ALCOHOL ETHOXYCARBOXYLATES - MILD, HIGH-FOAMING SURFACTANTS FOR PERSONAL-CARE PRODUCTS

Alcohol ethoxycarboxylates (AEC) may be derived from alcohol ethoxylat es (AEO) either by reaction of the nonionic surfactant with monochloro acetic acid (MCAA) or by oxidation. If MCAA is used, a -CH2COOH unit i s added to the AEO. When an AEO is oxidized, the terminal -CH2OH group is selectively converted to -COOH. By use of proprietary carefully co ntrolled oxidation technology, a variety of AEC surfactants have been synthesized. These surfactants exhibit good foaming and excellent lime soap dispersion, and they allow formulation of high-quality personal- care products. Starter formulations have been investigated with AEC, b oth in shampoos and liquid hand cleaners. These formulations had the v iscosity and foaming found in a survey of commercially available produ cts. A shampoo and a liquid soap formulation with AEC were subjected t o in-vitro assays to assess the potential for irritation to the skin o r eyes. The assay results predict these formulations to cause minimal irritation, similar to commercial products.