Composition with Sustained Antimicrobial Activity

Abstract

Disclosed herein are compositions comprising benzyl alcohol, one or more cationic antimicrobial agent, and one or more emollient, the combination of which results in persistent antimicrobial activity after application to the skin. The compositions optionally further comprise an organic acid and/or a zinc salt, such as zinc gluconate, as an anti-irritant.

We claim: 
     
         1 . A composition for topical application comprising:
 (i) benzyl alcohol at a concentration of between about 0.1 and about 5% w/w;   (ii) one or more cationic antimicrobial agent selected from the group consisting of a quaternary ammonium compound, a biguanide, and a combination thereof, wherein the quaternary ammonium compound, if present, is at a concentration of between about 0.05 and about 1% w/w and the biguanide, if present, is at a concentration of between about 0.05 to about 3.0% w/w; and   (iii) one or more emollient selected from the group consisting of dipropylene glycol, farnesol, and combinations thereof, at a concentration effective in producing persistent antimicrobial activity after application to the skin.   
     
     
         2 . The composition of  claim 1 , further comprising an organic acid. 
     
     
         3 . The composition of  claim 2 , where the organic acid is selected from the group consisting of lactic acid, citric acid, glycolic acid, salicylic acid, mandelic acid and benzoic acid. 
     
     
         4 . The composition of  claim 1 , further comprising a zinc salt as an anti-irritant. 
     
     
         5 . The composition of  claim 1 , further comprising an anti-irritant selected from the group consisting of bisabolol, aloe vera gel, aloe leaf extract, and combinations thereof. 
     
     
         6 . The composition of  claim 1 , further comprising a component selected from the group consisting of propylene glycol, glycerin, polyglycerol, butylene glycol, pentylene glycol, hexanediol, octanediol, ethyl hexyl glycerin, caprylic triglyceride, capric triglyceride, panthenol, lauric alcohol, emu oil, grapeseed oil, olive oil, and combinations thereof. 
     
     
         7 . The composition of  claim 1 , further comprising a polyethylene oxide polymer. 
     
     
         8 . The composition of  claim 1 , further comprising oat flour, oat extract or combinations thereof. 
     
     
         9 . The composition of  claim 1 , which is a formulation selected from the group consisting of soap, hand sanitizer, cream, lotion, splash, astringent and wipe. 
     
     
         10 . A method of providing a skin surface with a persistent antimicrobial activity, comprising treating the skin surface with a composition according to  claim 1 . 
     
     
         11 . A composition for topical application comprising:
 (i) benzyl alcohol at a concentration of between about 0.1 and about 5% w/w;   (ii) polyaminopropyl biguanide at a concentration of between about 0.05 and about 3.0% w/w; and   (iv) oat beta glucan, oat flour, oat extract or a combination thereof.