WATERLESS HAND CLEANERS

Composition and Function:

Waterless hand cleaners remove dirt, grease and grime from the hands without the use of water. They can be formulated as oil-in-water or water-in-oil pastes, gels, creams, lotions or liquids.

These hand products normally contain a cleansing agent, a thickener, and emulsifier and water. Normally the cleansing agent is a solvent of low volatility, chosen according to the type of soil which the cleaner is intended to remove. Deodorized kerosene is often used because it is economical and effective on a variety of soils. Other useful solvents are mineral spirits or mineral oil. The thickener is frequently a cellulose derivative. Soap or nonionic surfactants are used for emulsification and for the detergent action. Surfactants are often valuable as thickening agents for the solvents. Emollients such as cetyl alcohol, lanolin, and paraffin wax, a humectant such as Sorbitol Solution, USP or glycerin, and antiseptic agents can be used to improve application properties.

Formulation:

Preparation:

Part (A): Add magnesium aluminum silicate to water slowly, agitating continually until smooth (about one hour). Heat (A) to 62°C.

Part (B): Heat (B) to 60°C. Add (A) to (B). Stir until cool.

Part (C): Heat half of the water to 90°C. Add methylcellulose very slowly. Mix thoroughly too disperse methylcellulose. Add the remainder of the water. Cool and add (C) to the emulsion (A,B blend). Mix well. Replace water lost by evaporation.

Preparation:

Disperse Carbopol 934 in water. Heat (A) to 60°C and (B) to 62°C. Add (B) to (A) slowly with moderate agitation. Add (C) at about 50°C. Stir to 35°C and replace water lost by evaporation.