FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention belongs to the area of cosmetics and household products and relates to a preservative mixture comprising ortho-cymen-5-ol (4-isopropyl-3-methylphenol) with improved solubility.

STATE OF THE ART

4-isopropyl-3-methyl-phenol, also called ortho-cymen-5-ol (CAS: 3228-02-2)


belongs to the group of preservatives which are approved for use in cosmetic and household compositions. The product is considered to be a suitable alternative for trichlosan.

A disadvantage of this compound is its limited solubility in hydrophilic solvents in general and in the end-consumer formulations in particular. The compound also shows a strong tendency for recrystallisation during storage. In terms of optimal antimicrobial activity it is mandatory that the compound is and stays completely dissolved in the respective formulation.

Due to its high melting point of 110 to 113° C. ortho-cymen-5-ol usually has to be heated up and dissolved in an appropriate solvent before adding to a formulation. Especially for surfactant based products e.g. shampoos, shower gel, liquid soap, dish washing liquid including a heating step into product formulation is highly unwanted, since it requires additional technical effort and energy.

Therefore there is a demand to find a technical solution which allows an easier incorporation of ortho-cymen-5-ol into product formulation, which on one hand avoids an additional heating step and on the other improves stability without recrystallisation.

