Antimicrobial tissue products with reduced skin irritation potential

Abstract

A non-irritating antimicrobial multi-layer or multi-ply tissue product made by treating an inner layer or ply or an inner surface of an inner layer or ply with one or more antimicrobial agents and treating the one or more outer layers or plies or the outer surfaces of the layers or plies with one or more irritation-inhibiting agents, and methods of making and using the same. The antimicrobial agent will remain confined to the inner portion of the tissue product, thereby preventing irritation to the user, and the irritation-inhibiting composition treated layer(s) or ply(s) provides a pleasing, soothing, non-irritating tactile quality to the tissue product. The non-irritating antimicrobial multi-layer or multi-ply tissue product further comprises an absorption enhancing agent. In one embodiment, the irritation-inhibiting composition comprises an oil, in which case the tissue product will also entrap any absorbed contaminant, holding it in contact with the antimicrobial agent.

1 . A non-irritating, antimicrobial, multi-layer tissue product comprising: 
 a plurality of layers defining at least a first layer and a second layer wherein the first layer defines an outer layer having an outwardly facing outer surface and an outer portion adjacent the outer surface and an inwardly facing inner surface and an outer portion adjacent the inner surface and an inner portion adjacent both outer portions;    an irritation-inhibiting composition comprising at least an irritation-inhibiting agent applied to at least a portion of at least the first layer;    an antimicrobially effective amount of at least one antimicrobial agent applied to at least a portion of the multi-layer tissue product; and,    an absorption enhancing agent,    wherein the at least one antimicrobial agent is not applied to the portion of the multi-layer tissue product treated with the irritation-inhibiting composition.    
   
   
       2 . The multi-layer tissue product of  claim 1 , wherein the second layer defines an inner layer having two outwardly facing inner surfaces, an outer portion adjacent each of the inner surfaces, and an inner portion adjacent the outer portions.  
   
   
       3 . The multi-layer tissue product of  claim 1 , wherein the second layer defines an outer layer having an outwardly facing outer surface and an outer portion adjacent the outer surface and an inwardly facing inner surface and an outer portion adjacent the inner surface and an inner portion adjacent both outer portions.  
   
   
       4 . The multi-layer tissue product of  claim 1 , wherein the irritation-inhibiting composition comprises: 
 from about 10 to about 85 weight percent of an irritation-inhibiting agent;    from about 10 to about 85 weight percent of a hydrophilic solvent;    from about 5 to about 80 weight percent of a solidifying agent selected from polyethylene glycol and polyethylene glycol derivatives wherein the solidifying agent has a melting point greater than about 20° C. and has a molecular weight of at least about 720.    
   
   
       5 . The multi-layer tissue product of  claim 1 , wherein the irritation-inhibiting composition is applied to: at least the outer surface of the first layer; at least the outer portion adjacent the outer surface of the first layer; at least the inner surface of the first layer; at least the outer portion adjacent the inner surface of the first layer; at least the inner portion of the first layer; or, any combination thereof.  
   
   
       6 . The multi-layer tissue product of  claim 3 , wherein the antimicrobial agent is applied to: at least the outer surface of the second layer; at least the outer portion of the second layer; at least the inner surface of the second layer; at least the inner portion of the second layer; or, any combination thereof.  
   
   
       7 . The multi-layer tissue product of  claim 2 , wherein the antimicrobial agent is applied to: at least one inner surface of the second layer; at least one outer portion of the second layer; at least the inner portion of the second layer; or, any combination thereof.  
   
   
       8 . The multi-layer tissue product of  claim 1 , wherein the irritation-inhibiting composition is applied to: at least the outer surface of the first layer; at least the outer portion of the first layer; or, any combination thereof.  
   
   
       9 . The multi-layer tissue product of  claim 9 , wherein the antimicrobial agent composition is applied to: at least the inner surface of the first layer; at least the outer portion adjacent the inner surface of the first layer; at least the inner portion of the first layer; or, any combination thereof.  
   
   
       10 . The multi-layer tissue product of  claim 1 , wherein an add-on amount of the antimicrobial agent is from about 0.5 to about 15 percent antimicrobial agent solids per multi-layer tissue product.  
   
   
       11 . The multi-layer tissue product of  claim 1 , wherein the irritation-inhibiting agent is selected from the group consisting of: emollients; glycerin and its derivatives; glycols and their derivatives; liquid polyethylene glycols; ethoxylated polydimethylsiloxanes; quaternary ammonium compounds; botanical extracts; solid fatty acid esters; hydrogenated animal or vegetable oils and their derivatives; lotion compositions; waxes; solid fatty alcohols; and, mixtures thereof.  
   
   
       12 . The multi-layer tissue product of  claim 1 , wherein the add-on amount of the irritation-inhibiting composition is from about 1 to about 30 percent irritation-inhibiting composition solids per multi-layer tissue product.  
   
   
       13 . The multi-layer tissue product of  claim 1 , wherein the antimicrobial agent has the structure:  
       R—COOR′ wherein R is selected from the group consisting of: a radical selected from the group consisting of C 1 -C 6  alkyl, substituted C 1 -C6 alkyl, carboxy C 1 -C 6  alkyl, carboxyhydroxy C 1 -C 6  alkyl, carboxy halo C 1 -C 6  alkyl, carboxy dihydroxy C 1 -C 6  alkyl, dicarboxyhydroxy C 1 -C 6  alkyl, C 1 -C 6  alkenyl, carboxy C 1 -C 6  alkenyl, dicarboxy C 1 -C 6  alkenyl, phenyl, and substituted phenyl radicals; and,    R′ is selected from the group consisting of: hydrogen atom; halogen atoms;    hydroxyl groups; amino groups; thiol groups; nitro groups; and, cyano groups.    
   
   
       14 . The multi-layer tissue product of  claim 1 , wherein the antimicrobial agent comprises at least one organic acid.  
   
   
       15 . The multi-layer tissue product of  claim 15 , wherein the antimicrobial agent comprises at least citric acid.  
   
   
       16 . The multi-layer tissue product of  claim 1 , wherein the absorption enhancing agent comprises at least sodium lauryl sulfate.  
   
   
       17 . The multi-layer tissue product of  claim 1 , wherein the absorption enhancing agent has an add-on level of about 0.5 to about 10 mg/in 2 .  
   
   
       18 . The multi-layer tissue product of  claim 1 , wherein the absorption enhancing agent is applied to at least a portion of at least one outer layer.  
   
   
       19 . The multi-layer tissue product of  claim 1 , wherein the multi-layer tissue product is selected from a group consisting of: a facial tissue; a bath tissue; a paper towel; a wipe; and, a napkin.  
   
   
       20 . A non-irritating, antimicrobial, multi-layer tissue product comprising: 
 a plurality of layers defining at least a first layer and a second layer wherein the first layer defines an outer layer and the second layer defines an inner layer having an outwardly facing first inner surface, an outwardly facing second inner surface, an outer portion adjacent each of the first and second inner surfaces, and an inner portion adjacent the outer portions;    an irritation-inhibiting composition comprising at least an irritation-inhibiting agent applied to at least a portion of at least the second layer;    an antimicrobially effective amount of at least one antimicrobial agent applied to at least a portion of the multi-layer tissue product; and,    an absorption enhancing agent,    wherein the at least one antimicrobial agent is not applied to the portion of the multi-layer tissue product treated with the irritation-inhibiting composition.    
   
   
       21 . The multi-layer tissue product of  claim 20 , wherein the irritation-inhibiting composition is applied to: at least the first inner surface of the second layer; at least the second inner surface of the second layer; at least the outer portion adjacent the first inner surface of the second layer; at least the outer portion adjacent the second inner surface of the second layer; or, any combination thereof.  
   
   
       22 . The multi-layer tissue product of  claim 21 , wherein the antimicrobial agent is applied to at least the inner portion of the second layer.  
   
   
       23 . The multi-layer tissue product of  claim 20 , wherein the irritation-inhibiting composition is applied to: at least the first inner surface of the second layer; at least the outer portion adjacent the first inner surface of the second layer; or, any combination thereof.  
   
   
       24 . The multi-layer tissue product of  claim 23 , wherein the antimicrobial agent is applied to: at least the second inner surface of the second layer; at least the outer portion adjacent the second inner surface of the second layer; at least the inner portion of the second layer; or, any combination thereof.  
   
   
       25 . The multi-layer tissue product of  claim 20 , wherein the irritation-inhibiting composition comprises: 
 from about 10 to about 85 weight percent of an irritation-inhibiting agent;    from about 10 to about 85 weight percent of a hydrophilic solvent;    from about 5 to about 80 weight percent of a solidifying agent selected from polyethylene glycol and polyethylene glycol derivatives wherein the solidifying agent has a melting point greater than about 20° C. and has a molecular weight of at least about 720.    
   
   
       26 . The multi-layer tissue product of  claim 20 , wherein an add-on amount of the antimicrobial agent is from about 0.5 to about 15 percent antimicrobial agent solids per multi-layer tissue product.  
   
   
       27 . The multi-layer tissue product of  claim 20 , wherein the irritation-inhibiting agent is selected from the group consisting of: emollients; glycerin and its derivatives; glycols and their derivatives; liquid polyethylene glycols; ethoxylated polydimethylsiloxanes; quaternary ammonium compounds; botanical extracts; solid fatty acid esters; hydrogenated animal or vegetable oils and their derivatives; lotion compositions; waxes; solid fatty alcohols; and, mixtures thereof.  
   
   
       28 . The multi-layer tissue product of  claim 20 , wherein the add-on amount of the irritation-inhibiting composition is from about 1 to about 30 percent irritation-inhibiting composition solids per multi-layer tissue product.  
   
   
       29 . The multi-layer tissue product of  claim 20 , wherein the antimicrobial agent has the structure:  
       R—COOR′ wherein R is selected from the group consisting of: a radical selected from the group consisting of C 1 -C 6  alkyl, substituted C 1 -C 6  alkyl, carboxy C 1 -C 6  alkyl, carboxyhydroxy C 1 -C 6  alkyl, carboxy halo C 1 -C 6  alkyl, carboxy dihydroxy C 1 -C 6  alkyl, dicarboxyhydroxy C 1 -C 6  alkyl, C 1 -C 6  alkenyl, carboxy C 1 -C 6  alkenyl, dicarboxy C 1 -C 6  alkenyl, phenyl, and substituted phenyl radicals; and,    R′ is selected from the group consisting of: hydrogen atom; halogen atoms; hydroxyl groups; amino groups; thiol groups; nitro groups; and, cyano groups.    
   
   
       30 . The multi-layer tissue product of  claim 20 , wherein the antimicrobial agent comprises at least one organic acid.  
   
   
       31 . The multi-layer tissue product of  claim 30 , wherein the antimicrobial agent comprises at least citric acid.  
   
   
       32 . The multi-layer tissue product of  claim 20 , wherein the absorption enhancing agent comprises at least sodium lauryl sulfate.  
   
   
       33 . The multi-layer tissue product of  claim 20 , wherein the absorption enhancing agent has an add-on level of about 0.5 to about 10 mg/in 2 .  
   
   
       34 . The multi-layer tissue product of  claim 20 , wherein the absorption enhancing agent is applied to at least a portion of at least one outer layer.  
   
   
       35 . The multi-layer tissue product of  claim 20 , wherein the multi-layer tissue product is selected from a group consisting of: a facial tissue; a bath tissue; a paper towel; a wipe; and, a napkin.  
   
   
       36 . A non-irritating, antimicrobial, multi-ply tissue product comprising: 
 a plurality of plies defining at least a first ply and a second ply wherein the first ply defines an outer ply having an outwardly facing outer surface and an outer portion adjacent the outer surface and an inwardly facing inner surface and an outer portion adjacent the inner surface and an inner portion adjacent both outer portions;    an irritation-inhibiting composition comprising at least an irritation-inhibiting agent applied to at least a portion of at least the first ply;    an antimicrobially effective amount of at least one antimicrobial agent applied to at least a portion of the multi-ply tissue product; and, an absorption enhancing agent,    wherein the at least one antimicrobial agent is not applied to the portion of the multi-ply tissue product treated with the irritation-inhibiting composition.    
   
   
       37 . The multi-ply tissue product of  claim 36 , wherein the second ply defines an inner ply having two outwardly facing inner surfaces, an outer portion adjacent each of the inner surfaces, and an inner portion adjacent the outer portions.  
   
   
       38 . The multi-ply tissue product of  claim 36 , wherein the second ply defines an outer ply having an outwardly facing outer surface and an outer portion adjacent the outer surface and an inwardly facing inner surface and an outer portion adjacent the inner surface and an inner portion adjacent both outer portions.  
   
   
       39 . The multi-ply tissue product of  claim 36 , wherein the irritation-inhibiting composition comprises: 
 from about 10 to about 85 weight percent of an irritation-inhibiting agent;    from about 10 to about 85 weight percent of a hydrophilic solvent;    from about 5 to about 80 weight percent of a solidifying agent selected from polyethylene glycol and polyethylene glycol derivatives wherein the solidifying agent has a melting point greater than about 20° C. and has a molecular weight of at least about 720.    
   
   
       40 . The multi-ply tissue product of  claim 36 , wherein the irritation-inhibiting composition is applied to: at least the outer surface of the first ply; at least the outer portion adjacent the outer surface of the first ply; at least the inner surface of the first ply; at least the outer portion adjacent the inner surface of the first ply; at least the inner portion of the first ply; or, any combination thereof.  
   
   
       41 . The multi-ply tissue product of  claim 38 , wherein the antimicrobial agent is applied to: at least the outer surface of the second ply; at least the outer portion of the second ply; at least the inner surface of the second ply; at least the inner portion of the second ply; or, any combination thereof.  
   
   
       42 . The multi-ply tissue product of  claim 37 , wherein the antimicrobial agent is applied to: at least one inner surface of the second ply; at least one outer portion of the second ply; at least the inner portion of the second ply; or, any combination thereof.  
   
   
       43 . The multi-ply tissue product of  claim 36 , wherein the irritation-inhibiting composition is applied to: at least the outer surface of the first ply; at least the outer portion of the first ply; or, any combination thereof.  
   
   
       44 . The multi-ply tissue product of  claim 43 , wherein the antimicrobial agent composition is applied to: at least the inner surface of the first ply; at least the outer portion adjacent the inner surface of the first ply; at least the inner portion of the first ply; or, any combination thereof.  
   
   
       45 . The multi-ply tissue product of  claim 36 , wherein an add-on amount of the antimicrobial agent is from about 1 to about 15 percent antimicrobial agent solids per multi-ply tissue product.  
   
   
       46 . The multi-ply tissue product of  claim 36 , wherein the irritation-inhibiting agent is selected from the group consisting of: emollients; glycerin and its derivatives; glycols and their derivatives; liquid polyethylene glycols; ethoxylated polydimethylsiloxanes; quaternary ammonium compounds; botanical extracts; solid fatty acid esters; hydrogenated animal or vegetable oils and their derivatives; lotion compositions; waxes; solid fatty alcohols; and, mixtures thereof.  
   
   
       47 . The multi-ply tissue product of  claim 36 , wherein the add-on amount of the irritation-inhibiting composition is from about 1 to about 30 percent irritation-inhibiting composition solids per multi-ply tissue product.  
   
   
       48 . The multi-ply tissue product of  claim 36 , wherein the antimicrobial agent has the structure:  
       R—COOR′ wherein R is selected from the group consisting of: a radical selected from the group consisting of C 1 -C 6  alkyl, substituted C 1 -C 6  alkyl, carboxy C 1 -C 6  alkyl, carboxyhydroxy C 1 -C 6  alkyl, carboxy halo C 1 -C 6  alkyl, carboxy dihydroxy C 1 -C 6  alkyl, dicarboxyhydroxy C 1 -C 6  alkyl, C 1 -C 6  alkenyl, carboxy C 1 -C 6  alkenyl, dicarboxy C 1 -C 6  alkenyl, phenyl, and substituted phenyl radicals; and,    R′ is selected from the group consisting of: hydrogen atom; halogen atoms; hydroxyl groups; amino groups; thiol groups; nitro groups; and, cyano groups.    
   
   
       49 . The multi-ply tissue product of  claim 36 , wherein the antimicrobial agent comprises at least one organic acid.  
   
   
       50 . The multi-ply tissue product of  claim 49 , wherein the antimicrobial agent comprises at least citric acid.  
   
   
       51 . The multi-ply tissue product of  claim 36 , wherein the absorption enhancing agent comprises at least sodium lauryl sulfate.  
   
   
       52 . The multi-ply tissue product of  claim 36 , wherein the absorption enhancing agent has an add-on level of about 0.5 to about 10 mg/in 2 .  
   
   
       53 . The multi-ply tissue product of  claim 36 , wherein the absorption enhancing agent is applied to at least a portion of at least one outer ply.  
   
   
       54 . The multi-ply tissue product of  claim 36 , wherein the multi-ply tissue product is selected from a group consisting of: a facial tissue; a bath tissue; a paper towel; a wipe; and, a napkin.  
   
   
       55 . A non-irritating, antimicrobial, multi-ply tissue product comprising: 
 a plurality of plies defining at least a first ply and a second ply wherein the first ply defines an outer ply and the second ply defines an inner ply having an outwardly facing first inner surface, an outwardly facing second inner surface, an outer portion adjacent each of the first and second inner surfaces, and an inner portion adjacent the outer portions;    an irritation-inhibiting composition comprising at least an irritation-inhibiting agent applied to at least a portion of at least the second ply;    an antimicrobially effective amount of at least one antimicrobial agent applied to at least a portion of the multi-ply tissue product; and,    an absorption enhancing agent,    wherein the at least one antimicrobial agent is not applied to the portion of the multi-ply tissue product treated with the irritation-inhibiting composition.    
   
   
       56 . The multi-ply tissue product of  claim 55 , wherein the irritation-inhibiting composition is applied to: at least the first inner surface of the second ply; at least the second inner surface of the second ply; at least the outer portion adjacent the first inner surface of the second ply; at least the outer portion adjacent the second inner surface of the second ply; or, any combination thereof.  
   
   
       57 . The multi-ply tissue product of  claim 56 , wherein the antimicrobial agent is applied to at least the inner portion of the second ply.  
   
   
       58 . The multi-ply tissue product of  claim 55 , wherein the irritation-inhibiting composition is applied to: at least the first inner surface of the second ply; at least the outer portion adjacent the first inner surface of the second ply; or, any combination thereof.  
   
   
       59 . The multi-ply tissue product of  claim 58 , wherein the antimicrobial agent is applied to: at least the second inner surface of the second ply; at least the outer portion adjacent the second inner surface of the second ply; at least the inner portion of the second ply; or, any combination thereof.  
   
   
       60 . The multi-ply tissue product of  claim 55 , wherein the irritation-inhibiting composition comprises: 
 from about 10 to about 85 weight percent of an irritation-inhibiting agent;    from about 10 to about 85 weight percent of a hydrophilic solvent;    from about 5 to about 80 weight percent of a solidifying agent selected from polyethylene glycol and polyethylene glycol derivatives wherein the solidifying agent has a melting point greater than about 20° C. and has a molecular weight of at least about 720.    
   
   
       61 . The multi-ply tissue product of  claim 55 , wherein an add-on amount of the antimicrobial agent is from about 1 to about 15 percent antimicrobial agent solids per multi-ply tissue product.  
   
   
       62 . The multi-ply tissue product of  claim 55 , wherein the irritation-inhibiting agent is selected from the group consisting of: emollients; glycerin and its derivatives; glycols and their derivatives; liquid polyethylene glycols; ethoxylated polydimethylsiloxanes; quaternary ammonium compounds; botanical extracts; solid fatty acid esters; hydrogenated animal or vegetable oils and their derivatives; lotion compositions; waxes; solid fatty alcohols; and, mixtures thereof.  
   
   
       63 . The multi-ply tissue product of  claim 55 , wherein the add-on amount of the irritation-inhibiting composition is from about 1 to about 30 percent irritation-inhibiting composition solids per multi-ply tissue product.  
   
   
       64 . The multi-ply tissue product of  claim 55 , wherein the antimicrobial agent has the structure:  
       R—COOR′ wherein R is selected from the group consisting of: a radical selected from the group consisting of C 1 -C 6  alkyl, substituted C 1 -C 6  alkyl, carboxy C 1 -C 6  alkyl, carboxyhydroxy C 1 -C 6  alkyl, carboxy halo C 1 -C 6  alkyl, carboxy dihydroxy C 1 -C 6  alkyl, dicarboxyhydroxy C 1 -C 6  alkyl, C 1 -C 6  alkenyl, carboxy C 1 -C 6  alkenyl, dicarboxy C 1 -C 6  alkenyl, phenyl, and substituted phenyl radicals; and,    R′ is selected from the group consisting of: hydrogen atom; halogen atoms; hydroxyl groups; amino groups; thiol groups; nitro groups; and, cyano groups.    
   
   
       65 . The multi-ply tissue product of  claim 55 , wherein the antimicrobial agent comprises at least one organic acid.  
   
   
       66 . The multi-ply tissue product of  claim 65 , wherein the antimicrobial agent comprises at least citric acid.  
   
   
       67 . The multi-ply tissue product of  claim 55 , wherein the absorption enhancing agent comprises at least sodium lauryl sulfate.  
   
   
       68 . The multi-ply tissue product of  claim 55 , wherein the absorption enhancing agent has an add-on level of about 0.5 to about 10 mg/in 2 .  
   
   
       69 . The multi-ply tissue product of  claim 55 , wherein the absorption enhancing agent is applied to at least a portion of at least one outer ply.  
   
   
       70 . The multi-ply tissue product of  claim 55 , wherein the multi-ply tissue product is selected from a group consisting of: a facial tissue; a bath tissue; a paper towel; a wipe; and, a napkin.  
   
   
       71 . A method for inhibiting the transfer of illness comprising: 
 providing a multi-layer tissue product comprising a plurality of layers, at least one of the layers defining an outer layer wherein each outer layer has an outwardly facing surface defining an outer surface; at least one of the layers defining an inner layer wherein each inner layer has at least one surface defining an inner surface; an irritation-inhibiting composition comprising at least an irritation-inhibiting agent applied to at least a portion of the at least one outer layer;    an antimicrobially effective amount of at least one antimicrobial agent applied to at least a portion of the at least one inner layer; and, an absorption enhancing agent,    contacting a contaminant containing microbes with the multi-layer tissue product; and,    absorbing the contaminant within the multi-layer tissue product wherein the contaminant is brought into contact with the antimicrobial agent within the multi-layer tissue product,    wherein the at least one antimicrobial agent is not applied to the portion of the tissue product treated with the irritation-inhibiting composition.    
   
   
       72 . The method of  claim 71 , wherein the contaminant is a nasal discharge.  
   
   
       73 . The method of  claim 71 , wherein the illness is a viral infection.  
   
   
       74 . The method of  claim 71 , wherein the antimicrobial agent comprises at least one organic acid.  
   
   
       75 . The method of  claim 71 , wherein the irritation-inhibiting agent is selected from the group consisting of: emollients; glycerin and its derivatives; glycols and their derivatives; liquid polyethylene glycols; ethoxylated polydimethylsiloxanes; quaternary ammonium compounds; botanical extracts; solid fatty acid esters; hydrogenated animal or vegetable oils and their derivatives; lotion compositions; waxes; solid fatty alcohols; and, mixtures thereof.  
   
   
       76 . The method of  claim 71 , wherein the absorption enhancing agent comprises at least sodium lauryl sulfate.  
   
   
       77 . The method of  claim 71 , wherein the absorption enhancing agent has an add-on level of about 0.5 to about 10 mg/in 2 .  
   
   
       78 . A method for inhibiting the transfer of illness comprising: 
 providing a multi-ply tissue product comprising a plurality of plies, at least one of the plies defining an outer ply wherein each outer ply has an outwardly facing surface defining an outer surface; at least one of the plies defining an inner ply wherein each inner ply has at least one surface defining an inner surface; an irritation-inhibiting composition comprising at least an irritation-inhibiting agent applied to at least a portion of the at least one outer ply; an antimicrobially effective amount of at least one antimicrobial agent applied to at least a portion of the at least one inner ply; and, an absorption enhancing agent;    contacting a contaminant containing microbes with the multi-ply tissue product;    absorbing the contaminant within the multi-ply tissue product; and,    contacting the contaminant with the antimicrobial agent within the multi-ply tissue product,    wherein the at least one antimicrobial agent is not applied to the portion of the tissue product treated with the irritation-inhibiting composition.    
   
   
       79 . The method of  claim 78 , wherein the contaminant is a nasal discharge.  
   
   
       80 . The method of  claim 78 , wherein the illness is a viral infection.  
   
   
       81 . The method of  claim 78 , wherein the antimicrobial agent comprises at least one organic acid.  
   
   
       82 . The method of  claim 78 , wherein the irritation-inhibiting agent is selected from the group consisting of: emollients; solid fatty acid esters; hydrogenated animal or vegetable oils; lotion formulations; waxes; fatty alcohols; and, mixtures thereof.  
   
   
       83 . The method of  claim 78 , wherein the absorption enhancing agent comprises at least sodium lauryl sulfate.  
   
   
       84 . The method of  claim 78 , wherein the absorption enhancing agent has an add-on level of about 0.5 to about 10 mg/in 2 .  
   
   
       85 . A method for inhibiting the transfer of illness comprising: 
 providing a multi-layer tissue product comprising a plurality of layers, at least one of the layers defining an outer layer wherein each outer layer has an outwardly facing surface defining an outer surface; at least one of the layers defining an inner layer wherein each inner layer has at least one surface defining an inner surface; an irritation-inhibiting composition comprising at least an irritation-inhibiting agent applied to at least a portion of the at least one outer layer; an antimicrobially effective amount of at least one antimicrobial agent applied to at least a portion of the at least one outer layer; and, an absorption enhancing agent;    contacting a contaminant containing microbes with the multi-layer tissue product; and,    absorbing the contaminant within the multi-layer tissue product wherein the contaminant is brought into contact with the antimicrobial agent within the multi-layer tissue product,    wherein the at least one antimicrobial agent is not applied to the portion of the tissue product treated with the irritation-inhibiting composition.    
   
   
       86 . A method for inhibiting the transfer of illness comprising: 
 providing a multi-ply tissue product comprising a plurality of plies, at least one of the plies defining an outer ply wherein each outer ply has an outwardly facing surface defining an outer surface; at least one of the plies defining an inner ply wherein each inner ply has at least one surface defining an inner surface; an irritation-inhibiting composition comprising at least an irritation-inhibiting agent applied to at least a portion of the at least one outer ply; an antimicrobially effective amount of at least one antimicrobial agent applied to at least a portion of the at least one outer ply; and, an absorption enhancing agent;    contacting a contaminant containing microbes with the multi-ply tissue product;    absorbing the contaminant within the multi-ply tissue product; and,    contacting the contaminant with the antimicrobial agent within the multi-ply tissue product,    wherein the at least one antimicrobial agent is not applied to the portion of the tissue product treated with the irritation-inhibiting composition.