Natural antimicrobial compositions

Abstract

The present invention provides novel antimicrobial compositions. In one embodiment, the antimicrobial composition comprises an antimicrobial effective amount of a mixture comprising (a) two or more fatty acids, each of which is natural or naturally derived, and (b) at least one of (i) a natural or naturally derived product, (ii) an alcoholic solvent, or (iii) an organic acid or a salt thereof. The present invention also provides a product comprising a preservative effective amount of the aforementioned mixture.

1 - 17 . (canceled) 
     
     
         18 . An antimicrobial composition comprising an antimicrobial effective amount of a mixture comprising:
 (a) 1,3-propanediol (natural or naturally-derived),   (b) an alcoholic solvent, and   (c) optionally, an organic acid or a salt thereof.   
     
     
         19 . The antimicrobial composition of  claim 18 , wherein the mixture comprises (a) 1,3-propanediol, (b) ethylhexyl glycerin, and (c) benzoic acid. 
     
     
         20 . The antimicrobial composition of  claim 18 , wherein the mixture comprises 1,3-propanediol (natural or naturally-derived), natural benzyl alcohol, and optionally, caprylhydroxamic acid. 
     
     
         21 . The antimicrobial composition of  claim 18 , wherein the mixture is present at a concentration of from about 0.01 to about 2% by weight, based on 100% total weight of the composition. 
     
     
         22 . A method of killing and/or inhibiting the growth of microorganisms on a substrate comprising applying an effective amount of the antimicrobial composition of  claim 18  to the substrate. 
     
     
         23 . The method of  claim 20 , wherein the microorganisms are selected from  S. aureus, P. aeruginosa, E. coli, Candida albicans, Aspergillus niger  and  Phytophthora ramrum.    
     
     
         24 . The method of  claim 22 , wherein the substrate is a product other than a foodstuff, pharmaceutical, or cosmetic. 
     
     
         25 . A product other than a foodstuff, pharmaceutical, or cosmetic comprising a preservative effective amount of the antimicrobial composition of  claim 18 , wherein the product is substantially free of parabens. 
     
     
         26 . The product of  claim 25 , wherein the product is a household, industrial, or institutional product. 
     
     
         27 . The product of  claim 25 , wherein the product is a personal care product. 
     
     
         28 . The product of  claim 27 , wherein the personal care product is a shampoo, body lotion, conditioner, or soap. 
     
     
         29 . The product of  claim 25 , wherein the product comprises less than a smelling or coloring effective amount of the antimicrobial composition.