behenamidopropyl 100% 22 Dimethylamine D EVERGUARD Ethyl lauroyl 100% LAE LAE arginate HCl, D EVERGUARD PCA Ethyl 100% CAE CAE cocoyl arginate D EVERGUARD Ethyl lauroyl 20% LAE-20; LAE-20 arginate HCl, Glycerin D EVERGUARD Phenoxyethanol 100% PE PE D EVERPRO Ethyl Lauroyl 50% LCG LCG Arginate HCl, Caprylyl Glycol, Glycerin D EVERLIPID Linoleamidopropyl ~30% EFA EFA PG-Dimonium (Solids) Chloride Phosphate D EVERLIPID Cocoamidopropyl ~40% PTC PTC PG-Dimonium (Solids) Chloride Phosphate D 1631 Cetyltrimonium 100% 1631 chloride D OLEESTER Sodium Isostearyl 100% ISL ISL Lactylate D EVERQUAT Myristamidopropyl ~50% MP MP PG-Dimonium Chloride Phosphate * Products with trade names of EVERSOFTTM, EVERMILDTM, EVERMINETM, EVERPROTM, EVERGUARDTM, EVERLIPIDTM, EVERQUAT TM etc. were all provided by SINO LION USA, which is the international marketer of these products. The products with generic names are obtained from the open market. The product codes for most SINO LION materials are provided in the last column of Table 1 and may be referred to elsewhere in this application for convenience.

Examples 1 to 12

[0086] Thickening compositions and cleansing compositions were prepared according to the formulations described in Table 2, and evaluated for viscosity thereof by the following method. The viscosity was measured at room temperature which varied within the range of 22 to 26 C. from time to time. A Brookfield Viscometer DV2T extra was employed with a speed of 20 rpm for 30 seconds and a spindle of No. 3 to 7, dependent upon the viscosity. The following experimental procedures were utilized for each formulation in Table 2: Component A, B and C and optionally component D were weighed accurately in the amounts according to Table 2, and mixed well until homogeneous with mild heating if necessary. The resultant composition was adjusted either with 50% citric acid or 30% NaOH to reach the desired pH and was let settle overnight for more than 12 hours and the viscosity was then measured the following day at room temperature. Table 2 shows the viscosity of the various thickening compositions with different weight percentages of component A and B as well as different weight ratio of component A to component B within the pH of 5.0-5.6.

[0087] As can be seen from the results of Examples 1 to 12 in Table 2, to obtain the thickening composition of the present invention containing N-acyl acidic acid and/or a salt thereof as component A, an amphoteric surfactant as component B, and water as component C, the appropriate weight ratio of component A to component B is essential with a suitable total active content within an appropriate pH range. For the thickening composition containing only EVERSOFT UCS-30S as component A and EVERMILD SB450 (lauramidopropyl hydroxysultaine) as component B, it was found that EVERSOFT UCS-30S (disodium cocoyl glutamate) can be thickened about 3 to about 700 times with a viscosity of about 30 to about 7260 mPa.Math.s within the range of weight ratio of component A to component B between 0.34:1 and 3:1 with a total active content of 15% at a pH of about 5.2, while some representative data were shown in Examples 1 to 3 with Comparative Examples 1-2 in Table 2. As can be seen from the results of examples 1 to 3, the composition containing component A and B were thickened dramatically for up to about 1400 times compared to its individual component B. It was surprisingly discovered that in addition to the weight ratio and the total active content of component A and B, the appropriate pH is also essential for any thickening composition to achieve the desired viscosity. If the pH is not right, the composition cannot be thickened at all even if the weight ratio and total active content are appropriate.

[0088] For the thickening compositions and cleansing compositions containing EVERSOFT UCS-30S as component A, and EVERMILD LG-30 (sodium lauroamphoacetate) as component B in the compositions described in Table 2, Examples 4 to 6 were prepared along with the Comparative Examples 3 and 4, and the viscosity was evaluated for the different weight ratio of component A to component B with a suitable total active content of 15% (wt) at the pH-5.2.

[0089] As can be seen from the results in Examples 4 and 6 as well as those of comparative Example 1 in Table 2, the thickening composition of the present invention containing EVERSOFT UCS-30S as component A, and EVERMILD LG-30 as component B, and water as component C, and citric acid as pH adjuster as component D can be thickened up to about 1754 times compared to its individual component A. It was found that EVERSOFT UCS-30S (disodium cocoyl glutamate) can be thickened from about 3 to about 1754 times with a viscosity of 30 to 17540 mPa.Math.s within the range of weight ratio of component A to B between 0.072:1 to 5.43:1, with the thickening effect reaching a maximum at the weight ratio of component A to B at about 0.34:1 while the thickening was not significant with the weight ratio of component A to B at more than about 5:1 as shown in Comparative Example 4 at the pH-5.2. It shall be mentioned that the right pH is essential for any thickening composition to achieve the desired viscosity.

[0090] It can also be seen in Table 2 that for further thickening compositions containing EVERSOFT UCS-30S (disodium cocoyl glutamate) as component A, and EVERMILD SB450 (lauramidopropyl hydroxysultaine) as component B, water as component C and citric acid as component D in the compositions described in Examples 7 to 9, the viscosity of the thickening composition can be increased drastically from about 1340 to about 3095 times compared with Comparative Example 1 with the viscosity of Example 9 reaching 30950 mPa.Math.s. It is also clear from Table 2 that for further thickening compositions containing EVERSOFT UCS-30S (disodium cocoyl glutamate) as component A, both EVERMILD SB450 and EVERMILD LG-30 as component B, water as component C, and citric acid as the pH adjuster as well as other optional additives as component D in the compositions described in Examples 10 to 12, the viscosity of the thickening composition can be drastically increased as well with Example 10 reaching a viscosity of 78,200, about 7820 times increase compared with acyl glutamate solution in Comparative Example 1. It was also found that when the composition of example 12 was varied by changing the weight ratio of the two component B, i.e., the weight ratio of EVERMILD SB450 to EVERMILD LG-30 from 0 (only EVERMILD LG-30 as component B) to infinity (only EVERMILD SB450 as component B), while keeping the weight percentage of component A as well as the total weight percentage of the two component B the same as those in Example 12 with a pH at 5.2, the viscosity of the various resultant compositions increased from 2,770 mPa.Math.s to 10,360 mPa.Math.s monotonically as the weight ratio of EVERMILD SB450 to EVERMILD LG-30 increased from 0 to 0.67, and then varied within a limited range of 10,360 to 13,480 mPa.Math.s with the weight ratio of EVERMILD SB450 to EVERMILD LG-30 between 0.67 to 9.04 while reaching a maximum of 13,480 mPa.Math.s with the weight ratio of EVERMILD SB450 to EVERMILD LG-30 at 4.02:1 as shown in Example 12, while the viscosity of the resultant composition with only EVERMILD SB450 as component B was 11,640 mPa.Math.s. with a pH at 5.2. From the foregoing, it was found that higher viscosity can be achieved with higher active contents of the thickening composition, which was not possible with conventional techniques for cleansing compositions containing acyl glutamate surfactant.

Examples 13 to 20

[0091] Thickening composition as a surfactant blend and the application of the blend for cleansing compositions were prepared according to the formulations described in Table 3, and evaluated for viscosity thereof by the method described above. The composition in Example 13 was prepared by mixing component A and B and C and then the pH was adjusted to pH 5.22 and the resultant composition was let to settle overnight at room temperature and the viscosity was measured and provided in Table 3. Example 13 was used as a surfactant blend at a total active content of 25%, which was capable of self-thickening at the right pH with sufficient amount of active content when diluted with water at time of application with sufficient amount of active content when diluted with water at time of application. Comparative Example 5 was prepared by diluting the surfactant blend of the composition from Example 13 with water according to the weight ratio of 60:40 as shown in Table 3 and the resultant composition had a pH of 5.32 and a very low viscosity of 125 mPa.Math.s. Example 14 was prepared in the same way as Comparative Example 5 except that the pH of the composition was adjusted to 5.20, and the resultant composition had a viscosity of 5,920 mPa.Math.s., which clearly demonstrated that the pH of the composition is very critical on the thickening effect. The composition in Example 15 was prepared from that in Example 14 by adding the optional component D, e.g., EFA (short for EVERLIPID EFA-see Table 1 for more info) and the composition in Example 16 was prepared using the composition in Example 15 by adding a further component D-ISL (short for OLEESTER ISL, see more info in Table 1) while the composition in Example 17 was prepared using the composition in Example 16 by adjustment of pH to 5.19. It was clear from Examples 14-17 that EFA had a positive impact to the viscosity of the thickening composition while ISL had a negative impact to the thickening composition. It is worth noting that the composition of Example 17 had a viscosity in the range of 10 (pH=5.73) to 2,480 (pH=5.39) mPa.Math.s when the pH varied from 4.91 to 5.73 while the composition became cloudy when pH was at or below 5.0. Examples 18 to 21 were prepared in a similar fashion as to Examples 14 to 17, and the viscosity results of the resultant compositions were provided in Table 3. It can be seen from Example 18 to 19 in Table 3 that when 5% of APG (coco-glucoside, a non-ionic surfactant) was incorporated with 60% of the surfactant blend from Example 13 and water, the viscosity of the resultant composition was increased from 6,890 to 7,500 mPa.Math.s without adjustment of pH at 5.15. When 1.0% EFA was added to the composition in Example 19 to produce Example 20, the viscosity was also increased from 7,500 mPa.Math.s (Example 19) to 7,700 mPa.Math.s (Example 20) without adjustment of pH and further increased to 8,080 mPa.Math.s with adjustment of pH to 5.12 (Example 21), which demonstrated that EFA, an amphoteric conditioner, had a positive impact to the viscosity of the surfactant blend. It is clear from Example 18 to 21 that surfactant blend capable of self-thickening can be incorporated into cleansing formulations along with other additives such as non-ionic surfactant, conditioners and others with easy applicability and suitable viscosity, which were not possible with conventional techniques.

Comparative Examples 6 to 17

[0092] Additional thickening compositions and cleansing compositions containing one type of component A and two types of component B along with component C (water) and various optional component D were prepared according to the formulations described in Comparative Example 6 to 17 in Table 4. The experimental procedures used were similar as that described above. As can be seen from Table 4, most of the compositions did not thicken to a viscosity of more than 500 mPa.Math.s with the given conditions except for Comparative Example 16, which further demonstrated that a combination of delicate conditions must be met in order to achieve a thickening composition.

TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Example 13 to 15 & Comparative Example 1-4. Viscosity of the various thickening composition with different weight percentages of component A and B and different weight ratio of component A to B Example No. Comp. Comp. Comp. Component Ex. 1 Ex. 2 Ex. 3 Ex. 1 Ex. 2 Ex. 3 Ex. 4 Ex. 5 A UCS in 28.00 34.00 40.00 60.00 24.0 34.0 wt % (7.09) (8.61) (10.1) (15.20) (6.08) (8.61) (Active wt %) B SB450 in 21.27 17.19 13.1 40.36 Wt % (7.91) (6.39) (4.87) (15.00) (Active wt %) B LG-30 in 46.0 27.4 19.6 wt % (15.0) (8.91) (6.39) (Active wt %) D EFA D ISL C Deionized To 100% Water (wt %) D 50% q.s. q.s q.s q.s q.s q.s q.s q.s Citric Acid pH( as is) 5.23 5.10 5.22 5.24 5.23 5.23 5.21 5.22 Viscosity 6760 8160 1880 10 5 1420 6370 4750 mPa .Math. s ( 22~26 C.) Appearance clear clear clear clear clear clear clear clear at RM TEMP (22~26 C.) Total 15.0 15.0 15.0 15.0 15.0 15.0 15.0 15.0 Active( %) Weight ratio 0.90:1 1.35:1 2.08:1 Infinity 0 0 0.68:1 1.35:1 A to B Example No. Comp. Component Ex. 6 Ex. 4 Ex. 7 Ex. 8 Ex. 9 Ex. 10 Ex. 11 Ex. 12 A UCS in 15.0 50.0 34.00 34.00 51.10 40.0 20.0 34.0 wt % (3.80) (12.7) (8.61) (8.61) (13.20) (10.1) (5.07) (8.61) (Active wt %) B SB450 in 20.00 60.00 27.06 30.0 15.0 16.0 Wt % (7.43) (22.30) (9.80) (11.2) (5.61) (5.95) (Active wt %) B LG-30 in 34.4 7.16 26.00 13.0 4.5 wt % (11.2) (2.33) (8.32) (4.16) (1.48) (Active wt %) D EFA 2.0 1.0 D ISL 1.6 0.8 C Deionized To 100% Water (wt %) D 50% q.s q.s q.s q.s q.s q.s q.s q.s Citric Acid pH( as is) 5.09 5.26 5.21 5.26 5.21 5.57 5.34 5.17 Viscosity 17540 30 13400 27950 30950 78200 15120 13480 mPa .Math. s ( 22~26 C.) Appearance clear clear clear clear clear clear clear clear at RM TEMP (22~26 C.) Total 15.0 15.0 16.1 30.91 23.0 29.6 14.8 16.0 Active( %) Weight ratio 0.34:1 5:43:1 1.16:1 0.39:1 1.29:1 0.52:1 0.52:1 1.16:1 A to B

TABLE-US-00003 TABLE 3 Example 13 to 21 & Comparative Example 5. Viscosity of the thickening blend with different component D Example No. Comp. Component Ex. 13 Ex. 5 Ex. 14 Ex. 15 Ex. 16 Ex. 17 Ex. 18 Ex. 19 Ex. 20 Ex. 21 A UCS in wt % 56.67 (Comp. (Comp. (Comp. (Comp. (Comp. (Comp. (Comp. (Comp. (Comp. ( Active wt %) (14.35) from Ex. from Ex. from Ex. from Ex. from from Ex. from Ex. from Ex. from Ex. B SB450 in Wt % 28.65 13): 60.0 13): 60.0 14): 99.0 15): 99.0 Example 13): 60.0 18): 95.0 19): 99.0 20): 100 (Active wt %) (10.65) 16): 99.0 D EFA/ISL 1.0 /1.0 1.0 D APG0814 5.0 C Deionized To 100 Water (wt %) D 50% Citric Acid q.s. No q.s No No q.s q.s No No q.s. adjustment adjustment adjustment adjustment adjustment pH( as is) 5.22 5.32 5.20 5.19 5.17 5.19 5.18 5.15 5.15 5.12 Viscosity mPa .Math. s at 28200 125 5920 6860 1085 1130 6890 7500 7700 8080 RM Temp ( 22~26 C.) (25.1 C.) (24.4 C.) (24.4 C.) (24.6 C.) (23.7 C.) (24.0 C.) (24.4 C.) (23.7 C.) (24.4 C.) (24.0 C.) Appearance at RM clear clear clear clear clear clear clear clear clear clear TEMP (22~26 C.) Total Active( %) 25.0 15.0 15.0 15.0 15.0 15.0 15.0 17.5 17.5 17.5 Weight ratio A to B 1.35:1 1.35:1 1.35:1 1.35:1 1.35:1 1.35:1 1.35:1 1.35:1 1.35:1 1.35:1

TABLE-US-00004 TABLE 4 Comparative Examples 6-17. Viscosity of the various compositions with different weight percentages of component A and B and different weight ratios of component A to B at various pH Example No. Comp. Comp. Comp. Comp. Comp. Comp. Comp. Comp. Comp. Comp. Comp. Comp. Component Ex. 6 Ex. 7 Ex. 8 Ex. 9 Ex. 10 Ex. 11 Ex. 12 Ex. 13 Ex. 14 Ex. 15 Ex. 16 Ex. 17 A UCS/ULS* in wt % 25.00 25.00 25.00 /25.00 /25.00 /25.00 /25.00 /25.00 /25.00 25.00 25.00 30.00 ( Active wt %) (6.32) (6.32) (6.32) (6.32) (6.32) (6.32) (6.32) (6.32) (6.32) (6.32) (6.32) (7.60) B SB450/SB230 in /10.00 /10.00 /10.00 /10.00 /10.00 /10.00 18.00 Wt % (Active wt %) (3.00) (3.00) (3.00) (3.00 (3.00) (3.00) (6.70) B LG-30/CAB in wt 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 10.00 % (Active wt %) (1.6) (1.6) (1.6) (1.6) (1.6) (1.6) (1.6) (1.6) (1.6) (1.6) (1.6) (3.20) /10.0 /10.0 /10.0 /10.0 /10.0 (3.0) (3.0) (3.0) (3.0) (3.0) D EFA/MP//Na2EDTA 2.00 2.00 /2.00 /2.00 //0.05 D Evermine 18/22 2.00 /2.00 2.00 /2.00 C Deionized Water To 100 (wt %) D 50% Citric Acid q.s. q.s q.s q .s q.s q.s q.s q.s q.s q.s q.s q.s. pH( as is) 5.34 5.16 5.23 5.20 5.21 5.41 5.38 5.56 5.83 5.30 5.25 5.42 Viscosity ~1** 420 50 50 35 700 850 400 ~1** 50 9200 410 mPa .Math. s( 22~26 C.) Appearance at RM clear clear clear clear clear semi- clear Opaque, clear Semi- clear clear TEMP (22~26 C.) clear milky clear Total Active( %) 10.9 10.9 10.9 10.9 10.9 10.9 10.9 10.9 10.9 10.9 10.9 17.5 Weight ratio A to B 1.37:1 1.37:1 1.37:1 1.37:1 1.37:1 1.37:1 1.37:1 1.37:1 1.37:1 1.37:1 1.34:1 0.77:1 *UCS/ULS: The number for UCS listed normally while that for ULS is listed with /xxx to different UCS from ULS. The same is true for SB450/SB30, LG-30/CAB; EFA/ISL//Na2EDTA; EVERMINE 18/22. **~1 recorded when no viscosity.

[0093] Thickening compositions and cleansing compositions of the present invention can provide a viscosity in the range of about 200 to about 100,000 mPa.Math.s, preferably 500 to 50,000 mPa.Math.s, more preferably 1,000 to 30,000 mPa.Math.s, still more preferably 3,000 to 20,000 mPa.Math.s, further more preferably 4,000 to 18,000 mPa.Math.s, particularly more preferably 5,000 to 12,000 mPa.Math.s. The following formulation examples are provided to illustrate the present invention, but not to limit its application scope. The compositions according to the present invention can be prepared by mixing each individual component with water while it is also possible to use the pre-mixtures of various ingredients, and many optional ingredients as component D can be added to create unlimited variations of all kinds of formulations.

Formulation Examples 1 to 11

[0094] Liquid cleansing compositions of the following formulations were prepared according to conventional methods. Suitable viscosity for personal care cleansing formulations can be obtained. Table 5 shows Sulfate-Free Glutamate Mild Body Wash Formulation Examples of 1 to 4, where all Formulation Examples demonstrated that EVERSOFT UCS-30S can be used as a primary surfactant along with other amphoteric surfactants such as EVERMILD SB450, CAB and/or EVERMILD LG-30 in sulfate-free systems and can achieve a desirable viscosity of about 4,000 to about 23,000 mPa.Math.s within the pH of 5.0-5.7, which are well-suited for personal care cleansing formulations. It was found that EVERPRO LCG which contains the amino acid-derived preservative Ethyl Lauroyl Arginate HCl, a cationic compound, can provide additional synergistic effect of thickening in Formulation 1 and 4, which were also demonstrated in Formulation Examples 2 and 3, where Formulation 3 with 3.0% EVERPRO LCG had slightly higher viscosity than Formulation 2 without EVERPRO LCG.

[0095] Table 6 shows Formulations 5 to 7, which illustrate Sulfate-Free and polymer-free Glutamate Mild Hair Shampoo formulation examples that deliver good foaming and cleansing power with good compatibility with conditioning agents such as EVERLIPID EFA and OleEster ISL with sufficient viscosity up to 21,000 mPa.Math.s at a pH of 5.22.

[0096] Table 7 presents Sulfate-Free Glutamate Cleansing Formulation Examples 8 to 11 with a viscosity range of 3,800 to 9,200 mPa.Math.s within a pH of 5.01-5.25, which can be used as the basis for any personal care cleansing formulations such as body wash, hair shampoo, baby shampoo, hand cleanser, dish detergent, etc. Formulation 8 to 11 are clear viscous liquid, nevertheless, other additional ingredients may be added as needed to make them opaque, pearlescent, or colored formulations.

TABLE-US-00005 TABLE 5 Sulfate-Free Glutamate Mild Body Wash Formulation Examples 1 to 4 Formu- Formu- Formu- Formu- Ingredient (% Wt) lation 1 lation 2 lation 3 lation 4 Eversoft UCS-30S 25.00 30.00 30.00 30.00 EVERMILD SB 13.8 13.8 450 CAB 18.00 EVERMILD 25.00 10.00 10.00 10.00 LG-30 EVERLIPID EFA/ /1.38 /1.38 1.0 Evermine 18 OleEster ISL 1.0 Everpro LCG 1.5 3.0 3.0 Na2EDTA 0.05 0.05 0.05 Fragrance q.s. Citric Acid (50%) q.s. q.s. q.s q.s. Deionized Water To 100 pH (~25 C.) (as is) 5.60 5.35 5.55 5.50 Viscosity mPa .Math. s 3,900 20,000 23,000 16,600 (~25 C.) TOTAL SURFAC- 14.3 16.0 16.0 16.1 TANT ACTIVE CONTENT Appearance (RT, clear viscous liquid 25 C.)

TABLE-US-00006 TABLE 6 Sulfate-Free Glutamate Mild Hair Shampoo Formulation Examples 5 to 7 Ingredient (% Wt) Formulation 5 Formulation 6 Formulation 7 Eversoft 20.0 30.0 30.0 UCS-30S EVERMILD 15.0 17.2 SB 450 CAB 18.0 EVERMILD 13.0 10.4 10 LG-30 EVERLIPID 1.0 0.80 0.8 EFA OleEster ISL 0.8 0.50 0.5 EVERGUARD 0.40 LAE-20 Everpro LCG 1.50 1.50 EDTA-2Na 0.05 0.05 Fragrance 0.10 0.10 Citric Acid (50%) q.s Deionized Water To 100 pH (~25 C.) 5.22 (as is) 5.5 (as is) 5.68 (10% Soln) Viscosity mPa .Math. s 21,000 10,000 14,400 (22~26 C.) Total Surfactant 14.7 17.2 16.1 Active Content Appearance Slight yellowish clear viscous liquid (RT, 25 C.)

TABLE-US-00007 TABLE 7 Sulfate-Free Glutamate Cleansing Formulation Examples 8 to 11 Formu- Formu- Formu- Formu- Ingredient (% Wt) lation 8 lation 9 lation 10 lation 11 Eversoft UCS-30S 25 25 Eversoft ULS-30S 25 Eversoft ULK-30K 25 EVERMILD SB 450 20 EVERMILD SB 230 10 EVERMILD LG-30 5 CAB 20 20 EVERMINE 22 2.00 1.0 EVERGUARD LAE 0.3 EVERGUARD CAE 0.3 Citric Acid (50% ) q.s. q.s. q.s. q.s. Deionized Water To 100 pH (~25 C.) 5.20 5.25 5.17 5.01 Viscosity 5,000 9,200 3,800 5,700 mPa .Math. s (~25 C.) TOTAL SURFACTANT 12.3 10.9 12.3 13.7 ACTIVE CONTENT Appearance clear viscous liquid (RT, 25 C.)

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

[0097] The present invention is easily scalable to industrial scale by simply mixing one acyl glutamate and/or the salt thereof as component A with one or more amphoteric surfactant as component B and optionally water as component C and optionally one or more other ingredients as component D, with either cold processing or some heating dependent upon the particular formulation. When the weight ratio of component A to B is in a suitable range with a sufficient total active content, a thickening composition can be obtained within a particular pH range. In addition, a commercial industrial scale Glutamate surfactant blend with one or more amphoteric surfactants and optionally a limited amount of water as well as a premix of two or more amphoteric surfactants can be obtained as an easy-to-use and easy-to-thicken blend and can be commercially valuable for cleansing compositions and cosmetic and personal care applications for skin, hair and the like.

[0098] Although the present invention has been described in some detail to facilitate understanding, it will be apparent that certain changes and modifications may be practiced within the scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the embodiments or preferred embodiments described herein are to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive, and the invention is not to be limited to the details given herein, but may be modified within the scope and equivalents of the appended claims. All the patent or non-patent references cited herein are incorporated by reference.