WO2015061552A1

WO2015061552A1 - Foamable alcoholic compositions containing branched foaming surfactants

Info

Publication number: WO2015061552A1
Application number: PCT/US2014/061942
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jessica TITTL; Bob GOTT; Rachel LESLIE; Christopher M. Fricker; Beverly SUFFOLK; Kevin ZAVODA
Original assignee: Gojo Industries, Inc.
Priority date: 2013-10-23
Filing date: 2014-10-23
Publication date: 2015-04-30
Also published as: JP2016534028A

Abstract

A foamable composition is provided that includes at least 40 wt. % alcohol, based upon the total weight of the alcoholic composition; a foaming surfactant, such as a branched polyether dimethicone surfactant; and optionally at least one additional ingredient selected from foam enhancers, skin-feel modifiers, and moisturizers. The foaming surfactant contains only a limited amount of VOCs, or is devoid of VOCs.

Description

FOAMABLE ALCOHOLIC COMPOSITIONS

CONTAINING BRANCHED FOAMING SURFACTANTS

RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Serial No. 61/894,633, filed on October 23, 2014, which is incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] This invention relates to foamable alcoholic compositions, and more particularly, to foamable alcoholic compositions that include a foaming surfactant that contains only a limited amount of volatile organic compounds.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Foam cleaning products are popular, in part because they are easier to spread on surfaces. Consumers seem to prefer the luxury of foamed soap products. Less foam is needed to produce the same cleaning power as liquids or gels, due at least partly to the higher surface area of the foam. Properly formulated foam products do not produce the drip and splash that is experienced with traditional gelled or liquid products, due to the higher surface tension of the foam. This prevents damage to the floors and walls of facilities where the product dispensers are used. Manufacturing of foam products may be easier than gelled products, which often incorporate powdered thickeners that are difficult to handle.

[0004] Alcoholic products are popular as sanitizers for the skin. However, foaming products based upon alcoholic compositions are problematic, because alcohol is known to have strong defoaming properties. Although non-aerosol alcoholic foams are available, the foam quality of these products can be variable.

[0005] Some of the current non-aerosol alcohol foam products, particularly those with alcohol content of 70 weight percent (wt. %) or greater, produce a foam that contains large bubbles and collapses substantially to liquid within about 5 to 45 seconds. [0006] Commercially available non-aerosol alcoholic foams have been formulated with foaming surfactants that contain volatile organic compounds (VOC's). VOC's are organic chemicals that have a high vapor pressure at ordinary, room-temperature conditions. Their high vapor pressure results from a low boiling point, which causes large numbers of molecules to evaporate or sublimate from the liquid or solid form of the compound and enter the surrounding air. VOC's are typically not acutely toxic, however some have been the subject of studies related to potential long-term health effects.

[0007] Examples of VOC ' s that have been the subj ect of studies include cyclomethicones such as hexamethylcyclotrisiloxane (D3), octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane (D4), decamethylcyclopentasiloxane (D5), and dodecamethylcyclohexasiloxane (D6). Some studies have indicated that cyclomethicones may have the effect of changing organ weights, may have adverse effects on reproductive health and function, and may be associated with the development of benign uterine tumors in rats.

[0008] Thus, there is a need for a good quality non-aerosol alcoholic foam composition and for a foaming surfactant that contains only limited amounts of volatile organic compounds, or none at all.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] This invention provides a foamable alcoholic composition comprising at least about 40 wt. % of a C 1 -6 alcohol, or a mixture of C 1 -6 alcohols, based upon the total weight of the alcoholic composition; and a polyether dimethicone foaming surfactant comprising from zero to about 1 wt. % volatile organic carbon compounds, based upon the total weight of the foaming surfactant.

[0010] This invention further provides a method for forming stabilized alcoholic foam, the method comprising combining at least about 40 wt. % of a Ci_₆ alcohol, or a mixture of Ci_₆ alcohols, based upon the total weight of the alcoholic composition; and a polyether dimethicone foaming surfactant comprising from zero to about 1 wt. % volatile organic carbon compounds, to form a foamable alcoholic composition; mixing said alcoholic composition and air or an inert gas in a mixing chamber to form a mixture; and passing said mixture through a non-aerosol foam pump to form a foam.

[0011] In any of the above embodiments, the alcohol is selected from the group consisting of methanol, ethanol, propanol, butanol, pentanol, hexanol, isomers thereof, and mixtures thereof.

[0012] In any of the above embodiments, the foaming surfactant is a branched polyether dimethicone surfactant.

[0013] In any of the above embodiments, the foaming surfactant is represented by the formula

R² - Si (CH₃)₂ - [O-Si (CH₃)₂]_fl - [O - Si (CH₃) R³ ]_b - O - Si (CH₃)₂ - R² where each R² and R³ group independently includes a methyl group or a polyether moiety that may be represented by the formula -(CH₂)₃ - O - (CH₂CH₂0)_c - [CH₂CH(CH₃)0]_£/ - (CH₂CH₂0)_e H with the proviso that all R groups are not CH₃, where a is an integer from about 3 to about 21 , b is an integer from about 1 to about 7, c is an integer from about 0 to about 40, d is an integer from about 0 to about 40, and e is an integer from about 0 to about 40, with the proviso that a > 3 x b and that c + d + e > 5. In one or more embodiments, at least one R³ is a polyether moiety according to the above formula.

[0014] In any of the above embodiments, the foaming surfactant is selected from the group consisting of branched PEG-8 dimethicone, branched PEG- 10 dimethicone, branched PEG- 12 dimethicone, and mixtures thereof.

[0015] In any of the above embodiments, the foaming surfactant is branched PEG- 10 dimethicone.

[0016] In any of the above embodiments, the foaming surfactant comprises less than about 1 wt. % cyclomethicones, based upon the total weight of the foaming surfactant.

[0017] In any of the above embodiments, the foaming surfactant comprises less than about 0.1 wt. % D3, based upon the total weight of the foaming surfactant. [0018] In any of the above embodiments, the foaming surfactant comprises less than about 0.1 wt. % D4, based upon the total weight of the foaming surfactant.

[0019] In any of the above embodiments, the foaming surfactant comprises less than about 0.2 wt. % D5, based upon the total weight of the foaming surfactant.

[0020] In any of the above embodiments, the foaming surfactant comprises less than about 0.1 wt. % D6, based upon the total weight of the foaming surfactant.

[0021 ] In any of the above embodiments, the foaming surfactant comprises less than about 0.8 wt. % VOCs, based upon the total weight of the foaming surfactant.

[0022] In any of the above embodiments, the foaming surfactant comprises less than about 0.6 wt. % VOCs, based upon the total weight of the foaming surfactant.

[0023] In any of the above embodiments, the composition further comprises at least one foam stabilizer.

[0024] In any of the above embodiments, the foaming surfactant is present in an amount of from about 0.002 to about 4 wt. %, based upon the total weight of the alcoholic composition.

[0025] In any of the above embodiments, said alcohol is present in an amount of at least about 50 wt. % based upon the total weight of the alcoholic composition.

[0026] In any of the above embodiments, said alcohol is present in an amount of at least about 60 wt. % based upon the total weight of the alcoholic composition.

[0027] In any of the above embodiments, the foam stability of said foam at room temperature is at least about 30 seconds.

[0028] In any of the above embodiments, the foam stability of said foam at room temperature is greater than the stability of a foam formed from a foamable alcoholic composition comprising at least about 40 wt. % of a CI -6 alcohol, or a mixture of CI -6 alcohols, based upon the total weight of the alcoholic composition; and a polyether dimethicone foaming surfactant comprising from greater than 1 wt. % volatile organic carbon compounds, based upon the total weight of the foaming surfactant. [0029] In any of the above embodiments, the initial foam height of said foam at room temperature is greater than the initial foam height of a foam formed from a foamable alcoholic composition comprising at least about 40 wt. % of a CI -6 alcohol, or a mixture of CI -6 alcohols, based upon the total weight of the alcoholic composition; and a polyether dimethicone foaming surfactant comprising from greater than 1 wt. % volatile organic carbon compounds, based upon the total weight of the foaming surfactant.

[0030] In any of the above embodiments, the foam quality of said foam at room temperature is greater than the quality of a foam formed from a foamable alcoholic composition comprising at least about 40 wt. % of a CI -6 alcohol, or a mixture of CI -6 alcohols, based upon the total weight of the alcoholic composition; and a polyether dimethicone foaming surfactant comprising from greater than 1 wt. % volatile organic carbon compounds, based upon the total weight of the foaming surfactant.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] FIG. 1 is a photograph showing a control sample of a surface with a stabilized foamed composition with a rating of a 1 on a scale from 1 to 5.

[0032] FIG. 2 is a photograph showing a control sample of a surface with a stabilized foamed composition with a rating of a 3.5 on a scale from 1 to 5.

[0033] FIG. 3 is a scatter chart that compares foam quality to the amount of VOCs in the foaming surfactant.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

[0034] Foamable alcoholic compositions in accordance with this invention include at least one alcohol and at least one foaming surfactant. In one or more embodiments, the alcohol is a C 1 -6 alcohol, i.e. an alcohol containing 1 to 6 carbon atoms. Such alcohols may be referred to as lower alkanols. Typically, these alcohols have antimicrobial properties. Examples of lower alkanols include, but are not limited to, methanol, ethanol, propanol, butanol, pentanol, hexanol, and isomers and mixtures thereof. In one or more embodiments, the alcohol comprises ethanol, propanol, or butanol, or isomers or mixtures thereof. In one or more embodiments, the alcohol comprises isopropanol. In other embodiments, the alcohol comprises ethanol. In one or more embodiments, the disinfectant compositions comprise a mixture of alcohols. In one or more embodiments, the disinfectant compositions comprise a mixture of ethanol and isopropanol. In one or more embodiments, the disinfectant compositions comprise a mixture of isopropanol and n-propanol.

[0035] Generally, the disinfectant composition comprises at least about 10 percent by weight (wt. %) alcohol, based upon the total weight of the disinfectant composition. In one embodiment, the disinfectant composition comprises at least about 15 weight percent alcohol, in another embodiment, the disinfectant composition comprises at least about 20 weight percent alcohol, in another embodiment, the disinfectant composition comprises at least about 25 weight percent alcohol, in yet another embodiment, the disinfectant composition comprises at least about 30 weight percent alcohol, and in still yet another embodiment, the disinfectant composition comprises at least about 40 weight percent alcohol, based upon the total weight of disinfectant composition. In one embodiment, the disinfectant composition comprises at least about 50 weight percent alcohol, in another embodiment, the disinfectant composition comprises at least about 60 weight percent alcohol, in another embodiment, the disinfectant composition comprises at least about 65 weight percent alcohol, in yet another embodiment, the disinfectant composition comprises at least about 70 weight percent alcohol, and in still yet another embodiment, the disinfectant composition comprises at least about 78 weight percent alcohol, based upon the total weight of disinfectant composition. More or less alcohol may be required in certain instances, depending particularly on other ingredients and/or the amounts thereof employed in the composition. In certain embodiments, the disinfectant composition comprises from about 10 weight percent to about 98 weight percent alcohol, in other embodiments, the disinfectant composition comprises from about 15 weight percent to about 95 weight percent of alcohol, in yet other embodiments, the disinfectant composition comprises from about 20 weight percent to about 90 weight percent of alcohol, and in still other embodiments, the disinfectant composition comprises from about 30 weight percent to about 85 weight percent of alcohol, based upon the total weight of the disinfectant composition. In certain embodiments, the disinfectant composition comprises from about 50 weight percent to about 98 weight percent alcohol, in other embodiments, the disinfectant composition comprises from about 60 weight percent to about 95 weight percent of alcohol, in yet other embodiments, the disinfectant composition comprises from about 65 weight percent to about 90 weight percent of alcohol, and in still other embodiments, the disinfectant composition comprises from about 70 weight percent to about 85 weight percent of alcohol, based upon the total weight of the disinfectant composition.

[0036] Examples of foaming surfactants that are useful for foaming alcoholic compositions include polyether/polydimethylsiloxane copolymers. Polydimethylsiloxane polymers and copolymers are sometimes referred to as dimethicones, or may also be referred to as silicones. Thus, polyether/polydimethylsiloxane copolymers may also be referred to as poly ether dimethicone surfactants. Foaming surfactants have been further described in copending U.S. published patent application no. 2011/0104079 Al, which is hereby incorporated by reference

[0037] Polyether dimethicone surfactants may be generally characterized by containing a polymer backbone having one or more Si-O-Si linkages in the polymer backbone, and polyether groups attached to the backbone. Polyether dimethicones, which are sometimes referred to as dimethicone copolyols, include polyethylene glycol (PEG) dimethicone copolymers and polypropylene glycol (PPG) dimethicone copolymers, as well as polymers containing both PEG and PPG units.

[0038] Examples of polyether dimethicone surfactants include dimethicone PEG-7 undecylenate, PEG- 10 dimethicone, PEG-8 dimethicone, PEG- 12 dimethicone, perfluorononylethyl carboxydecal PEG 10, PEG-20/PPG-23 dimethicone, PEG- 11 methyl ether dimethicone, bis-PEG/PPG-20/20 dimethicone, silicone quats, PEG-9 dimethicone, PPG- 12 dimethicone, fiuoro PEG-8 dimethicone, PEG 23/PPG 6 dimethicone, PEG 20/PPG 23 dimethicone, PEG 17 dimethicone, PEG5/PPG3 methicone, bis PEG20 dimethicone, PEG/PPG20/15 dimethicone copolyol and sulfosuccinate blends, PEG-8 dimethicone\dimmer acid blends, PEG-8 dimethicone\fatty acid blends, PEG-8 dimethicone\cold pressed vegetable oil\polyquaternium blends, random block polymers and mixtures thereof. [0039] The foaming surfactant may have a predominantly branched or linear structure. Branched structures include polymers having a backbone chain and one or more pendant groups attached to the backbone chain. Branched structures are sometimes referred to as pendant structures. In one or more embodiments, the branched foaming surfactant includes a silicone backbone chain with one or more polyether groups pendant therefrom. The branched foaming surfactant may or may not also have polyether groups at one or both terminals.

[0040] It will be understood that some amount of linear molecules may be present in a predominantly branched surfactant. In one or more embodiments, up to about 20 wt. % of the surfactant molecules may have a linear structure, in other embodiments, up to about 10 wt. % of the surfactant molecules may have a linear structure, in other embodiments, up to about 5 wt. % of the surfactant molecules may have a linear structure, in other embodiments, up to about 1 wt. % of the surfactant molecules may have a linear structure, in other embodiments, up to about 0.5 wt. % of the surfactant molecules may have a linear structure, based upon the total weight of the foaming surfactant.

[0041] In one or more embodiments, the foaming surfactant may be represented by the formula

R² - Si (CH₃)₂ - [O-Si (CH₃)₂]_fl - [O - Si (CH₃) R³ ]_b - O - Si (CH₃)₂ - R² where each R² and R³ group independently includes a methyl group or a polyether moiety that may be represented by the formula

-(CH₂)₃ - O - (CH₂CH₂0)_c - [CH₂CH(CH₃)0]_£/ - (CH₂CH₂0)_e H with the proviso that all R groups are not CH₃, where a is an integer from about 3 to about 21 , b is an integer from about 1 to about 7, c is an integer from about 0 to about 40, d is an integer from about 0 to about 40, and e is an integer from about 0 to about 40, with the proviso that a > 3 x b and that c + d + e > 5. In one or more embodiments, at least one R³ is a polyether moiety according to the above formula.

[0042] In one or more embodiments, the foaming surfactant is a branched polyether dimethicone surfactant that contains little or no VOCs. [0043] Polyether dimethicone surfactants are commercially available. Commercially available polyether dimethicone surfactants include those in the following table.

Table 1

PEG- 10 Dimethicone Grant Industries Gransurf 77 Pendant

PEG/PPG-25/25 Wacker Wacker-Belsil Pendant Dimethicone

Cetyl PEG/PPG- 15/15 Wacker DMC3071VP Pendant Butyl Ether Dimethicone

Polyglyceryl-3 Disiloxane Shin Etsu KF-6100 Pendant Dimethicone

PEG- 10 Dimethicone Shin Etsu KF-6017 Pendant

Polyglyceryl-3 Shin Etsu KF-6104 Pendant

Polydimethylsiloxyethyl

Dimethicone

PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxane Shin Etsu KF-6028 Pendant Ethyl Dimethicone

PEG-3 Dimethicone Shin Etsu KF-6015

PEG-9 Dimethicone Shin Etsu KF-6013 Pendant

Aminomodified Silicone- GE Silicone Nuwet 300 Pendant Polyether Copolymer

Dimethicone Copolyol GE Silicone L-7657 Pendant

Dimethicone Bisamino GE Silicone Silsoft A424 Pendant Hydroxyethyldihydropropyl Conditioner

Copolyol/TEA Stearate

Siloxane GE Silicone L-7001 Pendant

Polyalkyleneoxide

Copolymer

PEG/PPG 20/23 GE Silicone Silsoft 430 Pendant Dimethicone Dimethicone

Copolyol

PEG-8 Dimethicone Momentive Silsoft 805 Pendant

PEG-8 Dimethicone GE Silicone Silsoft 840 Pendant PEG- 12 Dimethicone GE Silicone Silsoft 875 Pendant

PEG- 17 Dimethicone GE Silicone Silsoft 895 Pendant

PPG- 12 Dimethicone Momentive Silsoft 900 Pendant

Dimethicone Copolyol Momentive 1188 01P Pendant

Dimethicone Copolyol Momentive 1288 01P Pendant

PEG- 12 Dimethicone Rita Ritasil SP100S Pendant

Cetyl PEG-PPG 10/14/14 Rita Ritasil SW3050 Pendant Dimethicone

Trideceth-9 PG Clariant Silcare Silicone Pendant Amodimethicone (and) SEA

Trideceth-12

Silicone Quaternium-2 Biosil Biosil Basics SPQ Pendant Panthenol Succinate

Dmethiconol Pathenol Biosil Biosil Basics DL-30 Pendant

Cetyl Triethylmonium Biosil Bioplex Cety Sil S Pendant Dimethicone PEG-8

Succinate

PEG- 12 Dimethicone Phoenix DCF-12 Pendant

Chemical

PEG- 10 Dimethicone Siltech Silsurf E1310 Pendant

PEG- 10 Dimethicone DOW Corning ES-5612 Pendant

PEG- 10 Dimethicone Chemsil Emulsil S-397 Pendant

PEG- 10 Dimethicone Siltech Silsurf Di-1010 Linear

PEG- 12 Dimethicone Siltech Silsurf Di-10-12 Linear

Bis-PEG/PPG-14/14 Degussa ABIL EM 97 Linear

Dimethicone,

Cyclopentasiloxane

Bis-PEG/PPG-16/16 Degussa ABIL Care 85 Linear PEG/PPG- 16/16

Dimethicone (and)

Caprylic/Capric,

Triglyceride

Bis-PEG/PPG-20/20 Degussa ABIL B 8832 Linear Dimethicone

Bis-PEG 15 Methyl Ether Wacker Wacker-Belsil Linear Dimethicone DMC 6038

PEG-8 Dimethicone GE Silicone Silsoft 810 Linear

PEG- 12 Dimethicone Momentive Silsoft 870 Linear

[0044] In one or more embodiments, the polyether dimethicone surfactant is selected from the group consisting of PEG- 10 dimethicone and PEG- 12 dimethicone. In one or more embodiments, the polyether dimethicone surfactant is linear. In one or more embodiments, the polyether dimethicone surfactant is characterized by a branched structure. In one or more embodiments, the polyether dimethicone surfactant is PEG- 10 dimethicone having a predominantly branched structure.

[0045] Branched PEG- 10 dimethicone is commercially available, for example from Siltech Industries under the trade name Silsurf E1310, from DOW Corning under the trade name ES-5612, from Grant Industries under the trade name Gransurf 67, and from Chemsil Silicones, Inc. under the trade name Emulsil S-397.

[0046] The foaming surfactant contributes foaming properties to the alcoholic composition. Importantly, these polyether dimethicone surfactants, when used as they come from the supplier can vary greatly in their ability to produce good quality alcohol foams, even from lot to lot. Conventionally, it has been thought that branched polyether dimethicone surfactants cannot be used to produce good quality alcohol foam.

[0047] However, it has been discovered that impurities in the foaming surfactant can negatively impact the foam quality and/or stability. In one or more embodiments, impurities such as volatile organic compounds may lead to poor foam quality and/or stability. Advantageously, if the amount of impurities in the foaming surfactant is limited, particularly if the VOC content is limited, then the quality and stability of the foam is improved. In one or more embodiments, the foam quality and stability is more consistent from batch to batch. Therefore, the amount of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the foaming surfactant is advantageously limited.

[0048] For purposes of this specification, VOCs include compounds that have a relatively high vapor pressure at ordinary, room-temperature conditions. In one or more embodiments, VOCs include any organic compound whose boiling point is less than 250 °C, measured at standard atmospheric pressure. In one or more embodiments, VOCs include any organic compound whose boiling point is in the range from about 50 °C to 260 °C, corresponding to having saturation vapor pressures at 25 °C of greater than about 100 kPa.

[0049] In one or more embodiments, at least the VOCs include by-products of the synthesis reaction for the foaming surfactant. In one or more embodiments, some or all of the VOCs are degradation products of the foaming surfactant.

[0050] In one or more embodiments, VOCs include cyclomethicones. Examples of VOCs include hexamethylcyclotrisiloxane (D3), octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane (D4) decamethylcyclopenta-siloxane (D5), and dodecamethylcyclohexasiloxane (D6).

[0051] In one or more embodiments, the amount of VOCs may be determined by methods known in the art, such as gravimetric analysis. Identification and quantification of the VOCs may also be made by methods that are known in the art, such as gas chromatography (GC).

[0052] In one or more embodiments, the foaming surfactant includes from zero to about 1 wt. % of total VOCs, based upon the total weight of the foaming surfactant. In one embodiment, the foaming surfactant includes less than 0.8 wt. % of VOCs, in other embodiments, less than 0.6 wt. %, in other embodiments, less than 0.4 wt. %, based upon the total weight of the foaming surfactant. In one or more embodiments, the foaming surfactant includes from zero to about 0.3 wt. % of total VOCs, based upon the total weight of the foaming surfactant. In other embodiments, the foaming surfactant is devoid of VOCs.

[0053] In one or more embodiments, the foaming surfactant includes from zero to about 1 wt. % of cyclomethicones, based upon the total weight of the foaming surfactant. In one embodiment, the foaming surfactant includes less than 0.8 wt. % of cyclomethicones, in other embodiments, less than 0.6 wt. %, in other embodiments, less than 0.4 wt. %, based upon the total weight of the foaming surfactant. In one or more embodiments, the foaming surfactant includes from zero to about 0.3 wt. % of cyclomethicones, based upon the total weight of the foaming surfactant. In other embodiments, the foaming surfactant is devoid of cyclomethicones.

[0054] In one or more embodiments, the foaming surfactant includes from zero to about 0.1 wt. % of D3, based upon the total weight of the foaming surfactant. In one embodiment, the foaming surfactant includes less than 0.08 wt. % of D3, in other embodiments, less than 0.06 wt. %, in other embodiments, less than 0.01 wt. %, in other embodiments, less than 0.01 wt. %, in other embodiments, less than 0.008 wt. %, based upon the total weight of the foaming surfactant. In other embodiments, the foaming surfactant is devoid of D3.

[0055] In one or more embodiments, the foaming surfactant includes from zero to about 0.1 wt. % of D4, based upon the total weight of the foaming surfactant. In one embodiment, the foaming surfactant includes less than 0.05 wt. % of D4, in other embodiments, less than 0.01 wt. %, in other embodiments, less than 0.008 wt. %, based upon the total weight of the foaming surfactant. In other embodiments, the foaming surfactant is devoid of D4.

[0056] In one or more embodiments, the foaming surfactant includes from zero to about 0.2 wt. % of D5, based upon the total weight of the foaming surfactant. In one embodiment, the foaming surfactant includes less than 0.15 wt. % of D5, in other embodiments, less than 0.12 wt. %, in other embodiments, less than 0.11 wt. %, based upon the total weight of the foaming surfactant. In other embodiments, the foaming surfactant is devoid of D5.

[0057] In one or more embodiments, the foaming surfactant includes from zero to about 0.1 wt. % of D6, based upon the total weight of the foaming surfactant. In one embodiment, the foaming surfactant includes less than 0.05 wt. % of D6, in other embodiments, less than 0.01 wt. %, in other embodiments, less than 0.008 wt. %, based upon the total weight of the foaming surfactant. In other embodiments, the foaming surfactant is devoid of D6.

[0058] The amount of foaming surfactant is not particularly limited, so long as an effective amount to produce foaming is present. In certain embodiments, the effective amount to produce foaming may vary, depending upon the amount of alcohol and other ingredients that are present. In one or more embodiments, the alcoholic composition includes at least about 0.1 wt. % of foaming surfactant, in other embodiments, the alcoholic composition includes at least about 0.2 wt. % of foaming surfactant, in yet other embodiments, the alcoholic composition includes at least about 0.5 wt. % of foaming surfactant, and in other embodiments, the alcoholic composition includes at least about 1 wt. % of the foaming surfactant, based upon the total weight of the alcoholic composition.

[0059] In one or more embodiments, the foaming surfactant is present in an amount of from about 0.1 to about 4 wt. %, based upon the total weight of the alcoholic composition. In one or more embodiments, the foaming surfactant is present in an amount of from about 0.2 to about 3 wt. %, based upon the total weight of the alcoholic composition. In one or more embodiments, the foaming surfactant is present in an amount of from about 0.25 to about 2.5 wt. %, based upon the total weight of the alcoholic composition. In another embodiment, the foaming surfactant is present in an amount of from about 0.5 to about 2 wt. %, based upon the total weight of the alcoholic composition. It is envisioned that higher amounts may also be effective to produce foam. All such weights as they pertain to the foaming surfactant are based on the active level and, therefore; do not include carriers or by-products that may be included in commercially available materials, unless otherwise specified.

[0060] In one or more embodiments, the foaming surfactant is added directly to the alcoholic composition. In other embodiments, the foaming surfactant is added to the alcoholic composition as a solution or emulsion. In other words, the foaming surfactant may be premixed with a carrier to form a foaming surfactant solution or emulsion, with the proviso that the carrier does not deleteriously affect the foaming properties of the alcoholic composition, and does not increase the VOC content to above acceptable levels. It will be understood that, when the foaming surfactant is premixed to form a foaming surfactant solution or emulsion, the amount of solution or emulsion that is added to the alcoholic composition may be selected so that the amount of foaming surfactant falls within the ranges set forth hereinabove.

[0061] The alcoholic composition of this invention may further include a wide range of optional ingredients, with the proviso that they do not deleteriously affect the foam forming properties of the alcoholic composition, or the stability of the foam. The CTFA International Cosmetic Ingredient Dictionary and Handbook, Eleventh Edition, 20, and the 2004 CTFA International Buyer's Guide, both of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety, describe a wide variety of non-limiting cosmetic and pharmaceutical ingredients commonly used in the skin care industry, that are suitable for use in the compositions of the present invention. Auxiliary surfactants may be included in the alcoholic compositions for the purpose of boosting or modifying the foam quality and characteristics, for modifying the feel of the final formulation during rub in and/or dry time, for providing persistence or long-lasting microbial action of the alcohol, for solubilizing other ingredients such as fragrances or sunscreens, and for irritation mitigation.

[0062] In certain embodiments, the antimicrobial composition comprises one or more humectants. Examples of humectants include propylene glycol, dipropyleneglycol, hexylene glycol, 1 ,4-dihydroxyhexane, 1,2,6-hexanetriol, 1 ,2-octanediol, sorbitol, butylene glycol, propanediols, such as methyl propane diol, dipropylene glycol, triethylene glycol, glycerin (glycerol), polyethylene glycols, ethoxydiglycol, polyethylene sorbitol, and combinations thereof. Other humectants include glycolic acid, glycolate salts, lactate salts, lactic acid, sodium pyrrolidone carboxylic acid, hyaluronic acid, chitin, and the like. In one or more embodiments, the humectant is present in an amount of from zero to about 20 wt. %, based upon the total weight of the antimicrobial composition. In one or more embodiments the humectant is present in an amount of from about 0.1 to about 10 wt. %, in other embodiments from about 0.25 to about 8 wt. %, in other embodiments from about 0.4 to about 5 wt. %, in other embodiments from about 0.5 to about 2.5 wt. %, based upon the total weight of the antimicrobial composition.

[0063] In these or other embodiments, the antimicrobial composition comprises one or more conditioning or moisturizing esters. Examples of esters include cetyl myristate, cetyl myristoleate, and other cetyl esters, diisopropyl sebacate, and isopropyl myristate. In one embodiment, the ester is present in an amount of up to 10 wt. %, based upon the total weight of the antimicrobial composition. In another embodiment the ester is present in an amount of from about 0.5 to about 5 wt. %, in another embodiment from about 1 to about 2 wt. %, based upon the total weight of the antimicrobial composition.

[0064] In one or more embodiments, the antimicrobial composition includes one or more emulsifying agents. Examples of emulsifying agents include stearyl alcohol, sorbitan oleate trideceth-2, poloxamers, and PEG/PPG-20/6 dimethicone. In one embodiment, the emulsifying agent is present in an amount of up to about 10 wt. %, based upon the total weight of the antimicrobial composition. In another embodiment the emulsifying agent is present in an amount of from about 0.1 to about 5 wt. %, in another embodiment from about 0.5 to about 2 wt. %, based upon the total weight of the antimicrobial composition.

[0065] In one or more embodiments, the alcoholic composition further comprises one or more of PEG-32, PCA Ethyl cocoyl arginate (CAE), and tocopheryl acetate.

[0066] In one or more embodiments, PEG-32 is present in an amount of from about zero to about 5 wt. %, based upon the total weight of the alcoholic composition. In one or more embodiments, the amount of PEG-32 is from about 0.2 to about 2 wt. %, based upon the total weight of the alcoholic composition. In another embodiment, the PEG-32 is present in an amount of from about 0.3 to about 1.5 wt. %, based upon the total weight of the alcoholic composition.

[0067] In one or more embodiments, tocopheryl acetate is present in an amount of from zero to about 5 wt. %, in other embodiments, from about 0.005 to about 2.5 wt. %, based upon the total weight of the alcoholic composition. In one or more embodiments, the tocopheryl acetate is present in an amount of from about 0.005 to about 0.5 wt. %, in other embodiments, from about 0.1 to about 0.25 wt. %, based upon the total weight of the alcoholic composition.

[0068] In one or more embodiments, CAE is present in an amount of from about zero to about 0.5 wt. %, in other embodiments, from about 0.05 to about 0.40 wt. %, based upon the total weight of the alcoholic composition. In one embodiment, CAE is present in an amount of from about 0.05 to about 0.22 wt. %, in other embodiments, from about 0.15 to about 0.20 wt. %, based upon the total weight of the alcoholic composition.

[0069] In one embodiment, alcohol is the only active antimicrobial ingredient introduced into the composition. Thus, in one or more embodiments the amount of auxiliary antimicrobial ingredients is less than about 1 wt. %, based upon the total weight of the alcoholic composition, where the term auxiliary antimicrobial ingredients refers to any antimicrobial actives other than the Ci_₆ alcohol. In one or more embodiments, the amount of auxiliary antimicrobial ingredients is less than about 0.5 wt. %, in other embodiments, less than about 0.2 wt. %, in other embodiments, less than about 0.1 wt. %, and in other embodiments, less than about 0.05 wt. %, based upon the total weight of the alcoholic composition.

[0070] In other embodiments, the composition includes auxiliary antimicrobial agents in addition to alcohol. Examples of auxiliary antimicrobial agents include, but are not limited to, triclosan, also known as 5-chloro-2(2,4-dichlorophenoxy) phenol and available from Ciba-Geigy Corporation under the tradename IRGASAN®; chloroxylenol, also known as

4- chloro-3,5-xylenol, available from Nipa Laboratories, Inc. under the tradenames NIPACIDE® MX or PX; hexetidine, also known as

5- amino-l,3-bis(2-ethylhexyl)-5-methyl-hexahydropyrimidine; chlorhexidine salts including chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) and the salts of N,N"-Bis(4-chlorophenyl)-3,12- diimino-2,4,1 1,14-tetraazatetradecanediimidi amide; 2-bromo-2-nitropropane-l; 3-diol, benzalkonium chloride; cetylpyridinium chloride; alkylbenzyldimethylammonium chlorides; iodine; phenol derivatives, povidone-iodine including polyvinylpyrrolidinone-iodine; parabens; hydantoins and derivatives thereof, including 2,4-imidazolidinedione and derivatives of 2,4-imidazolidinedione as well as dimethylol-5,5-dimethylhydantoin (also known as DMDM hydantoin or glydant); phenoxyethanol; cis isomer of l-(3-chloroallyl)- 3,5,6-triaza-l-azoniaadamantane chloride, also known as quaternium-15 and available from Dow Chemical Company under the tradename DOWCIL™ 2000; diazolidinyl urea; benzethonium chloride; methylbenzethonium chloride; and mixtures thereof. When used, the auxiliary antimicrobial agents may present in amounts of from about 0.05 to about 1 wt. %, based upon the total weight of the alcoholic composition. In one or more embodiments, the amount of auxiliary antimicrobial agent is from about 0.1 to about 0.8 wt. %, in other embodiments, from about 0.2 to about 0.6 wt. %, based upon the total weight of the alcoholic composition. In one or more embodiments, the compositions of the present invention include CHG. [0071] The alcoholic composition of the present invention may optionally further comprise a wide range of topical drug actives, with the proviso that they do not deleteriously affect the foam forming properties of the alcoholic composition, or the stability of the foam.

[0072] In one or more embodiments, the balance of the alcoholic composition includes water or other suitable solvent.

[0073] The alcoholic composition may be prepared by simply mixing the components together. The order of addition is not particularly limited, and will be readily discernible by one of skill in the art. In one or more embodiments, the resulting mixture is a clear, homogeneous solution.

[0074] In one or more embodiments, the viscosity of the composition is less than about 100 mPas, in one embodiment less than about 50 mPas, and in another embodiment less than about 25mPas, as measured by a Brookfield RV Viscometer using RV and/or LV Spindles at 22 °C +/- 3 °C.

[0075] Although a propellant may be used to produce stable foam, advantageously a propellant is not necessary. In certain embodiments, the amount of propellant is less than about 1000 parts per million by weight, based upon the total weight of the alcoholic composition. In one embodiment, the alcoholic composition is substantially free of propellants, such as hydrocarbon propellants. By substantially free is meant that the amount of propellant in the alcoholic composition is less than about 100 parts per million by weight, based upon the total weight of the alcoholic composition.

[0076] The foamable composition of the present invention may be employed in any type of dispenser typically used for foam products. Advantageously, while the foamable composition can optionally be foamed by aerosolizing the composition, an aerosolized product is not necessary for foaming. Any dispenser that is capable of mixing the foamable alcoholic composition with air or an inert gas may be used. Inert gases include gas that does not substantially react or otherwise deleteriously affect the foamable composition. Examples of inert gases include nitrogen, argon, xenon, krypton, helium, neon, and radon. In one embodiment, the alcoholic composition is used in dispensers that employ non-aerosol foaming pumps, which combine ambient air or an inert gas and the alcoholic composition in a mixing chamber and pass the mixture through a mesh screen. Other non-aerosol foam pumps are known, and may be used.

[0077] Advantageously, the foam of the present invention has good foam quality and stability, even when branched polyether dimethicone surfactants are employed as foaming surfactants, so long as the amount of VOCs in the foaming surfactant is limited. The foamable compositions of the present invention provide good foam quality and stability, even at levels of alcohol that equal or exceed 60 wt. %. Embodiments of the present invention provide good foam quality and stability, even at levels of alcohol that equal or exceed 70 wt. %.

[0078] Accordingly, the present invention provides a method of forming a non-aerosol alcoholic foam having improved foam quality and/or stability. The method includes the steps of combining a Ci_₆ alcohol, a polyether dimethicone foaming surfactant, and water, to form a foamable composition, wherein the foamable composition includes at least 60 wt. % of a Ci_₆ alcohol, based upon the total weight of the foamable compositions, and wherein amount of VOCs in the foaming surfactant is less than 1 wt. %, based upon the total weight of the foaming surfactant.

[0079] The present invention further provides a method of forming a non-aerosol alcoholic foam having improved foam quality and/or stability. The method includes the steps of combining a Ci_₆ alcohol and a polyether dimethicone foaming surfactant, at least one foam booster, at least one skin feel enhancer, at least one moisturizer, and water, to form a foamable composition, wherein the foamable composition includes at least 60 wt. % of a Ci_₆ alcohol, based upon the total weight of the foamable composition, and wherein amount of VOCs in the foaming surfactant is less than 1 wt. %, based upon the total weight of the foaming surfactant. The quality and/or stability of the foam is improved when compared to foamable compositions that contain the same ingredients, but where the foaming surfactant contains more than about 1 wt. % VOCs.

[0080] The present invention further provides a method of forming a non-aerosol alcoholic foam having improved foam quality and/or stability. The method includes the steps of combining a Ci_₆ alcohol, a foaming surfactant, at least one foam booster, at least one skin feel enhancer, at least one moisturizer, and water, to form a foamable composition, wherein the foamable composition includes at least 60 wt. % of a Ci_₆ alcohol, based upon the total weight of the foamable compositions, and wherein the quality and/or stability of the foam is improved when compared to foamable compositions that do not contain the foam booster, the skin feel enhancer, and the moisturizer. In one or more embodiments, the combination of the foam booster, skin feel enhancer, and moisturizer surprisingly provide a synergistic improvement of the foam quality and/or stability.

[0081] In one or more embodiments, foam stability may be measured as the amount of time that it takes for the foamed composition to break down to a liquid state. This may be referred to as a drainage test method. Foams having good stability are advantageous, because once the foam breaks down to a liquid state, it is more likely to drip from the surface to which it is applied, the foaming pump and/or associated dispenser elements.

[0082] In one or more embodiments, the foam stability may be assessed by using the following method. The foamable mixture may be passed through a non-aerosol foaming pump. Tygon® (or the like) tubing may be secured onto the pump tip, ensuring no air gaps. The pump may be primed by activating it slowly a few times, and during this time, the pumped product may be discarded. In one or more embodiments, the pump is primed by activating it five times. After the pump is primed, one or more test aliquots may be pumped into a graduated container. In one or more embodiments, the graduated container may be a conical centrifuge tube. In one or more embodiments, the centrifuge tube may be about a 100 milliliter (mL) oil centrifuge tube. In one or more embodiments, about four test aliquots may be pumped into the graduated container. Pumping the aliquots into the graduated container in a uniform manner may be beneficial to achieve consistent results.

[0083] As the foam collapses to a liquid, the liquid level in the graduated container increases, and this may be visually apparent. In one or more embodiments, the amount of time that is takes for the liquid level to rise to a pre-determined point may be measured. For example, in one or more embodiments, when a 100 mL conical oil centrifuge tube is employed and when approximately 6 mL of the foamable composition are pumped into the tube, the amount of time that it takes for the liquid level to rise to 3.5 mL may be recorded. The test may be repeated and the results may be averaged. [0084] In one or more embodiments, the foam stability of the foam produced when the foamable alcoholic composition is passed through a non-aerosol foaming pump at room temperature is at least about 20 seconds, in other embodiments, at least about 30 seconds, in other embodiments, at least about 1 minute, in other embodiments, at least about 80 seconds, in other embodiments, at least about 90 seconds, in other embodiments, at least about three minutes. In other words, in one or more embodiments, the alcoholic composition maintains its foam form and doesn't break down into liquid form for at least three minutes. In other embodiments, the foam stability is at least about five minutes, and in yet other embodiments, the foam stability is at least about 15 minutes. In one or more embodiments, the foam stability is at least as long as the period of time required for the composition to evaporate.

[0085] In one or more embodiments, foam quality may be measured by visual inspection. The average size of the bubbles, and the relative proportion of large bubbles to small bubbles, the height and density of the foam, and the dissipation rate of the foam can be observed by visual inspection. In one or more embodiments, foam height may also be an indicator of foam quality. In one or more embodiments, a visual rating scale may be established in order to rate the foam quality.

[0086] Referring now to the drawings, FIG. 1 is a photograph showing a control sample of a surface with a stabilized foamed composition that has been denoted with a rating of a 1 on a scale from 1 to 5, immediately after the foam was dispensed. It can be seen that the foam has little or no foam height, the foam contains some small bubbles, but contains a greater amount of large, loose bubbles that quickly disappear.

[0087] FIG. 2 is a photograph showing a control sample of a surface with a stabilized foamed composition with a rating of a 4 on a scale from 1 to 5, immediately after the foam was dispensed. It can be seen that the foam has a measurable foam height, contains small, densely packed bubbles, and dissipates relatively slowly. Foam receiving a grade of a 4 would hold its form for at least about 20 seconds, and does not fully lose form for over 60 seconds.

[0088] In one or more embodiments, a panel of experts may be utilized to rate the foam quality. In one or more embodiments, a panel of three to five people is utilized. The panel may be qualified through training that includes the observation and analysis of standard foams. In one or more embodiments, the panel is trained by using standard foams that have been predetermined to have distinct foam quality ratings, such as foam quality ratings of 1, 3, and 5.

[0089] Advantageously, embodiments of the foamable alcoholic compositions of the present invention produce foam having a quality rating of at least 3, in other embodiments, at least 3.5, in other embodiments, at least 4.

[0090] In one or more embodiments, foam that is formed from an inventive composition has a higher quality rating than foam that is formed from a comparative composition, where the only difference between the inventive composition and the comparative composition is that the amount of VOCs in the foaming surfactant of the inventive composition is less than 1 wt. %, based upon the total weight of the foaming surfactant, and the amount of VOCs in the foaming surfactant of the comparative composition is greater than 1 wt. %, based upon the total weight of the foaming surfactant.

[0091] In one or more embodiments, foam that is formed from an inventive composition has a higher quality rating than foam that is formed from a comparative composition, where the only difference between the inventive composition and the comparative composition is that the amount of VOCs in the foaming surfactant of the inventive composition is less than 0.8 wt. %, based upon the total weight of the foaming surfactant, and the amount of VOCs in the foaming surfactant of the comparative composition is greater than 0.8 wt. %, based upon the total weight of the foaming surfactant.

[0092] In one or more embodiments, foam that is formed from an inventive composition has a higher quality rating than foam that is formed from a comparative composition, where the only difference between the inventive composition and the comparative composition is that the amount of VOCs in the foaming surfactant of the inventive composition is less than 0.6 wt. %, based upon the total weight of the foaming surfactant, and the amount of VOCs in the foaming surfactant of the comparative composition is greater than 0.6 wt. %, based upon the total weight of the foaming surfactant. [0093] In one or more embodiments, the height of the foam may be measured. As stated above, the initial foam height may be used as an indicator of foam quality. In one or more embodiments, the change in the foam height over time may also be measured.

[0094] It will be understood that various methods may be employed to measure foam height. In one or more embodiments, the following method may be employed. A foam pump nozzle may be used to generate foam from each composition. In one or more embodiments, the pump may be product Code F2, type F2-L11 255/150, available from Albea (formerly Airspray International Inc.). Vials may be used to collect foam from the pump dispenser, while the foam height is being measured. The exact size and composition of the vials is not limited, so long as it is consistent from one test sample to the next. In one or more embodiments, the vials may be made of glass and may be 40 or 80 millimeters (mm) in height, with a 25 mm internal diameter and a 27 mm outer diameter.

[0095] The pump may be rinsed between samples with deionized water or ethanol by pumping water through the pump until it comes out clear. The pump dip tube may then be removed from the water, pumped dry of residual water, and then placed in the composition to be tested.

[0096] The pump may be pumped 3 times to prime the pump, and then 3 more times to purge solution through the nozzle to ensure that the system is ready. Three test aliquots of foam may be collected in a collection vial by pumping slowly at a speed of about 1 second for each pump. The vial containing the foam may be placed on a flat surface, a timer may be started, and a small ruler with millimeter increments may be used to measure the approximate height of the foam, ignoring the height of any remaining unfoamed composition.

[0097] The time that is taken to measure the foam height should be consistent, and in one or more embodiments will be about 5 seconds. This may be referred to as the initial foam height. Any composition producing a foam that is not stable for at least the amount of time needed to measure the foam height may be considered to be unstable and given a foam height rating of 0 mm. Furthermore, a rating of 0 mm may be given if the top of the solution was void of foam in any spot, such as the center. In one or more embodiments, the foam height was recorded after a pre-determined amount of time, such as after 1 , 3 and 5 minutes, to assess the stability of the foam.

[0098] In one or more embodiments, foamable compositions of the present invention form foam that has a measurable initial foam height. In one or more embodiments, foamable compositions of the present invention form foam that has a measurable foam height after about 1 minute. In one or more embodiments, foamable compositions of the present invention form foam that has a measurable foam height after about 3 minutes. In one or more embodiments, foamable compositions of the present invention form foam that has a measurable foam height after about 5 minutes.

[0099] In one or more embodiments, foam that is formed from an inventive composition has a greater initial foam height than foam that is formed from a comparative composition, where the only difference between the inventive composition and the comparative composition is that the amount of VOCs in the foaming surfactant of the inventive composition is less than 1 wt. %, based upon the total weight of the foaming surfactant, and the amount of VOCs in the foaming surfactant of the comparative composition is greater than 1 wt. %, based upon the total weight of the foaming surfactant.

[00100] In order to demonstrate the practice of the present invention, the following examples have been prepared and tested. The examples should not, however, be viewed as limiting the scope of the invention. The claims will serve to define the invention.

Examples

[00101] Examples were prepared as summarized in Table 2 below.

Table 2

Ingredient Amount (wt. %)

Ethanol SDA 3C 74.1

Foaming Surfactant 1.75

Isopropyl Myristate 0.01

PEG-32 0.80

Tocopheryl Acetate 0.05

CHG (20 wt. % solution) 1.22

Water qs Total 100

[00102] The foaming surfactant for each sample was a branched PEG- 10 dimethicone surfactant. The concentration of total VOCs in the foaming surfactant was measured, and is summarized in Table 3 below. The term "qs" indicates a sufficient amount to total 100 weight percent (wt. %).

[00103] The foamable mixtures were passed through an Airspray® foaming pump. The foams were visually inspected by an expert panel as described above, and rated for quality against a rating scale from 1 to 5.

Table 3

[00104] The data from Table 3 is shown graphically in FIG. 3, where it can be seen that foam quality decreases as the amount of VOCs in the foaming surfactant increase. [00105] Various modifications and alterations that do not depart from the scope and spirit of this invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art. This invention is not to be duly limited to the illustrative embodiments set forth herein.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A foamable alcoholic composition comprising:

at least about 40 wt. % of a Ci_₆ alcohol, or a mixture of Ci_₆ alcohols, based upon the total weight of the alcoholic composition; and

a polyether dimethicone foaming surfactant comprising from zero to about 1 wt. % volatile organic carbon compounds, based upon the total weight of the foaming surfactant.

2. The composition of claim 1 , wherein said alcohol is selected from the group consisting of methanol, ethanol, propanol, butanol, pentanol, hexanol, isomers thereof, and mixtures thereof.

3. The composition of claim 1 , wherein the foaming surfactant is a branched polyether dimethicone surfactant.

4. The composition of claim 1 , wherein the foaming surfactant is represented by the formula

R² - Si (CH₃)₂ - [0-Si (CH3)₂]_iJ - [0 - Si (CH3) R³ ]₆ - 0 - Si (CH₃)₂ - R² where each R² and R³ group independently includes a methyl group or a polyether moiety that may be represented by the formula -(CH₂)₃ - O - (CH₂CH₂0)_c - [CH₂CH(CH₃)0]_£/ - (CH₂CH₂0)_e H with the proviso that all R groups are not CH₃, where a is an integer from about 3 to about 21 , b is an integer from about 1 to about 7, c is an integer from about 0 to about 40, d is an integer from about 0 to about 40, and e is an integer from about 0 to about 40, with the proviso that a > 3 x b and that c + d + e > 5. In one or more embodiments, at least one R³ is a polyether moiety according to the above formula.

5. The composition of claim 1 , wherein the foaming surfactant is selected from the group consisting of branched PEG-8 dimethicone, branched PEG- 10 dimethicone, branched PEG- 12 dimethicone, and mixtures thereof.

6. The composition of claim 1, wherein the foaming surfactant is branched PEG- 10 dimethicone.

7. The composition of claim 1 , wherein the foaming surfactant comprises less than about 1 wt. % cyclomethicones, based upon the total weight of the foaming surfactant.

8. The composition of claim 1 , wherein the foaming surfactant comprises less than about 0.1 wt. % D3, based upon the total weight of the foaming surfactant.

9. The composition of claim 1 , wherein the foaming surfactant comprises less than about 0.1 wt. % D4, based upon the total weight of the foaming surfactant.

10. The composition of claim 1, wherein the foaming surfactant comprises less than about 0.2 wt. % D5, based upon the total weight of the foaming surfactant.

11. The composition of claim 1 , wherein the foaming surfactant comprises less than about 0.1 wt. % D6, based upon the total weight of the foaming surfactant.

12. The composition of claim 1 , wherein the foaming surfactant comprises less than about 0.8 wt. % VOCs, based upon the total weight of the foaming surfactant.

13. The composition of claim 1, wherein the foaming surfactant comprises less than about 0.6 wt. % VOCs, based upon the total weight of the foaming surfactant.

14. The composition of claim 1 , wherein the composition further comprises at least one foam stabilizer.

15. The composition of claim 1 , wherein said foaming surfactant is present in an amount of from about 0.002 to about 4 wt. %, based upon the total weight of the alcoholic composition.

16. The composition of claim 1 , wherein said alcohol is present in an amount of at least about 50 wt. % based upon the total weight of the alcoholic composition.

17. The composition of claim 1 , wherein said alcohol is present in an amount of at least about 60 wt. % based upon the total weight of the alcoholic composition.

18. A method for forming stabilized alcoholic foam, the method comprising:

combining at least about 40 wt. % of a Ci_₆ alcohol, or a mixture of Ci_₆ alcohols, based upon the total weight of the alcoholic composition; and a polyether dimethicone foaming surfactant comprising from zero to about 1 wt. % volatile organic carbon compounds, to form a foamable alcoholic composition;

mixing said alcoholic composition and air or an inert gas in a mixing chamber to form a mixture; and

passing said mixture through a non-aerosol foam pump to form a foam.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein the foam stability of said foam at room temperature is at least about 30 seconds.

20. The method of claim 18, wherein the foam stability of said foam at room

temperature is greater than the stability of a foam formed from a foamable alcoholic composition comprising:

at least about 40 wt. % of a Ci_₆ alcohol, or a mixture of Ci_₆ alcohols, based upon the total weight of the alcoholic composition; and a polyether dimethicone foaming surfactant comprising from greater than 1 wt. % volatile organic carbon compounds, based upon the total weight of the foaming surfactant.

21. The method of claim 18, wherein the initial foam height of said foam at room temperature is greater than the initial foam height of a foam formed from a foamable alcoholic composition comprising:

a polyether dimethicone foaming surfactant comprising from greater than 1 wt. % volatile organic carbon compounds, based upon the total weight of the foaming surfactant.

22. The method of claim 18, wherein the foam quality of said foam at room temperature is greater than the quality of a foam formed from a foamable alcoholic composition comprising: