WO2008110740A1 - Topical compositions with suspended particulates - Google Patents

Abstract

Provided are aqueous foaming topical compositions which provides a topical antimicrobial benefit contain a dispersion of stably suspended cosmetic particulate materials. The antimicrobial benefit is provided by selicylic acid in conjunction with at least one further antimicrobial active compound. The thickener system comprises a polyacrylate crosspolymer and one or more polysaccharide polymers.

Description

TOPICAL COMPOSITIONS WITH SUSPENDED PARTICULATES

The present invention relates to foaming topical compositions particularly adapted for application to human skin. More particularly, the compositions according to the invention are directed to topical compositions which provide good foaming and in addition to providing a cleaning benefit, are also intended to provide an antimicrobial benefit.

Topical compositions, per se, are well-known in the cosmetic, dermatological as well as in the pharmaceutical fields. Most topical compositions are intended to provide at least one but generally provide two or more specific benefits after being applied to the human skin. For example, personal care compositions which are primarily intended to be soaps for general cleaning of the human skin such as hand soaps or body wash soaps are well known in the fields of cosmetics and personal care products. While providing a primary cleaning benefit, such personal care compositions frequently also provide ancillary benefits such as moisturizing and nourishing the skin.

The compositions of the present invention are directed to providing at least two primary technical benefits, the first technical benefit being providing effective cleaning and the second technical benefit being efficacy in the reduction of undesired microorganisms, particularly in the reduction of both gram positive and/or gram negative microorganisms on a topical surface, e.g., skin, hair, scalp, etc. The present inventive compositions may also provide one or more further ancillary technical benefits, e.g., skin conditioning and/or skin moisturizing. Yet further optional and ancillary benefits may be provided by the presence of one or more for the optional constituents which may be included in formulations or compositions according to the present intervention. These are discussed in more detail hereinafter, particularly with reference to one or more of the examples set forth below.

Accordingly in one aspect of the invention there is provided an improved foaming topical composition for the application to human body particularly to the skin or hair and most preferably to the skin which composition provides both providing effective cleaning and a reduction of undesired microorganisms, particularly in the reduction of both gram positive and/or gram negative microorganisms which may be present on the topical surface of the human body to which the topical compositions have been applied. According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a foaming topical composition according to the first aspect of the invention wherein the topical composition provides a reduction of undesired microorganisms at least 30 minutes, preferably at least 45 minutes, more preferably at least 60 minutes after application to the human body.

According to a yet further aspect of the invention is provided a method for the manufacture or production of improved foaming topical composition as set forth herein.

According to a still further aspect of the invention there is provided an improved method for the treatment of the skin as well as other body surface including the hair which method contemplates the application of a cleaning and/or antimicrobially effective amount of the foaming topical composition described herein in order to provide an effective cleaning and/or antimicrobial b enefit.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following detailed description of the invention and from the accompanying claims.

According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided aqueous foaming topical compositions which provides a topical antimicrobial benefit, which compositions comprise: an anionic surfactant constituent, preferably necessarily comprising one or more anionic sulfate surfactants; optionally but preferably a co-surfactant constituent, especially preferably a betaine surfactant; . a thickener system which necessarily comprises a polyacrylate cross-polymer thickener constituent with one or more polysaccharide polymers selected from xanthan gum, guar gum, locust bean gum, tragacanth gum, or derivatives thereof, especially a guar gum or guar gum derivative; an antimicrobial constituent which necessarily includes salicylic acid, salicylic acid salt or salicylate in conjunction with at least one further antimicrobially active compound or material which is effective against gram negative and/or gram positive bacteria; a cosmetic particulate constituent; optionally one or more optional constituents which may be used to impart one or more desired esthetic or technical benefits to the topical compositions and which is compatible with the other constituents present in the composition; wherein the said topical compositions are at an acidic pH, preferably at a pH of about 5 less and further wherein the compositions exhibit a viscosity of at least about least about 500 cps at 2O⁰C, preferably a viscosity of at least about 4000 cps at 20⁰C. Preferably the aqueous foaming topical compositions of the invention exhibit antimicrobial efficacy both when contacted with a topical surface, e.g., human skin, other body surfaces or other similar substrate, as well as provides a reduction of undesired microorganisms at least 30 minutes, preferably at least 45 minutes, more preferably at least 60 minutes after application to a topical surface, body surface or other similar substrate.

According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a method for the topical treatment of the human body or part thereof which method contemplates the step of applying the aqueous foaming topical compositions in order to provide a cleaning treatment and/or topical antimicrobial treatment to the human body or part thereof to which the said compositions are applied.

According to a still further aspect of the invention there is provided a method for forming an aqueous foaming topical compositions which comprises a storage stable suspension of cosmetic particulate constituent.

These and further aspects of the invention are provided as described within this specification.

The compositions of the invention necessarily include one or more anionic surfactants and/or salt forms thereof. Examples of anionic surfactants include alcohol sulfates and sulfonates, alcohol phosphates and phosphonates, alkyl ester sulfates, alkyl diphenyl ether sulfonates, alkyl sulfates, alkyl ether sulfates, sulfate esters of an alkylphenoxy polyoxyethylene ethanol, alkyl monoglyceride sulfates, alkyl sulfonates, alkyl ether sulfates, alpha-olefin sulfonates, beta-alkoxy alkane sulfonates, alkyl ether sulfonates, ethoxylated alkyl sulfonates, alkylaryl sulfonates, alkylaryl sulfates, alkyl monoglyceride sulfonates, alkyl carboxylates, alkyl ether carboxylates, alkyl alkoxy carboxylates having 1 to 5 moles of ethylene oxide, alkylpolyglycolethersulfates (containing up to 10 moles of ethylene oxide), sulfosuccinates, octoxynol or nonoxynol phosphates, taurates, fatty taurides, fatty acid amide polyoxyethylene sulfates, acyl glycerol sulfonates, fatty oleyl glycerol sulfates, alkyl phenol ethylene oxide ether sulfates, paraffin sulfonates, alkyl phosphates, isethionates, N-acyl taurates, alkyl succinamates and sulfosuccinates, alkylpolysaccharide sulfates, alkylpolyglucoside sulfates, alkyl polyethoxy carboxylates, and sarcosinates or mixtures thereof. Further examples of anionic surfactants include water soluble salts or acids of the formula (ROSO₃)_XM or (RSO₃ )_XM wherein R is preferably a C₆-C₂₄ hydrocarbyl, preferably an alkyl or hydroxyalkyl having a Ci₀-C_2O alkyl component, more preferably a C₁₂-C₁₈ alkyl or hydroxyalkyl, and M is H or a mono-, di- or tri-valent cation, e. g., an alkali metal cation (e. g., sodium, potassium, lithium), or ammonium or substituted ammonium (e. g., methyl-, dimethyl-, and trimethyl ammonium cations and quaternary ammonium cations, such as tetramethyl-ammonium and dimethyl piperdinium cations and quaternary ammonium cations derived from alkylamines such as ethylamine, diethylamine, triethylamine, and mixtures thereof, and the like) and x is an integer, preferably 1 to 3, most preferably 1. Materials sold under the Hostapur and Biosoft trademarks are examples of such anionic surfactants.

Still further examples of anionic surfactants which may find use in the inventic compositiosn include alkyl-diphenyl-ethersulphonates and alkyl-carboxylates. Other anionic surfactants can include salts (including, for example, sodium, potassium, ammonium, and substituted ammonium salts such as mono-, di-and triethanolamine salts) of soap, C₆-C₂₀ linear alkylbenzenesulfonates, C₆-C₂₂ primary or secondary alkanesulfonates, C₆-C₂₄ olefinsulfonates, sulfonated polycarboxylic acids prepared by sulfo nation of the pyrolyzed product of alkaline earth metal citrates, C₆-C₂₄ alkylpolyglycolethersulfates, alkyl ester sulfates such as C_14-I₆ methyl ester sulfates; acyl glycerol sulfonates, fatty oleyl glycerol sulfates, alkyl phenol ethylene oxide ether sulfates, paraffin sulfonates, alkyl phosphates, isethionates such as the acyl isethionates, N-acyl taurates, alkyl succinamates and sulfosuccinates, monoesters of sulfo succinate (especially saturated and unsaturated C₁₂-C₁₈ monoesters) diesters of sulfo succinate (especially saturated and unsaturated C₆-C₁₄ diesters), acyl sarcosinates, sulfates of alkylpolysaccharides such as the sulfates of alkylpolyglucoside, branched primary alkyl sulfates, alkyl polyethoxy carboxylates such as those of the formula RO(CH₂CH₂O)_kCH₂COO^~M⁺ wherein R is a C₈-C₂₂ alkyl, k is an .integer from 0 to 10, and M is a soluble salt-forming cation.

Anionic compounds which function both as surfactants and which also act as a hydrotrope may be included as well as either as part of the anionic surfactant constituent or as a co-surfactant as described hereinafter. Exemplary hydtropes include, inter alia, benzene sulfonates, naphthalene sulfonates, C₁-C₁₁ alkyl benzene sulfonates, naphthalene sulfonates, C₅-C₁₁ alkyl sulfonates, C₆-Cn alkyl sulfates, alkyl diphenyloxide disulfonates, and phosphate ester hydrotropes. The hydrotropic compounds of the invention are often provided in a salt fonn with a suitable counterion, such as one or more alkali, or alkali earth metals, such as sodium or potassium, especially sodium. However, other water soluble cations such as ammonium, mono-, di- and tri- lower alkyl, i.e., Ci-4 alkanol ammonium groups can be used in the place of the alkali metal cations. Exemplary alkyl benzene sulfonates include, for example, isopropylbenzene sulfonates, xylene sulfonates, toluene sulfonates, cuniene sulfonates, as well as mixtures thereof. Exemplary C₅-C₁₁ alkyl sulfonates include hexyl sulfonates, octyl sulfonates, and hexyl/octyl sulfonates, and mixtures thereof. Particularly useful hydrotrope compounds include benzene sulfonates, o-toluene sulfonates, m-toluene sulfonates, and p-toluene sulfonates; 2,3-xylene sulfonates, 2,4-xylene sulfonates, and 4,6-xylene sulfonates; cumene sulfonates, wherein such exemplary hydrotropes are generally in a salt form thereof, including sodium and potassium salt forms. Desirably the anionic surfactant constituent of the inventive compositions necessarily comprise one or more anionic sulfate surfactants which provides good foaming when used, and which is resistant to being rinse off from the skin or other topical surface to which it is applied. By way of non-limiting example especially preferred anionic surfactants which provide such functions are alkyl sulfates especially alkyl ether sulfates, particularly C₈-C₁₈ alkyl ether sulfates which have been observed by the present inventor to be more resistant to being rinsed off a topical surface to which they have been applied than many other anionic surfactants which are commonly used in personal cleaning compositions known to the art, including alpha-olefin sulfonates, particularly C₁₂-C₁₆ olefin sulfonates such as sodium lauryl sulfate. Such foaming anionic surfactants, particularly the preferred alkyl ether sulfates exhibit high foaming and good lathering to the inventive compositions. As such it is highly preferred that the anionic surfactant constituent comprise one or more anionic surfactants based on alkyl sulfates, particularly alkyl ether sulfates and especially one or more of those as described in the following Examples. Desirably a major proportion of the anionic surfactant constituent consists of one or more alkyl sulfates especially alkyl ether sulfates, preferably at least 60%wt, more preferably at least 70%wt, and yet more preferably at least 75%wt. of the anionic surfactant constituent comprises alkyl sulfates especially alkyl ether sulfates, hi certain particularly preferred embodiments the anionic surfactant constituent comprises at least 90%wt, more preferably the anionic surfactant constituent consists essentially of one or more alkyl sulfates especially one or more alkyl ether sulfates

The anionic surfactant constituent may be present in any effective amount, and is preferably present in amounts of from l%wt. to 30%wt. based on the total weight of the composition of which they form a part. Preferably however the anionic surfactant constituent comprises 3 - 25%wt., preferably from 10 - 20% wt. based on the total weight of the foaming topical composition of which they form a part. Particularly preferred amounts of the anionic surfactant constituent are disclosed with reference to one or more of the examples.

The compositions of the invention may include, and preferably do include one or more further surfactants selected from nonionic, amphotheric and zwitterionic surfactants as co -surfactants to the anionic surfactant constituent, hi certain preferred embodiments a co-surfactant constituent is necessarily present and is most preferably a betaine surfactant.

Exemplary useful nonionic surfactants are those which include a hydrophobicic base portion, such as a long chain alkyl group or an alkylated aiyl group, and a hydrophilic chain portion comprising a sufficient number of ethoxy and/or propoxy moieties to render the nonionic surfactant at least partially soluble or dispersible in water. By way of non-limiting example, such nonionic surfactants include ethoxylated alkylphenols, ethoxylated and propoxylated fatty alcohols, polyethylene glycol ethers of methyl glucose, polyethylene glycol ethers of sorbitol, ethylene oxidepropylene oxide block copolymers, ethoxylated esters of fatty (C₆ -C₂₄) acids, condensation products of ethylene oxide with long chain amines or amides, and mixtures thereof. Further exemplary nonionic surfactants include, but are not limited to: methyl gluceth-10, PEG- 20 methyl glucose distearate, PEG-20 methyl glucose sesquistearate, C₁₁-C_1S pareth-20, ceteth-8, ceteth-12, dodoxynol-12, laureth-15, PEG-20 castor oil, polysorbate 20, steareth-20, polyoxyethylene-10 cetyl ether, polyoxyethylene-10 stearyl ether, polyoxyethylene-20 cetyl ether, polyoxyethylene-10 oleyl ether, polyoxyethylene-20 oleyl ether, an ethoxylated nonylphenol, ethoxylated octylphenol, ethoxylated dodecylphenol, or ethoxylated fatty (C₆ -C₂₂) alcohol, including 3 to 20 ethylene oxide moieties, polyoxyethyiene-20 isohexadecyl ether, polyoxyethylene-23 glycerol laurate, polyoxyethylene-20 glyceryl stearate, PPG-10 methyl glucose ether, PPG-20 methyl glucose ether, polyoxyethylene-20 sorbitan monoesters, polyoxyethylene 80 castor oil, poryoxyethylene-15 tridecyl ether, polyoxyethylene-6 tiidecyl ether, laureth-2, laureth-3, laureth-4, PEG-3 castor oil, PEG 600 dioleate, PEG 400 dioleate, and mixtures thereof. Other nonionic surfactants, although not specifically disclosed herein but known to the art may also be used. The nonionic surfactants may be present as single compounds or as mixtures of two or more nonionic surfactant compounds.

Exemplary useful amphoteric surfactants include derivatives of secondary and tertiary amines having aliphatic radicals that are straight chain or branched, and wherein one of the aliphatic substituents contains from about 8 to 18 carbon atoms and at least one of the aliphatic substituents contains an anionic water-solubilizing group, e.g., a carboxy, sulfonate, or a sulfate group. Non-limiting examples of compounds falling within this description include: sodium 3 -(dodecylamino propionate, sodium 3- (dodecylamino)propane-l -sulfonate, sodium 2-(dodecylamino)ethyl sulfate, sodium 2- (dimethylamino)octadecanoate, disodium 3-(N carboxymethyldodecylamino)propane-l- sulfonate, disodium octadecyliminodiacetate, sodium l-carboxymethyl-2- undecylimidazole, and sodium N,N-bis(2-hydroxyethyl)-2-sulfato-3- dodecoxypropylamine. Further exemplary useful amphoteric surfactants include sarcosinates and taurates, amide sulfo succinates, and betaines including phosphobetaines. Further amphoteric surfactants, although not specifically elucidated herein but known to the art may also be used.

When a co-surfactant constituent is present, desirably it comprises one or more betaines. Exemplary useful betaine surfactants which may be represented by the general formula:

wherein: R₁ is an alkyl group containing from 8 to 18 carbon atoms, or the amido radical which may be represented by the following general formula:

wherein: R is an alkyl group having from 8 to 18 carbon atoms, a is an integer having a value of from 1 to 4 inclusive, and R₂ is a C₁-C₄ alkylene group. Examples of preferred betaines are dodecyl dimethyl betaine, cetyl dimethyl betaine, dodecyl amidopropyldimethyl betaine, tetradecyldimethyl betaine, tetradecylamidopropyldimethyl betaine, dodecyldimethylammonium hexanoate and particularly cocoamidopropyl betaine. As noted previously, in certain preferred embodiments a co-surfactant constituent is necessarily present, and in certain particularly preferred embodiments a betaine surfactant is necessarily present. When present, the co-surfactant constituent may be present in any effective amount, and are preferably present in amounts of from 0.01 %wt. to 10%wt. based on the total weight of the composition of which they form a part. Preferably however the co-surfactant constituent comprises 0.1 - 8%wt, preferably from

0.5 - 5%wt. based on the total weight of the topical composition of which they form a part.

In certain preferred embodiments the sole surfactants present in the inventive compositions are one or more anionic surfactants, concurrently with one or more betaine surfactants to the exclusion of other species of surfactants. An optional but preferred additional constituent which may be present is a foam booster which improves the foaming characteristics of the anionic surfactant(s) present. Preferred foam boosters are based on one or more alkanolamides which provide composition thickening, foam enhancement, and foam stability and in preferred embodiments of the invention are necessarily present. Exemplary alkanolamides which provide such a foam boosting function include but are not limited to: cocamide MEA, cocamide DEA, soyamide DEA, lauramide DEA, oleamide MIPA, stearamide MEA, myristamide MEA, lauramide MEA, capramide DEA, ricinoleamide DEA, myristamide DEA, stearamide DEA, oleylamide DEA, tallowamide DEA, lauramide MIPA, tallowamide MEA, isostearamide DEA, isostearamide MEA, and mixtures thereof.

When present, the one ore more alkanolamides are present in amounts of up to about 10%wt, but are preferably included in amounts of from about 0.1 - 10%wt. based on the total weight of the topical composition of which they form a part.

The compositions of the invention also necessarily include a thickener system which necessarily comprises a polyacrylate cross-polymer thickener with one or more polysaccharide polymers such as xanthan gum, guar gum, locust bean gum, tragacanth gum, or derivatives thereof, especially a guar gum.

The polyacrylate cross-polymer thickener desirably exhibits a viscosity of between 10,000 and 18,000 measured using a Brookfield RVT viscometer operating at 20 ipm, for a gel formed form a 2%wt. dispersion of the said polyacrylate cross-polymer thickener in 25°C water. A particularly preferred polyacrylate cross-polymer thickener is commercially available as CARBOPOL AQUA CC (ex. Noveon) which is described to be a cross-linked acrylate copolymer OfC_1-4 alkyl(meth)acryalte amine functional monomers and a hydrophobe. The polyacrylate cross-polymer thickener is advantageously present in an amount of from about 0.1 %wt. to about 6%wt, based on the total weight of the topical composition of which it forms a part. In certain preferred embodiments the polyacrylate cross-polymer thickener is solely CARBOPOL AQUA CC to the exclusion of further polyacrylate based thickeners.

The thickener constituent also necessarily comprises one or more polysaccharide polymers selected from xanthan gum, guar gum, locust bean gum, tragacanth gum, or derivatives thereof, especially a guar gum. Advantageously the guar gum is polysaccharide derived from the guar plant, e.g., hydroxypropyl guar, but preferably the guar gum is a cationic derivative of a guar gum, such as guar hydroxypropyltrimonium chloride commercially available as, e.g., JAGUAR C-162 (ex. Rhodia)

While not wishing to be bound by the following it has nonetheless been observed by the inventors that the combination of the preferred polyacrylate cross-polymer thickener and the preferred polysaccharide polymers provides a surprisingly effective thickening benefit and concurrently excellent suspension of the cosmetic particulate constituent even subsequent to adverse storage conditions, especially storage at elevated temperatures (e.g., at least 50°C, especially at least 60⁰C) for one, but preferably two weeks.

The inventive compositions may optionally include further thickeners which are not found to deleteriously affect the favorable technical characteristics of the present invention, especially the storage stability characteristics. These may additional constituents of the thickener system of the invention. As further optional thickener constituents, the inventive compositions may additionally include one or more polysaccharide based thickener constituents, e.g., naturally occurring or modified celluloses, further polycarboxylate polymers, further polyacrylamides, clays, and mixtures thereof.

Exemplary cellulose based thickeners are those which are either naturally occurring or which may be based on modified or processed naturally occurring cellulose materials, e.g., cellulose, alkyl cellulose or cellulose derivatives including methyl cellulose ethyl cellulose, hydroxymethyl cellulose, hydroxy ethyl cellulose, hydroxy propyl cellulose, carboxy methyl cellulose, carboxy methyl hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose, ethylhydroxymethyl cellulose and ethyl hydroxy ethyl cellulose.

The thickener system of the present invention is desirably present in a sufficient amount to provide a viscosity of at least 500 cps measured at room temperature to the inventive compositions. In order of increasing preference the thickener system is present in a sufficient amount such that the final viscosity of the composition is at least: 500 cps, 750 cps, 900 cps, 1000 cps, 1200 cps, 1400 cps, 1500 cps, 1700 cps, 1900 cps, 2000 cps, 2200 cps, 2400 cps, 2600 cps, 2800 cps, 3000 cps, 3200 cps, 3400 cps, 3500 cps, 3600 cps, 3800 cps and especially preferably at least about 4000 cps when measured at room temperature (approx. 20°C) using a Brookfield Type PV-III viscometer, with a #63 spindle operating at 6 rpm. The thickener system of the present invention is desirably present in a sufficient amount to provide a viscosity of not more than 15000 cps measured at room temperature to the inventive compositions. In order of increasing preference the thickener system is present in a sufficient amount such that the final viscosity of the composition is not more than: 15000 cps, 14000 cps, 13500 cps, 13000 cps, 12500 cps, 12000 cps, 11500 cps, 11000 cps, 10500 cps, 10000 cps, 9500 cps, 9000 cps, 8000 cps, 8500 cps and especially preferably not more than about 7500 cps when measured at room temperature using a Brookfield Type PV-III viscometer, with a #63 spindle operating at 6 ipm.

While the thickener system of the present invention may be present in different amounts in order to achieve a desired viscosity within the foregoing preferred ranges, and may be present in any effective amount, advantageously the thickener system is present in amounts of from 0.05%wt. to 15%wt. based on the total weight of the topical composition of which it forms a part. Preferably however the thickener system comprises in order of increasing preference: 0.1 %wt, 0.5%wt., l%wt., 1.5%wt., 2%wt, 2.5%wt, and especially preferably at least 3%wt. based on the total weight of the topical composition of which they form a part. Preferably the thickener system of the present invention comprises, in order of increasing preference, not more than 15%wt, 14%wt, 13%wt, 12.5%wt., 12%wt. ll%wt, 10.5%wt., 10%wt., 9.5%wt, 9%wt., and especially preferably not more than 8%wt. based on the total weight of the topical composition of which they it forms a part. hi certain particularly preferred embodiments the compositions exclude all other thickeners other than the polyacrylate cross-polymer thickener with one or more polysaccharide polymers selected xanthan gum, guar gum, locust bean gum, tragacanth gum, or derivatives thereof, especially a guar gum or guar gum derivative.

The compositions of the invention also necessarily include a cosmetic particulate constituent which is desirably dispersed and suspended in the composition. The cosmetic particulate may be any particulate material which is a solid at room temperature (approx. 20°C) temperature and atmospheric pressure, which does not deleteriously react chemically with balance of the constituents of the inventive composition. Advantageously the cosmetic particulate is insoluble in balance of the constituents of the inventive composition, particularly when the compositions are brought to a temperature above room temperature and especially to a temperature of at least 5O⁰C and preferably at least 60⁰C for at least 24 hours, preferably for at least 48 hours. Desirably the cosmetic particulate constituent exhibits a melting temperatures of at least 70⁰C, preferably at least 100⁰C, more preferably at least 120⁰C, and most preferably at least 130°C. The cosmetic particulate composition may be absorbent or non-absorbent with respect to one or more of the remaining constituents of the inventive compositions of which they form a part. . Advantageously the cosmetic particulate constituent may be mineral or organic, lamellar, spherical, viz., beads, or oblong. They may have a generally regular geometry, such as in the case of spheres or rods, or they may have an irregular geometry such as crushed particulate materials. Exemplary materials useful for the cosmetic particulate constituent include: inorganic particulate particles formed from talc, mica, silica, kaolin, boron nitride, carbonates such as precipitated calcium carbonate, magnesium carbonate and magnesium hydrocarbonate, hydroxyapatite, hollow silica microspheres, glass microcapsules, and ceramic microcapsules, inorganic pigments and mixtures thereof. Exemplary materials useful for the cosmetic particulate constituent include: organic particulate particles formed from polyamide powders, such as polyamides (Nylons), polyethylenes, polypropylenes, polyesters, acrylic polymers such as polymethyl methacrylate, polytetrafluoro ethylene (Teflons.), as well as crystalline and microcrystalline waxes derived from plants, mineral oils or petroleum, hollow polymer microspheres such as those formed from polyvinylidene chloride/acrylonitrile, starches, alginates, organic dyestuffs or pigments, and mixtures thereof. Mixtures of two or more cosmetic particles may be used to provide the cosmetic particulate constituent. Preferred as the cosmetic particulate constituent are materials which provide an exfoliating benefit. Preferably, these cosmetic particulates have an apparent diameter in the range of from about 100 to about 1000 μm, preferably from about 100 to about 600 μm and most preferably from about from about 250 to about 600μm. An apparent diameter corresponds to the diameter of the circle in which the elementary particle is inscribed along its smallest dimension (thickness for lamellae). A preferred class of cosmetic particulate materials are based on synthetically occurring or synthetic waxes inclusive of microcrystalline waxes. Exemplary useful waxes include any of those which are generally useful used in cosmetics and dermatology. Exemplary waxes of natural origin, include for instance beeswax, carnauba wax, candelilla wax, ouricoury wax, Japan wax, cork fibre wax or sugar cane wax, paraffin wax, lignite wax, microcrystalline waxes, lanolin wax, niontan wax, ozokerites, hydrogenated oils, for instance hydrogenated jojoba oil. Exemplary waxes of synthetic origin include for instance polyethylene waxes derived from the polymerization of ethylene, waxes obtained by Fischer-Tropsch synthesis, esters of fatty acids and of glycerides that are solid at 50⁰C. preferably at 60°C or higher temperatures, and silicone waxes, for instance alkyl, alkoxy, and/or esters of poly(di)methylsiloxane that are solid at 50°C. preferably at 60⁰C or higher temperatures. These waxes may be formed particulates, e.g., beads or spheres according to conventional methods.

The cosmetic particulate constituent of the invention may be provided in any effective amount, but desirably is present in amount which are aethetically pleasing to the user of the composition. The cosmetic particulate constituent is made of individual cosmetic particulate materials which may be of a uniform chemical or physical composition, and/or of a uniform size or dimension and/or of a uniform color but this is not a necessity and mixtures or different individual cosmetic particulate materials which may be differentiated on the basis of chemical and/or physical composition, and/or size or dimension and/or color may be provided as the cosmetic particulate constituent of the invention. While the cosmetic particulate constituent of the invention may be provided in any effective amount, advantageously the cosmetic particulate constituent form at least 0.01%wt., preferably at least 0.05%wt, and most preferably at least 0.1%wt of the topical composition. Similarly advantageously the cosmetic particulate constituent form not more than 10%wt, preferably not more than 5%wt, and yet more preferably not more than 2%wt, and most preferably not more than 2%wt of the topical composition of which it forms a part.

In preferred embodiments the dispersed cosmetic particulates present in the bulk phase of the topical compositions exhibit surprisingly good stability during storage, even subsequent to adverse storage conditions, especially storage at elevated temperatures (e.g., at least 50°C, especially at least 60⁰C) for one, but preferably two weeks.

According to particularly preferred embodiments, the foaming topical compositions exhibit excellent suspension of the dispersed cosmetic particulates such that when the freshly made inventive compositions are vigorously manually shaken and then allowed to return to a quiescent state, such as by permitting them to stand on a tabletop or other surface at room temperature (approx. 20°C) for 48 hours, the majority of the dispersed cosmetic particulates do not drop or rise more than 5%, preferably do not drop or rise more than 3%, most preferably do not drop or rise more than 2% of their original distance from the bottom of the container in which the inventive composition is present when they have returned to a quiescent state following vigorous manual shaking. By "majority" of the dispersed cosmetic particulates is meant to convey that at least 90% of, preferably at least 95% and most preferably at least 97% of the of the dispersed cosmetic particulates physically present in the compositions. This is a particularly attractive and characteristic feature of preferred embodiments of inventive compositions, as the suspended dispersed cosmetic particulates do not appear to move perceptibly over long periods of time. Desirably, at least 90% of, preferably at least 95% and most preferably at least 97% of the dispersed cosmetic particulates physically present in the bulk phase of the compositions do not drop or rise more than 5%, most preferably do not drop more than 2% of their original distance from the bottom of the container in which the inventive composition is present when they have returned to a quiescent state following manual shaking when measured after 72 hours, more preferably when measured after 168 hours, still more preferably when measured after 10 days, yet more preferably after 14 days when left in a quiescent state at room temperature. In certain particularly preferred embodiments of the invention at least 90% of, preferably at least 95% and most preferably at least 97% of the dispersed cosmetic particulates dispersed in the topical compositions do not drop or rise more than 5%, preferably 2% after 3 weeks and especially after 4 weeks when retained in a quiescent state at room temperature. hi certain particularly preferred embodiments of the invention at least 90% of, preferably at least 95% and most preferably at least 97% of the dispersed cosmetic particulates dispersed in the topical compositions do not drop or rise more than 5%, preferably 2% after 1 week, preferably at least 2 weeks when retained in a quiescent state at 40°C, preferably at 50°C, yet more preferably at 55°C and most preferably at least 60°C. The inventive compositions also necessarily include an antimicrobial constituent which necessarily includes salicylic acid or salt form thereof, in conjunction with at least one further antimicrobially active compound or material which is effective against gram negative and/or gram positive bacteria, and which is compatible with the other constituents present in the composition. The salicylic acid or salt form thereof is provided to the compositions of the invention in an antimicrobially effective amount. It is also contemplated that in addition to or in place of the salicylic acid which is most preferred, salicylates (including octyl, amyl, phenyl, benzyl, menthyl, glyceryl, and dipropyleneglycol esters thereof) may also be included in the inventive compositions and are believed to be effective against gram positive and/or gram negative microorganisms as well.

The inventor has observed that while other organic acids selected from citric acid, lactic acid, and glycolic acid might also provide an antimicrobial benefit when topically applied, such however provide only an immediate benefit and are not particularly suited to providing a more durable antimicrobial benefit as they are more water soluble than salicylic acid and thus are more easily washed off or rinsed off when topically applied than salicylic acid or salicylates.

The salicylic acid, salicylic acid salt and/or salicylate are present in amounts of from about from 0.001 - 3%wt, preferably in amounts from 0.01 - 2%wt, but are most desirably present in reduced weight percentages from about 0.05 - 0.5%wt. based on the total weight of the inventive composition of which they form a part.

In addition to the salicylic acid or salt form thereof, the inventive compositions necessarily also include one further antimicrobially active compound or material which is effective against gram negative and/or gram positive bacteria, and which is compatible with the other constituents present in the composition. Exemplary useful compounds and materials which may be used as the further antimicrobially active compound or material include one or more of one or more antimicrobial agents including: pyrithiones (especially zinc pyrithione which is also known as ZPT), diniethyldimethylol hydantoin (Glydant®), methylchloroisothiazolinone/methylisothiazolinone (Kathon CG®), sodium sulfite, sodium bisulfite, imidazolidinyl urea (Germall 115®), diazolidinyl urea (Germaill II®), benzyl alcohol, 2-bromo-2-nitropropane-l,3-diol (Bronopol®), formalin (formaldehyde), iodopropenyl butylcarbamate (Polyphase P100®), chloroacetamide, methanamine, methyldibromonitrile glutaiOnitrile (l,2-Dibromo-2,4-dicyanobutane or Tektamer®), glutaraldehyde, 5-bromo-5-nitro- 1,3-dioxane (Bronidox®), phenethyl alcohol, o-phenylphenol/sodium o-phenylphenol, sodium hydroxymethylglycinate (Suttocide A®), polymethoxy bicyclic oxazolidine (Nuosept C®), dimethoxane, thimersal dichlorobenzyl alcohol, captan, chlorphenenesin, dichlorophene, chlorbutanol, glyceryl laurate, halogenated diphenyl ethers like 2,4,4'-tiichloro-2'-hydroxy-diphenyl ether (Triclosan® or TCS), 2,2'-dihydroxy-5,5'-dibromo-diphenyl ether, phenolic compounds like phenol, 2-methyl phenol, 3 -methyl phenol, 4-methyl phenol, 4-ethyl phenol, 2,4-dimethyl phenol, 2,5-dimethyl phenol, 3, 4-dimethyl phenol, 2,6-dimethyl phenol, 4-n-propyl phenol, 4-n-butyl phenol, 4-n-amyl phenol, 4-tert-amyl phenol, 4-n- hexyl phenol, 4-n-heptyl phenol, mono- and poly-alkyl and aromatic halophenols such as p-chlorophenol, methyl p-chlorophenol, ethyl p-chlorophenol, n-propyl p-chlorophenol, n-butyl p-chlorophenol, n-amyl p-chlorophenol, sec-amyl p-chlorophenol, n-hexyl p- chlorophenol, cyclohexyl p-chlorophenol, n-heptyl p-chlorophenol, n-octyl p- chlorophenol, o-chlorophenol, methyl o-chlorophenol, ethyl o-chlorophenol, n-propyl o- chlorophenol, n-butyl o-chlorophenol, n-amyl o-chlorophenol, tert-amyl o-chlorophenol, n-hexyl o-chlorophenol, n-heptyl o-chlorophenol, o-benzyl p-chlorophenol, o-benzyl-m- methyl p-chlorophenol, o-benzyl-m, m-dimetliyl p-chlorophenol, o-phenylethyl p- chlorophenol, o-phenylethyl-m-methyl p-chlorophenol, 3 -methyl p-chlorophenol, 3,5- dimethyl p-chlorophenol, 6 -ethyl-3 -methyl p-chlorophenol, 6 -n-propyl-3 -methyl p- chlorophenol, 6-iso-propyl-3-methyl p-chlorophenol, 2-ethyl-3 ,5 -dimethyl p- chlorophenol, 6-sec-butyl-3-methyl p-chlorophenol, 2-iso-propyl-3,5-dimethyl p- chlorophenol, 6-diethylmethyl-3 -methyl p-chlorophenol, 6-iso-propyl-2-ethyl-3 -methyl p -chlorophenol, 2-sec-amyl-3,5-dimethyl p-chlorophenol 2-diethylmethyl-3,5-dimethyl p-chlorophenol, 6-sec-octyl-3 -methyl p-chlorophenol, p-chloro-m-cresol, p-bromophenol, methyl p-bromophenol, ethyl p-bromophenol, n-propyl p-bromophenol, n-butyl p- bromophenol, n-amyl p-bromophenol, sec-amyl p-bromophenol, n-hexyl p-bromophenol, cyclohexyl p-bromophenol, o -bromophenol, tert-amyl o -bromophenol, n-hexyl o- bromophenol, n-propyl-m,m-dimethyl o-bromophenol, 2-phenyl phenol, 4-chloro-2- methyl phenol, 4-chloro-3 -methyl phenol, 4-chloro-3,5-dimethyl phenol, 2,4-dichloro- 3,5-dimethylphenol, 3,4,5,6-terabromo-2-methylphenol, 5-methyl-2-pentylphenol, 4- isopropyl-3-methylphenol, para-chloro-meta-xylenol, dichloro meta xylenol, chlorothyrnol, S-chloro^-hydroxydiphenylmethane, resorcinol and its deiivatives including methyl resorcinol, ethyl resorcinol, n-propyl resorcinol, n-butyl resorcinol, n- amyl resorcinol, n-hexyl resorcinol, n-heptyl resorcinol, n-octyl resorcinol, n-nonyl resorcinol, phenyl resorcinol, benzyl resorcinol, phenylethyl resorcinol, phenylpropyl resorcinol, p-chlorobenzyl resorcinol, 5-chloro 2,4-dihydroxydiphenyl methane, 4'-chloro 2,4-dihydroxydiphenyl methane, 5-bromo 2,4-dihydroxydiphenyl methane, and 4'-bromo 2,4-dihydroxydiphenyl methane, bisphenolic compounds like 2, 2 '-methylene bis (4- chlorophenol), 2,2'-methylene bis (3,4,6-trichlorophenol), 2,2'-methylene bis (4-chloro-6- bromophenol), bis (2-hydroxy-3,5-dichlorophenyl) sulphide, and bis (2-hydroxy-5- chlorobenzyl)sulphide, benzoic esters (parabens) like methylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben, ethylparaben, isopropylparaben, isobutylparaben, benzylparaben, sodium methylparaben, and sodium propylparaben, halogenated carbanilides (e.g., 3,4,4'- trichlorocarbanilides (Triclocarban® or TCC), 3-trifluoromethyl-4,4'-dichlorocarbanilide, 3,3',4-trichlorocarbanilide, as well as 2,4-dichloro-3,5-m-xylenol ("DCMX"). The phenol based non-cationic antimicrobials are preferred, of which parachlorometacresol ("PCMC") and especially parachlorometaxylenol ("PCMX") is particularly preferred for use in the inventive compositions.

The one or more one further antimicrobially active compounds or materials are present in amounts of from about from 0.001 - 3%wt, preferably in amounts from 0.1 - 2%wt, but are most desirably present from about 0.1 - 0.5%wt. based on the total weight of the inventive composition of which they form a part.

The inventors have also found that the superior antimicrobial efficacy is provided when the inventive foaming topical compositions are also maintained in a specific acidic pH range, preferably of about 6 or less, preferably when the pH is maintained in the range of from about 2 - 5.5, more preferably when the pH is, in order of increasing preference, at least 2.2, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.8, 3, 3.2, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.8, 4, 4.1, and 4.2, while concurrently the pH is, in order of increasing preference is not more than 5.5, 5.4, 5.2, 5, 4.8, 4.7, 4.6, 4.5, 4.4 and 4.3.

While not wishing to be bound by the following hypothesis, it is believed that the selection of the salicylic acid, salicyclic acid salt and/or salicylate(s) in conjunction with the one or more further antimicrobially active compounds or materials provide both rapid acting kill of undesired microorganisms when topically applied to the human skin, as well as possibly also providing a more durable antimicrobial benefit. Such an antimicrobial benefit is highly advantageous in controlling bodily odors, as well as providing a general perception of freshness consequent upon the use of the inventive composition.

The topical compositions of the invention may include one or more further optional constituents which may be used to impart one or more desired esthetic or technical benefits to the topical compositions. In certain preferred embodiments of the invention, one or more of the following recited optional constituents maybe considered as essential constituents according to a particular preferred embodiment. Such optional constituents include additives and adjuvants which are conventional in the cosmetic, pharmaceutical or dermatological field, such as hydrophilic or lipophilic gelling agents, hydrophilic or lipophilic active agents, humectants, opacifiers, preservatives, antioxidants, solvents especially organic solvents, pH adjusting agents, pH buffers, chealating agents, fragrances, fragrances or other materials which provide an aromatherapy benefit, fillers, preservatives, dyestuffs or colorants, and light stabilizers including UV absorbers. The amounts of these various additives and adjuvants are those conventionally used in the field, and, for example, range from 0.01% to 10% of the total weight of the composition. One optional constituent which may be included in the inventive compositions is a latex. Such are used to provide opacification of the composition. Such are materials which are typically emulsions, dispersions or suspensions of a a water insoluble polymer or copolymer in an carrier. The carrier may be aqueous, an aqeueous/organic solvent mixture or organic solvent. The latex may be based on a homopolymer, or on copolymer. It is contemplated that the copolymer comprises two or more different monomers which are joined in either a block or random arrangement of the two or more different monomers.

Exemplary copolymers suitable for the latex emulsion include those formed from styrene, alpha-methylstyrene, divinylbenzene, acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, C₁ -C₂₀ esters of acrylic acid or methacrylic acid, acrylamide, methacrylamide, maleic acid, vinyl acetate, crotonic acid, vinyl neodecanoate and butenoic acid. Examples of carboxylate type copolymers are the styrene/alkyl acrylate and partially esterified polyacrylic and polymethacrylic salts and free acid forms. Among the foregoing materials are poly(butyl methacrylate), poly(methyl acrylate), poly(methyl methacrylate), poly(acrylic acid/d - C₂₀ alkyl acrylate) and poly(methacrylic acid/Q -C₂₀ alkyl methacrylate). These copolymers may be prepared by polymerization of the respective monomers by traditional oil-in-water or water-in-oil emulsion polymerization techniques. Alternatively, a pseudo latex may be prepared by esterification of preformed polymer with C₁ -C₂₀ alkanol. Average diameters of the dispersed polymer may range from about 0.001 micron to about 120 micron, preferably from about 0.01 micron to about 1 micron, optimally from about 0.1 micron to about 0.5 micron.

Number average molecular weight for polymers according to the present invention may range from about 1,000 to about 1,000,000, preferably from about 2,000 to about 500,000, optimally from about 5,000 to about 20,000. A variety of techniques well-known in the art can be used to prepare latexes of water-insoluble polymer particles. These include, inter alia, batch, semi-continuous and seeded emulsion polymerization techniques.

Particularly preferred latexes useful in the present invention are latexes presently commercially available under the trademark ACUSOL (ex. Rohm & Haas Inc.). The latexes are characterized by pH of about 2 to about 3, having approximately 40% solids in water, with particle size of about 0.1 to about 0.5 micron. Specific ACUSOL. polymers include ACUSOL OP301 described as being a latex of a styrene/acrylate polymer, ACUSOL OP302 described as being a latex of a styrene/acrylate/divinylbenzene copolymer, ACUSOL OP303 described as being a latex of a styrene/acrylamide copolymer, ACUSOL OP305 described as being a latex of a styrene/PEG-10 maleate/nonoxynol-10 maleate/acrylate copolymer and a styrene/acrylate/PEG-10 dimaleate copolymer. Further preferred latexes useful in the present invention include those styrene/polyvinylpyrrolidone co-polymers and styrene/acrylic emulsions. Such include styrene/polyvinylpyrrolidone co-polymers which can be used include, for example, POLECTRON 430 (ex. ISP Technologies, Inc.), as well as sodium styrene/acrylate/divinyl-benzene co-polymer and ammonium nonoxynol-4 sulfate; sodium stytene/PEG-10 maleate/nonoxynol-10 maleate/acrylates co-polymer and ammonium nonoxynol-4 sulfate; styrene/acrylamide co-polymer and ammonium nonoxynol-4 sulfate; styrene/acrylates co-polymer and sodium lauryl sulfate and octoxynol-9; sodium styrene/acrylates co-polymer and sodium lauryl sulfate and tridecath-7; sodium methacrylate/styrene co-polymer and sodium lauryl sulfate and tridecath-7 and sodium lauryl diphenyloxide-disulfonate; and sodium styrene/acrylates co-polymer (ex CSA, Lac, Greenville, S.C.).

When present in a composition, in accordance with certain of the preferred embodiments, the latex may be present in amounts of up to about 5%wt., preferably are present in amounts of from about 0.001%wt. to about 3%wt, preferably are present in amount from about 0.1 %wt. to about 1.2%wt, and most preferably are present in amounts of from about 0.1 %wt. to about l%wt, based on the total weight of the topical composition of which it forms a part. Concurrently the amount of the of the water- insoluble polymer present in the latex may range from about 0.01 to about 90%, preferably from about 0.1 to about 60%, optimally from about 10 to about 50% by weight of the latex.

The topical compositions may also a cationic Polyquaternium-type polymer. Such materials, are, per se, well known to the art of topical compositions. Various grades of such cationic polymers may be used, inter alia: Polyquaternium 1; Polyquaternium 2; copolymers of hydroxyethylcellulose and diallyldimethyl ammonium chloride commercially available as Polyquaternium 4; homopolymers of diallyldimethylammonium chloride commercially available as Polyquaternium 5; dimethyldiallyammonium chloride homopolymer commercially available as Polyquaternium 6; copolymers of diallyldimethylammonium chloride with acrylamide commercially available as Polyquaternium 7; the polymeric quaternary ammonium salt of methyl and steardyl dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate quatemized with dimethyl sulfate commercially available as Polyquaternium 8; the polymeric quaternary ammonium salt of polydimethylaminoethyl methacrylate quaternized with methyl bromide commercially available as Polyquaternium 9; a polymeric quaternary ammonium salt formed from the reaction of hydroxyethyl cellulose with a trimethylammonium substituted epoxide commerically available as Polyquaternium 10; a polymeric quaternary ammonium polymer formed by the reaction of vinyl pyrrolidine and dimethyl aminoethylmethacrylate commercially available as Polyquaternium 11; a polymeric quaternary ammonium salt prepared by the reaction of ethyl methacrylate/abietyl methacrylate/diethylamino ethyl methacrylate copolymer with dimethyl sulfate commercially available as Polyquaternium 12; a polymeric ammonium salt prepared by the reaction of ethyl methacrylate/oleyl methacrylate/diethylaminoethyl methacrylate copolymer with dimethyl sulfate commercially available as Polyquaterinum 12; a polymeric quaternary ammonium salt prepared by the reaction of ethyl methacrylate/oleyl methacryalte/diethylamino ethyl methacrylate copolymer with dimethyl sulfate commercially available as Polyquaternium 13; Polyquaternium 14; the copolymer of methacrylamide and betamethacrylyloxyethyl trimethyl ammonium chloride commercially available as Polyquaternium 15; the polymeric quaternary ammonium salt formed from methylvinylimidazolium chloride and vinylpyrrolidone commercially available as Polyquaternium 16; polymeric quaternary salts prepared by the reaction of adipic acid and dimethylaminopropylamine reached with dichloroethyl ether commercially available as Polyquaternium 17; a polymeric quaternary salt prepared by the reaction of azelaic acid and dimethylaminopropylamine reacted with dichloroethyl ether commercially available as Polquaternium 18; a polymeric quaternary ammonium salt prepared by the reaction of polyvinyl alcohol with 2,3-epoxy-propylamine commercially available as Polyquaternium 19; a polymeric quaternary ammonium salt prepared by the reaction of polyvinyl octadecyl ether with 2,3-epoxypropylamine commercially available as Polyquaternium 20; copolymers of acrylic acid and dimethyldiallylammonium chloride commercially available as Polyquaternium 22; polymeric quaternary ammonium salts of hydroxyethyl cellulose reacted with lauryl dimethyl ammonium-substituted epoxide commercially available as Polyquaternium 24; a block copolymer formed by the reaction of Polyquaternium 2 and Polyquatemiuml7 commercially available as Polyquatemium 27; a polymeric quaternary ammonium salt consisting of vinylpyrrolidone and dimethylaminopropyl methacrylamide monomers commercially available as Polyquatemium 28; chitosans reacted with propylene oxide and quatemized with epichlorohydrin commercially available as Polyquatemium 29; Polyquatemium 30; a polymeric quaternary ammonium salt prepared by the reaction of DMAPA acrylates/acrylic acid/acrylonitrogens copolymer with diethyl sulfate commercially available as Polyquatemium 31 ; Polyquatemium 32; Polyquatemium 33; Polyquatemium 34; Polyquatemium 35; Polyquatemium 36; Polyquatemium 37; polymeric quaternary ammonium salts of the terpolymer of acrylic acid/diallyldimethylammonium chloride/acrylamide commercially available as Polyquatemium 39; Polyquatemium 42; a copolymer of acrylamide, acrylamidopropyltrimonium chloride, 2-amidopropylacrylamide sulfonate and DMAPA polymers commercially available as Polyquatemium 43 ; a polymeric quaternary ammonium salt consisting of vinylpyrrolidone and quatemized imidazoline monomers commercially available as Polyquatemium 44; Polyquatemium 45; a polymeric quaternary ammonium salt prepared by the reaction of vinylcaprolactam and vinylpyiTolidone with methylvinylimidazolium commercially available as Polyquatemium 46; a polymer quaternary ammonium chloride formed by the polymerization of acrylic acid with methacrylamidopropyl trimethylammonium chloride and methylacrylate commercially available as Polyquatemium 47; a copolymer of methacryloyl ethyl betaine, 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate and metacyloyl ethyl trimethyl ammonium chloride commercially available as Polyquatemium 48; a copolymer of methacryloyl ethyl betaine, PEG-9 methacrylate and methacryloyl ethyl trimethyl ammonium chloride commercially available as Polyquatemium 49; Polyquatemium 50; Polyquatemium 51 ; Polyquatemium 52; a copolymer of acrylic acid, acrylamide and methacrylamidopropyltrimonium chloride commercially available as Polyquatemium 53; a polymeric quaternary ammonium salt prepared by the reaction of aspaitic acid and C6- Cl 8 alkylamine with dimethylaminopropylamine and sodium chloro acetate commercially available as Polyquatemium 54; a polymeric quaternary ammonium chloride formed by the reaction of vinylpyrrolidone, dimethylaminopropyl methacrylamide and methacryloylaminopropyl lauryldimonium chloride commercially available as Polyquaternium 55; and a polymeric quaternary ammonium salt consisting of isophorone diisocyanate, butylene glycol and dihydroxyethyldimonium methosulfate monomers commercially available as Polyquaternium 56. Each of the foregoing are described in the literature, particularly in the International Cosmetic Ingredient Dictionary and Handbook, Volume 2 (9^th Edition, 2002), at pages 1311 - 1319. Other polyquaternium compounds although not specifically elucidated here may also be utilized in the present inventive compositions. Particularly preferred is Polyquaternium 7.

When present, the one or more cationic Polyquaternium-type polymers are advantageously present in amounts of from about from 0.001 - 2.5 %wt., preferably in amounts from 0.01 - 2%wt, but are most desirably present in reduced weight percentages from about 0.05 - l%wt. based on the total weight of the topical composition of which they form a part.

The topical compositions may include one or more preservatives. Exemplary useful preservatives include compositions which comprise parabens, including methyl parabens and ethyl parabens, glutaraldehyde, formaldehyde, 2-bromo-2-nitropropoane- 1,3-diol, 5-chloro-2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one, 2-methyl-4-isothiazoline-3-one, and mixtures thereof. One exemplary composition is a combination 5-chloro-2-methyl-4- isothiazolin-3-one and 2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one where the amount of either component may be present in the mixture anywhere from 0.001 to 99.99 weight percent, based on the total amount of the preservative. For reasons of availability, the most preferred preservative are those commercially available preservative comprising a mixture of 5-chloro-2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one and 2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3~one marketed under the trademark KATHON CG/ICP as a preservative composition (ex. Rohm and Haas Inc.). Further useful preservative compositions include KATHON CG/ICP II (ex. Rohm and Haas Inc.), PROXEL (ex. Zeneca), SUTTOCIDE A (ex.

Sutton Laboratories) as well as TEXTAMER 38AD (ex. Calgon Corp.) When present the preservative is included in any amount found to be effective in retarding or inhibiting the grown of undesired microorganisms in the topical compositions, particularly during storage for several months at room temperature. When present in a composition, in accordance with certain of the preferred embodiments, the preservative composition is advantageously present in amounts of up to about 1.5%wt, preferably are present in amounts of from about 0.00001%wt. to about 0.5%wt, and most preferably is present in an amount of from about 0.000 l%wt. to 0.1 %wt. based on the total weight of the topical composition of which it forms a part.

The topical compositions may include one or more fillers in the form of powders. By way of non-limiting examples these powders include chalk, talc, kaolin, starch, smectite clays, chemically modified magnesium aluminum silicate, organically modified montmorillonite clay, hydrated aluminum silicate, fumed silica, aluminum starch octenyl succinate and mixtures thereof. When present in a composition, in accordance with certain of the preferred embodiments, the one or more fillers may be present in amounts of up to about 5%wt., preferably are present in amounts of from about 0.001%wt. to about 5%wt. based on the total weight of the topical composition of which it forms a part.

The topical compositions may include a fragrance constituent, which may be based on natural and synthetic fragrances and most commonly are mixtures or blends of a plurality of such fragrances, optionally in conjunction with a carrier such as an organic solvent or a mixture of organic solvents in which the fragrances are dissolved, suspended or dispersed. By way of non-limiting example, natural fragrances include the extracts of blossoms (lily, lavender, rose, jasmine, neroli, ylang-ylang), stems and leaves (geranium, patchouli, petitgrain), fruits (anise, coriander, caraway, juniper), fruit peel (bergamot, lemon, orange), roots (nutmeg, angelica, celery, cardamon, costus, iris, calmus), woods (pinewood, sandalwood, guaiac wood, cedarwood, rosewood), herbs and grasses

(tarragon, lemon grass, sage, thyme), needles and branches (spruce, fir, pine, dwarf pine), resins and balsams (galbanum, elemi, benzoin, myrrh, olibanum, opoponax) as well as other further extracts such as eugenol and menthol. Menthol may be advantageously ncluded in that it also provides a cooling sensation when topically applied. Animal raw materials, for example civet and beaver, may also be used. Typical synthetic perfume compounds are products of the ester, ether, aldehyde, ketone, alcohol and hydrocarbon type. Examples of perfume compounds of the ester type are benzyl acetate, phenoxyethyl isobutyrate, p-tert.butyl cyclohexylacetate, linalyl acetate, dimethyl benzyl carbinyl acetate, phenyl ethyl acetate, linalyl benzoate, benzyl formate, ethylmethyl phenyl glycinate, allyl cyclohexyl propionate, styrallyl propionate and benzyl salicylate. Ethers include, for example, benzyl ethyl ether while aldehydes include, for example, the linear alkanals containing 8 to 18 carbon atoms, citral, citronellal, citronellyloxyacetaldehyde, cyclamen aldehyde, hydroxycitronellal, lilial and bourgeonal. Examples of suitable ketones are the ionones, alpha-isomethylionone and methyl cedryl ketone. Suitable alcohols are anethol, citronellol, eugenol, isoeugenol, geraniol, linalool, phenylethyl alcohol and terpineol. The hydrocarbons mainly include the terpenes and balsams.

However, it is preferred to use mixtures of different perfume compounds which, together, produce an agreeable fragrance. Other suitable perfume oils are essential oils of relatively low volatility which are mostly used as aroma components. Examples are sage oil, camomile oil, clove oil, melissa oil, mint oil, cinnamon leaf oil, lime-blossom oil, juniper berry oil, vetiver oil, olibanum oil, galbanum oil, labolanum oil and lavendin oil. A further useful material which finds use in the fragrance constituent is famesol which is the common chemical name for 3,7,1 l-trimethyldodeca-2,6,10-trienol, which is commercially available from a number of sources and has found use in cosmetic compositions, primarily as a fragrance constituent. While not wishing to be bound by the following, it is suspected that the inclusion of famesol may improve the antimicrobial efficacy of the compositions when they are topically applied and used in their normal manner. Such advantageously may reduce the presence of malodor causing microorganisms present and thus improve the perception of body "freshness" when the composition is used. When present in a composition, in accordance with certain of the preferred embodiments, the fragrance constituent may be present in any effective amount such that it can be discerned by a consumer of the topical composition, however is advantageously present in amounts of up to about 0.5%wt, preferably are present in amounts of from about 0.0000 l%wt. to about 0.3 %wt, and most preferably is present in an amount of from about 0.0001%wt. to 0.25%wt. based on the total weight of the composition of which it forms apart.

The inventive compositions may include one or more colorants, e.g, dyes or pigments which are known to the art be useful in cosmetic or topical compositions which may be used to impart a desired color or tint to the inventive compositions. Any colorant which is compatible with the other constituents forming the topical compositions may be used and such may be present in any amount effective to achieved the desired visual effect. Exemplary colorants include pigments, inter alia, inorganic red pigments, such as iron oxide, iron hydroxide and iron titanate; inorganic brown pigments, such as .gamma. - iron oxide; inorganic yellow pigments, such as iron oxide yellow and loess; inorganic black pigments, such as iron oxide black and carbon black; inorganic violet pigments, such as manganese violet and cobalt violet; inorganic green pigments, such as chromium hydroxide, chiOmium oxide, cobalt oxide and cobalt titanate; inorganic blue pigments, such as Prussian blue and ultramarine blue; lakes of tar pigments; lakes of natural dyes; and synthetic resin powder complexes of the inorganic pigments as recited above. Advantageously one or more colorants maybe added in amounts of about 0.001 %wt. to about 0.1 % by weight, based on the total weight of the composition of which the colorant(s) forms apart.

The topical compositions may comprise one or more humectants, including polyhydric alcohols including polyalkylene glycols as well as alkylene polyols and their derivatives, inter alia, including propylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, polypropylene glycol, polyethylene glycol and derivatives thereof, sorbitol, hydroxypropyl sorbitol, erythritol, threitol, pentaerythritol, xylitol, glucitol, mannitol, hexylene glycol, butylene glycol (e.g., 1,3-butylene glycol), hexane triol (e.g., 1,2,6-hexanetriol), glycerine, ethoxylated glycerine and propoxylated glycerine. Further useful humectants include sodium 2-pyrrolidone-5-carboxylate, guanidine; glycolic acid and glycolate salts (e.g. ammonium and quaternary alkyl ammonium); lactic acid and lactate salts (e.g. ammonium and quaternary alkyl ammonium); aloe vera in any of its variety of forms (e.g., aloe vera gel); hyaluronic acid and derivatives thereof (e.g., salt derivatives such as sodium hyaluronate); lactamide monoethanolamine; acetamide monoethanolamine; urea; and, panthenol. The humectants may be used singly or two or more humectants may be included in topical compositions of the invention. Of the humectants, aloe vera in one or more of its forms is preferred as being a naturally derived product. When present, in accordance with certain of the preferred embodiments, one or more humectants may be included in effective amounts, advantageously from 0.01 - 2.5%wt, preferably from 0.01 - 2%wt. based on the total weight of the composition of which it forms a part. The foaming topical compositions of the invention may include one or more constituents, particularly may include one or more essential oils which are selected to provide a so-called "aromatherapy benefit" to the user. Essential oils are complex mixtures of different organic molecules, such as terpenes, alcohols, esters, aldehydes, ketones and phenols. Such essential oils are frequently extracted from naturally occurring botanical sources such as flowers, stems, leaves, roots and barks of aromatic plants. While essential oils may be used singly, it is also common to utilize blends of essential oils in order to provide a conjunctive aroma benefit, and possibly a therapeutic benefit as well.

A variety of essential oils providing an aromatherapy benefit may be incorporated into the topical compositions of the invention either as a single essential oil or as a mixture of two or more essential oils. It is also to be recognized when used, an essential oil providing an aromatherapy benefit may replace all or part of any further fragrance constituent including the fragrance constituents discussed above as many of the essential oils providing an aromatherapy benefit are pungent and odiferous. Such essential oils providing an aromatherapy benefit may be used singly, as blends or mixtures of essential oils, or in combination with other fragrancing constituents which may be synthetically produced or naturally derived, but need not be derived from or contain essential oils per se. Frequently, due to their potency, essential oils are often supplied dispersed in a liquid carrier such as in one or more organic solvents in which the essential oils are dissolved or dispersed. By way of non-limiting example, exemplary useful essential oils providing an aromatherapy benefit which may find use in the topical compositions of the invention include: Abies Sibirica oil, Amyiϊs Balsamifera oil, Anise oil, Balm Mint oil, Basil oil, Bay oil, Bee Balm oil, Bergamot oil, Birch oil, Bitter Orange oil, Cabbage Rose oil, Calendula Officinalis oil, California Nutmeg oil, Camellia Sinensis oil, Capsicum Frutescers oleoresin, Caraway Oil, Cardamon Oil, Cedarwood Oil, Chamaecyparis Obtusa Oil, Chamomile Oil, Cinnamon Oil, Citronella Oil, Clary Oil, Clove Oil, Cloveleaf Oil, Coriander Oil, Coriander Seed Oil, Cyperus Esculentus Oil, Cypress Oil, Eucalyptus Citriodora Oil, Eucalyptus Globulus Oil, Fennel Oil, Gardenia Florida Oil, Geranium Maculatum Oil, Ginger Oil, Grapefruit Oil, Hops Oil, Hypericum Perforatum Oil, Hyptis Suaveolens Oil, Indigo Bush Oil, Jasmine Oil, Juniperus Communis Oil, Juniperus Virginiana Oil, Labdanum Oil, Laurel Oil, Lavandin Oil, Lavender Oil, Lemon Oil, Lemongrass Oil, Leptospermum Scoparium Oil, Lime Oil, Linden Oil, Litsea Cubeba Oil, Lovage Oil, Mandarin Orange Oil, Massoy Bark Oil, Matricaria Oil, Moroccan Chamomile Oil, Musk Rose Oil, Myrrh Oil, Myrtle Oil, Norway Spruce Oil, Nutmeg Oil, Olax DissitifloraOil, Olibanum, Opoponax Oil, Orange Flower Oil, Orange Oil, Palmarosa Oil, Parsley Seed Oil, Passionflower Oil, Patchouli Oil, Pelargonium Graveolens Oil, Peppermint Oil, Pine Oil, Pine Tar Oil, Pine Kernel Oil, Pine Oil, Pine Cone Oil, Rosemary Oil, Rose Oil, Rosewood Oil, Rue Oil, Sage Oil, Sambucus Nigra Oil, Sandalwood Oil, Sandarac Gum, Sassafras Officinale Oil, Sisymbrium Ino Oil, Spearmint Oil, Sweet Marjoram Oil, Sweet Violet Oil, Tar Oil, Thyme Oil, Vetiveria Zizanoides Oil, Wild Mint Oil, Ximenia Americana Oil, Yarrow Oil, Ylang Yang Oil, or any combinations thereof.

Preferred essential oils providing an aromatherapy benefit for use in the topical compositions of the present invention^'include one or more selected from chamomile oil, lavendin oil, lavender oil, grapefruit oil, lemon oil, line oil, mandarin orange oil, orange flower oil and orange oil. Chamomile oil may be used to promote both a fresh, clean and attractive scent and possibly provide a stress-relaxing benefit to the user of the topical composition. Lavender oil, and lavendin, may be used to promote both a fresh and attractive scent and possibly also provide a stress-relaxing benefit to the user of the topical composition. One or more of grapefruit oil, lemon oil, line oil, mandarin orange oil, orange flower oil and orange oil provide a clean citrus scent and may possibly impart a perceived therapeutic benefit as well when used.

As used in the present invention, these one or more essential oils providing an aromatherapy benefit are present in an amount about 0.00001 wt. % to about 1 wt. %, based on the total weight of the composition. Preferably, the one or more essential oils providing an aromatherapy benefit are present in an amount about 0.00005 wt. % to about 0.75 wt. %, and more preferably about 0.0001 wt. % to about 0.5 wt. % of the total weight of the composition. It is to be understood that these one or more essential oils providing an aromatherapy benefit may be used with our without the optional fragrancing constituent recited previously and may be used wholly or partially in place of said fragrancing constituent. The topical compositions may include one or more antioxidant constituents. Examples of antioxidants include but are not limited to, water-soluble antioxidants such as sulfhydryl compounds and their derivatives (e.g., sodium metabisulfite and N-acetyl- cysteine), lipoic acid and dihydrolipoic acid, resveratrol, lactoferrin, glutathione, and ascorbic acid and ascorbic acid derivatives (e.g., ascorbyl palmitate and ascorbyl polypeptide). Oil-soluble antioxidants suitable for use in the compositions of this invention include, but are not limited to, butylated hydroxytoluene, retinoids, tocopherols e.g., tocopherol acetate, tocotrienols, and ubiquinone. Natural extracts containing antioxidants suitable for use in the topical compositions of this invention, include but not limited to, extracts containing flavonoids and isoflavonoids and their derivatives, extracts containing resveratrol and the like. Examples of such natural extracts include grape seed, green tea, pine bark, propolis, and the like. When present the total amount of such antioxidants are usually not in excess of 5%wt, preferably are present in amounts of from 0.0001 — 4%wt. based on the total weight of the topical composition of which it forms a part. In certain preferred embodiments an one or more antioxidants constituents are necessarily present.

Optionally the topical compositions may include one or more vitamins. Examples of vitamins which can be added include vitamin A, such as vitamin A oil, retinol, retinyl ^• acetate and retinyl palmitate; vitamin B, including vitamin B₂ such as riboflavin, riboflavin butyrate and flavin adenine nucleotide, vitamin B₆ such as pyridoxine hydrochloride, pyridoxine dioctanoate and pyridoxine tripalmitate, vitamin B₁₂ and its derivatives, and vitamin B_1S and its derivatives; vitamin C, such as L-ascorbic acid, L- ascorbic acid dipalmitic ester, sodium (L-ascorbic acid)-2 -sulfate and dipotassium L- ascorbic acid diphosphate; vitamin D, such as ergocalciferol and cholecarciferol; vitamin E, such as alpha-tocopherol, beta-tocopherol, gamma-tocopherol, dl-alpha-tocopheryl acetate, dl-alpha-tocopheryl nicotinate and dl-alpha-tocopheryl succinate. When present, in accordance with certain of the preferred embodiments, one or more vitamins may be included in effective amounts, advantageously from 0.0001 - l%wt, preferably from 0.001 — 0.75%wt. based on the total weight of the composition of which it forms a part. The topical compositions may include one or more light stabilizers as well as UV absorbers. Such materials are known to be useful in cosmetic or topical compositions and impart a degree of stability to the compositions which may comprise one or more components which may be deleteriously affected when exposed to certain sources of light, e.g., sunlight, fluorescent light sources. Other such materials are known to stabilize or improve the effect of colorants which may be present in the compositions. Any cosmetically acceptable material or compound which provides protection for one or more of the constituents in the inventive compositions from photolytic degradation or photo- oxidative degradation may be used.

Exemplary light stabilizers as well as UV absorbers include: triazines including s- triazine, triazine derivatives e.g. 2,4,6-trianilino-(p-carbo-2'-ethyl-r-hexyloxy)-l,3,5- triazine, anisotriazine, ethylhexyltriazone, diethylhexylbutamidotriazone, 2,4,6- tris(diisobutyl 4'-aminobenzalmalonate)-s-triazine and octyltriazone; benzotriazoles and derivatives, e.g. drometrizole trisiloxane, ethylenebis(benzotriazolyl)tetramethylbutylphenol; benzophenone compounds and derivatives e.g., 2-hydroxy-4-methoxy benzophenone, 2-hydroxy-4-methoxy-4'-methyl benzophenone, n-hexyl 2-(4-diethylamino-2-hydroxybenzoyl)benzoate and 2,2'- dihydroxy-4-methoxy benzophenone as well as those materials currently marketed under the UVINUL tradename by BASF; sulphonic acid derivatives of benzophenones, e.g., 2- hydroxy-4-methoxybenzophenon-5-sulphonic acid; esters of benzalmalonic acid, e.g., 4- methoxy benzmalonic acid 2-ethylhexyl esters of benzalmalonic acid; benzoxazole derivatives, e.g., 2,4-όw[5-l(dimethylpropyl)benzoxazol-2-yl(4-phenyl)imino]-6-(2- ethylhexyl)imino-l,3,5-triazine; sulphonic acid derivatives of 3-benzylidencamphen, e.g. 4-(2-oxo-3-bornylidenmethyl)-benzene sulphonic acid and 2-methyl-5-(2-oxo- bomyliden) sulphonic acid; cinnamic acid and cinnamic acid amides, esters of cinnamonic acid, e.g., ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate , isopropyl methoxycinnamate, isoamyl methoxycinnamate, DEA methoxycinnamate, diisopropyl methylcinnamate, glyceryl ethylhexanoate dimethoxycinnamate, 4-methoxy cinnamonic acid 2- ethylhexylester, 4-methoxy cinnamonic acid propylester, 4-methoxy cinnamonic acid isoamylester, 2-cyano-3,3-phenyl cinnamonic acid 2-ethythexylester (octociylene); propane- 1 ,3 -diones, e.g. 1 -(4-tert.-butylphenyl)-3 -(4'-methoxy-phenyl)-propane-l ,3 -dion; phenylbenzimidazoles and sulfonated benzimidazoles, e.g., 2-phenylbenzimidazol-5- sulphonic acid, disodium phenyl dibenzimidazole tetrasulfonate; salicylic acid derivatives including esters of salicylic acid, e.g., ethylhexyl salicylate, dipropylene glycol salicylate, TEA salicylate, salicylic acid 2-ethylhexylester, salicylic acid 4-isopropyl benzylester, salicylic acid homomenthylester; compounds or derivatives of compounds based on benzylidenecamphor, e.g., 3-benzyliden camphor, 3-benzylidene norcamphor, 4- methylbenzylidenecamphor, benzylidenecamphorsulfonic acid, camphor benzalkonium methosulfate, terephthalylidenedicamphorsulfonic acid, polyacrylamidomethylbenzylidenecamphor and derivatives thereof; 4-aminobenzoic acid and derivatives e.g., 4-(dimethylamino) benzoic acid 2-ethylhexylester, 4- (dimethylamino) benzoic acid 2-octylester and 4-(dimethylamino) benzoic acid amylester. Any of the foregoing materials provided as acids may used in free acid form or as a salt thereof, e.g., an alkali, alkaline earth, ammonium, alkylammonium, alkanolammonium salt form thereof.

Exemplary and preferred such materials which are presently commercially available include one or more of: CIBAFAST H liquid, described to be sodium benzotriazolyl butylphenol sulfonate with Buteth-3 and tributyl citrate; TINOGARD HS described to be sodium benzotriazolyl butylphenol sulfonates; TESfOGARD AS described to be bumetrizole; TINOGARD TL described to be benzotriazolyl dodecyl p-cresol; and TINOGARD Q described to be tris(tetramethylhydroxypiperidinol) citrate, all of which are presently commercially available from Ciba Specialty Chemicals (Muttenz, CH.). Particularly preferred such materials are those sold under the UVTNUL trademark, (ex. BASF), particularly UVINUL MS 40.

When present, the one or more light stabilizers as well as UV absorbers may be included in any effective amount; advantageously such materials are present in amounts of from 0.0001 - l%wt, preferably from 0.001 - 0.25%wt. based on the total weight of the composition of which it forms a part.

In order to adjust the pH of the inventive compositions, one or more pH adjusting agents as well as one or more pH buffers may be included in the compositions in effective amounts. By way of non-limiting example pH adjusting agents include phosphorus containing compounds, monovalent and polyvalent salts such as of silicates, carbonates, and borates, certain acids and bases, tartrates and certain acetates. Further exemplary pH adjusting agents include mineral acids, basic compositions, and organic acids, which are typically required in only minor amounts. By way of further non- limiting example pH buffering compositions include the alkali metal phosphates, polyphosphates, pyrophosphates, triphosphates, tetraphosphates, silicates, metasilicates, polysilicates, carbonates, hydroxides, and mixtures of the same. Certain salts, such as the alkaline earth phosphates, carbonates, hydroxides, can also function as buffers. It may also be suitable to use as buffers such materials as aluminosilicates (zeolites), borates, aluminates and certain organic materials such as gluconates, succinates, maleates, and their alkali metal salts. When present, the pH adjusting agent, especially the pH buffers are present in an amount effective in order to maintain the pH of the inventive composition within a desired or a target pH range. Advantageously they may be included in generally minor amounts such as from 0.001 - 1.5 %wt. but desirably are present in amounts from 0.01 - l%wt. .Exemplary and preferred pH buffers and pH adjusting agents are described with reference to one or more of the following Examples.

The inventive compositions may include one or more chelating agents. Exemplary useful chelating agents include those known to the art, including by way of non-limiting example; aminopolycarboxylic acids and salts thereof wherein the amino nitrogen has attached thereto two or more substituent groups. Preferred chelating agents include acids and salts, especially the sodium and potassium salts of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid, N- hydroxyethylethylenediaminetriacetic acid, and of which the sodium salts of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid may be particularly advantageously used. Such chelating agents may be omitted, or they may be included in generally minor amounts such as from 0.001 - 0.5 %wt. based on the weight of the chelating agents and/or salt forms thereof. Desirably, such chelating agents are included in the present inventive composition in amounts from 0.01 - 0.5%wt., but are most desirably present in reduced weight percentages from about 0.01 - 0.2%wt.

As is noted above, the compositions according to the invention are largely aqueous in nature. Water is added to order to provide to 100% by weight of the compositions of the invention. The water may be tap water, but is preferably distilled and is most preferably deionized water or "soft" water. If the water is tap water, it is preferably substantially free of any undesirable impurities such as organics or inorganics, especially minerals salts which are present in hard water which may thus undesirably interfere with the operation of the constituents present in the topical compositions according to the present invention. Water forms a major proportion of the inventive compositions and is necessarily present in amounts of at least 50%wt, preferably in amounts of at least 60%wt, still more preferably in amounts of at least 65%wt., yet more preferably is present in amounts of at least 70%wt. based on the total weight of the topical composition of which it forms apart. hi a further aspect, the present invention also contemplates a method for providing a cleaning and/or providing an antimicrobial benefit to skin or other topical surface which method contemplates the topical application of the aqueous foaming topical composition as described herein in a cleaning and/or antimicrobially effective amount. Preferably according to the foregoing method, a durable antimicrobial benefit is provided to the skin or other topical surface to which the composition has been applied. While the topical compositions disclosed herein find a primary use in application to the skin to provide a cleaning and/or antimicrobial benefit thereto and is contemplated as being provided in a dispenser for use in such a treatment, it is to be understood that this is not to be understood as a limiting definition and that other forms and other uses of the present inventive composition, such as face lotion, milky lotion, cream, face cleansing cream, massage materials, liquid toilet soap, as well as in hair care products such as shampoo, rinse or other hair or scalp treatment are expressly contemplated as being within the scope of the present invention. The topical composition of the invention can be formulated as a lotion, a cream or a gel, which may be transparent, translucent or opaque. In certain preferred embodiments the topical composition is provided as a translucent or transparent, preferably a transparent composition. The composition can be packaged in a suitable container to suit its viscosity and intended use by the consumer. For example, a lotion or cream can be packaged in a bottle, or can be packaged with a propellant in a propellant-driven aerosol device or a may be packaged in a container fitted with a manually operable pump. The inventive composition can be provided and stored in a non-deformable bottle but more preferably is provided in a squeezable container, such as a tube or deformable bottle which provides for easy dispensing of the composition by the consumer. Thus a further aspect of the invention provides a closed container containing the inventive composition as described herein.

It is to be further expressly understood that topical application of the topical composition disclosed herein maybe applied to the skin on any part of the body, including the skin on the face, neck, chest, back, arms, axilla, hands, legs, and scalp. The the topical composition disclosed herein may also be used on the hair.

It is contemplated that in use, the consumer dispenses a quantity of the topical composition described herein and applied it to the skin or any other part of the body which has preferably been wetted with water (e.g, rinsed) prior to application of the topical composition. The topical composition may be rubbed into the applied skin or other part of the body by the consumer to generate a lather or foam, and thereafter it is expected that the treated area is rinsed by the consumer under a stream of running water, e.g, in a shower or by immersion into water, e.g, a bath. Thereafter the skin or other parts of the body of the consumer is permitted to air dry or the use of one or more towels to absorb excess moisture is also contemplated. Thus, a further aspect of the invention is directed to the use of the foaming topical composition as described herein.

The following examples below illustrate exemplary formulations as well as preferred embodiments of the invention. It is to be understood that these examples are provided by way of illustration only and that further useful formulations falling within the scope of the present invention and the claims may be readily produced by one skilled in the art without deviating from the scope and spirit of the invention.

Examples A number of topical compositions according to the present invention were produced according to the invention described below were produced in according to the following general protocol:

Into a first suitably sized vessel open to the atmosphere provided with a conventional laboratory stirrer, a measured amount of deionized or soft water at 65° - 70°C was provided. Thereafter under stirring was added the thickener constituent(s) to the water which was allowed to mix until uniform, after which was subsequently added the anionic surfactant(s) which was allowed to mix for at least 30 minutes following the addition of the anionic surfactant(s).

Concurrently in a second suitably sized vessel similarly open to the atmosphere and provided with a further laboratory stirrer was provided a further aliquot of the deionized water or soft water at 65° - 70°C to which was added, under stirring, the antimicrobial constituent and when present, the co-surfactant constituent was added and stirring continued until a uniform mixture was achieved. The contents of the second vessel were added under stirring to the first vessel after the anionic surfactant(s) has been mixed at least 30 minutes in the first vessel. Into a third suitably sized vessel similarly open to the atmosphere and provided with a further laboratory stirrer was provided was provided a further aliquot of the deionized water or soft water at 65° - 70°C to which was added, under stirring, the glycol and salicylic acid and stirring was allowed to mix until a homogeneous mixture was made. Subsequently the contents of this third vessel was added under stirring to the first vessel which contained the homogenous mixture of the first and second vessels' contents.

Into a fourth suitably sized vessel similarly open to the atmosphere and provided with a further laboratory stirrer was provided was provided a further aliquot of the deionized water or soft water at 65° - 70°C to which was added, under stirring, any buffers, e.g., citric acid, citric acid dehydrate, etc. and chelating agents until a homogenous mixture was produced. Subsequently the contents of this fourth vessel was added under stirring to the first vessel which contained the homogenous mixture of the first, second and third vessels' contents, after which the contents of the first vessel were allowed to cool to 40°C under stirring, after which was added any fragrance, preservative or colorant (dyestuff, pigment) constituents and allowed to homogenize. If needed to achieve a target viscosity, sodium chloride was added to the stirring composition.

Subsequently the speed of the stirrer was slowed to a minimal amount, and under such conditions the cosmetic particulate component was added to the composition in the first vessel and allowed to be uniformly dispersed in the bulk phase of the topical composition. The pH of the as-mixed topical composition was evaluated, and if needed an small amount of an acid or a base was added under stirring to adjust the composition to a pH in the range of 4 - 4.5. In the following compositions, the constituents were used "as supplied" from their respective suppliers and may constitute less than 100%wt. "actives", or may have been supplied as constituting 100%wt. "active" of the named compound, as indicated in the following Tables 1 and 2.

In each of the compositions was included deionized water in "quantum sufficient" (q.s.) in order to provide 100 parts by weight of the specific composition

* measured at room temperature (approx. 20 ³C) using a Brookfield Type PV-III viscometer, with a #63 spindle operating at 6 rpm The identity of the specific constituents used to produce the foregoing Examples is recited on the following Table 2. In certain of the formulations, the addition of a small amount of sodium chloride was found to be advantageous in providing control over the degree of thickening of the final compositions and hence, of the final viscosity of the compositions.

Stability Testing:

The compositions according to Table 1 were evaluated at various temperatures and for various time intervals to evaluate their storage stability.

Measured aliquots of the compositions were provided to clear glass laboratory bottles which were sealed, and stored at the indicated room temperature and elevated temperature conditions. The visually observed results of the test are reported on the following table.

Measured aliquots of the compositions were subjected to freeze/thaw stability evaluation wherein the characteristics of the composition were observed at room temperature (68°F, 20⁰C), after being frozen and permitted to return to room temperature, as well at a reduced temperature of 4°C.

The results of such testing are reported on the following Table 3.

weeks at room temperature

C7 unstable suspension of beads at 1 week when tested at the following temperatures: 60⁰C, and unstable suspension of beads at 4 week when tested at room temperatures, 20°C

Antimicrobial Efficacy.

The topical antimicrobial efficacy of a composition according to the invention was evaluated in accordance with EN12054 - Chemical Disinfectants and antiseptics - Quantitative suspension test for the evaluation of antimicrobial activity. This test is used to evaluate the antimicrobial efficacy of test compositions for hygienic and surgical handrab and handwash applications.

The composition according to El as disclosed on Table 1 above iut adjusted to a pH of 4.35 was evaluated in accordance with EN12054. For each challenge organism, two replicates were used in each test. The following Table 4 reports the logm reduction achieved as well as the % log reduction for the identified challenge organisms.

As is evident from the foregoing, the El composition according to the invention exhibited excellent antimicrobial activity.

While the invention is susceptible of various modifications and alternative forms, it is to be understood that specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example which are not intended to limit the invention to the particular forms disclosed; on the contrary the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents and alternatives falling within the scope and spirit of the invention as expressed in the appended claims.

Claims

Claims:

1. An aqueous topical compositions which provides a topical antimicrobial benefit, which compositions comprise: an anionic surfactant constituent, preferably necessarily comprising one or more anionic sulfate surfactants; optionally but preferably a co -surfactant constituent, especially preferably a betaine surfactant; a thickener system which necessarily comprises a polyacrylate cross- polymer thickener constituent with one or more polysaccharide polymers selected from xanthan gum, guar gum, locust bean gum, tragacanth gum, or derivatives thereof, especially a guar gum or guar gum derivative; an antimicrobial constituent which necessarily includes salicylic acid, salicylic acid salt or salicylate in conjunction with at least one further antimicrobially active compound or material which is effective against gram negative and/or gram positive bacteria; a cosmetic particulate constituent; optionally one or more optional constituents which may be used to impart one or more desired esthetic or technical benefits to the topical compositions and which is compatible with the other constituents present in the composition; wherein the said topical compositions are at an acidic pH, preferably at a pH of about 5 less and further wherein the compositions exhibit a viscosity of at least about least about 500 cps at 25°C .

2. An aqueous topical composition according to claim 1 which exhibits a viscosity of at least about 1000 cps at 25°C.

3. An aqueous topical composition according to claim 1 which exhibits a viscosity of at least about 2000 cps at 25°C.

4. An aqueous topical composition according to claim 1 which exhibits a viscosity of at least about 3000 cps at 25 °C.

5. An aqueous topical composition according to claim 1 which exhibits a viscosity of not more than about 9000 cps at 25°C.

6. An aqueous topical composition according to claim 1 wherein the cosmetic particulate constituent exhibits a melting temperature of at least 70°C.

7. An aqueous topical composition according to claim 1 wherein the cosmetic particulate constituent exhibits a melting temperature of at least 100°C.