WO2025221584A1 - Personal care rinse off composition - Google Patents

Abstract

A personal care rinse off composition is provided, comprising: (a) 40-95.89 wt% of a dermatologically acceptable aqueous vehicle; (b) 4-30 wt% of a dermatologically acceptable cleaning surfactant, wherein the dermatologically acceptable cleaning surfactant is selected from the group consisting of anionic surfactants, zwitterionic surfactants, nonionic surfactants and mixtures thereof; (c) 0.1-10 wt% of a nonionic hydrophobically modified cellulose ether; wherein the nonionic hydrophobically modified cellulose ether comprises a cellulose ether base polymer backbone and a linear or branched C8 alkyl hydrophobic group; wherein the cellulose ether base polymer backbone has a weight average molecular weight of > 800,000 Daltons; and (d) 0.01-5 wt% of a cationic guar polymer; and wherein the personal care rinse off composition comprises < 0.01 wt% of an alkyl sulfate surfactant and < 0.01 wt% of an alkyl ether sulfate surfactant.

Description

PERSONAL CARE RINSE OFF COMPOSITION

[0001] The present invention relates to a personal care rinse off composition. In particular, the present invention relates to a personal care rinse off composition, comprising: (a) 40 to 95.89 wt%, based on weight of the personal care rinse off composition, of a dermatologically acceptable aqueous vehicle; (b) 4 to 30 wt%, based on weight of the personal care rinse off composition, of a dermatologically acceptable cleaning surfactant, wherein the dermatologically acceptable cleaning surfactant is selected from the group consisting of anionic surfactants, zwitterionic surfactants, nonionic surfactants and mixtures thereof; (c) 0.1 to 10 wt%, based on weight of the personal care rinse off composition, of a nonionic hydrophobically modified cellulose ether; wherein the nonionic hydrophobically modified cellulose ether comprises a cellulose ether base polymer backbone and a linear or branched Cs alkyl hydrophobic group; wherein the cellulose ether base polymer backbone has a weight average molecular weight of > 800,000 Daltons; and (d) 0.01 to 5 wt%, based on weight of the personal care rinse off composition, of a cationic guar polymer; and wherein the personal care rinse off composition comprises < 0.01 wt%, based on weight of the personal care rinse off composition, of an alkyl sulfate surfactant and < 0.01 wt%, based on weight of the personal care rinse off composition, of an alkyl ether sulfate surfactant.

[0002] Consumer trends in personal care rinse off compositions are moving away from thickening systems that are based on acrylic polymers and other poorly biodegradable ingredients. Nonionic hydrophobically modified cellulose ether materials could represent an attractive alternative to conventional acrylic and associative polyethylene glycol thickeners. However, high efficiency and compatibility in surfactant rich compositions incorporating cationic deposition aids continues to present a challenge in achieving desired rheology with such materials.

[0003] Accordingly, there remains a need for alternative thickeners that are effective at thickening surfactant rich personal care rinse off compositions and are also naturally derived and biodegradable with an improved sustainability profile.

[0004] The present invention provides a personal care rinse off composition, comprising: (a) 40 to 95.89 wt%, based on weight of the personal care rinse off composition, of a dermatologically acceptable aqueous vehicle; (b) 4 to 30 wt%, based on weight of the personal care rinse off composition, of a dermatologically acceptable cleaning surfactant, wherein the dermatologically acceptable cleaning surfactant is selected from the group consisting of anionic surfactants, zwitterionic surfactants, nonionic surfactants and mixtures thereof; (c) 0.1 to 10 wt%, based on weight of the personal care rinse off composition, of a nonionic hydrophobically modified cellulose ether; wherein the nonionic hydrophobically modified cellulose ether comprises a cellulose ether base polymer backbone and a linear or branched Cs alkyl hydrophobic group; wherein the cellulose ether base polymer backbone has a weight average molecular weight of > 800,000 Daltons; and (d) 0.01 to 5 wt%, based on weight of the personal care rinse off composition, of a cationic guar polymer; and wherein the personal care rinse off composition comprises < 0.01 wt%, based on weight of the personal care rinse off composition, of an alkyl sulfate surfactant and < 0.01 wt%, based on weight of the personal care rinse off composition, of an alkyl ether sulfate surfactant.

[0005] The present invention provides a personal care rinse off composition, comprising: (a) 40 to 95.89 wt%, based on weight of the personal care rinse off composition, of a dermatologically acceptable aqueous vehicle; (b) 4 to 30 wt%, based on weight of the personal care rinse off composition, of a dermatologically acceptable cleaning surfactant, wherein the dermatologically acceptable cleaning surfactant is selected from the group consisting of anionic surfactants, zwitterionic surfactants, nonionic surfactants and mixtures thereof; (c) 0.1 to 10 wt%, based on weight of the personal care rinse off composition, of a nonionic hydrophobically modified cellulose ether; wherein the nonionic hydrophobically modified cellulose ether comprises a cellulose ether base polymer backbone and a linear or branched Cs alkyl hydrophobic group; wherein the cellulose ether base polymer backbone has a weight average molecular weight of > 800,000 Daltons; and (d) 0.01 to 5 wt%, based on weight of the personal care rinse off composition, of a cationic guar polymer; wherein the personal care rinse off composition comprises < 0.01 wt%, based on weight of the personal care rinse off composition, of an alkyl sulfate surfactant and < 0.01 wt%, based on weight of the personal care rinse off composition, of an alkyl ether sulfate surfactant; and wherein the personal care rinse off composition does not undergo syneresis upon dilution of the aqueous personal care rinse off composition with water.

[0006] The present invention provides a personal care rinse off composition, comprising: (a) 40 to 95.89 wt%, based on weight of the personal care rinse off composition, of a dermatologically acceptable aqueous vehicle; (b) 4 to 30 wt%, based on weight of the personal care rinse off composition, of a dermatologically acceptable cleaning surfactant, wherein the dermatologically acceptable cleaning surfactant is selected from the group consisting of anionic surfactants, zwitterionic surfactants, nonionic surfactants and mixtures thereof; (c) 0.1 to 10 wt%, based on weight of the personal care rinse off composition, of a nonionic hydrophobically modified cellulose ether; wherein the nonionic hydrophobically modified cellulose ether comprises a cellulose ether base polymer backbone and a linear or branched Cs alkyl hydrophobic group; wherein the cellulose ether base polymer backbone has a weight average molecular weight of > 800,000 Daltons; and (d) 0.01 to 5 wt%, based on weight of the personal care rinse off composition, of a cationic guar polymer; wherein the personal care rinse off composition comprises < 0.01 wt%, based on weight of the personal care rinse off composition, of an alkyl sulfate surfactant and < 0.01 wt%, based on weight of the personal care rinse off composition, of an alkyl ether sulfate surfactant; and wherein the dermatologically acceptable cleaning surfactant comprises a mixture of an amphoteric surfactant and an anionic surfactant.

[0007] The present invention provides a personal care rinse off composition, comprising: (a) 40 to 95.89 wt%, based on weight of the personal care rinse off composition, of a dermatologically acceptable aqueous vehicle; (b) 4 to 30 wt%, based on weight of the personal care rinse off composition, of a dermatologically acceptable cleaning surfactant, wherein the dermatologically acceptable cleaning surfactant is selected from the group consisting of anionic surfactants, zwitterionic surfactants, nonionic surfactants and mixtures thereof; (c) 0.1 to 10 wt%, based on weight of the personal care rinse off composition, of a nonionic hydrophobically modified cellulose ether; wherein the nonionic hydrophobically modified cellulose ether comprises a cellulose ether base polymer backbone and a linear or branched Cs alkyl hydrophobic group; wherein the cellulose ether base polymer backbone has a weight average molecular weight of > 800,000 Daltons; and (d) 0.01 to 5 wt%, based on weight of the personal care rinse off composition, of a cationic guar polymer; wherein the personal care rinse off composition comprises < 0.01 wt%, based on weight of the personal care rinse off composition, of an alkyl sulfate surfactant and < 0.01 wt%, based on weight of the personal care rinse off composition, of an alkyl ether sulfate surfactant; wherein the dermatologically acceptable cleaning surfactant comprises a mixture of an amphoteric surfactant and an anionic surfactant; and wherein the nonionic hydrophobically modified cellulose ether comprises > 1 to 4 wt%, based on weight of the nonionic hydrophobically modified cellulose ether, of branched or linear C8 alkyl hydrophobic groups.

[0008] The present invention provides a personal care rinse off composition, comprising: (a) 40 to 95.89 wt%, based on weight of the personal care rinse off composition, of a dermatologically acceptable aqueous vehicle; (b) 4 to 30 wt%, based on weight of the personal care rinse off composition, of a dermatologically acceptable cleaning surfactant, wherein the dermatologically acceptable cleaning surfactant is selected from the group consisting of anionic surfactants, zwitterionic surfactants, nonionic surfactants and mixtures thereof; (c) 0.1 to 10 wt%, based on weight of the personal care rinse off composition, of a nonionic hydrophobically modified cellulose ether; wherein the nonionic hydrophobically modified cellulose ether comprises a cellulose ether base polymer backbone and a linear or branched Cs alkyl hydrophobic group; wherein the cellulose ether base polymer backbone has a weight average molecular weight of > 800,000 Daltons; and (d) 0.01 to 5 wt%, based on weight of the personal care rinse off composition, of a cationic guar polymer; wherein the personal care rinse off composition comprises < 0.01 wt%, based on weight of the personal care rinse off composition, of an alkyl sulfate surfactant and < 0.01 wt%, based on weight of the personal care rinse off composition, of an alkyl ether sulfate surfactant; wherein the dermatologically acceptable cleaning surfactant comprises a mixture of an amphoteric surfactant and an anionic surfactant; wherein the nonionic hydrophobically modified cellulose ether comprises > 1 to 4 wt%, based on weight of the nonionic hydrophobically modified cellulose ether, of branched or linear Cs alkyl hydrophobic groups; and wherein the personal care rinse off composition does not undergo syneresis upon dilution of the aqueous personal care rinse off composition with water.

[0009] The present invention provides a method of cleaning at least one of mammalian skin and hair, comprising: applying a personal care rinse off composition of the present invention to the skin or hair of a mammal; and rinsing the personal care rinse off composition from the skin or hair with a rinse water.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0010] We have surprisingly found that personal care rinse off compositions comprising 4 to 30 wt% dermatologically acceptable cleaning surfactant and cationic guar polymer can be effectively thickened using biosourced/biodegradable nonionic hydrophobically modified cellulose ether comprising a cellulose ether base polymer backbone and linear or branched Cs alkyl hydrophobic groups; wherein the cellulose ether base polymer backbone has a weight average molecular weight of >800,000 Daltons.

[0011] Unless otherwise indicated, ratios, percentages, parts, and the like are by weight. [0012] As used herein, unless otherwise indicated, the phrase "molecular weight" or MW refers to the weight average molecular weight as measured in a conventional manner with gel permeation chromatography (GPC) and conventional standards, such as polystyrene molecular weight standards. GPC techniques are discussed in detail in Modem Size Exclusion Liquid Chromatography - Practice of Gel Permeation and Gel Filtration Chromatography, Second Edition, A.M. Striegel, W. W. Yau, J. J. Kirkland, D. D. Bly; John Wiley & Sons, Inc. 2009. Molecular weights are reported herein in units of Daltons, or equivalently, g/mol.

[0013] The term "dermatologically acceptable" as used herein and in the appended refers to ingredients that are typically used for topical application to the skin, and is intended to underscore that materials that are toxic when present in the amounts typically found in skin care compositions are not contemplated as part of the present invention.

[0014] Preferably, the personal care rinse off composition of the present invention is selected from the group consisting of a shampoo, a conditioning shampoo, a body wash, an exfoliating body wash, a facial wash, an exfoliating facial wash and a liquid hand soap. More preferably, the personal care rinse off composition of the present invention is selected from the group consisting of a shampoo, a conditioning shampoo, body wash, a facial wash and a Equid hand soap. Most preferably, the personal care rinse off composition of the present invention is selected from the group consisting of a shampoo and a conditioning shampoo.

[0015] Preferably, the personal care rinse off composition of the present invention, comprises: (a) 40 to 95.89 wt% (preferably, 50 to 94.8 wt%; more preferably, 65 to 92.2 wt%; most preferably, 75 to 90.3 wt%), based on weight of the personal care rinse off composition, of a dermatologically acceptable aqueous vehicle; (b) 4 to 30 wt% (preferably, 5 to 25 wt%; more preferably, 7.5 to 20 wt%; most preferably, 9 to 15 wt%), based on weight of the personal care rinse off composition, of a dermatologically acceptable cleaning surfactant, wherein the dermatologically acceptable cleaning surfactant is selected from the group consisting of anionic surfactants, zwitterionic surfactants, nonionic surfactants and mixtures thereof; (c) 0.1 to 10 wt% (preferably, 0.15 to 3 wt%; more preferably, 0.2 to 2 wt%; most preferably, 0.5 to 1.5 wt%), based on weight of the personal care rinse off composition, of a nonionic hydrophobically modified cellulose ether; wherein the nonionic hydrophobically modified cellulose ether comprises a cellulose ether base polymer backbone and linear or branched Cs alkyl hydrophobic groups; wherein the cellulose ether base polymer backbone has a weight average molecular weight of > 800,000 Daltons (preferably, 850,000 to 3,500,000 Daltons; more preferably, 900,000 to 3,000,000 Daltons; still more preferably, 950,000 to 2,500,000 Daltons; most preferably, 950,000 to 2,000,000 Daltons); and (d) 0.01 to 5 wt%, (preferably, 0.05 to 2 wt; more preferably, 0.1 to 1 wt%; most preferably, 0.2 to 0.5 wt%), based on weight of the personal care rinse off formulation, a cationic guar polymer; wherein the personal care rinse off composition comprises < 0.01 wt% (preferably, < 0.001 wt%; more preferably, < 0.0001 wt%; most preferably, less than detectable limit), based on weight of the personal care rinse off composition of an alkyl sulfate surfactant (e.g., sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS)) and < 0.01 wt% (preferably, < 0.001 wt%; more preferably, < 0.0001 wt%; most preferably, less than detectable limit), based on weight of the personal care rinse off composition of an alkyl ether sulfate surfactant (e.g., sodium laureth sulfate (SLES)).

[0016] More preferably, the personal care rinse off composition of the present invention, comprises: (a) 40 to 95.89 wt% (preferably, 50 to 94.8 wt%; more preferably, 65 to 92.2 wt%; most preferably, 75 to 90.3 wt%), based on weight of the personal care rinse off composition, of a dermatologically acceptable aqueous vehicle; (b) 4 to 30 wt% (preferably, 5 to 25 wt%; more preferably, 7.5 to 20 wt%; most preferably, 9 to 15 wt%), based on weight of the personal care rinse off composition, of a dermatologically acceptable cleaning surfactant, wherein the dermatologically acceptable cleaning surfactant is selected from the group consisting of anionic surfactants, zwitterionic surfactants, nonionic surfactants and mixtures thereof; (c) 0.1 to 10 wt% (preferably, 0.15 to 3 wt%; more preferably, 0.2 to 2 wt%; most preferably, 0.5 to 1.5 wt%), based on weight of the personal care rinse off composition, of a nonionic hydrophobically modified cellulose ether; wherein the nonionic hydrophobically modified cellulose ether comprises a cellulose ether base polymer backbone and linear or branched Cg alkyl hydrophobic groups; wherein the cellulose ether base polymer backbone has a weight average molecular weight of > 800,000 Daltons (preferably, 850,000 to 3,500,000 Daltons; more preferably, 900,000 to 3,000,000 Daltons; still more preferably, 950,000 to 2,500,000 Daltons; most preferably, 950,000 to 2,000,000 Daltons); and (d) 0.01 to 5 wt%, (preferably, 0.05 to 2 wt; more preferably, 0.1 to 1 wt%; most preferably, 0.2 to 0.5 wt%), based on weight of the personal care rinse off formulation, a cationic guar polymer; wherein the personal care rinse off composition comprises < 0.01 wt% (preferably, < 0.001 wt%; more preferably, < 0.0001 wt%; most preferably, less than detectable limit), based on weight of the personal care rinse off composition of an alkyl sulfate surfactant (e.g., sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS)) and < 0.01 wt% (preferably, < 0.001 wt%; more preferably, < 0.0001 wt%; most preferably, less than detectable limit), based on weight of the personal care rinse off composition of an alkyl ether sulfate surfactant (e.g., sodium laureth sulfate (SLES)); and wherein the personal care rinse off composition does not undergo syneresis upon dilution of the personal care rinse off composition with water. [0017] Most preferably, the personal care rinse off composition of the present invention, comprises: (a) 40 to 95.89 wt% (preferably, 50 to 94.8 wt%; more preferably, 65 to 92.2 wt%; most preferably, 75 to 90.3 wt%), based on weight of the personal care rinse off composition, of a dermatologically acceptable aqueous vehicle; (b) 4 to 30 wt% (preferably, 5 to 25 wt%; more preferably, 7.5 to 20 wt%; most preferably, 9 to 15 wt%), based on weight of the personal care rinse off composition, of a dermatologically acceptable cleaning surfactant, wherein the dermatologically acceptable cleaning surfactant is selected from the group consisting of anionic surfactants, zwitterionic surfactants, nonionic surfactants and mixtures thereof; (c) 0.1 to 10 wt% (preferably, 0.15 to 3 wt%; more preferably, 0.2 to 2 wt%; most preferably, 0.5 to 1.5 wt%), based on weight of the personal care rinse off composition, of a nonionic hydrophobically modified cellulose ether; wherein the nonionic hydrophobically modified cellulose ether comprises a cellulose ether base polymer backbone and linear or branched Cs alkyl hydrophobic groups; wherein the cellulose ether base polymer backbone has a weight average molecular weight of > 800,000 Daltons (preferably, 850,000 to 3,500,000 Daltons; more preferably, 900,000 to 3,000,000 Daltons; still more preferably, 950,000 to 2,500,000 Daltons; most preferably, 950,000 to 2,000,000 Daltons); and (d) 0.01 to 5 wt%, (preferably, 0.05 to 2 wt; more preferably, 0.1 to 1 wt%; most preferably, 0.2 to 0.5 wt%), based on weight of the personal care rinse off formulation, a cationic guar polymer; wherein the personal care rinse off composition comprises < 0.01 wt% (preferably, < 0.001 wt%; more preferably, < 0.0001 wt%; most preferably, less than detectable limit), based on weight of the personal care rinse off composition of an alkyl sulfate surfactant (e.g., sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS)) and < 0.01 wt% (preferably, < 0.001 wt%; more preferably, < 0.0001 wt%; most preferably, less than detectable limit), based on weight of the personal care rinse off composition of an alkyl ether sulfate surfactant (e.g., sodium laureth sulfate (SLES)); with any one or more (preferably, all) of the following provisos (i)-(v)(all provisos taken individually, all possible combinations of two or more provisos and all of the provisos together are contemplated):

(i) with the proviso that the personal care rinse off composition does not undergo syneresis upon dilution of the aqueous personal care rinse off composition with water;

(ii) with the proviso that the personal care rinse off formulation comprises < 0.01 wt% (preferably, < 0.001 wt%; more preferably, < 0.0001 wt%; still more preferably, < 0.00001 wt%; most preferably, less than detectable limit), based on weight of the personal care rinse off formulation, of hydrophobic cellulose ether; wherein the hydrophobic cellulose ether comprises a cellulose ether base material having (a) nonionic hydroxyalkyl substitutions (e.g., hydroxyethyl) and (b) C10-24 alkyl or alkenyl substitutions;

(iii) with the proviso that the personal care rinse off formulation comprises < 0.01 wt% (preferably, < 0.001 wt%; more preferably, < 0.0001 wt%; still more preferably, < 0.00001 wt%; most preferably, less than detectable limit), based on weight of the personal care rinse off formulation, of a cationically modified cellulose ether comprising (I) a base cellulose ether (e.g., hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, ethyl hydroxyethyl cellulose, methyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl methyl cellulose and mixtures thereof); and (II) quaternary ammonium groups of formula A bound to a pendent oxygen on the base cellulose ether wherein pendant oxygen on the base cellulose ether; wherein X is a divalent linking group bonding the quaternary ammonium moiety to the pendent oxygen on the base cellulose ether (e.g., divalent hydrocarbon groups, which may optionally be substituted with a hydroxy group, an alkoxy group or an ether group); wherein each R¹ is independently selected from the group consisting of a C1-4 alkyl group;

(iv) with the proviso that the personal care rinse off formulation comprises < 0.01 wt% (preferably, < 0.001 wt%; more preferably, < 0.0001 wt%; still more preferably, < 0.00001 wt%; most preferably, less than detectable limit), based on weight of the personal care rinse off formulation, of a quaternary cellulose ether comprising (I) a cellulose ether polymer (e.g., methyl cellulose, hydroxymethyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl ethylcellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, hydroxybutyl cellulose and mixtures thereof) and (II) quaternary groups of formula B bound to a pendent oxygen on the cellulose ether polymer wherein pendant oxygen on the cellulose ether polymer; wherein Z is a divalent Unking group bonding the quaternary groups to the pendent oxygen on the cellulose ether polymer (e.g., divalent hydrocarbon groups, which may optionally be substituted with a hydroxy group, an alkoxy group or an ether group); wherein each R² is independently selected from an C1-22 alkyl group, with the proviso that one of the R² groups is a C2-22 alkyl group; and

(v) with the proviso that the personal care rinse off formulation of the present invention comprises < 0.001 wt% (preferably, < 0.0001 wt%; more preferably, < 0.00001 wt%; most preferably, less than detectable limit), based on weight of the personal care rinse off formulation, of a hydrophobic cellulose ether comprising a hydrophilic cellulose backbone and a hydrophobic substitution group; wherein the hydrophilic cellulose backbone is selected from the group consisting of methyl cellulose, hydroxymethyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl ethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose, hydroxybutyl cellulose and mixtures thereof; wherein the hydrophobic substitution group is grafted to the hydrophilic cellulose backbone; wherein the hydrophobic substitution group is a straight or branched chain alkyl group of from 10 to 22 carbons; and wherein the ratio of the hydrophilic groups in the hydrophilic cellulose backbone to the hydrophobic substitution groups is 2:1 to 1,000:1.

[0018] Preferably, the personal care rinse off composition of the present invention, comprises: 40 to 95.89 wt% (preferably, 50 to 94.8 wt%; more preferably, 65 to 92.2 wt%; most preferably, 75 to 90.3 wt%), based on weight of the personal care rinse off composition, of a dermatologically acceptable aqueous vehicle; wherein the dermatologically acceptable aqueous vehicle comprises water. More preferably, the personal care rinse off composition of the present invention, comprises: 40 to 95.89 wt% (preferably, 50 to 94.8 wt%; more preferably, 65 to 92.2 wt%; most preferably, 75 to 90.3 wt%), based on weight of the personal care rinse off composition, of a dermatologically acceptable aqueous vehicle; wherein the dermatologically acceptable aqueous vehicle is selected from the group consisting of water and an aqueous C1.4 alcohol mixture. Most preferably, the personal care rinse off composition of the present invention, comprises: 40 to 95.89 wt% (preferably, 50 to 94.8 wt%; more preferably, 65 to 92.2 wt%; most preferably, 75 to 90.3 wt%), based on weight of the personal care rinse off composition, of a dermatologically acceptable aqueous vehicle, wherein the dermatologically acceptable aqueous vehicle is water.

[0019] Preferably, the water used in the personal care rinse off composition of the present invention is at least one of distilled water and deionized water. More preferably, the water used in the personal care rinse off composition of the present invention is distilled and deionized.

[0020] Preferably, the personal care rinse off composition of the present invention comprises 4 to 30 wt% (preferably, 5 to 25 wt%; more preferably, 7.5 to 20 wt%; most preferably, 9 to 15 wt%), based on weight of the personal care rinse off composition, of a dermatologically acceptable cleaning surfactant; wherein the dermatologically acceptable cleaning surfactant is selected from the group consisting of anionic surfactants, zwitterionic surfactants, nonionic surfactants and mixtures thereof; and wherein the personal care rinse off composition comprises < 0.01 wt% (preferably, < 0.001 wt%; more preferably, < 0.0001 wt%; most preferably, less than detectable limit), based on weight of the personal care rinse off composition of an alkyl sulfate surfactant (e.g., sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS)) and < 0.01 wt% (preferably, < 0.001 wt%; more preferably, < 0.0001 wt%; most preferably, less than detectable limit), based on weight of the personal care rinse off composition of an alkyl ether sulfate surfactant (e.g., sodium laureth sulfate (SLES)). More preferably, the personal care rinse off composition of the present invention comprises 4 to 30 wt% (preferably, 5 to 25 wt%; more preferably, 7.5 to 20 wt%; most preferably, 9 to 15 wt%), based on weight of the personal care rinse off composition, of a dermatologically acceptable cleaning surfactant; wherein the dermatologically acceptable cleaning surfactant comprises an anionic surfactant selected from the group consisting of glycinates (e.g., sodium cocoyl glycinate); taurates (e.g., sodium methyl cocoyl taurate); glutamates (e.g., sodium cocoyl glutamate); sarcosinates (e.g., sodium lauroyl sarcosinate); isethionates (e.g., sodium cocoyl isethionate, sodium lauroyl methyl isethionate); sulfoacetates (e.g., sodium lauryl sulfoacetate); alaninates (e.g., sodium cocoyl alaninate); sulfonates (e.g., sodium C14-16 olefin sulfonate), succinates (e.g., disodium lauryl sulfosuccinate) and mixtures thereof; and wherein the personal care rinse off composition comprises < 0.01 wt% (preferably, < 0.001 wt%; more preferably, < 0.0001 wt%; most preferably, less than detectable limit), based on weight of the personal care rinse off composition of an alkyl sulfate surfactant (e.g., sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS)) and < 0.01 wt% (preferably, < 0.001 wt%; more preferably, < 0.0001 wt%; most preferably, less than detectable limit), based on weight of the personal care rinse off composition of an alkyl ether sulfate surfactant (e.g., sodium laureth sulfate (SLES)). Most preferably, the personal care rinse off composition of the present invention comprises 4 to 30 wt% (preferably, 5 to 25 wt%; more preferably, 7.5 to 20 wt%; most preferably, 9 to 15 wt%), based on weight of the personal care rinse off composition, of a dermatologically acceptable cleaning surfactant; wherein the dermatologically acceptable cleaning surfactant comprises an anionic surfactant selected from the group consisting of glycinates (e.g., sodium cocoyl glycinate); taurates (e.g., sodium methyl cocoyl taurate); glutamates (e.g., sodium cocoyl glutamate); sarcosinates (e.g., sodium lauroyl sarcosinate); isethionates (e.g., sodium cocoyl isethionate, sodium lauroyl methyl isethionate); sulfoacetates (e.g., sodium lauryl sulfoacetate); alaninates (e.g., sodium cocoyl alaninate); sulfonates (e.g., sodium C14-16 olefin sulfonate), succinates (e.g., disodium lauryl sulfosuccinate) and mixtures thereof; and wherein the personal care rinse off composition comprises < 0.01 wt% (preferably, < 0.001 wt%; more preferably, < 0.0001 wt%; most preferably, less than detectable limit), based on weight of the personal care rinse off composition of an alkyl sulfate surfactant (e.g., sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS)) and < 0.01 wt% (preferably, < 0.001 wt%; more preferably, < 0.0001 wt%; most preferably, less than detectable limit), based on weight of the personal care rinse off composition of an alkyl ether sulfate surfactant (e.g., sodium laureth sulfate (SLES)).

[0021] Preferably, the personal care rinse off composition of the present invention comprises 4 to 30 wt% (preferably, 5 to 25 wt%; more preferably, 7.5 to 20 wt%; most preferably, 9 to 15 wt%), based on weight of the personal care rinse off composition, of a dermatologically acceptable cleaning surfactant; wherein the dermatologically acceptable cleaning surfactant comprises a mixture of an anionic surfactant and a amphoteric surfactant; and wherein the personal care rinse off composition comprises < 0.01 wt% (preferably, < 0.001 wt%; more preferably, < 0.0001 wt%; most preferably, less than detectable limit), based on weight of the personal care rinse off composition of an alkyl sulfate surfactant and < 0.01 wt% (preferably, < 0.001 wt%; more preferably, < 0.0001 wt%; most preferably, less than detectable limit), based on weight of the personal care rinse off composition of an alkyl ether sulfate surfactant. More preferably, the personal care rinse off composition of the present invention comprises 4 to 30 wt% (preferably, 5 to 25 wt%; more preferably, 7.5 to 20 wt%; most preferably, 9 to 15 wt%), based on weight of the personal care rinse off composition, of a dermatologically acceptable cleaning surfactant; wherein the dermatologically acceptable cleaning surfactant comprises a mixture of an anionic surfactant and a amphoteric surfactant; wherein the anionic surfactant is selected from the group consisting of glycinates (e.g., sodium cocoyl glycinate); taurates (e.g., sodium methyl cocoyl taurate); glutamates (e.g., sodium cocoyl glutamate); sarcosinates (e.g., sodium lauroyl sarcosinate); isethionates (e.g., sodium cocoyl isethionate, sodium lauroyl methyl isethionate); sulfoacetates (e.g., sodium lauryl sulfoacetate); alaninates (e.g., sodium cocoyl alaninate); sulfonates (e.g., sodium C14-16 olefin sulfonate), succinates (e.g., disodium lauryl sulfosuccinate) and mixtures thereof; wherein the amphoteric surfactant is selected from the group consisting of betaines (e.g., alkyl betaines such as trimethylglycine and cetyl betaine; and amido betaines such as cocamidopropyl betaine); amphoacetates (e.g., sodium cocoamphoacetate); sultaines (e.g., cocamidopropyl hydroxysultaine) and mixtures thereof; and wherein the personal care rinse off composition comprises < 0.01 wt% (preferably, < 0.001 wt%; more preferably, < 0.0001 wt%; most preferably, less than detectable limit), based on weight of the personal care rinse off composition of an alkyl sulfate surfactant and < 0.01 wt% (preferably, < 0.001 wt%; more preferably, < 0.0001 wt%; most preferably, less than detectable limit), based on weight of the personal care rinse off composition of an alkyl ether sulfate surfactant. Most preferably, the personal care rinse off composition of the present invention comprises 4 to 30 wt% (preferably, 5 to 25 wt%; more preferably, 7.5 to 20 wt%; most preferably, 9 to 15 wt%), based on weight of the personal care rinse off composition, of a dermatologically acceptable cleaning surfactant; wherein the dermatologically acceptable cleaning surfactant comprises a mixture of cocamidopropyl betaine and an anionic surfactant selected from the group consisting of sodium lauryl sarcosinate; sodium olefin sulfonate; sodium cocoyl glycinate; sodium cocoyl alaninate and mixtures thereof; and wherein the personal care rinse off composition comprises < 0.01 wt% (preferably, < 0.001 wt%; more preferably, < 0.0001 wt%; most preferably, less than detectable limit), based on weight of the personal care rinse off composition of an alkyl sulfate surfactant and < 0.01 wt% (preferably, < 0.001 wt%; more preferably, < 0.0001 wt%; most preferably, less than detectable limit), based on weight of the personal care rinse off composition of an alkyl ether sulfate surfactant.

[0022] Preferably, the dermatologically acceptable cleaning surfactant is soluble in water at the concentration included in the personal care rinse off composition at 25 °C and standard atmospheric pressure. [0023] Preferably, the personal care rinse off composition of the present invention comprises 0.1 to 10 wt% (preferably, 0.15 to 3 wt%; more preferably, 0.2 to 2 wt%; most preferably, 0.5 to 1.5 wt%), based on weight of the personal care rinse off composition, of a nonionic hydrophobically modified cellulose ether; wherein the nonionic hydrophobically modified cellulose ether comprises a cellulose ether base polymer backbone and linear or branched Cs alkyl hydrophobic groups; wherein the cellulose ether base polymer backbone has a weight average molecular weight of > 800,000 Daltons (preferably, 850,000 to 3,500,000 Daltons; more preferably, 900,000 to 3,000,000 Daltons; still more preferably, 950,000 to 2,500,000 Daltons; yet more preferably, 1,000,000 to 2,000,000 Daltons; most preferably, 1,200,000 to 1,800,000 Daltons).

[0024] Preferably, the cellulose ether polymer backbone is selected from the group consisting of hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, ethyl hydroxyethyl cellulose, methyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl methyl cellulose and mixtures thereof. More preferably, the cellulose ether polymer backbone is selected from the group consisting of hydroxy ethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose and mixtures thereof. Most preferably, the cellulose ether polymer backbone is hydroxyethyl cellulose.

[0025] Preferably, the personal care rinse off composition of the present invention comprises 0.1 to 10 wt% (preferably, 0.15 to 3 wt%; more preferably, 0.2 to 2 wt%; most preferably, 0.5 to 1.5 wt%), based on weight of the personal care rinse off composition, of a nonionic hydrophobically modified cellulose ether; wherein the nonionic hydrophobically modified cellulose ether comprises a cellulose ether base polymer backbone and linear or branched Cs alkyl hydrophobic groups; wherein the linear or branched Cs alkyl hydrophobic groups are bound to the cellulose ether base polymer backbone through at least one of an ether linkage (e.g., an ether linkage alone or an ether linkage and a 2-hydroxypropyl group), an ester linkage, an amide linkage and a urethane linkage. More preferably, the personal care rinse off composition of the present invention comprises 0.1 to 10 wt% (preferably, 0.15 to 3 wt%; more preferably, 0.2 to 2 wt%; most preferably, 0.5 to 1.5 wt%), based on weight of the personal care rinse off composition, of a nonionic hydrophobically modified cellulose ether; wherein the nonionic hydrophobically modified cellulose ether comprises a cellulose ether base polymer backbone and linear or branched Cs alkyl hydrophobic groups; wherein the linear or branched Cs alkyl hydrophobic groups are bound to the cellulose ether base polymer backbone via an ether linkage alone (as in Formula I) or an ether linkage and a 2-hydroxypropyl group (as in Formula II) wherein Cell — O is the cellulose ether base polymer backbone and wherein R is linear or branched Cs alkyl hydrophobic groups.

[0026] Preferably, the personal care rinse off composition of the present invention comprises 0.1 to 10 wt% (preferably, 0.15 to 3 wt%; more preferably, 0.2 to 2 wt%; most preferably, 0.5 to 1.5 wt%), based on weight of the personal care rinse off composition, of a nonionic hydrophobically modified cellulose ether; wherein the nonionic hydrophobically modified cellulose ether comprises a cellulose ether base polymer backbone and linear or branched C8 alkyl hydrophobic groups; wherein the nonionic hydrophobically modified cellulose ether has linear or branched Cs alkyl hydrophobic group substitution of > 1 to 4 wt% (preferably, 1.25 to 3.5 wt%; more preferably, 1.5 to 3.25 wt%; still more preferably, 1.75 to 3.0 wt%; most preferably, 1.8 to 2.75 wt%), based on weight of the nonionic hydrophobically modified cellulose ether.

[0027] Preferably, the personal care rinse off formulation of the present invention comprises 0.01 to 5 wt%, (preferably, 0.05 to 2 wt; more preferably, 0.1 to 1 wt%; most preferably, 0.2 to 0.5 wt%), based on weight of the personal care rinse off formulation, a cationic guar polymer. More preferably, the personal care rinse off formulation of the present invention comprises 0.01 to 5 wt%, (preferably, 0.05 to 2 wt; more preferably, 0.1 to 1 wt%; most preferably, 0.2 to 0.5 wt%), based on weight of the personal care rinse off formulation, a cationic guar polymer; wherein the cationic guar polymer is a guar hydroxypropyltrimonium chloride (e.g., JAGUAR® C-13S).

[0028] Preferably, the cationic guar polymer has a Kjeldahl nitrogen content, TKN, of 0.75 to 3 wt% (preferably, 0.8 to 2.75 wt%; more preferably, 1 to 2.5 wt%; most preferably, 1.2 to 2.0 wt%)(preferably measured using a Buchi KjelMaster K-375 automated analyzer, corrected for volatiles and ash measured as described in ASTM method D-2364).

[0029] Preferably, the personal care rinse off composition of the present invention, optionally further comprises an additional ingredient selected from the group consisting of an absorbent; an aesthetic enhancer (e.g., starch); an alpha hydroxy acid; an antiaging agent; an antidandruff agent; an antifungal; an antimicrobial agent; an antioxidant (e.g., butylated hydroxytoluene); an antiseptic; an antistatic agent; a bioactive agent; a bleaching agent; a cationic surfactant; a chelating agent; a colorant; a conditioning agent (e.g., silicone, natural oil); a dye; an emollient; an emulsifying agent; a film former (e.g., water proofing agent); a fixative polymer; a foaming agent; a fragrance; a hair repair agent; a hard particle; a humectant (e.g., glycerin, sorbitol, monoglycerides, lecithins, glycolipids, fatty alcohols, fatty acids, polysaccharides, sorbitan esters, polysorbates (e.g., Polysorbate 20, Polysorbate 40, Polysorbate 60, and Polysorbate 80), diols (e.g., propylene glycol), diol analogs, triols, triol analogs, cationic polymeric polyols); a lubricating agent; a nonionic surfactant; an opacifier; a pearlizing agent; a penetrant; a pH adjusting agent; a pigment; a plant extract; a preservative (e.g., benzoic acid, sorbic acid, phenoxyethanol); a protein/amino acid; a rheology modifier; a salt (e.g., NaCl); a sensory modifier; a slip agent; a soap; a soft particle; a sunscreen additive; a suspending agent; a UV light inhibitor; a vitamin; a volumizing agent and mixtures thereof.

[0030] Preferably, the personal care rinse off composition of the present invention, further comprises 0 to 10 wt% (preferably, 0 to 3 wt%), based on weight of the personal care rinse off composition, of a salt (e.g., NaCl).

[0031] Preferably, the personal care rinse off composition of the present invention, further comprises an antimicrobial agent. More preferably, the personal care rinse off composition of the present invention, further comprises an antimicrobial agent; wherein the antimicrobial agent is selected from the group consisting of phenoxyethanol, benzoic acid, benzyl alcohol, sodium benzoate, DMDM hydantoin, 2-ethylhexyl glyceryl ether and isothiazolinone (e.g., methylchloroisothiazolinone, methylisothiazolinone). Still more preferably, the personal care rinse off composition of the present invention, further comprises an antimicrobial agent; wherein the antimicrobial agent is an isothiazolinone (more preferably, wherein the antimicrobial is selected from the group consisting of methylisothiazolinone, methylchloroisothiazolinone and mixtures thereof; most preferably, wherein the biocide is methylisothiazolinone).

[0032] Preferably, the personal care rinse off composition has a viscosity > 2,000 cP at 21 °C (preferably, 2,000 to 50,000 cP at 21 °C; more preferably, 2,500 to 30,000 cP at 21 °C; still more preferably, 3,000 to 25,000 cP at 21 °C; yet more preferably, 4,000 to 20,000 cP at 21 °C; most preferably, 5,000 to 15,000 cP at 21 °C)(preferably, measured after 24 hours in a temperature-controlled room (21 °C.), using a TA Instruments DHR-3 rheometer equipped with an upper 40 nun 2° stainless steel cone and plate and a lower flat plate, from the steady state value of viscosity at a shear rate of 35 s ¹ taken after a stabilization time of one minute).

[0033] Preferably, the personal care rinse off composition of the present invention does not undergo syneresis upon dilution of the personal care rinse off composition with water.

[0034] Preferably, the personal care rinse off composition of the present invention comprises

< 0.01 wt% (preferably, < 0.001 wt%; more preferably, < 0.0001 wt%; still more preferably,

< 0.00001 wt%; most preferably, less than detectable limit), based on weight of the personal care rinse off composition, of hydrophobic cellulose ether; wherein the hydrophobic cellulose ether comprises a cellulose ether base material having (a) nonionic hydroxyalkyl substitutions (e.g., hydroxyethyl) and (b) C10-24 alkyl or alkenyl substitutions.

[0035] Preferably, the personal care rinse off formulation of the present invention comprises

< 0.01 wt% (preferably, < 0.001 wt%; more preferably, < 0.0001 wt%; still more preferably,

< 0.00001 wt%; most preferably, less than detectable limit), based on weight of the personal care rinse off formulation, of a cationically modified cellulose ether comprising (I) a base cellulose ether (e.g., hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, ethyl hydroxyethyl cellulose, methyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl methyl cellulose and mixtures thereof); and (II) quaternary ammonium groups of formula A bound to a pendent oxygen on the base cellulose ether wherein pendant oxygen on the base cellulose ether; wherein X is a divalent linking group bonding the quaternary ammonium moiety to the pendent oxygen on the base cellulose ether (e.g., divalent hydrocarbon groups, which may optionally be substituted with a hydroxy group, an alkoxy group or an ether group); wherein each R¹ is independently selected from the group consisting of a C1-4 alkyl group.

[0036] Preferably, the personal care rinse off composition of the present invention comprises

< 0.01 wt% (preferably, < 0.001 wt%; more preferably, < 0.0001 wt%; still more preferably, < 0.00001 wt%; most preferably, less than detectable limit), based on weight of the personal care rinse off composition, of a quaternary cellulose ether comprising a cellulose ether polymer (e.g., methyl cellulose, hydroxymethyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl ethylcellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, hydroxybutyl cellulose and mixtures thereof) and quaternary groups of formula B bound to a pendent oxygen on the cellulose ether polymer wherein pendant oxygen on the cellulose ether polymer; wherein Z is a divalent Unking group bonding the quaternary groups to the pendent oxygen on the ceUulose ether polymer (e.g., divalent hydrocarbon groups, which may optionaUy be substituted with a hydroxy group, an alkoxy group or an ether group); wherein each R³ is independently selected from an C1-22 alkyl group, with the proviso that one of the R³ groups is a C2-22 alkyl group.

[0037] Preferable, the personal care rinse off composition of the present invention comprises

< 0.001 wt% (preferably, < 0.0001 wt%; more preferably, < 0.00001 wt%; most preferably, less than detectable Emit), based on weight of the personal care rinse off composition, of a hydrophobic ceUulose ether comprising a hydrophihc ceUulose backbone and a hydrophobic substitution group; wherein the hydrophilic ceUulose backbone is selected from the group consisting of methyl ceUulose, hydroxymethyl ceUulose, hydroxyethyl ceUulose, hydroxyethyl ethyl ceUulose, hydroxypropyl ceUulose, hydroxypropyl methyl ceUulose, hydroxybutyl ceUulose and mixtures thereof; wherein the hydrophobic substitution group is grafted to the hydrophilic ceUulose backbone; wherein the hydrophobic substitution group is a straight or branched chain alkyl group of from 10 to 22 carbons; and wherein the ratio of the hydrophihc groups in the hydrophihc ceUulose backbone to the hydrophobic substitution groups is 2:1 to 1,000:1.

[0038] Preferably, the method of cleaning at least one of mammahan skin and hair (preferably, at least one of human skin and hair) of the present invention, comprises: applying a personal care rinse off composition of the present invention to the skin or hair of a mammal (preferably, skin or hair of a human); and rinsing the personal care rinse off composition from the skin or hair with a rinse water.

[0039] Some embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail in the following Examples.

Synthesis SI; Branched Cs alkyl Modified Hydroxyethyl Cellulose (B-Cs hmHEC) [0040] A 500 mL, four-necked, flask was charged with hydroxyethyl cellulose (33.5 g, CELLOSIZE™ QP-52000H from The Dow Chemical Company), isopropyl alcohol (157 g) and deionized water (23 g). An addition funnel was then charged with a mixture of ethyl hexyl glycidyl ether (6.1 g) and isopropyl alcohol (9.0 g). While stirring the contents of the flask, the head space was purged with a slow, steady flow of nitrogen for one hour to remove any entrained oxygen. With continued stirring, a 50% aqueous sodium hydroxide solution (6.13 g) was then added drop wise to the flask contents using a plastic syringe. Following addition of the sodium hydroxide solution, the flask contents were allowed to stir for one hour. Then the contents of the addition funnel were added drop wise into the flask. The contents of the flask were then stirred under nitrogen for 20 minutes. The contents of the flask were then heated under nitrogen using a heating mantle and allowed to reflux for 4.5 hours.

[0041] The contents of the flask were then cooled by placing the flask in an ice water bath while maintaining a positive nitrogen pressure on the flask contents. The contents of the flask were then neutralized via the addition thereto of glacial acetic acid (5.4 g) using a syringe. The contents of the flask were then stirred for 10 minutes under nitrogen. The contents of the flask were then vacuum filtered through a large fritted metal Buchner funnel. The resulting filter cake was then washed three consecutive times in the Buchner funnel. First the filter cake was washed by adding a mixture of water (36 g) and isopropyl alcohol (164 g) to the filter cake in the Buchner funnel and stirring the contents for five minutes followed by vacuum removal of the wash liquor through the Buchner funnel. Then the filter cake was washed by adding a mixture of water (20 g) and isopropyl alcohol (180 g) to the filter cake in the Buchner funnel and stirring the contents for five minutes followed by vacuum removal of the wash liquor through the Buchner funnel. Finally, the filter cake was washed by adding a mixture of isopropyl alcohol (200 g), 40% aqueous glyoxal (0.44 g) and acetic acid (0.14 g) to the filter cake in the Buchner funnel and stirring the contents for five minutes followed by vacuum removal of the wash liquor through the Buchner funnel. The filter cake was then briefly air-dried before being dried overnight under vacuum at 50 °C. The filter cake was then manually ground using a mortar and pestle and then sieved through a #30 U.S. sieve mesh to provide the product B-Cs hmHEC.

Synthesis S2: Linear Cs alkyl Hydroxyethyl Cellulose (L-Cs hmHEC)

[0042] A 2000 mL, four-necked, flask was charged with hydroxyethyl cellulose (124.8 g, CELLOSIZE™ QP-52000H from The Dow Chemical Company), isopropyl alcohol (654 g) and deionized water (107 g). An addition funnel was then charged with a mixture of octyl bromide (23.4 g) and isopropyl alcohol (35.9 g). While stirring the contents of the flask, the head space was purged with a slow, steady flow of nitrogen for one hour to remove any entrained oxygen. With continued stirring, a 50% aqueous sodium hydroxide solution (21.9 g) was then added drop wise to the flask contents using a plastic syringe. Following the addition of the sodium hydroxide solution, the flask contents were allowed to stir for one hour. Then the contents of the addition funnel were added drop wise into the flask. The contents of the flask were then stirred under nitrogen for 20 minutes. The contents of the flask were then heated under nitrogen using a heating mantle and allowed to reflux for 4.5 hours.

[0043] The contents of the flask were then cooled by placing the flask in an ice water bath while maintaining a positive nitrogen pressure on the flask contents. The contents of the flask were then neutralized via the addition thereto of glacial acetic acid (33.9 g) using a syringe. The contents of the flask were then stirred for 10 minutes under nitrogen. The contents of the flask were then vacuum filtered through a large, fritted metal Buchner funnel. The resulting filter cake was then washed three consecutive times in the Buchner funnel. First the filter cake was washed by adding a mixture of water (144 g) and isopropyl alcohol (656 g) to the filter cake in the Buchner funnel and stirring the contents for five minutes followed by vacuum removal of the wash liquor through the Buchner funnel. Then the filter cake was washed by adding a mixture of water (60 g) and isopropyl alcohol (720 g) to the filter cake in the Buchner funnel and stirring the contents for five minutes followed by vacuum removal of the wash liquor through the Buchner funnel. Finally, the filter cake was washed by adding a mixture of isopropyl alcohol (800 g), 40% aqueous glyoxal (1.77 g) and acetic acid (0.6 g) to the filter cake in the Buchner funnel and stirring the contents for five minutes followed by vacuum removal of the wash liquor through the Buchner funnel. The filter cake was then briefly air-dried before being dried overnight under vacuum at 50 °C. The filter cake was then manually ground using a mortar and pestle and then sieved through a #30 U.S. sieve mesh to provide the product L-Cg hmHEC.

Synthesis S3: Ci6 alkyl Modified Hydroxyethyl Cellulose hmHEC)

[0044] A pressure vessel was fitted with a mechanical stirring paddle, a nitrogen inlet, a rubber serum cap, and a reflux condenser connected to a mineral oil bubbler. The vessel was charged with wood pulp (14.8 g, Biofloc XV wood pulp from Tembec), isopropyl alcohol (173 g), and distilled water (27 g). While stirring it contents, the vessel was purged with nitrogen for one hour to remove any entrained oxygen in the system. While stirring under nitrogen, a 50% aqueous sodium hydroxide solution (10.24 g) was added dropwise over five minutes using a syringe. The vessel contents were then allowed to stir for 30 minutes under nitrogen. A charge of freshly distilled ethylene oxide (19.0 g) was then added to the vessel with continuous stirring. The vessel contents were then warmed to 75 °C and stirred for one hour. Then vessel contents were then reduced to 0.42 moles caustic per mole of cellulose by the addition of acetic acid.

[0045] A solution of hexadecyl glycidyl ether (5.38 g) in isopropyl alcohol (10 mL) was added by syringe to the vessel contents under nitrogen. Then 1 -bromohexadecane (0.19 moles per mole of HEC) was added to the vessel. Heat was then applied using a heating mantle, and the vessel contents were stirred and heated at reflux for 4.5 hours under nitrogen. The vessel contents were then cooled to ~21 °C and neutralized by adding glacial acetic acid (5.00 g) and stirring for 10 minutes. Product polymer was recovered from the vessel contents by vacuum filtration and was washed in a Waring blender: five times with 250 mL of 4: 1 (by volume) of acetone/water and twice with 250 mL of pure acetone. The product polymer was then glyoxal-treated by adding 40% aqueous glyoxal (0.40 g) and glacial acetic acid (0.25 g) to the last acetone desiccation. The product polymer was dried in vacuo at 50 °C overnight. The 1% aqueous viscosity of product polymer (Ci6 hmHEC)(corrected for ash and volatiles) was measured at 25.0 °C and found to be 16,000 mPa-sec (Brookfield LVT, 30 rpm, spindle #4). The ethylene oxide molar substitution rate, MSEO, was measured to be 1.88 and the hexadecyl degree of substitution, DS, was measured to be 0.0059 by Zeisel analysis.

Comparative Examples C1-C10 and Example 1: Aqueous formulations

[0046] Thickened aqueous surfactant formulations were prepared having composition according to Comparative Examples C1-C10 and Example 1 as noted in TABLE 1. Each of the aqueous formulations of Comparative Examples C1-C10 and Example 1 were observed for phase separation after storage at ~21 °C for ten days, with the number of phases present after ten days reported in TABLE 2.

TABLE 1

Thickening performance

[0047] The thickening performance of the aqueous formulations Comparative Examples C1-C10 and Example 1 was observed. The viscosities reported in TABLE 2 were measured by using the Total Aspiration and Dispense Monitoring (TADM) function on a Hamilton MicroLab Star liquid handling robot at 21 °C. The Hamilton aspirates and dispenses the samples at a set speed and monitors the pressure changes (Ap). Calibration curves are generated using known viscosity standards. Viscosity is calculated by comparing the pressure curves of the samples against the pressure curves of viscosity standards. The data was collected by TADM using a flow rate of 5 pL/sec with a 50 pL aspiration volume. The values reported correlate to values obtained by measuring viscosity using a TA Instruments DHR-3 Rheometer equipped with a 40 mm 2° cone and plate, at a temperature of 21 °C, from steady state value of viscosity at shear rate of 35 s'¹ taken after a stabilization time of 1 minute.

TABLE 2

Comparative Examples C11-C13 and Example 2; Aqueous formulations

[0048] Thickened aqueous surfactant formulations were prepared having composition according to Comparative Examples C11-C13 and Example 2 as noted in TABLE 3. Each of the aqueous formulations of Comparative Examples C11-C13 and Example 2 were observed for phase separation after storage at ~21 °C for ten days, with the number of phases present after ten days reported in TABLE 4. TABLE 3

Thickening performance

[0049] The thickening performance of the aqueous formulations Comparative Examples C11-C13 and Example 2 was observed. The viscosities reported in TABLE 4 were measured by using the Total Aspiration and Dispense Monitoring (TADM) function on a Hamilton MicroLab Star liquid handling robot at 21 °C. The Hamilton aspirates and dispenses the samples at a set speed and monitors the pressure changes (Ap). Calibration curves are generated using known viscosity standards. Viscosity is calculated by comparing the pressure curves of the samples against the pressure curves of viscosity standards. The data was collected by TADM using a flow rate of 5 pL/sec with a 50 pL aspiration volume. The values reported correlate to values obtained by measuring viscosity using a TA Instruments DHR-3 Rheometer equipped with a 40 mm 2° cone and plate, at a temperature of 21 °C, from steady state value of viscosity at shear rate of 35 s'¹ taken after a stabilization time of 1 minute.

TABLE 4

Comparative Examples C14-C16 and Examples 3-5: Aqueous formulations

[0050] Thickened aqueous surfactant formulations were prepared having composition according to Comparative Examples C14-C16 and Examples 3-5 as noted in TABLE 5.

Each of the aqueous formulations of Comparative Examples C14-C16 and Examples 3-5 were observed for phase separation after storage at ~21 °C for ten days, with the number of phases present after ten days reported in TABLE 6. TABLE S

Thickening performance

[0051] The thickening performance of the aqueous formulations Comparative Examples C14-C16 and Examples 3-5 was observed. The viscosities reported in TABLE 6 were measured by using the Total Aspiration and Dispense Monitoring (TADM) function on a Hamilton MicroLab Star liquid handling robot at 21 °C. The Hamilton aspirates and dispenses the samples at a set speed and monitors the pressure changes (Ap). Calibration curves are generated using known viscosity standards. Viscosity is calculated by comparing the pressure curves of the samples against the pressure curves of viscosity standards. The data was collected by TADM using a flow rate of 5 pL/sec with a 50 pL aspiration volume. The values reported correlate to values obtained by measuring viscosity using a TA Instruments DHR-3 Rheometer equipped with a 40 mm 2° cone and plate, at a temperature of 21 °C, from steady state value of viscosity at shear rate of 35 s ¹ taken after a stabilization time of 1 minute.

TABLE 6 Comparative Examples C17-C22 and Examples 6-11: Aqueous formulations

[0052] Thickened aqueous surfactant formulations were prepared having composition according to Comparative Examples C17-C22 and Examples 6-11 as noted in TABLE 7.

Each of the aqueous formulations of Comparative Examples C17-C22 and Examples 6-11 were observed for phase separation after storage at ~21 °C for ten days, with the number of phases present after ten days reported in TABLE 8.

TABLE 7

Thickening performance

[0053] The thickening performance of the aqueous formulations Comparative Examples C17-C22 and Examples 6-11 was observed. The viscosities reported in TABLE 8 were measured by using the Total Aspiration and Dispense Monitoring (TADM) function on a Hamilton MicroLab Star liquid handling robot at 21 °C. The Hamilton aspirates and dispenses the samples at a set speed and monitors the pressure changes (Ap). Calibration curves are generated using known viscosity standards. Viscosity is calculated by comparing the pressure curves of the samples against the pressure curves of viscosity standards. The data was collected by TADM using a flow rate of 5 pL/sec with a 50 pL aspiration volume. The values reported correlate to values obtained by measuring viscosity using a TA Instruments DHR-3 Rheometer equipped with a 40 mm 2° cone and plate, at a temperature of 21 °C, from steady state value of viscosity at shear rate of 35 s'¹ taken after a stabilization time of 1 minute.

TABLE 8

Comparative Examples C23-C24 and Examples 12-13: Aqueous formulations

[0054] Thickened aqueous surfactant formulations were prepared having composition according to Comparative Examples C23-C24 and Examples 12-13 as noted in TABLE 9. Each of the aqueous formulations of Comparative Examples C23-C24 and Examples 12-13 were observed for phase separation after storage at ~21 °C for ten days, with the number of phases present after ten days reported in TABLE 10.

Thickening performance

[0055] The thickening performance of the aqueous formulations Comparative Examples C23-C24 and Examples 12-13 was observed.

[0056] The viscosities reported in TABLE 10 were measured by using the Total Aspiration and Dispense Monitoring (TADM) function on a Hamilton MicroLab Star liquid handling robot at 21 °C. The Hamilton aspirates and dispenses the samples at a set speed and monitors the pressure changes (Ap). Calibration curves are generated using known viscosity standards. Viscosity is calculated by comparing the pressure curves of the samples against the pressure curves of viscosity standards. The data was collected by TADM using a flow rate of 5 pL/sec with a 50 pL aspiration volume. The values reported correlate to values obtained by measuring viscosity using a TA Instruments DHR-3 Rheometer equipped with a 40 mm 2° cone and plate, at a temperature of 21 °C, from steady state value of viscosity at shear rate of 35 s’¹ taken after a stabilization time of 1 minute.

[0057] Shear rheology characterization was performed on a TA Instruments DHR-3 rheometer equipped with an upper 40 mm 2° stainless steel cone and plate and a lower flat plate. The sample fixture is enclosed by a solvent trap to limit evaporation and temperature was controlled at 22 °C using a Peltier heater. Formulations were loaded into the sample fixture and then equilibrated at 22 °C for five minutes prior to measurement. In the first test, a sample is sheared for 90 sec. at a shear rate of 10 s'¹ and the viscosity recorded as the average of the last 15 sec. upon the signal reaching steady state. In the second test, a steady-shear frow curve was collected over the shear rate range of 0.01 s ¹ and 500 s ¹ and the curves fit to an empirical Cross model to extract teh zero-shear viscosity.

[0058] The TADM viscosity, zero-shear viscosity and the viscosity measured at 10 s ¹ for the formulations are reported in TABLE 10.

Claims

We claim:

1. A personal care rinse off composition, comprising:

(a) 40 to 95.89 wt%, based on weight of the personal care rinse off composition, of a dermatologically acceptable aqueous vehicle;

(b) 4 to 30 wt%, based on weight of the personal care rinse off composition, of a dermatologically acceptable cleaning surfactant, wherein the dermatologically acceptable cleaning surfactant is selected from the group consisting of anionic surfactants, zwitterionic surfactants, nonionic surfactants and mixtures thereof;

(c) 0.1 to 10 wt%, based on weight of the personal care rinse off composition, of a nonionic hydrophobically modified cellulose ether; wherein the nonionic hydrophobically modified cellulose ether comprises a cellulose ether base polymer backbone and a linear or branched Cs alkyl hydrophobic group; wherein the cellulose ether base polymer backbone has a weight average molecular weight of > 800,000 Daltons; and

(d) 0.01 to 5 wt%, based on weight of the personal care rinse off composition, of a cationic guar polymer; and wherein the personal care rinse off composition comprises < 0.01 wt%, based on weight of the personal care rinse off composition, of an alkyl sulfate surfactant and < 0.01 wt%, based on weight of the personal care rinse off composition, of an alkyl ether sulfate surfactant.

2. The personal care rinse off composition of claim 1, wherein the dermatologically acceptable cleaning surfactant comprises a mixture of an amphoteric surfactant and an anionic surfactant.

3. The personal care rinse off composition of claim 2, wherein the nonionic hydrophobically modified cellulose ether comprises > 1 to 4 wt%, based on weight of the nonionic hydrophobically modified cellulose ether, of branched or linear Cs alkyl hydrophobic groups.

4. The personal care rinse off composition of claim 3, wherein the personal care rinse off composition does not undergo syneresis upon dilution of the aqueous personal care rinse off composition with water.

5. The personal care rinse off composition of claim 4, wherein the personal care rinse off composition of the present invention comprises < 0.01 wt%, based on weight of the personal care rinse off composition, of a hydrophobic cellulose ether; wherein the hydrophobic cellulose ether comprises a cellulose ether base material having (a) nonionic hydroxyalkyl substitutions and (b) C10-24 alkyl or alkenyl substitutions.

6. The personal care rinse off composition of claim 4, wherein the personal care rinse off composition of the present invention comprises < 0.01 wt%, based on weight of the personal care rinse off composition, of a cationically modified cellulose ether comprising (I) a base cellulose ether and (II) quaternary ammonium groups of formula A bound to a pendent oxygen on the base cellulose ether wherein pendant oxygen on the base cellulose ether; wherein X is a divalent finking group bonding the quaternary ammonium moiety to the pendent oxygen on the base cellulose ether; wherein each R¹ is independently selected from the group consisting of a C1-4 alkyl group; and wherein the personal care rinse off composition of the present invention comprises < 0.01 wt%, based on weight of the personal care rinse off composition, of a quaternary cellulose ether comprising (I) a cellulose ether polymer and (II) quaternary groups of formula B bound to a pendent oxygen on the cellulose ether polymer wherein pendant oxygen on the cellulose ether polymer; wherein Z is a divalent linking group bonding the quaternary groups to the pendent oxygen on the cellulose ether polymer; wherein each R³ is independently selected from an C 1-22 alkyl group, with the proviso that one of the R³ groups is a C2-22 alkyl group.

7. The personal care rinse off composition of claim 4, wherein the personal care rinse off composition of the present invention comprises < 0.001 wt%, based on weight of the personal care rinse off composition, of a hydrophobic cellulose ether comprising a hydrophilic cellulose backbone and a hydrophobic substitution group; wherein the hydrophilic cellulose backbone is selected from the group consisting of methyl cellulose, hydroxymethyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl ethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose, hydroxybutyl cellulose and mixtures thereof; wherein the hydrophobic substitution group is grafted to the hydrophilic cellulose backbone; wherein the hydrophobic substitution group is a straight or branched chain alkyl group of from 10 to 22 carbons; and wherein the ratio of the hydrophilic groups in the hydrophilic cellulose backbone to the hydrophobic substitution groups is 2:1 to 1,000:1.

8. The personal care rinse off composition of claim 4, wherein the personal care rinse off composition comprises:

(a) 65 to 92.2 wt%, based on weight of the personal care rinse off composition, of the dermatologically acceptable aqueous vehicle;

(b) 7.5 to 20 wt%, based on weight of the personal care rinse off composition, of the dermatologically acceptable cleaning surfactant;

(c) 0.2 to 2 wt%, based on weight of the personal care rinse off composition, of the nonionic hydrophobically modified cellulose ether; and

(d) 0.1 to 1 wt%, based on weight of the personal care rinse off composition, of the cationic guar polymer.

9. The personal care rinse off composition of claim 8, further comprising an additional ingredient selected from the group consisting of an absorbent, an aesthetic enhancer, an alpha hydroxy acid, an antiaging agent, an antidandruff agent, an antifungal, an antimicrobial agent, an antioxidant, an antiseptic, an antistatic agent, a bioactive agent, a bleaching agent, a cationic surfactant, a chelating agent, a colorant, a conditioning agent, a dye, an emollient, an emulsifying agent, a film former, a fixative polymer, a foaming agent, a fragrance, a hair repair agent, a hard particle, a humectant, a lubricating agent, a nonionic surfactant, an opacifier, a pearlizing agent, a penetrant, a pH adjusting agent, a pigment, a plant extract, a preservative, a protein/amino acid, a rheology modifier, a salt, a sensory modifier, a slip agent, a soap, a soft particle, a sunscreen additive, a suspending agent, a UV fight inhibitor, a vitamin, a volumizing agent and mixtures thereof.

10. A method of cleaning at least one of mammalian skin and hair, comprising: applying a personal care rinse off composition rinse off composition according to claim 1 to the skin or hair of a mammal; and rinsing the personal care rinse off composition from the skin or hair with a rinse water.