Antibacterial compositions and method of using same

Abstract

Antibacterial solution useful as a cleaning agent suitable for cutaneous use by humans or otherwise which is aqueous based, free of alcohol and surfactants and having a quaternary ammonium compound as its principal antimicrobial agent, a number of moisturizing agents and DMDM Hydantoin serving at least as a preservative.

1 . A composition comprising: 
 (A) at least one member selected from the group consisting of antibacterial agents and preservatives;    (B) a combination of moisturizing or hydrating agents; and    (C) water;    provided said composition does not contain: (1) alcohol; and (2) surfactant.    
   
   
       2 . The composition of  claim 1  wherein said component (A) comprises a quaternary ammonium compound.  
   
   
       3 . The composition of  claim 2  wherein said quaternary ammonium compound is benzalkonium chloride.  
   
   
       4 . The composition of  claim 1  wherein said component (A) exhibits antibacterial and preservative effects.  
   
   
       5 . The composition of  claim 1  wherein said component (A) comprises a preservative exhibiting: (1) antibacterial effects; or (2) antibacterial effects in combination with antifungal effects.  
   
   
       6 . The composition of  claim 5  wherein said component (A) comprises DMDM Hydantoin.  
   
   
       7 . The composition of  claim 1  wherein said combination of moisturizing agents comprises plant extracts.  
   
   
       8 . The composition of  claim 6  wherein said combination of moisturizing agents include extracts selected from the group consisting of aloe vera, lavender and chamomile.  
   
   
       9 . The composition of  claim 1  wherein, based on the total weight of said composition, said component (A) comprises from about 0.1 to about 5 weight percent and said combination of moisturizing or hydrating agents comprises about 0.1 to about 5 total weight percent.  
   
   
       10 . The composition of  claim 3  wherein said benzalkonium chloride is present in an amount of from about 0.5 to about 1.5 weight percent of said composition.  
   
   
       11 . The composition of  claim 7  wherein said component (A) comprises benzalkonium chloride.  
   
   
       12 . The composition of  claim 1  comprising: 
 (A) at least one antibacterial, preservative agent wherein said agent is present at from about 0.1 to about 5 weight percent;    (B) about 0.1 to about 5 total weight percent of a combination of moisturizing or hydrating agents; and    (C) water;    wherein said at least one antibacterial, preservative agent comprises benzalkonium chloride; and said combination of moisturizing agents comprises extracts of aloe vera, lavender and chamomile.    
   
   
       13 . A composition comprising: 
 (A) at least one antibacterial agent;    (B) a preservative;    (C) a combination of moisturizing or hydrating agents;    and    (D) water;    provided said composition does not contain: (1) a skin-drying ingredient; and (2) surfactant.    
   
   
       14 . The composition of  claim 13  wherein said skin-drying ingredient comprises alcohol.  
   
   
       15 . The composition of  claim 13  wherein said at least one antibacterial agent comprises a quaternary ammonium compound.  
   
   
       16 . The composition of  claim 15  wherein said quaternary ammonium compound is benzalkonium chloride.  
   
   
       17 . The composition of  claim 13  wherein said preservative comprises DMDM Hydantoin.  
   
   
       18 . The composition of  claim 13  wherein said combination of moisturizing or hydrating agents comprises plant extracts.  
   
   
       19 . The composition of  claim 18  wherein said combination of moisturizing or hydrating agents include extracts selected from the group consisting of aloe vera, lavender and chamomile.  
   
   
       20 . The composition of  claim 13  wherein, based on the total weight of said composition, said antibacterial agent comprises from about 0.1 to about 5 weight percent, said preservative comprises about 0.1 to about 2 weight percent and said combination of moisturizing or hydrating agents comprises about 0.1 to about 5 total weight percent.  
   
   
       21 . The composition of  claim 16  wherein said benzalkonium chloride is present in an amount of from about 0.5 to about 1.5 weight percent of said composition.  
   
   
       22 . The composition of  claim 15  wherein said combination of moisturizing agents are selected from the group consisting of aloe vera, lavender and chamomile.  
   
   
       23 . The composition of  claim 18  wherein said antibacterial agent comprises benzalkonium chloride.  
   
   
       24 . The composition of  claim 19  wherein said combination of moisturizing agents is extracts of aloe vera and chamomile.  
   
   
       25 . A method of cleansing an area of skin comprising applying the composition of  claim 1  to said area of skin to be cleansed.  
   
   
       26 . The method of  claim 25  wherein the composition is applied to the skin of a human.  
   
   
       27 . The method of  claim 25  wherein the step of applying comprises spraying said composition on the area to be cleaned.  
   
   
       28 . The method of  claim 25  wherein the step of applying comprises wetting an absorbent medium with said composition and wiping said wet medium over said area.  
   
   
       29 . A cleansing wipe comprising the composition according to  claim 1  in combination with a medium selected from the group consisting of absorbent gauze, towelette, cloth and other fabric.