EP4179055B1 - Color-change hand soap with two color changes - Google Patents

Description

Field of the invention

The present document relates to an invention in the technical field of hand washing products.

Technical background

Soaps with a single color transition are known from the prior art. For example, a soap is known in which a pH indicator in the soap can indicate a color change based on a change in pH.

Another known soap uses a so-called thermochromic substance. This thermochromic substance changes color when it reaches a certain temperature.

In addition, a soap is known in which the user has to mix two components that have to be taken from separate containers.

However, the known soap products of the state of the art have numerous disadvantages.

Often the transitions do not start at all and then occur very abruptly, which means that the user has a poor indicator of whether the soap has been used.

The choice of colors is often severely limited, as thermochromic substances with transitions in the relevant temperature ranges are not known for many colors. Furthermore, these processes are usually reversible, which leads to significant disadvantages in terms of indicator effectiveness.

In an example involving a thermochromic substance, the soap changes color due to a color transition based on the temperature of the soap user's hands or body. Furthermore, these processes are generally reversible, which leads to significant disadvantages in terms of indicator effectiveness.

In one example using a thermochromic substance, the soap changes color due to a color transition based on the temperature of the soap user's hands or body. Unfortunately, the soap changes color again upon subsequent washing because it is a reversible thermochromic dye.

This is a counterintuitive effect for the user, since the color change when washing up suggests to the user that he or she has not yet used the soap long enough or intensively enough.

An example is the GB 2 305 932 A which discloses a bar soap which reversibly changes colour when a transition temperature of the temperature-sensitive dye contained therein is exceeded within a temperature range of typically 30-35°C.

The WO 2006/137955 A1 discloses, in this context, a cleaning composition comprising at least one surfactant and a plurality of thermochromic dyes configured to undergo a reversible color transition upon a temperature change in the range between 21°C to about 40°C. Such a composition can be used to provide a signal that contributes to improving cleaning effectiveness and/or safety and/or entertainment value.

Also from the WO 2007/070118 A1 A cleaning composition is known that changes color during use. The cleaning composition contains a variety of thermochromic dyes that cause a color change at a threshold temperature and continue a color change with a time delay across a temperature range. However, in this example, the color transition is also reversible, meaning the color changes back.

In another example involving a pH indicator, the soap changes color due to the pH indicator, but then partially reverts to the original color upon contact with pH-neutral water during washing. This, too, creates a counterintuitive effect for the user, as the color change upon washing suggests to the user that they haven't used the soap long enough or intensively enough.

For example, the DE 20 2010 005 443 U1 a cleaning agent comprising a first cleaning agent component for achieving a cleaning effect, and a second cleaning agent component distributed in the first cleaning agent component, wherein the second cleaning agent component comprises at least one ingredient that leads to a color change of the cleaning agent, preferably upon a change in pH. However, the color change primarily serves the user to recognize how much the cleaning agent dispensed from the container (which is used in particular for cleaning toilets) has foamed up and whether it is still in its original, relatively undiluted state or whether it has already been diluted or rinsed out.

Fine-tuning parameters—such as controlling the timing and speed of a color transition—is not possible with current technology. Often, one relies on the predefined chemical properties of a particular substance.

Even the color is often specified. For example, using a soap that turns red after sufficiently intensive use is counterintuitive and leads to numerous misunderstandings, especially among children, since "red" tends to be a warning color and doesn't encourage washing up.

In addition, the US20050049157A1 a color-changing composition containing an indicator that triggers an observable, reversible color change upon reaction with oxygen. The number of possible color-change cycles ranges from 12 to 35 cycles. Furthermore, the indicator and the base material form a single phase. On the one hand, this setup allows for fine-tuning of parameters—such as a controlled adjustment of the timing and speed of a color transition. On the other hand, in this case, too, the color change and reversion induce the aforementioned counterintuitive effect in the user, since the color reversion during washing suggests to the user that they have not yet used the soap sufficiently long or intensively. The inventors therefore also assume that this disclosed reversible color-change function would offer a fun and playful aspect for a single-chamber liquid soap.

Storing two components for mixing and delivering them to the sites of use is cumbersome and costly, and special soap dispensers and dosing devices are required to enable the user to conveniently dispense soap from two- or multi-component soaps.

Description of the invention

The present invention has set itself the object of creating a soap which overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art and of providing a color-changing soap which is flexible and easy to use, as well as cost-effective to produce and which provides the user, especially children, with a reliable and easily perceptible indicator of sufficiently intensive use and of a sufficiently long duration.

In particular, more intuitively understandable colors (which are unfortunately often difficult to implement chemically) and the possibility of extensive fine-tuning are desirable in order to evoke an intuitive effect in users, especially in children (e.g. traffic light colors red - yellow - green, whose meaning even children are intuitively familiar with).

The problem is solved by the hand washing soap according to claim 1. Numerous further developments arise from the subclaims.

Accordingly, a hand washing soap is provided which comprises a first chemical and/or mechanical mechanism for producing a first color transition within the soap continuum of the hand washing soap, and a second chemical and/or mechanical mechanism for producing a second color transition within the soap continuum of the hand washing soap.

A color transition within the meaning of the invention can be a change from one color to another, e.g., from red to green or vice versa. However, a color transition can also be a transition from colorless to a color or from one color to colorless. Black, white, and transparent are also considered colors within the meaning of the invention.

The two color transitions allow the soap to be configured to be particularly convenient and intuitive for the user. For example, a first color transition occurs when the soap is removed or immediately after the soaping process begins. A second color transition then occurs when the user has used the soap for a sufficiently long time and/or sufficiently intensively. This also allows for intuitive color selection.

A chemical mechanism for generating a color transition in the hand washing soap comprises the direct or indirect chemical reaction between a substance inducing this chemical reaction (e.g. acid, base, complexing agent, metal ions) and a dye, e.g. a color indicator and/or a color pigment and/or a substance, resulting in a color transition of the dye or the color indicator, which in turn results in a color transition within the soap continuum.

A mechanical mechanism for producing a colour transition in the hand washing soap includes in particular the breaking up, mechanical shearing or destruction of a capsule-like structure which causes the release and/or mixing of a substance, e.g. a colouring substance such as a dye. a color indicator or a color pigment into the soap continuum and/or causes the soap continuum to undergo a color transition.

Nevertheless, a mechanism for generating a color transition in a cleaning or soap product may comprise a combination of a chemical mechanism and a mechanical mechanism. This is the case, for example, when the release and/or mixing of a substance into the soap continuum is induced by the breaking, mechanical shearing, or destruction of a capsule-like structure, whereby the released substance directly or indirectly induces a chemical reaction between this substance (e.g., acid, base, complexing agent, metal ions) and a dye, e.g., a color indicator and/or a color pigment and/or a substance. Another example is thermochromism, whereby thermochromic substances/pigments undergo a color transition as a result of a change in temperature (physical quantity).

The first color transition is, for example, a mechanical mechanism for generating a first color transition of the cleaning or soap product (i.e., a mechanically induced color transition). In this case, a dye and/or color pigments are present as a first substance, for example, enclosed within a capsule-like structure, in particular a gel capsule, wherein the first color transition is initiated and/or brought about by breaking, mechanical shearing, or destruction of the capsule-like structure. The term "first mechanical mechanism for generating a first color transition of the cleaning or soap product" refers herein to the release of the dye and/or color pigments enclosed in the capsules into the volume of the cleaning or soap product (soap continuum), whereby the soap continuum is colored in a specific color.

The subsequent second color transition occurs with a time delay and is a mechanical mechanism for generating a second color transition of the cleaning or soap product (i.e., a mechanically induced color transition). The delayed second color transition is not a chemical mechanism for generating a second color transition of the cleaning or soap product, i.e., within the soap continuum.

Optionally, the chemical reaction comprises the involvement of at least one second substance, wherein the second substance is contained, for example, in a first capsule-like structure, in particular gel capsule, or within the soap continuum is arranged. Preferably, the second substance, which induces the chemical mechanism for generating the second color transition of the cleaning or soap product, is embedded in a second capsule-like structure. As a result, the first and second substances are initially separated from one another by the capsule-like structure. Only after the capsule-like structure has been broken can a chemical reaction take place which causes a color change. This has the advantage that the second substance can be released with a time delay, which allows a gradual and/or controlled transition and fine-tuning, in particular also of a color change time within the framework of the second mechanism. In this way, desired properties and parameters can be influenced and adjusted.

The second substance is, for example, an acid and/or base that causes a pH change, or a complexing and/or water hardness-altering substance (i.e., a complexing agent) that causes a color transition through complexation. The chemical reaction induced in this way changes the color of the dye and/or color pigment released into the cleaning or soap product by the first—mechanically induced—color transition.

According to the present invention, the time-delayed second color transition is a mechanical mechanism for generating a second color transition of the cleaning or soap product, i.e., within the soap continuum. The mechanism for generating the second color transition of the cleaning or soap product comprises the participation of at least one second substance. The second substance, which induces the mechanical mechanism for generating the second color transition of the cleaning or soap product, is arranged in a second capsule-like structure, in particular a gel capsule. As a result, the first and second substances are initially separated from one another by the capsule-like structure. Only when the capsule-like structure ruptures is the second substance released into the soap continuum, causing a second color change. The second substance is preferably a second dye and/or a second color pigment.

By using two mechanisms for the two color transitions, the soap's parameters and color transition behavior are particularly finely tuned. Desired colors can be achieved. Transitions can be set with the desired speed or delay, ensuring they occur neither too quickly nor too slowly. For example, a time period until a second color change or an intensity requirement for a usage can be implemented efficiently and reliably.

The mechanisms can be chosen largely independently of one another. For example, pigments or other substances that cause a color change can be released from capsules or other carrier structures. This also allows complex chemical active ingredient systems to be used in soap, as, for example, a substance is released and can successively react with another substance already present in the soap continuum to produce a color change. An active ingredient system consisting of glucose and methylene blue is mentioned as just one example. Reactions with ambient substances, such as atmospheric oxygen, may also be involved in the color-change mechanisms of soap.

It is understood that the cleaning or soap product defined herein, when used as intended, is brought into contact with a person's skin for a sufficiently long and intensive period of time. Thus, the term "soap continuum" is used synonymously for the cleaning or soap product both before and during its intended use (e.g., during application to the skin and/or in contact with water).

According to a further development, the second mechanical mechanism is effected with a time delay with respect to the first chemical and/or mechanical mechanism.

For example, a first color transition occurs when the soap is removed or shortly after the soaping process (e.g., through an oxygen-induced reaction with a first dye). A second color transition then occurs when the user has used the soap for a sufficiently long time and/or sufficiently intensively.

This is particularly meaningful and intuitive for the user.

According to the invention, a capsule-like structure, in particular a gel capsule, is used in the first and second mechanism, wherein the first color transition is initiated and/or caused by a rupture, a mechanical shearing or a destruction of the capsule-like structure.

An important advantage is that a gradual color transition is possible by successively breaking open more capsules as the soap is used. Furthermore, the color transition indicates sufficiently intensive or sufficiently thorough use of the soap product. This has advantages, especially over indicators that merely indicate the elapsed time. Time-inducing. This soap can encourage users, especially children, to use the soap thoroughly enough. Simply waiting, however, won't result in a color change.

A capsule-like structure, for example, comprises a shell and a content. However, a capsule-like structure within the meaning of the invention can also be a carrier structure, which is based, for example, on a homogeneous or inhomogeneous mixture. In one example, this is a bead, in particular a fat or wax bead, wherein the substance of the bead is mixed with a dye or a substance involved in a color transition. A bead is by no means necessarily spherical, but can have various shapes.

Just one example of a material with a capsule-like structure is a nanocomposite polymer network, where the nanocomposite polymer network is a physically cross-linked nanocomposite polymer. Examples include calcium alginate and nanocomposite polymer networks comprising a physically cross-linked nanocomposite polymer made of at least one organic polymer and at least one type of clay mineral particle. Alginate capsules have a wide range of uses and are therefore readily available.

A solid capsule can also be used, for example. These are readily available and inexpensive to produce. For example, a polymer capsule can be used.

In order to achieve a stable coating of the capsule-like structure, it is preferred that a cross-linked polysaccharide was used as a coating layer by cross-linking a polysaccharide with a cross-linking agent with or without the use of a polyol spacer.

In principle, the present invention is not limited with regard to the chemical nature of the polysaccharide of the at least one coating layer of the capsule-like structure. Good results are obtained in particular when the polysaccharide of the at least one coating layer is selected from the group comprising starch, cellulose, chitin, carrageenan, agar, and alginates. The polysaccharide of the at least one coating layer is particularly preferably a carrageenan or an alginate, with it being very particularly preferred that the polysaccharide of the at least one coating layer of the capsule-like structure is an alginate. Within the scope of the present invention, it was found that these polysaccharides ensure good storage stability of a dye enclosed therein and, at the same time, during If the cleaning product is used as intended, the capsule-like structure can be broken open or destroyed and/or caused, whereby the parameters of the capsule-like structure can be finely adjusted particularly well.

It is essential to the invention that the polysaccharide of the at least one coating layer of the capsule-like structure is crosslinked. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the polysaccharide can be crosslinked via covalent bonds. Crosslinking via covalent bonds enables very stable coatings. Crosslinking via covalent bonds is usually achieved by reacting the polysaccharide with a suitable crosslinker. Particularly suitable crosslinkers are difunctional organic compounds, with the functional groups being selected, for example, from the group consisting of carboxylic acids, salts of carboxylic acids, activated carboxylic acids, amines, alcohols, aldehydes, and ketones. In this context, activated carboxylic acids are understood to mean carboxylic acid halides, active esters of carboxylic acids, anhydrides of carboxylic acids, or other reactive derivatives of carboxylic acids.

According to an alternative and particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention, the polysaccharide of the at least one coating layer of the capsule-like structure is crosslinked via ionic and/or coordinative bonds. Such polysaccharides crosslinked via ionic and/or coordinative bonds are particularly easy to produce and do not impair the biodegradability of the polysaccharide used. The ionic and/or coordinative crosslinking can be achieved, for example, by polysaccharides that contain anionic groups, such as carboxylate groups or sulfonate groups. By introducing divalent or higher-valent cations, in particular alkaline earth metal ions (such as calcium and/or magnesium ions), ionic or coordinative crosslinking of the anionic groups of the polysaccharide then occurs to form a stable encapsulating layer.

According to one aspect of the present invention, capsule-like structures can be used in cleaning and soap products, which, for example, exhibit (strongly) hydrophobic properties due to their material or structure/crosslinking. For example, these capsules exhibit hydrophobic properties that are too pronounced for functional use in aqueous solutions. However, these capsules have other, very advantageous properties. These include, merely by way of example, stability, fine-tunability of properties, simple manufacturing processes, and the possibility of small structure sizes.

Experiments conducted in the context of the present invention have shown that, when used with soaps/surfactants, materials for capsule-like structures or other carrier structures with (strongly) hydrophobic properties are also suitable. Soaps and surfactants can ensure good solubility or even distribution of such capsules, for example, in a substantially aqueous solution. This effect is made possible, for example, by the polar and non-polar parts of a surfactant (effective reduction of interfacial tension).

This insight makes particularly stable, particularly finely adjustable, and particularly simple and cost-effective capsule-like structures accessible for use within the scope of the present invention. Highly hydrophobic polymer capsules, especially polymer capsules with small structure sizes, are just one example.

In this way, a capsule can be produced which, for example, has a structural size and a material such that the capsules are no longer evenly distributed in water (e.g. clumping or similar occurs), but whose use in the context of a surfactant/soap-containing chemical structure is possible without complications and advantageously.

For example, this allows the use of hydrogels that would otherwise have too many hydrophobic components relative to their hydrophilic components. Such hydrogels often offer important advantages, for example, in terms of stability and diffusion behavior.

For example, surfactants permanently improve the solubility or homogeneous distribution of the capsule-like structures.

Preferably, the capsule-like structure is water-impermeable and low-diffusion.

According to a further development, the capsule-like structure may comprise a starch including starch derivatives, a modified cellulose, a natural gum, a wax, a fatty acid, a fatty alcohol, a multifunctional alcohol, colloidal or pyrogenic particles, a fatty acid ester, a polyoxyethylene glycol ether or mixtures thereof.

The capsule-like structures allow combination with numerous active ingredient systems and pigments to create color transitions.

According to a further development, the second chemical and/or mechanical mechanism uses a capsule-like structure which differs from the capsule-like structure used in the first chemical and/or mechanical mechanism, in particular if it differs in at least one aspect of: size, strength, material, surface quality.

This allows for effective fine-tuning of the desired soap parameters and the color transition. In particular, a desired time delay or usage intensity requirement between color transitions can be efficiently adjusted.

According to a further development, the first and/or second chemical and/or mechanical mechanism is based on a chemical reaction. This makes enormously versatile chemical reactions accessible for application in the soap sector.

According to a further development, the chemical reaction comprises the participation of at least a first and a second component, wherein the first component is arranged in a first capsule-like structure, in particular a gel capsule.

This means that the components are initially separated by the capsule-like structure. Only when the capsule-like structure breaks open can a chemical reaction take place, causing a color change.

According to a further development, the second component is arranged in the soap continuum.

This initially separates the components by the capsule-like structure. Only when the capsule-like structure breaks open can a chemical reaction take place, causing a color change. The mixing required for this occurs particularly efficiently when the second component is freely present in the soap continuum.

According to a further development, the second component is arranged in a second capsule-like structure, in particular a gel capsule.

This means that the components are initially separated by the capsule-like structures. Only when the capsule-like structures break open can the chemical reaction take place, causing a color change.

This opens up numerous new reaction possibilities. For example, a color change can be generated when the first capsule-like structure ruptures, based on a dye, which is then decolorized by another substance, which is triggered when the second capsule-like structure subsequently ruptures. This is just one example of one of the numerous new reaction topologies.

According to a further development, the cleaning or soap products according to the invention contain the encapsulated dyes in amounts sufficient to achieve the desired coloring effect, i.e. in amounts of 0.1 to 80 wt.%, more preferably 1 to 20 wt.% and most preferably 2 to 10 wt.%.

Typical concentrations for the dye range from 0.01-1 wt.% based on the mass of all components of the soap. The concentration of the indicator can be selected or specifically adjusted by the expert depending on the desired color intensity.

According to one invention, the cleaning or soap product according to the invention comprises at least one "indicator" as a dye, wherein the indicator is a pH indicator.

According to a further development, the second chemical and/or mechanical mechanism is based on a chemical reaction which is caused by contact with oxygen, in particular atmospheric oxygen.

This allows the ambient air to be used as a reactant. This is particularly simple and also provides a good indicator of the intensity of a washing process.

According to a further development, the first and/or second chemical and/or mechanical mechanism is based on a reaction triggered by exposure to light. This is particularly efficient. For example, such a photosensitive soap is contained in an opaque container. However, after removal and during washing, the soap is then exposed to light.

According to a further development , the first and/or second chemical and/or mechanical mechanism is based on a reaction in which a hydrolipid film is involved.

During washing, the soap is exposed to the skin, especially its acid mantle. This is advantageously utilized by involving the hydrolipid film in the production of a color change.

According to a further development, a thermochromic substance (known to those skilled in the art as a thermal indicator) is used in the first and/or second chemical and/or mechanical mechanism.

Thus, the heating during use, for example hand warmth when washing hands, can be used to create at least one desired color transition.

According to the invention, a pH-indicating substance is used in the first chemical and/or mechanical mechanism, in particular a pH-indicating substance (known to the person skilled in the art as a pH indicator) which is suitable for indicating a change in the range from pH 4.5 to pH 9, in particular at least one of: methyl red, alizarin red, chlorophenol red, p-nitrophenol, hematoxylin, litmus, azolitmine, bromothymol blue, phenol red, neutral red, cresol red, naphtholphthalein, in particular mixtures of at least two pH-indicating substances.

pH indicators are available in numerous different colors. This has the advantage that desired color transitions can be achieved more easily, including by combining several indicators. Commercial products are readily available. The following are some examples, which are not exhaustive:
Methyl red (pH change at 4.4 - 6.2; red - yellow) ; Alizarin red (pH change at 4.5 - 6.0 ; yellow - red) ; Chlorophenol red (pH change at 4.8 - 6.4 ; yellow - violet) ; p-Nitrophenol (pH change at 5.0 - 7.0; colorless - orange-yellow) ; Hematoxylin (pH change at 5.0 - 7.2 ; yellow - violet) ; Litmus (pH change at 5.0 - 8.0 ; red - blue) ; Azolitmine (pH change at 5.0 - 8.0 ; red - blue) ; Bromothymol blue (pH change at 5.8 - 7.6 ; yellow - blue) ; Phenol red (pH change at 6.4 - 8.0 ; yellow - red-violet) ; Neutral red (pH change at 6.8 - 8.0 ; red - yellow) ; Cresol red (pH change at 7.2 - 8.8 ; yellow - violet) ; Naphtholphthalein (pH change at 7.3 - 8.7 ; colorless/reddish - blue-green)
According to a further development, a carrier structure, in particular in the form of beads and/or powder, in particular beads and/or powder comprising waxes, fats or oils, is used in the first and/or second chemical and/or mechanical mechanism, wherein the second color transition is initiated and/or brought about by melting the carrier structure.

This has the advantage of creating an "alternative thermochromic effect." This allows pigments that do not necessarily have to be thermochromic to be used in a temperature- and wash-intensity-dependent color change.

For example, the carrier structure consists of small beads and/or powder made of waxes, fats, or oils mixed with a colorant. Another example consists of small beads and/or powder made of waxes, fats, or oils mixed with a reagent that reacts with another substance, thereby causing a color change. Other powders are also conceivable. Powders are easy to produce in large quantities and are easy to incorporate into the soap. In particular, homogeneous distributions are easily achieved with powders.

According to the invention, the first chemical and/or mechanical mechanism uses a pH-changing substance, in particular a pH-changing substance which is incorporated into a capsule-like structure, in particular an acid and/or base, in particular citric acid and/or soda.

"Capsule-like structure" is understood herein to mean preferably spherical aggregates with a diameter of approximately 0.01 to approximately 5 mm, which contain at least one solid or liquid core surrounded by at least one continuous membrane. More precisely, these are finely dispersed liquid or solid phases coated with preferably film-forming polymers, during the preparation of which the polymers are applied to the material to be encapsulated after emulsification and coacervation or interfacial polymerization. In another process, liquid dyes are absorbed into a carrier structure ("microsponge") and, as microparticles, additionally coated with Coated with film-forming polymers. The capsule-like structures, also called nanocapsules, can be dried like powder.

The membrane can be made of natural, semi-synthetic, or synthetic materials. Natural membrane materials include gum arabic, agar agar, agarose, maltodextrins, alginic acid and its salts, e.g., sodium or calcium alginate, fats and fatty acids, cetyl alcohol, collagen, chitosan, lecithins, gelatin, albumin, shellac, polysaccharides such as starch or dextran, polypeptides, protein hydrolysates, sucrose, and waxes. Semi-synthetic membrane materials include chemically modified celluloses, particularly cellulose esters and ethers, e.g., cellulose acetate, ethylcellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, and carboxymethylcellulose, as well as starch derivatives, particularly starch ethers and esters. Synthetic membrane materials include polymers such as polyacrylates, polyamides, polyvinyl alcohol, or polyvinylpyrrolidone.

In addition to mononuclear capsule-like structures, multinuclear aggregates, also called microspheres, which contain two or more cores distributed within the continuous medium of the soap, are also considered. This has the advantage of facilitating a delayed release of the colorants. In a first step, the first substance is released from the first core, inducing the first chemical and/or mechanical mechanism for generating a first color transition within the soap continuum of the cleaning or soap product. The first color transition is initiated and/or caused by rupture, mechanical shearing, or destruction of the capsule-like structure of the first type. This is followed by the release of the second substance in a second step, wherein the second substance induces the second chemical and/or mechanical mechanism for producing a second color transition within the soap continuum of the cleaning or soap product, wherein the second color transition is initiated and/or caused by a rupture, a mechanical shearing or a destruction of the capsule-like structure of the second type.

By actively influencing the pH value, the color of pH indicators within the soap can be actively influenced. By incorporating them into the capsule-like structure or other carrier structure, for example, the release and color change of the pH indicator occurs gradually and depends on time and/or washing intensity. This allows for efficient fine-tuning of soap parameters and their color transitions.

According to a further development, a complex-forming and/or water hardness-changing substance (known to the person skilled in the art as a complex indicator) is used in the first and/or second chemical and/or mechanical mechanism, which is introduced into a capsule-like structure (102) or other carrier structure (103), in particular spheres and/or powder comprising waxes, fats or oils, in particular complexing agents, in particular hardness formers in the sense of water hardness, in particular ions of alkaline earth metals, in particular calcium, magnesium, strontium and/or barium ions, and/or iron and/or aluminum ions.

In this case, at least one substance is a dye or a color pigment, which is a complex indicator (metal indicator).

By actively influencing the water hardness, the color of water hardness indicators, such as Eriochrome Black-T, can be actively influenced within the soap. By incorporating the water hardness-modifying substance into the capsule-like structure or other carrier structure, for example, the release and color change of the water hardness indicator occurs gradually and depends on time and/or washing intensity. This allows for efficient fine-tuning of soap parameters and their color transitions.

For example, calcium, magnesium, strontium, and/or barium ions are released. This can, for example, increase water hardness.

A complexing agent can also be used, for example, to reduce water hardness. For example, a plasticizer is used. For example, EDTA. In one example, EDTA is a stronger complexing agent than Eriochrome Black-T.

As a result, color transitions of a complexing agent, such as Eriochrome Black-T, can be used in all color change directions. For example, blue or orange to purple, or purple to blue or orange, can be converted into a color change. These color transitions can also be varied and combined using a mixing indicator.

According to a further development, the first chemical and/or mechanical mechanism produces a color transition which essentially occurs and becomes visible at the time of removal and/or start of use of the cleaning or soap product.

This clearly suggests to the user that they can begin using the soap. Furthermore, it clearly suggests to the user that they should not begin washing off the soap yet, as the soap has not been used sufficiently. In one example, this is the color red. In another example, this is the color "colorless."

According to a further development, the second chemical and/or mechanical mechanism produces a color transition which essentially occurs and becomes visible at a time after a certain time and/or a certain accumulated intensity of use of the cleaning or soap product.

This clearly suggests to the user that they can or should begin washing off the soap because they have used it sufficiently. In one example, this is the color green. In another example, this is the color "colorless."

According to a further development, a red thermochromic dye is used, in particular in a capsule-like structure or another carrier structure, and a green interval pigment is used, in particular in a capsule-like structure or another carrier structure.

Red thermochromic pigments, which become colorless above a certain temperature, as well as green interval pigments, are particularly efficiently available and easy to use. Commercial products are readily available on the market, making the production of cleaning or soap products simpler and therefore more cost-effective. This allows an effective red-green transition or red-colorless-green transition to be achieved efficiently using simple and readily available means.

According to a further development, a substance comprising methylene blue and/or indigo carmine is used, in particular in a capsule-like structure or another carrier structure, as well as a substance comprising glucose, in particular in a capsule-like structure or another carrier structure.

Methylene blue exhibits a colored blue color. Methylene blue, for example, can be decolorized by glucose. It can be colored by oxygen.

In particular, methylene blue can be successively, i.e. particularly reversibly, colored blue and decolored again.

For example, methylene blue exists in a blue, i.e., colored form. Methylene blue can be reduced to the colorless leuco form, called leuco-methylene blue. This occurs, for example, with glucose, which is oxidized to gluconic acid. Leuco-methylene blue can be oxidized by a suitable oxidizing agent to the blue-colored methylene blue. A suitable oxidizing agent can be oxygen, particularly atmospheric oxygen. This has the effect that a color transition in a soap, which occurs during use, can be realized effectively and cost-effectively through the high surface contact of the soap with atmospheric oxygen during the soaping process. In particular, no separate substance, no separate mechanism, and no separate oxidizing agent is required for this.

Indigo carmine has a wide range of uses, as it can function as both a pH and redox indicator. Due to its potential yellow coloration, it is also particularly well-suited for producing a green color through subtractive color mixing, for example, when combined with a blue dye such as methylene blue. A green color is particularly desirable for an intuitively understandable hand soap as a signal for "please wash off."

According to a further development , a substance or mixture of substances is used, comprising at least one leuco dye, in particular one of: methylene blue, indigo, indigo carmine, safranin T, Tillman's reagent, in particular in a capsule-like structure or another carrier structure.

Such leuco dyes are particularly suitable and readily available as commercial products.

The term "leuco dye" is to be understood broadly and is not limited to a leuco form of such a substance. For example, the term encompasses both methylene blue and leuco-methylene blue. Only suitability for use in a leuco dye is required.

According to a further development, a substance comprising a hardness indicator, in particular eriochrome black-T, and/or complexing agents, in particular murexide, ethylenediaminetetraacetate or acetic acid (EDTA), dimethylglyoxime, alizarin, diphenylcarbazide, yellow and/or red prussiate of potassium hydroxide, is used, in particular in a capsule-like structure or another carrier structure, and a substance comprising complexing agents and/or hardness agents, in particular calcium and/or magnesium ions, in particular in a capsule-like structure or another carrier structure.

This system is another valuable chemical agent system for producing a color change and opens up the possibility of using many other substances in soap products. For example, a color change can be created based on a hardness indicator or complexing agent.

According to a further development, a substance comprising a redox dye and/or leuco dye, in particular Tillman's reagent, is used, in particular in a capsule-like structure or another carrier structure, as well as a suitable oxidizing and/or reducing agent, in particular ascorbic acid.

This system is another valuable chemical agent system for producing a color change and opens up the possibility of using many other substances in soap products.

In this way, a color change can be produced based on a redox dye and/or leuco dye.

By using a suitable oxidizing and/or reducing agent, for example in the context of a second capsule-like structure or other carrier structure, the color change can be actively controlled depending on the intensity of use.

For example, by using ascorbic acid, for example in the context of a second capsule-like structure or other carrier structure, an exemplary color change based on Tillman's reagent can be actively controlled in a usage-intensity-dependent manner.

According to a further development, a substance comprising a phthalocyanine compound, in particular copper phthalocyanine compound, in particular polychlorocopper phthalocyanine or a polychlorocopper phthalocyanine compound, in particular phthalocyanine green, is used.

These compounds have desirable properties, highly perceptible colors, and are readily and inexpensively available because they are produced on a large scale. In particular, commercial products are readily available on the market, making the production of cleaning or soap products simpler and therefore more cost-effective.

According to a further development , a substance is used comprising a compound comprising at least one of: phthalo green, phthalo blue, carmine, Sudan IV, quinacridone, dioxazine violet, isoindolinone yellow, isoindolinone orange, isoindolinone yellow orange, aniline black, alizarin, alizarin yellow R.

These compounds have desirable properties, a wide range of colors, and are readily available, inexpensive, and in large quantities. In particular, commercial products are readily available on the market, making the production of cleaning or soap products simpler and therefore more cost-effective.

According to a further development, the second chemical and/or mechanical mechanism operates on the basis of a limited and/or delayed solubility, in particular water solubility, of a substance, in particular a free substance and/or a substance provided in a capsule-like structure or another carrier structure.

This mechanism is particularly simple, yet experiments have shown that it works surprisingly well. The solubility allows for a gradual, controlled transition and allows for fine-tuning, particularly of the color change timing within a second mechanism. This allows desired properties and parameters to be influenced and adjusted.

The use of a free substance is particularly simple. For example, calcium carbonate is added to the soap. However, this doesn't dissolve directly, especially not completely. For example, during a washing process, more of it is gradually dissolved, and this can influence the water hardness, for example, triggering a color change.

For example, one can do without a capsule-like structure and/or support structure, but this is not mandatory.

According to a further development, the substance comprises a hardening agent, complexing agent and/or plasticizer.

For example, this affects water hardness. For example, water hardness can increase or decrease. This allows a color change to be provided efficiently.

According to a further development, the substance comprises a calcium, magnesium, strontium, barium, iron and/or aluminum compound or ion, in particular a calcium or magnesium compound, in particular a carbonate compound, in particular calcium carbonate.

For example, when the substance or parts of it are gradually dissolved during the washing process, a color change is caused and provided, for example by a hardness indicator or by means of a complexing agent.

Calcium, magnesium, strontium, barium, iron and/or aluminum compounds or ions, in particular calcium or magnesium compounds, in particular carbonate compounds, in particular calcium carbonates, are particularly suitable for this purpose.

According to a further development, at least one chemical and/or mechanical mechanism for generating a color transition of the cleaning or soap product is irreversible or nearly irreversible. The term "irreversible" here means that the original color state (i.e., the color state that existed before this chemically and/or mechanically induced color transition) cannot be achieved again or can only be achieved again by adding another substance. An irreversible color transition is one that, due to a chemical reaction and/or thermodynamic or kinetic inhibition, can no longer return to the original color state. Therefore, thermochromism or a thermosensitive reaction is not a typical example of an irreversible color transition. So-called "oscillating" reactions are also not a typical example of an irreversible color transition. The irreversible or nearly irreversible nature of the chemical and/or mechanical mechanism for generating a color transition of the cleaning or soap product has the significant advantage that a counter-intuitive effect for the user is avoided, whereby a color change when washing up would suggest to the user that he or she has not yet used the soap for a sufficiently long or intensive period.

A typical example of an irreversible color transition—as understood herein—is the release of a dye and/or color pigment into the soap continuum. Those skilled in the art know that large amounts of energy must be applied to separate the dye or color pigment.

Another example of an irreversible color transition—as understood herein—is the release of an acid or base as a first or second substance into the soap continuum, which, in a direct or indirect chemical reaction with a dye, e.g., a pH indicator, leads to a change in the color of the dye. Those skilled in the art know that they can only induce the color change by changing the pH. This means that another substance, i.e., a corresponding base or acid, must be added to the soap continuum to shift the pH accordingly.

Another example of an irreversible color transition—as understood herein—is the release of a complex indicator (color-providing complexing agent) as a first or second substance into the soap continuum, wherein, for example, a chemical and/or mechanical mechanism for generating a first color transition of the cleaning or soap product is achieved by the added or released complex indicator undergoing a chemically induced color change by complexing metal ions, in particular calcium ions or magnesium ions (which, for example, are present in the soap product or are added to the soap product via water during the intended use of the soap product). In this case, a further substance, i.e., a complexing agent with a stronger tendency to complex, such as ethylenediaminetetraacetate (EDTA) or sodium gluconate, must be added to or released into the soap continuum to indicate a color change.

According to a further development, an irreversible or almost irreversible color transition is a mechanically induced color transition that is caused by the breaking up or mechanical Shearing or melting of a capsule-like structure or other carrier structure is induced and induces the release of a substance, in particular an indicator and/or color pigment, into the soap continuum and the distribution and/or mixing of this substance into the soap continuum.

According to a further development, the first and second chemical and/or mechanical mechanisms for producing a color transition of the cleaning or soap product are irreversible or almost irreversible.

Description of exemplary embodiments

According to one embodiment, a thermochromic substance is used. For example, this dye is red. For example, this dye is red and changes to a "colorless" color when a certain temperature is exceeded. For example, this temperature is below the normal human skin temperature. For example, this is a temperature below 32, 30, 28, or 25 degrees Celsius. This allows the pigment to decolorize (or color, or change color) if it is brought into contact with a person's skin for a sufficiently long and intensive period.

In one example, another thermochromic substance is used. For example, this is a green pigment. Such a thermochromic pigment can, for example, exhibit a color transition from green to colorless (and/or vice versa). In particular, this can be a green so-called interval pigment. For example, the interval pigment is green at a temperature between 30 and 50 degrees Celsius, but otherwise has the color "colorless."

In one example, a combination of the two substances can create an effective color transition from red to green, or from red to colorless to green.

The substances can be located in the soap continuum. They can also be located in a capsule-like structure or another carrier structure, so that they are only released when, for example, mechanical forces are applied to the soap. This statement can refer to the first substance, the second substance, or both substances. For example, the first substance can be incorporated into a capsule-like structure or another carrier structure of the first type, while the second substance can be incorporated into a capsule-like structure or another carrier structure of the second type. In particular, the capsules can be of different types and have varying degrees of robustness.

Capsule-like structures can have various sizes. For example, but by no means exclusively, a single capsule or support structure can be in the centimeter range, the millimeter range, or the micrometer range.

Capsule-like structures and other carrier structures can also include so-called hydrogels. These have very low diffusion rates, making the cleaning and soap product very long-lasting.

Examples of chemically cross-linked polymers are so-called hydrogels, which consist of monomer units such as tertiary butylaminoethyl methacrylate (TBAEMA) n-butylaminoethyl methacrylate (NBAEMA), diethylaminoethyl methacrylate (DEAEMA), dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate (DMAEMA), diisopropylaminoethyl methacrylate (DPAEMA), dibutylaminoethyl methacrylate (DBAEMA), dipropylaminoethyl methacrylate (DPAEMA), tertiary pentylaminoethyl methacrylate (TPAEMA), tertiary hexylaminoethyl methacrylate (THAEMA), tertiary butylaminopropyl methacrylate (TBAPMA), diethylaminopropyl methacrylate (DEAPMA) and dimethylaminopropyl methacrylate (DMAPMA) or a combination thereof.

In another example, methylene blue can be used as a dye. Methylene blue exhibits a colored blue color. Methylene blue can be decolored, for example, by glucose. It can be colored by oxygen. In particular, methylene blue can be colored blue and decolored again successively, i.e., particularly reversibly.

For example, methylene blue exists in a blue, i.e., colored form. Methylene blue can be reduced to the colorless leuco form, called leuco-methylene blue. This occurs, for example, with glucose, which is oxidized to gluconic acid. Leuco-methylene blue can be oxidized by a suitable oxidizing agent to the blue-colored methylene blue. A suitable oxidizing agent can be oxygen, particularly atmospheric oxygen. This has the effect that a color transition in a soap, which occurs during use, can be realized effectively and cost-effectively through the high surface contact of the soap with atmospheric oxygen during the soaping process. In particular, no separate substance, no separate mechanism, and no separate oxidizing agent is required for this.

In another example, a green dye is used, which is released when the soap is used. For example, such a green dye is present in capsule-like structures within the soap. In another example, such a green dye is present in another carrier structure. For example, such another carrier structure can be provided by small beads of waxes, fats, or oils mixed with a reagent or a dye. In one example, a green dye is mixed with cocoa butter and provided in the form of small beads.

Such other carrier structures also have numerous advantages. For example, they can create an "alternative thermochromic effect." For example, small beads of wax, fat, or oil are designed to be mechanically destroyed when the soap is used and/or to decompose due to thermal effects (e.g., heat from the hands). This means that the dye is only released when the soap is used, especially when the soap is used for a sufficiently long time and/or intensity, and thus colors the soap continuum or the soap lather.

A further aspect of the invention relates to one or more additional added dyes. In particular, an additional dye can be added to achieve a desired target color via a subtractive color mixing mechanism.

In one example, a color transition is achieved using methylene blue. However, the desired target color is green, not blue, because "green," as a traffic light color, promises an intuitive technical meaning for the soap user.

For example, a yellow dye can be added. In one example, such a yellow dye is quinoline yellow. For example, in the context of subtractive mixing of blue and yellow, a green color results if the methylene blue is present in the blue form (not as leuco methylene blue). In one example, this results in a color transition from yellow to green instead of a color transition from colorless to blue (or vice versa).

In a further example of the invention, a substance released from a capsule-like structure or another carrier structure reacts with a substance that is already present in the soap continuum or that is released from another capsule-like structure/carrier structure (e.g., of the second type).

The color transition can be caused by different mechanisms or combinations of different mechanisms, for example redox reactions, pH changes with pH indicator, stereochemical structural changes, thermochromism, thermosensitive reactions, etc.

One example uses Tillman's reagent, which is red in acidic conditions.

In one example, Tillman's reagent is incorporated into a capsule-like structure or other carrier structure. In the soap continuum, vitamin C or ascorbic acid is present.

In one example, Tillman's reagent is located in the soap continuum. Vitamin C or ascorbic acid is incorporated into a capsule-like structure or another carrier structure of the second type.

In one example, Tillman's reagent is incorporated into a capsule-like structure or other carrier structure. Vitamin C or ascorbic acid is incorporated into a capsule-like structure or other carrier structure of a second type.

During lathering, the capsule-like structure or other carrier structure is destroyed, and the contents are gradually released. For example, the acidic environment and the pH indicator can cause the soap to change color during lathering.

The rupture, mechanical shearing, or melting of the capsule-like structure or other carrier structure can represent a first mechanism, while the release of the contents of the capsule-like structure or other carrier structure of a second type can be considered a second mechanism. The discoloration of the pH indicator can also represent a second mechanism.

For example, either the pH indicator or the chemical basis of the acidic environment comes from a capsule-like structure or the other carrier structure.

The structural variants according to the invention (comprising, for example, substance 1 in capsules/carriers, substance 2 in the soap continuum; substance 2 in capsules/carriers, substance 1 in the soap continuum; substance 1 in capsules/carriers of the first type, substance 2 in capsules/carriers of the second type, and many more) can also be combined with other substances according to the invention. Numerous other substances can also be added in each case, i.e., the capsules/carriers can comprise one or more substances essential for a color transition, but also other substances.

For example, Eriochrome Black T can be used, which can function as a pH indicator but can also react with compounds or solutions containing, for example, alkaline earth metal ions. Calcium and magnesium ions are just two examples.

This system can, for example, achieve a color change between a purple tone and a red tone, a red tone and a blue tone, a blue tone and an orange tone, a red tone and an orange tone, or a red tone and a green tone.

It can also be used as a mixed indicator. For example, Eriochrome Black T can be combined with Methyl Orange. A gray shade or intermediate shade is also possible.

All pH indicators mentioned and not mentioned can also be combined with all substances mentioned and not mentioned that influence the pH environment. For example, a combination of one or more pH indicators with citric acid is conceivable. A combination of one or more pH indicators with soda is also conceivable.

By combining the capsule-like structures or other carrier structures, synergistic effects are achieved. For example, the invention enables precise fine-tuning of a timing or intensity point of a first color transition, a timing or intensity point of a second color transition, and the desired color tones.

A system based on indigo carmine is also conceivable. For example, a system consisting of indigo carmine and glucose is conceivable. This would allow, for example, a color change from blue to yellow. By combining it with other systems, the creation of other color transitions is possible through subtractive color mixing.

According to a further development, the cleaning or soap products according to the present invention are liquid soaps and hand washing pastes, preferably aqueous liquid soaps and hand washing pastes, which have a Brookfield viscosity (RVT, spindle 3, 10 rpm) of 300 to 30,000, more preferably 1,000 to 5,000 and most preferably 2,000 to 3,000 mPas.

According to a further development, the cleaning or soap product, in particular body care product, in particular hand washing soap, is a substantially liquid cleaning or soap product.

To achieve the desired color effect (i.e., a delayed or sequential color transition), various processes can be used in which a dye reacts to an external stimulus. Substances that exhibit a color change upon exposure to heat (thermochromism), chemical oxidation or reduction, the presence of certain metal ions (complexation), or a change in pH have been investigated. Commercial color pigments have also been embedded in a hydrophobic matrix (e.g., wax or oil), and coloration has been achieved through mechanical shearing and thus dispersion in the target medium.

Chemical mechanisms for generating a color transition (i.e., chemically induced color changes) were identified as mechanisms well suited for the application, which in a first reaction at least cause a color transition through pH change, complexation and/or release of embedded color pigments.

The combination, in particular time-delayed (also called sequential) combination of different color transitions based on different chemical reactions was also investigated, such as the decolorization of a first dye as a result of a change in pH (as an example of a first chemically induced color change) and the time-delayed recoloration by release of a color pigment as a second dye (as an example of a second mechanically induced color change).

• ein Gemisch aus Thymolblau, Methylrot, Bromthymolblau und Phenolphthalein (bekannt als "Tamada Indikator");
• Methylrot und Bromkresolblau;
• Methylrot und Bromkresolgrün.

Suitable dyes include pH indicators, for example, with examples of suitable pH indicators listed here. For chemically induced color changes due to pH changes, the following combinations of pH indicators are particularly well-suited for a red-green color change, as they perform the change in the pH range that is skin-neutral (pH=4.5-7):

• a mixture of thymol blue, methyl red, bromothymol blue and phenolphthalein (known as "Tamada indicator");
• Methyl red and bromocresol blue;
• Methyl red and bromocresol green.

Suitable redox indicators are listed herein by way of example and include, for example, methylene blue, neutral red, ferroin, dichlorophenolindophenol (DCPIP), resazurin and mixtures thereof.

Typical concentrations for indicators such as pH indicators, redox indicators, and complex indicators range between 0.01 and 1% by weight based on the mass of all components of the soap. The concentration of the indicator can be selected or specifically adjusted by the specialist depending on the desired color intensity.

In addition to a wide range of possible bases, the following are suitable as bases that cause a change in pH: (earth) alkali metal carbonates, such as sodium carbonate, sodium hydrogen carbonate, calcium carbonate, magnesium carbonate; (earth) alkali metal phosphates, such as sodium phosphate, sodium hydrogen phosphate, Sodium dihydrogen phosphate; mesoporous silica materials, such as mullite, kaolinite, montmorillonite, bentonite, halloysite; zeolites, especially zeolite HY (Si:Al = 80:1), zeolite β (Si:Al = 360:1), zeolite (3 Å), zeolite (4 Å), zeolite (5 Å), zeolite 13X, zeolite NaY (Si:Al = 5.1:1), zeolite HY (Si:Al = 5.1:1), or mixtures thereof. The aforementioned bases are particularly characterized by their good skin compatibility.

Typical base concentrations, for example, range between 0.01 and 10% by weight based on the sum of the masses of all soap components. Commercial liquid soaps are often formulated with a citrate buffer system, so the amount of base to be used depends on the strength of the respective base, its solubility in water, and the composition of the soap formulation. However, the skilled person can take this into account using appropriate tabulated values and/or calculations.

Color change through the release of insoluble, embedded color pigments is not limited to a specific type. For delayed release, which produces color, the pigments are embedded in preferably hydrophobic compounds such as oils or waxes. Suitable media for embedding include stearins, paraffins, beeswax, shea butter, or carnauba wax. Release occurs via mechanical grinding of the mixture in the target medium. The pigments can be highly effective even at concentrations of 0.01–0.1% by weight, based on the sum of the masses of all soap components.

The waxes, for example, are present in concentrations between 0.1-10% by weight based on the sum of the masses of all components of the soap within the soap.

Metal ions such as calcium or magnesium are suitable for the chemically induced color transition through complexation, as they are also present in water and have no toxic effect on the human organism. Examples of organic compounds that undergo a chemically induced color change through complexation with calcium or magnesium are calconcarboxylic acid or Alizarin Red S. If these come into contact with compounds that have a stronger tendency to complexation, such as ethylenediaminetetraacetate (EDTA) or sodium gluconate, the complexes formed from the metal ion and the color-imparting complexing agent can be dissolved, whereupon a chemically induced color transition occurs. Typical concentrations of the color-imparting complexing agents and the decolorizing complexing agents are between 0.01 and 1.00% by weight, based on the sum of the masses of all components of the soap. The concentration of the color-giving complexing agent and the decolorizing complexing agent can be adjusted depending on the desired color intensity can be selected or specifically adjusted by the person skilled in the art. The person skilled in the art will refer to appropriate literature, from which the complex formation constants can be found.

To achieve the color-change effect not immediately, but only during use (e.g., washing hands), the agents can be protected from the soap and sometimes even spatially separated. For this purpose, the agents can be encapsulated separately or together. Dense, non-porous coatings of the agent-containing cores with cross-linked polymers or mineral materials are particularly suitable as soap-stable capsule shells.

Character list

• Fig. 1 eine schematische Darstellung eines Reinigungs- oder Seifenproduktes gemäß einer Ausführungsform der vorliegenden Erfindung;
• Fig. 2 eine schematische Darstellung eines Reinigungs- oder Seifenproduktes gemäß einer Ausführungsform der vorliegenden Erfindung;
• Fig. 3 eine schematische Darstellung eines Reinigungs- oder Seifenproduktes gemäß einer Ausführungsform der vorliegenden Erfindung;
• Fig. 4 eine schematische Darstellung eines Reinigungs- oder Seifenproduktes gemäß einer Ausführungsform der vorliegenden Erfindung;
• Fig. 5 eine schematische Darstellung eines Reinigungs- oder Seifenproduktes gemäß einer Ausführungsform der vorliegenden Erfindung;
• Fig. 6 eine schematische Darstellung eines Reinigungs- oder Seifenproduktes gemäß einer Ausführungsform der vorliegenden Erfindung.
• Fig. 7 eine schematische Darstellung eines Reinigungs- oder Seifenproduktes mit zwei Substanzen innerhalb einer kapselartigen Struktur, wobei die zwei Substanzen getrennt voneinander in einem ersten Kern und einem zweiten Kern vorliegen.

The present invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to the exemplary embodiments shown in the schematic figures of the drawings. In the drawings:

• Fig. 1 a schematic representation of a cleaning or soap product according to an embodiment of the present invention;
• Fig. 2 a schematic representation of a cleaning or soap product according to an embodiment of the present invention;
• Fig. 3 a schematic representation of a cleaning or soap product according to an embodiment of the present invention;
• Fig. 4 a schematic representation of a cleaning or soap product according to an embodiment of the present invention;
• Fig. 5 a schematic representation of a cleaning or soap product according to an embodiment of the present invention;
• Fig. 6 a schematic representation of a cleaning or soap product according to an embodiment of the present invention.
• Fig. 7 a schematic representation of a cleaning or soap product with two substances within a capsule-like structure, wherein the two substances are separated from each other in a first core and a second core.

In all figures, identical or functionally identical elements and devices have been provided with the same reference numerals, unless otherwise stated.

Character descriptions

The Figure 1 is a schematic representation of a cleaning or soap product according to an embodiment of the present invention. A soap, such as a substantially liquid handwashing soap, is symbolically represented by the soap continuum 100. The continuum can be continuous and, for example, liquid, but it can also contain, for example, small particles, beads, bubbles, or the like.

The capsule-like structure 101, for example, is an alginate capsule 101, but numerous alternative materials are available. The capsule 101 can be transparent, but this is not required. The capsule 101 is depicted as circular, but other shapes can also be used.

In one example, the capsule is filled with a substance comprising a dye or pigment. For example, this is a thermochromic pigment. For example, the pigment is red below a threshold temperature. For example, the pigment is colorless above a threshold temperature.

For example, a user removes a quantity of soap and begins a use, cleaning, or hand-washing process. The capsules 101 break open, and the soap turns red due to the released pigment. With continued use, for example, hand warmth is added to the soap through thermal contact between the hands and the soap. This can, for example, exceed the threshold temperature (e.g., 24, 26, 28, 30, or 32 degrees Celsius), causing the soap to take on the color "colorless."

The capsule-like structure 102 is, for example, an alginate capsule 102, but numerous alternative materials are available. The capsule 102 can be transparent, but this is not required. The capsule 102 is shown as oval, but other shapes may also be used.

In one example, the capsule is filled with a substance that includes a dye or pigment. For example, this is a thermochromic pigment. For example, the pigment is a green interval pigment. For example, the pigment is colorless outside a certain temperature interval, while it is colored within the temperature range. Colored here means, for example, green.

The capsule-like structures 102 may differ from the capsule-like structures 101. For example, the capsules 102 are merely different in strength, size, and material. For example, the capsules 102 are thus more robust, which allows Release of the contents through destruction of the capsules 102 is delayed, i.e., occurs later in time (sequentially), compared to a release of the contents through destruction of the capsules 101. For example, the properties of the capsules 102 are adjusted such that, during a normal handwashing process, a color change is clearly produced by the release of the contents of the capsules 102 when the user has washed their hands for a certain time and with sufficient thoroughness. This can be the case, for example, after 15, 20, 30, or 40 seconds of thorough and intensive handwashing.

Thermochromic substances do not necessarily have to be used. Permanently colored pigments are also possible. Various mechanisms for producing a color change, which are disclosed in this document and/or which are known to the person skilled in the art, can also be used in conjunction with a system of capsule-like structures or other carrier structures. Another carrier structure is provided, for example, by small particles or spheres, in particular spheres comprising waxes, fats, or oils, into which a colored substance or a substance that otherwise causes a color change when mixed with the soap continuum is introduced by mixing. For example, such spheres melt during handwashing or are mechanically sheared or crushed, whereby a colored substance or a substance that otherwise causes a color change when mixed with the soap continuum is released into the soap continuum and mixed.

Another suitable active ingredient system for producing the color change is methylene blue and glucose. Methylene blue exhibits a colored blue color. Methylene blue can be decolorized, for example, by glucose. It can be colored by oxygen. In particular, methylene blue can be successively, i.e., particularly reversibly, colored blue and then decolorized again. For example, methylene blue exists in a blue, i.e., colored form. Methylene blue can be reduced to the colorless leuco form, called leuco-methylene blue. This occurs, for example, with glucose, which is oxidized to gluconic acid. Leuco-methylene blue can be oxidized by a suitable oxidizing agent to blue-colored methylene blue. A suitable oxidizing agent can be oxygen, especially atmospheric oxygen. This has the effect that a color transition in a soap, which occurs during use, can be realized effectively and cost-effectively through the high surface contact of the soap with atmospheric oxygen during the soaping process. In particular, no separate substance, no separate mechanism, and no separate oxidizing agent is required for this.

However, if necessary, an oxidizing agent, such as oxygen, can also be deliberately used. For example, a structure is used in which oxygen can be introduced or enriched. For example, such a structure can then be incorporated into a capsule-like structure or other support structure within the meaning of the invention.

Another suitable active ingredient system for producing the color change is Tillman's reagent and vitamin C or ascorbic acid. For example, 2,6-dichlorophenol-indophenol can be used in conjunction with another compound or salt, not just as the sodium salt. For example, a red color is present in an acidic environment. The ascorbic acid, for example, ensures decolorization of the system upon mixing or breaking open the capsules.

Another suitable active ingredient system for producing the color change is, for example, Eriochrome Black-T. For example, the system involves hardness-forming agents (in the sense of water hardness), particularly calcium and/or magnesium ions, particularly in a capsule-like structure or other carrier structure. This can very effectively produce a red-green color transition, or alternatively, a color change that is very similar to a red-green color change.

Another suitable active ingredient system for generating the color change is, for example, pH indicators. For example, a pH indicator is present in the soap continuum 100 or in a capsule-like structure 101. In one example, the active ingredient system also comprises at least one pH-changing substance. For example, these substances can include citric acid or soda. For example, these substances are incorporated in a capsule-like structure 102 or alternative carrier structure.

For example, during a handwashing process, the contents of capsule-like structure 101 are released first, followed by the contents of capsule-like structure 102, after a time delay, particularly assuming sufficient washing intensity. For example, at least two color changes occur. For example, one color change occurs at the beginning of a handwashing process and another after sufficient duration and/or intensity.

Further suitable pigments, pigment systems and chemical active agent systems can be found in the patent claims. The pigments, pigment systems and chemical active agent systems disclosed in this document can be used in the context of a capsule-like structure, a other/alternative carrier structure (such as wax or fat globules) or in the soap continuum. Often, particularly in two-part active ingredient systems to create a color transition, both parts can be incorporated into capsules. These can, for example, be different capsules 101 and 102. However, part of the active ingredient system can also be located in the soap continuum 100, for example. For example, the said part of the active ingredient system is then released as part of a first chemical and/or mechanical mechanism by mechanically breaking open/shearing the capsules. This part then reacts with the other part already present in the soap continuum during further mixing to chemically create a color change (in this case, a second chemical and/or mechanical mechanism).

The Figure 2 is a schematic representation of a cleaning or soap product according to an embodiment of the present invention. A soap, such as a substantially liquid handwashing soap, is symbolically represented by the soap continuum 100. The continuum can be continuous and, for example, liquid, but it can also contain, for example, small particles, beads, bubbles, or the like.

The capsule-like structure 101, for example, is an alginate capsule 101, but numerous alternative materials are available. The capsule 101 can be transparent, but this is not required. The capsule 101 is depicted as circular, but other shapes can also be used.

In one example, the capsule is filled with a substance comprising a dye or pigment. For example, this is a thermochromic pigment. For example, the pigment is red below a threshold temperature. For example, the pigment is colorless above a threshold temperature.

For example, a user removes a quantity of soap and begins a use, cleaning, or hand-washing process. The capsules 101 break open, and the soap turns red due to the released pigment. With continued use, for example, hand warmth is added to the soap through thermal contact between the hands and the soap. This can, for example, exceed the threshold temperature (e.g., 24, 26, 28, 30, or 32 degrees Celsius), causing the soap to take on the color "colorless."

The information related to the Figure 1 The active ingredient systems discussed can also be used, for example, in a soap, as described in Figure 2 is shown.

The soap of Figure 2 has, as shown, only one type of capsule-like structure 101.

For example, a part of the active ingredient system, which can cause color changes, is arranged in the soap continuum 100.

The Figure 3 is a schematic representation of a cleaning or soap product according to an embodiment of the present invention. A soap, such as a substantially liquid handwashing soap, is symbolically represented by the soap continuum 100. The continuum can be continuous and, for example, liquid, but it can also contain, for example, small particles, beads, bubbles, or the like.

The capsule-like structure 102 is, for example, an alginate capsule 102, but numerous alternative materials are available. The capsule 102 can be transparent, but this is not required. The capsule 102 is shown as oval, but other shapes may also be used.

In one example, the capsule is filled with a substance comprising a dye or pigment. For example, this is a thermochromic pigment. For example, the pigment is red below a threshold temperature. For example, the pigment is colorless above a threshold temperature.

For example, a user removes a quantity of soap and begins a use, cleaning, or hand-washing process. The capsules 101 break open, and the soap turns red due to the released pigment. With continued use, for example, hand warmth is added to the soap through thermal contact between the hands and the soap. This can, for example, exceed the threshold temperature (e.g., 24, 26, 28, 30, or 32 degrees Celsius), causing the soap to take on the color "colorless."

The information related to the Figure 1 The active ingredient systems discussed can also be used, for example, in a soap, as described in Figure 3 is shown.

The soap of Figure 3 has, as shown, only one type of capsule-like structure 101.

For example, a part of the active ingredient system, which can cause color changes, is also arranged in the soap continuum 100.

A color transition within the meaning of the invention can be a change from one color to another, e.g., from red to green or vice versa. However, a color transition can also be a transition from colorless to a color or from a color be too colorless. Black, white, and transparent are also considered colors within the meaning of the invention.

The Figure 4 is a schematic representation of a cleaning or soap product according to an embodiment of the present invention. A soap, such as a substantially liquid handwashing soap, is symbolically represented by the soap continuum 100. The continuum can be continuous and, for example, liquid, but it can also contain, for example, small particles, beads, bubbles, or the like.

The capsule-like structure 102 is, for example, an alginate capsule 102, but numerous alternative materials are available. The capsule 102 can be transparent, but this is not required. The capsule 102 is shown as oval, but other shapes may also be used.

In one example, the capsule is filled with a substance comprising a dye or pigment. For example, this is a thermochromic pigment. For example, the pigment is red below a threshold temperature. For example, the pigment is colorless above a threshold temperature.

For example, a user removes a quantity of soap and begins a usage, cleaning, or handwashing process. The capsules 102 break open, and the soap turns red due to the released pigment.

The alternative carrier structure 103 comprises, for example, small spheres of waxes, fats, or oils. For example, these waxes, fats, or oils are mixed with a dye or part of an active ingredient system that enables a color change. Another carrier structure is thus provided, for example, by small particles or spheres, in particular spheres comprising waxes, fats, or oils, into which a colored substance or a substance that otherwise causes a color change when mixed with the soap continuum is introduced by mixing. For example, such spheres melt during handwashing or are mechanically sheared or crushed, whereby a colored substance or a substance that otherwise causes a color change when mixed with the soap continuum is released into the soap continuum and mixed.

In one example, a pigment is contained in the beads 103. For example, this is phthalo green or another green pigment. This creates, for example, an "alternative thermochromic effect" when using the soap, since the beads 103 are mechanically ground or melted by heat, thereby releasing the dye. or release the active ingredient. In one example, phthalo green is released, giving the soap a green color.

All dyes and active ingredients can be mixed with the structure of the soap. Figure 4 The capsule-like structures 102 and the support structures 103 already provide at least two mechanisms with which at least two color changes can be achieved.

The capsule-like structures 102 and the support structures 103 can be configured such that, when the soap is used, the capsule-like structures 102 break first (for example, approximately at the beginning of use), and later the support structures 103 break or melt (for example, after sufficient use of the soap). This temporal sequence is merely exemplary. The temporal sequence can also be reversed, so that the support structures 103 are destroyed first and the capsule-like structures 102 only later.

The capsule-like structures 102 can differ significantly from the support structures 103 in their properties. This also includes properties such as size and robustness.

Thermochromic substances do not necessarily have to be used. Permanently colored pigments are also possible. Various mechanisms for generating a color change, which are disclosed in this document and/or are known to the person skilled in the art, can also be used in conjunction with a system of capsule-like structures and support structures.

Another suitable active ingredient system for producing the color change is, for example, methylene blue and glucose. Methylene blue has a colored state of blue. Methylene blue can, for example, be decolorized by glucose. It can be colored by oxygen. In particular, methylene blue can be successively, i.e., particularly reversibly, colored blue and decolorized again. For example, methylene blue exists in a blue, i.e., colored form. Methylene blue can be reduced to the colorless leuco form, called leuco-methylene blue. For example, this occurs with glucose, which is oxidized to gluconic acid. Leuco-methylene blue can be oxidized by a suitable oxidizing agent to methylene blue with a blue color. A suitable oxidizing agent can be oxygen, especially atmospheric oxygen. This has the effect that a color transition in a soap, which occurs with The use of soap can be achieved effectively and cost-effectively through the high surface contact of the soap with atmospheric oxygen during the soaping process. In particular, no separate substance, no separate mechanism, and no separate oxidizing agent is required.

However, if necessary, an oxidizing agent, such as oxygen, can also be deliberately used. For example, a structure is used in which oxygen can be introduced or enriched. For example, such a structure can then be incorporated into a capsule-like structure or other support structure within the meaning of the invention.

Another suitable active ingredient system for producing the color change is Tillman's reagent and vitamin C or ascorbic acid. For example, 2,6-dichlorophenol-indophenol can be used in conjunction with another compound or salt, not just as the sodium salt. For example, a red color is present in an acidic environment. The ascorbic acid, for example, ensures decolorization of the system upon mixing or breaking open the capsules.

Another suitable active ingredient system for producing the color change is, for example, Eriochrome Black-T. For example, the system involves hardness-forming agents (in the sense of water hardness), particularly calcium and/or magnesium ions, particularly in a capsule-like structure or other carrier structure. This can very effectively produce a red-green color transition, or alternatively, a color change that is very similar to a red-green color change.

Another suitable active ingredient system for generating the color change is, for example, pH indicators. For example, a pH indicator is present in the soap continuum 100 or in a capsule-like structure 101. In one example, the active ingredient system also comprises at least one pH-changing substance. For example, these substances can include citric acid or soda. For example, these substances are incorporated in a capsule-like structure 102 or alternative carrier structure.

For example, during a handwashing process, the contents of the capsule-like structure 101 are released first, and then, after a time delay, particularly assuming sufficient washing intensity, the contents of the capsule-like structure 102. For example, at least two color changes occur. For example, one color change occurs at the start of a hand washing process and another after sufficient duration and/or intensity.

Further suitable pigments, pigment systems, and chemical active agent systems can be found in the patent claims. The pigments, pigment systems, and chemical active agent systems disclosed in this document can be incorporated within a capsule-like structure, another/alternative carrier structure (such as wax or fat globules), or within the soap continuum. Often, particularly in two-part active agent systems for creating a color transition, both parts can be incorporated into capsules. These can be, for example, different capsules 101 and 102. However, a part of the active agent system can also be located within the soap continuum 100, for example. For example, the aforementioned part of the active agent system is then released within the framework of a first chemical and/or mechanical mechanism by mechanically breaking open/shearing the capsules. This part then reacts with the other part already present in the soap continuum upon further mixing to chemically produce a color change (in this case, a second chemical and/or mechanical mechanism).

A color transition within the meaning of the invention can be a change from one color to another, e.g., from red to green or vice versa. However, a color transition can also be a transition from colorless to a color or from one color to colorless. Black, white, and transparent are also considered colors within the meaning of the invention.

The Figure 5 is a schematic representation of a cleaning or soap product according to an embodiment of the present invention. A soap, such as a substantially liquid handwashing soap, is symbolically represented by the soap continuum 100. The continuum can be continuous and, for example, liquid, but it can also contain, for example, small particles, beads, bubbles, or the like.

With the soap of Figure 5 At least two different alternative support structures 103, 104 are used.

The alternative carrier structures 103, 104 are, for example, small beads made of waxes, fats or oils. For example, these are waxes, fats or Oils are mixed with a dye or part of an active ingredient system that enables a color change. Another carrier structure is thus provided, for example, by small particles or spheres, in particular spheres comprising waxes, fats, or oils, into which a colored substance or a substance that otherwise causes a color change when mixed with the soap continuum is introduced by mixing. For example, such spheres melt during handwashing or are mechanically sheared or crushed, whereby a colored substance or a substance that otherwise causes a color change when mixed with the soap continuum is released into the soap continuum and mixed.

In one example, a pigment is contained in the beads 103 and/or the beads 104. For example, this is phthalo green or another green pigment. This creates, for example, an "alternative thermochromic effect" when using the soap, because the beads 103 or 104 are mechanically ground or melted by heat, thereby releasing the colorant or active ingredient. In one example, phthalo green is released, giving the soap a green color.

In one example, a green dye or an active ingredient that causes a green color change is released from the beads 103. In one example, a red dye or an active ingredient that causes a red color change is released from the beads 104. In particular, this can also be a substance that has a red color but is gradually decolorized by a mechanism.

For example, an effective red-green transition can be generated with successive use of the soap. For example, beads 104 are destroyed first at the beginning of a washing cycle, and beads 103 are destroyed after sufficient use of the soap.

All dyes and active ingredients can be mixed with the structure of the soap. Figure 5 The carrier structures 103 of the first type and the carrier structures 104 of the second type already provide at least two mechanisms with which at least two color changes can be achieved.

The carrier structures 103 of the first type and the carrier structures 104 of the second type can be configured such that, when the soap is used, the carrier structures 104 of the second type break first (for example, approximately at the beginning of use), and later the carrier structures 103 of the first type break or melt (for example, after sufficient use of the soap). This temporal sequence is merely exemplary. The temporal sequence can also be reversed, so that the Support structures 103 of the first type are destroyed and only later the support structures 104 of the second type.

The first-type support structures 103 can differ significantly from the second-type support structures 104 in their properties. This includes properties such as size, support material, density, melting temperature, and robustness.

Thermochromic substances do not necessarily have to be used, although this is of course also possible. Permanently colored pigments are also possible. Various mechanisms for generating a color change, which are disclosed in this document and/or are known to the person skilled in the art, can also be used in conjunction with a system of capsule-like structures and support structures.

The active ingredient systems discussed in connection with the other figures can also be used, for example, in the context of a soap, as described in Figure 5 is shown.

The soap of Figure 5 has, as shown, at least two types of support structures 103, 104.

For example, a part of an active ingredient system that can cause color changes is also arranged in the soap continuum 100.

A color transition within the meaning of the invention can be a change from one color to another, e.g., from red to green or vice versa. However, a color transition can also be a transition from colorless to a color or from one color to colorless. Black, white, and transparent are also considered colors within the meaning of the invention.

The Figure 6 is a schematic representation of a cleaning or soap product according to an embodiment of the present invention. A soap, such as a substantially liquid handwashing soap, is symbolically represented by the soap continuum 100. The continuum can be continuous and, for example, liquid, but it can also contain, for example, small particles, beads, bubbles, or the like.

The active ingredient systems discussed in connection with the other figures can also be used, for example, in the context of a soap, as described in Figure 6 is shown.

The soap of Figure 6 As shown, it requires only one support structure 103.

For example, a pigment can be present in the carrier structure. It can also be part of an active ingredient system in the carrier structure 103. For example, part of an active ingredient system that can cause color changes is also arranged in the soap continuum 100.

The Figure 7 is a schematic representation of a cleaning or soap product according to an embodiment of the present invention. A soap, such as a substantially liquid handwashing soap, is symbolically represented by the soap continuum 100. The continuum can be continuous and, for example, liquid, but it can also contain, for example, small particles, beads, bubbles, or the like.

The soap of Figure 7 has two carrier structures with two substances, wherein the two substances are present within two capsule-like structures, wherein the first capsule-like structure 102 forms a first core 105, within which the first substance and the second type of capsule-like structure 102 are arranged. The second type of capsule-like structure 102 forms a second core 106, within which the second substance is arranged. As a result, the two substances are present separately from one another in a first core 105 and a second core 106.
The first substance is an indicator, specifically a pH indicator or a complex indicator. Indicators are not mandatory, although this is certainly possible. Permanently colored pigments are also possible.

The first color transition is preferably a mechanical mechanism for generating a first color transition of the cleaning or soap product (i.e., a mechanically induced color transition). The first color transition is initiated and/or caused by a rupture, mechanical shearing, or destruction of the capsule-like structure 102, whereby the dye (e.g., the indicator) or the permanently colored pigments enclosed and/or embedded in the first core 105, as well as the capsule-like structure of the second type 102, are released into the soap continuum.

The release of this first colored substance and its mixing with the soap continuum causes the first color transition.

In Figure 7 The second substance is only released into the soap continuum upon rupture, mechanical shearing, or destruction of the second-type capsule-like structure 102. The second substance enclosed in the second core 106 can be another embedded dye (e.g., the indicator), a permanent colored pigment, a pH-indicating substance, and/or a complexing agent.

The release and distribution of the second substance into the soap continuum causes the second color transition.

If the second substance is a pH-indicating substance and/or a complexing agent, the second color transition preferably occurs through a chemical mechanism, causing the first released substance to change color. The distribution of the second substance or the propagation of the chemical reaction within the soap continuum indicates a color transition within the soap continuum.

If the second substance is an embedded dye (e.g., the indicator) and/or a permanent colored pigment, the second color transition preferably occurs by means of a mechanical mechanism, wherein, after the rupture of the capsule-like structure of the second type 102, the second released substance is distributed in the soap continuum.

A color transition within the meaning of the invention can be a change from one color to another, e.g., from red to green or vice versa. However, a color transition can also be a transition from colorless to a color or from one color to colorless. Black, white, and transparent, in particular, are also considered colors within the meaning of the invention.

Examples of implementation Example 1 - Hand washing soap comprising a first mechanically induced color transition and a time-delayed second chemically induced color transition:

Two different types of capsules (so-called capsule-like structures) with an average particle size between 100 and 500 µm are placed in a colorless soap solution with a pH of 4.8. The first type of capsule contains the indicator mixture, comprising equal amounts of the dyes methyl red and bromocresol green (pK _a value

The soap is applied to the hand and rubbed into and around the palms with the addition of water. As the first type of capsule bursts and the active ingredients are distributed throughout the soap solution, the soap solution on the hand initially turns red. As the second type of capsule bursts and/or the sodium bicarbonate is increasingly distributed, the pH of the soap changes continuously to a value between 6.0 and 7.0, resulting in a color change to green.

Example 2 - Hand washing soap comprising a first mechanically induced color transition and a time-delayed second chemically induced color transition:

Two different types of capsules (so-called capsule-like structures) with an average particle size between 100 and 500 µm are placed in a colorless soap solution with a pH of 4.8. The first type of capsule contains the dye methyl red in a total proportion of 0.03% by weight based on the mass of the total mixture within the volume of the first type of capsule. The second type of capsule contains a paraffin-based core containing sodium carbonate in a total proportion of 0.1% by weight and the color pigment Puricolor PGR7 (manufacturer BASF) in a total proportion of 0.02% by weight. % by weight based on the mass of the total mixture within the volume of the second type of capsules.

The soap is applied to the hand and rubbed into and around the palms with the addition of water. As the capsules burst open and the active ingredients are distributed throughout the soap solution, the soap initially turns red. As the sodium bicarbonate and the Puricolor PGR7 color pigment become increasingly distributed, the pH of the soap changes continuously to between 6.0 and 7.0, resulting in a green color.

List of reference symbols

100

Soap/Soap continuum

101

Capsule-like structure

102

Capsule-like structure of the second type

103

Alternative carrier structure/wax beads

104

Alternative carrier structure/second type wax beads

105

first core

106

second core

Claims (14)

1. A hand wash soap comprising: a first chemical and/or mechanical mechanism for producing a first color transition of the hand wash soap, a second mechanical mechanism for producing a second color transition,

   wherein in the first chemical and/or mechanical mechanism a pH-indicating substance is used, in particular a pH-indicating substance which is suitable for indicating an envelope in the range from pH 4.5 to pH 9, in particular at least one of: methyl red, alizarin red, chlorophenol red, p-nitrophenol, hematoxylin, litmus, azolitmin, bromothymol blue, phenol red, neutral red, cresol red, naphtholphthalein, in particular mixtures of at least two pH-indicating substances,

   wherein a capsule-like structure (102), in particular a gel capsule, is used in the second mechanical mechanism, wherein the second color transition is initiated and/or caused by breaking open, mechanical shearing or destruction of the capsule-like structure (102),

   the capsule-like structure (102) initiating and/or causing the release and/or mixing of a substance, for example a coloring substance, such as a dye, for example a color indicator or a color pigment, into the soap continuum during the breaking, mechanical shearing or destruction, so that the soap continuum undergoes a color transition, and

   wherein a further capsule-like structure (101), in particular a gel capsule, is used in the first chemical and/or mechanical mechanism, wherein the first color transition is initiated and/or caused by breaking open, mechanically shearing or destroying the capsule-like structure (101).
2. The hand wash soap according to claim 1, wherein the second mechanical mechanism is effected with a time delay with respect to the first chemical and/or mechanical mechanism.
3. The hand wash soap according to claim 1, wherein the second mechanical mechanism uses a capsule-like structure (102) which differs from the capsule-like structure (101) used in the first chemical and/or mechanical mechanism, in particular if it differs in at least one aspect of: Size, thickness, material, surface texture.
4. The hand wash soap according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second chemical and/or mechanical mechanism is based on a chemical reaction caused by contact with oxygen, in particular atmospheric oxygen.
5. The hand wash soap according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first and/or second chemical and/or mechanical mechanism is based on a reaction which is brought about by exposure to light.
6. The hand wash soap according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first and/or second chemical and/or mechanical mechanism relies on a reaction involving a hydrolipidic film.
7. The hand wash soap according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a carrier structure (103), in particular in the form of beads and/or powder form, in particular beads and/or powder comprising waxes, fats or oils, is used in the first and/or second chemical and/or mechanical mechanism, wherein the second color transition is initiated and/or caused by a melting of the carrier structure (103).
8. The hand wash soap according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a pH-changing substance is used in the first and/or second chemical and/or mechanical mechanism, in particular a pH-changing substance which is introduced into a capsule-like structure (102) or other carrier structure (103), in particular beads and/or powder comprising waxes, fats or oils, in particular an acid and/or base, in particular citric acid and/or soda.
9. The hand wash soap according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a red thermochromic dye is used, in particular in a capsule-like structure (102) or another carrier structure (103), as well as a green interval pigment, in particular in a capsule-like structure (102) or another carrier structure (103).
10. The hand wash soap according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a substance is used comprising a compound comprising at least one of: Phthalo green, phthalo blue, carmine, Sudan IV, quinacridone, dioxazine violet, isoindolinone yellow, isoindolinone orange, isoindolinone yellow orange, anniline black, alizarin, alizarin yellow R, in particular in a capsule-like structure (102) or other carrier structure (103).
11. The hand wash soap according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second chemical and/or mechanical mechanism operates on the basis of a limited and/or delayed onset solubility, in particular water solubility, of a substance, in particular a free substance and/or substance provided in a capsule-like structure (102) or another carrier structure (103).
12. The hand wash soap according to claim 11, wherein the substance comprises a hardening agent, complexing agent and/or emollient.
13. Use of a hand wash soap according to any one of the preceding claims for cleaning the hands and providing a hand wash soap according to any one of the preceding claims for said use, in particular providing it for use with a soap supply and dosing device.
14. A method of making a hand wash soap according to any one of claims 1 - 12, comprising:

    Providing a first chemical and/or mechanical mechanism suitable for producing a first color transition of the hand wash soap,

    Providing a second chemical and/or mechanical mechanism suitable for producing a second color transition,

    wherein a pH-indicating substance is used in the first chemical and/or mechanical mechanism, in particular a pH-indicating substance which is suitable for indicating a transition in the range from pH 4.5 to pH 9, in particular at least one of: methyl red, alizarin red, chlorophenol red, p-nitrophenol, hematoxylin, litmus, azolitmin, bromothymol blue, phenol red, neutral red, cresol red, naphtholphthalein, in particular mixtures of at least two pH-indicating substances,

    wherein a capsule-like structure (102), in particular a gel capsule, is used in the second mechanical mechanism, wherein the second color transition is initiated and/or caused by breaking open, mechanical shearing or destruction of the capsule-like structure (102),

    wherein the capsule-like structure (102) initiates and/or causes the release and/or mixing of a substance, for example a coloring substance, such as a dye, for example a color indicator or a color pigment, into the soap continuum during the breaking, mechanical shearing or destruction, so that the soap continuum undergoes a color transition, and

    wherein a further capsule-like structure (101), in particular a gel capsule, is used in the first chemical and/or mechanical mechanism, wherein the first color transition is initiated and/or caused by breaking open, mechanically shearing or destroying the capsule-like structure (101).