JP7807799B2 - Cleaning Composition - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a cleaning composition and a cleaning method using the cleaning composition.

Facial cleansers, body soaps, shampoos, and other cleansing compositions are commonly used to wash away dirt such as sebum, sweat, dust, and cosmetics that adhere to the skin and hair. However, to wash away firmly attached cosmetic dirt such as foundation and sunscreen, pre-washing with a dedicated cleanser is required before the main wash, or scrubbing with a cleaning aid such as a body towel is required, making the cleansing process time-consuming.

Therefore, research is being conducted into techniques to enhance the cleaning power of cleaning compositions so that pre-washing and cleaning aids are not required.
For example, Patent Documents 1 to 3 propose cleaning compositions containing anionic surfactants such as higher fatty acid salts, alkyl sulfates, polyoxyalkylene alkyl ether sulfates, etc. These anionic surfactants are widely used in cleaning compositions because they improve foaming and provide high detergency.
However, the above-mentioned anionic surfactants have such a high cleansing power that they wash away oil from the skin more than necessary, resulting in a poor feel after cleansing, such as tightness and a rough feeling on the skin.Furthermore, the moisture retention ability and protective effect of the skin after cleansing are reduced, causing dryness and other skin problems, and such stress on the skin may induce undesirable skin irritation.
In particular, higher fatty acid salts have poor low-temperature stability and become cloudy or precipitate in low-temperature environments. This can cause a rough feeling during use due to the precipitates, or can cause clogging when using a pump former.

As technologies to solve these problems, Patent Documents 4 to 6 propose cleaning compositions in which higher fatty acid salts are replaced with other compounds, such as amino acid-based anionic surfactants (Patent Document 4), a combination of a phosphate-based anionic surfactant and a nonionic surfactant (Patent Document 5), and a combination of an oil-based anionic surfactant and an oil (Patent Document 6). While these alternative ingredients improve the feel when used, they are insufficient in terms of low-temperature stability and detergency.

JP 2009-242274 A Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2019-172624 Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2020-200324 Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2020-037542 Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2020-050638 Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-239616

The present invention has been made in light of the above-mentioned circumstances, and its object is to provide a cleaning composition that has high detergency and excellent low-temperature stability, is low in irritation to the skin, and is easy to use (e.g., dischargeability from a pump former and applicability), and leaves the skin in a good condition after rinsing the cleaning composition, i.e., the skin is moisturized and not dry, and the skin is prevented from feeling tight or squeaky.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a cleaning method that can more reliably obtain the effects of the cleaning composition.

The present invention, which has solved the above problems, has the following configuration.
[1] (A) polyglycerol alkyl ether;
(B) at least one nonionic surfactant selected from the group consisting of alkyl glucoside, polyglycerin fatty acid ester, and polyoxyethylene glyceryl ether fatty acid ester; and (C) at least one amphoteric surfactant selected from the group consisting of imidazolinium-type amphoteric surfactant, alkyl betaine-type amphoteric surfactant, amido betaine-type amphoteric surfactant, and sulfobetaine-type amphoteric surfactant;
A cleaning composition characterized by being substantially free of anionic surfactants.
[2] The cleaning composition according to [1], wherein the content of the polyglycerol alkyl ether (A) contained in the cleaning composition is 10% by mass or less (not including 0% by mass).
[3] The cleaning composition according to [1], wherein the content of (B) at least one nonionic surfactant selected from the group consisting of alkyl glucoside, polyglycerin fatty acid ester, and polyoxyethylene glyceryl ether fatty acid ester contained in the cleaning composition is 20% by mass or less (not including 0% by mass).
[4] The cleaning composition according to [1], wherein the content of the (C) amphoteric surfactant in the cleaning composition is 10% by mass or less (not including 0% by mass), and the mass ratio of the (A) polyglycerol alkyl ether to the (C) amphoteric surfactant [(A):(C)] is 1:0.1 to 1:5.
[5] The cleaning composition according to [1], further comprising (D) a polyhydric alcohol.
[6] A cleaning method comprising foaming the cleaning composition according to any one of [1] to [5] and then washing the skin and/or hair with the foamed cleaning composition.
[7] The cleaning method according to [6], wherein the foamed cleaning composition is foamed using at least one selected from the group consisting of a whisk, a foaming net, a foaming sponge, an aerosol, and a pump former.
[8] The washing method according to [6], wherein the skin and/or hair is washed with the foamy cleansing composition, and then the skin and/or hair is washed with another cleanser.

According to the present invention, a cleaning composition can be provided which has high detergency and excellent low-temperature stability, is low in irritation to the skin, and is easy to use (e.g., dischargeability from a pump former and applicability), and further leaves the skin in a good condition after rinsing off the cleaning composition, i.e., the skin is moisturized but not dry, and the skin is prevented from feeling tight or squeaky.
Furthermore, the present invention can provide a cleaning method that can more reliably obtain the effects of the cleaning composition.

The cleaning composition of the present inventors is characterized by the combined use of the following (A) to (C):
(A) polyglycerol alkyl ether;
(B) at least one nonionic surfactant selected from the group consisting of alkyl glucosides, polyglycerol fatty acid esters, and polyoxyethylene glyceryl ether fatty acid esters (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as "(B) specific nonionic surfactant");
(C) at least one amphoteric surfactant selected from the group consisting of imidazolinium-type amphoteric surfactants, alkylbetaine-type amphoteric surfactants, amidobetaine-type amphoteric surfactants, and sulfobetaine-type amphoteric surfactants (hereinafter, this may be referred to as "(C) specific amphoteric surfactant");

The combined use of (A) polyglycerol alkyl ether, (B) a specific nonionic surfactant, and (C) a specific amphoteric surfactant exhibits sufficient cleansing power to cleanse and remove dirt adhering to skin and hair, but does not wash away more oil from the skin than necessary, so there is no tightness or squeaky feeling on the skin after cleansing, and the decrease in the skin's moisture retention ability, etc. is suppressed, so the skin can be kept moisturized after cleansing. Furthermore, the cleansing composition of the present invention is not only extremely low in irritation to the skin, but also has excellent low-temperature stability, and is easy to discharge from a pump former and to apply to the skin.
Therefore, the cleaning composition of the present invention can solve the problems associated with conventional cleaning compositions containing anionic surfactants such as higher fatty acid salts, alkyl sulfates, polyoxyalkylene alkyl ether sulfates, and improved versions thereof such as amino acid-based anionic surfactants, combinations of phosphate-based anionic surfactants and nonionic surfactants, and oil-based anionic surfactants.

The above-mentioned effects of the present invention are the synergistic effects of using (A) a polyglycerol alkyl ether, (B) a specific nonionic surfactant, and (C) a specific amphoteric surfactant in combination, and the desired effects cannot be obtained if any one of them is missing.
Furthermore, if the cleaning composition of the present invention contains an anionic surfactant, problems similar to those of conventional cleaning compositions containing anionic surfactants may arise, such as skin irritation and a worsening of the feel when used (e.g., dischargeability and application) due to excessively high detergency or poor low-temperature stability resulting from the anionic surfactant, or skin tightness, squeaky feeling, and reduced skin moisture after cleansing. For this reason, the cleaning composition of the present invention is substantially free of anionic surfactants. The term "substantially" refers to a content of anionic surfactants to the extent that they are ineffective, i.e., the presence of anionic surfactants as impurities is acceptable, but preferably the composition is completely free of anionic surfactants.

The cleaning composition of the present invention will now be described.
As used herein, the term "cleaning composition" refers to a cleanser intended to remove sebum, sweat, dust, dirt, foundation, sunscreen, and other cosmetics (hereinafter sometimes referred to as dirt) adhering to the skin, hair, etc. Cleansing compositions may be called by various names depending on the place of use, such as a facial cleanser for removing dirt from the face, a body soap for removing dirt from the body, or a shampoo for removing dirt from the scalp and hair.
"Main wash" refers to washing the skin and hair using cleansers such as face wash, body soap, shampoo, etc. This does not include washing with special cleansers for specific purposes, such as dedicated cleansers, that are used before the main wash (sometimes called pre-washing).
"Skin" means the skin of the face and body and the scalp.

(A) Polyglycerol alkyl ether (A) is a nonionic surfactant obtained by ether bonding a higher alcohol with a polyglycerol. When used in combination with (B) a specific nonionic surfactant and (C) a specific amphoteric surfactant, (A) polyglycerol alkyl ether contributes to improving dischargeability, application, skin moisturizing, detergency, and low-temperature stability, while keeping skin irritation low and exhibiting high foaming power.

(A) Examples of polyglycerin alkyl ethers include polyglyceryl-2 lauryl ether, polyglyceryl-4 lauryl ether, polyglyceryl-10 lauryl ether, polyglyceryl-20 lauryl ether, polyglyceryl-6 myristyl ether, polyglyceryl-3 hydroxylauryl ether, polyglyceryl-8 isostearyl ether, polyglyceryl-10 isostearyl ether, polyglyceryl-3 cetyl, and polyglyceryl-2 oleyl.
(A) Polyglycerol alkyl ether may be a commercially available product, examples of which include the following:
Polyglyceryl-4 lauryl ether: Sunether L-4 (manufactured by Taiyo Kagaku Co., Ltd.), PGLAL ML04 (manufactured by Daicel Corporation);
Polyglyceryl-20 lauryl ether: CMOL B044 (manufactured by Daicel Corporation);
Polyglyceryl-10 isostearyl ether: CMOL B015 (manufactured by Daicel Corporation);
The polyglycerol alkyl ether (A) may be used alone or in combination of two or more kinds.

The content of (A) polyglycerol alkyl ether (total amount when two or more types are used) in the cleaning composition (100% by mass) is preferably 10% by mass or less, more preferably 9% by mass or less, even more preferably 8% by mass or less, and is greater than 0% by mass (excluding 0% by mass), preferably 0.1% by mass or more, more preferably 0.5% by mass or more, even more preferably 1% by mass or more.
A higher content of (A) polyglycerol alkyl ether is preferable because it improves the effects obtained, but if the content is excessive, the cleansing power becomes too high and excess oil from the skin and hair is removed, which may cause the skin to feel tight and the hair to feel rough. Therefore, it is preferable to adjust the content of (A) polyglycerol alkyl ether within the above range.

(B) Nonionic Surfactant The specific nonionic surfactant (B) is an essential component of the cleaning composition that exhibits the above-described effects of the present invention, and is at least one selected from the group consisting of (B-1) alkyl glucoside, (B-2) polyglycerin fatty acid ester, and (B-3) polyoxyethylene glyceryl ether fatty acid ester.
The specific nonionic surfactant (B), when used in combination with the polyglycerol alkyl ether (A) and the specific amphoteric surfactant (C), contributes to improved dischargeability, application, skin moisture, low-temperature stability, and detergency, while also reducing skin irritation and exhibiting high foaming power. It is particularly effective in improving detergency against oils and greases.

(B-1) Alkyl glucoside Alkyl glucoside is a nonionic surfactant obtained by ether-bonding a higher alcohol and a glucose oligomer. Alkyl glucoside is particularly effective in improving dischargeability, application, skin moisturizing, and cleansing power, and is also a particularly effective component in suppressing skin tightness and squeaky sensations. In particular, the inclusion of alkyl glucoside improves foaming properties, resulting in even better foaming of the cleansing composition.
Examples of alkyl glucosides include coconut oil alkyl glucoside, lauryl glucoside, cetearyl glucoside, myristyl glucoside, decyl glucoside, arachidyl glucoside, hydroxystearyl glucoside, alkyl (C10-16) glucoside, and alkyl (C12-20) glucoside.
Commercially available alkyl glucosides may be used, examples of which include the following:
Lauryl glucoside: Mydol 12 (manufactured by Kao Corporation), PLANTACARE 1200 UP (manufactured by BASF Japan Ltd.);
Decyl glucoside: Mydol 10 (manufactured by Kao Corporation), PLANTACARE 2000 UP (manufactured by BASF Japan Ltd.), Eco Sense 3000 (manufactured by Dow Toray Industries, Inc.);

(B-2) Polyglycerol fatty acid esters are nonionic surfactants obtained by esterifying higher fatty acids with polyglycerol. Polyglycerol fatty acid esters are particularly effective components for improving dischargeability, application, skin moisturizing properties, and cleansing power.
Examples of polyglycerin fatty acid esters include polyglyceryl-10 oleate, polyglyceryl-10 isostearate, polyglyceryl-10 diisostearate, polyglyceryl-6 laurate, polyglyceryl-10 laurate, polyglyceryl-6 myristate, polyglyceryl-10 myristate, polyglyceryl-10 linoleate, polyglyceryl-10 pentastearate, polyglyceryl-10 pentaisostearate, polyglyceryl-10 pentaoleate, and polyglyceryl-10 pentahydroxystearate.
Commercially available polyglycerol fatty acid esters may be used, and examples thereof include the following:
Polyglyceryl-10 oleate: NIKKOL Decaglyn 1-OV (manufactured by Nippon Surfactant Industry Co., Ltd.);
Polyglyceryl-10 laurate: NIKKOL Decaglyn 1-L (manufactured by Nippon Surfactant Kogyo Co., Ltd.);
Polyglyceryl-10 pentastearate: NIKKOL Decaglyn 5-SV (manufactured by Nippon Surfactant Kogyo Co., Ltd.);
The polyglycerol fatty acid esters may be used alone or in combination of two or more kinds.

(B-3) Polyoxyethylene glyceryl ether fatty acid esters Polyoxyethylene glyceryl ether fatty acid esters are nonionic surfactants obtained by ester bonding of higher fatty acids and polyoxyethylene glyceryl.
Polyoxyethylene glyceryl ether fatty acid esters are particularly effective ingredients for improving skin moisture and cleansing power.
Examples of polyoxyethylene glyceryl ether fatty acid esters include PEG-5 glyceryl stearate, PEG-10 glyceryl stearate, PEG-15 glyceryl stearate, PEG-20 glyceryl stearate, PEG-30 glyceryl stearate, PEG-40 glyceryl stearate, PEG-15 glyceryl oleate, PEG-15 glyceryl isostearate, PEG-20 glyceryl diisostearate, PEG-20 glyceryl triisostearate, and PEG-20 glyceryl trioleate.
Commercially available polyoxyethylene glyceryl ether fatty acid esters may be used, and examples thereof include the following:
PEG-15 glyceryl stearate: NIKKOL TMGS-15V (manufactured by Nippon Surfactant Industry Co., Ltd.);
PEG-15 glyceryl oleate: NIKKOL TMGO-15 (manufactured by Nippon Surfactant Industry Co., Ltd.);
PEG-20 glyceryl triisostearate: NIKKOL TGI-20 (manufactured by Nippon Surfactant Industry Co., Ltd.);
The polyoxyethylene glyceryl ether fatty acid esters may be used alone or in combination of two or more kinds.

The content of (B) at least one nonionic surfactant selected from the group consisting of alkyl glucosides, polyglycerin fatty acid esters, and polyoxyethylene glyceryl ether fatty acid esters in the cleaning composition (the total amount when two or more types are used) is preferably 20% by mass or less, more preferably 18% by mass or less, and even more preferably 15% by mass or less, and is greater than 0% by mass (excluding 0% by mass), preferably 0.1% by mass or more, more preferably 1% by mass or more, and even more preferably 5% by mass or more.
A higher content of the specific nonionic surfactant (B) is preferable because it improves the effect, particularly the detergency, but an excessive content may reduce the dischargeability from the pump former and the spreadability of the cleaning composition, cause a rough feel to the touch, and cause skin tightness and hair creaking. Therefore, it is preferable to adjust the content of the specific nonionic surfactant (B) within the above range.

In the present invention, (A) polyglycerol alkyl ether and (B) nonionic surfactants other than the specific nonionic surfactants (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "other nonionic surfactants") may be contained, but if other nonionic surfactants are contained, the effects, particularly application ease and detergency, may be reduced compared to when other nonionic surfactants are not contained. Therefore, it is desirable that the cleaning composition of the present invention does not contain other nonionic surfactants.

(C) Amphoteric Surfactant The specific amphoteric surfactant (C) is an essential component constituting the cleaning composition that exhibits the above-described effects of the present invention, and is at least one selected from the group consisting of (C-1) imidazolinium-type amphoteric surfactants, (C-2) alkylbetaine-type amphoteric surfactants, (C-3) amidobetaine-type amphoteric surfactants, and (C-4) sulfobetaine-type amphoteric surfactants.
When used in combination with (A) polyglycerol alkyl ether and (B) specific nonionic surfactant, (C) specific amphoteric surfactant contributes to improving dischargeability, application, skin moisturizing, detergency, and low-temperature stability, while keeping skin irritation low. In particular, (C) specific amphoteric surfactant imparts appropriate detergency and moisture, and is effective in gently cleansing the skin and hair.

(C-1) Imidazolinium-Type Amphoteric Surfactant Imidazolium-type amphoteric surfactants are particularly effective in improving dischargeability, application, skin moisturizing, and detergency, and are also effective components in suppressing skin tightness and squeaky feeling, and are even more effective in improving detergency.
Examples of imidazolium-type amphoteric surfactants include sodium cocoamphoacetate, sodium lauroamphoacetate, sodium stearoamphoacetate, sodium isostearoamphoacetate, sodium caproamphoacetate, sodium arganamphoacetate, sodium oliveamphoacetate, sodium palmamphoacetate, sodium rice bran amphoacetate, sodium shea butter amphoacetate, sodium sesame amphoacetate, sodium sunflower seed amphoacetate, and sodium grape seed amphoacetate.
The imidazolium-type amphoteric surfactant may be a commercially available product, examples of which include the following:
Sodium cocoamphoacetate: Softazoline CL-R (manufactured by Kawaken Fine Chemicals Co., Ltd.);
Sodium lauroamphoacetate: Obazoline 662N (manufactured by Toho Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.);
The imidazolium type amphoteric surfactants may be used alone or in combination of two or more kinds.

(C-2) Alkylbetaine-type amphoteric surfactants Alkylbetaine-type amphoteric surfactants are particularly effective components for improving ejection properties, application properties, and cleaning power.
Examples of alkyl betaine type amphoteric surfactants include coco betaine, lauryl betaine, cetyl betaine, myristyl betaine, stearyl betaine, oleyl betaine, behenyl betaine, and dihydroxyethyl stearyl betaine.
Commercially available alkylbetaine-type amphoteric surfactants may be used, and examples thereof include the following:
Cocobetaine: Obazoline BC (manufactured by Toho Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.);
Lauryl betaine: Levon LD-36 (manufactured by Sanyo Chemical Industries, Ltd.);
Stearyl betaine: Amphitol 86B (manufactured by Kao Corporation);
The alkylbetaine type amphoteric surfactants may be used alone or in combination of two or more kinds.

(C-3) Amidobetaine-type amphoteric surfactants Amidobetaine-type amphoteric surfactants are particularly effective components for improving ejection properties, application properties, and cleaning power, and are even more effective for improving ejection properties and cleaning power.
Examples of amidobetaine amphoteric surfactants include cocamidopropyl betaine, lauramidopropyl betaine, myristamidopropyl betaine, oleamidopropyl betaine, isostearamidopropyl betaine, palm kernel amidopropyl betaine, (capryl/capramido)propyl betaine, oliamidopropyl betaine, meadowfoam amidopropyl betaine, and shea butter amidopropyl betaine.
As the amidobetaine type amphoteric surfactant, commercially available products may be used, examples of which include the following:
Cocamidopropyl betaine: Obazoline CAB-30 (manufactured by Toho Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.);
Lauramidopropyl betaine: Levon 2000L (manufactured by Sanyo Chemical Industries, Ltd.);
The amidobetaine type amphoteric surfactants may be used alone or in combination of two or more kinds.

(C-4) Sulfobetaine-Type Amphoteric Surfactant The sulfobetaine-type amphoteric surfactant is a component that is particularly effective in improving the ejection property, the coating property, and the detergency.
Examples of sulfobetaine type amphoteric surfactants include lauryl hydroxysultaine, cocamidopropyl hydroxysultaine, lauramidopropyl hydroxysultaine, myristamidopropyl hydroxysultaine, erucamidopropyl hydroxysultaine, and methoxycinnamidopropyl hydroxysultaine.
As the sulfobetaine type amphoteric surfactant, commercially available products may be used, examples of which include the following:
Lauryl hydroxysultaine: Amphitol 20HD (Kao Corporation);
Myristamidopropyl hydroxysultaine: Obazoline MHS-121 (manufactured by Toho Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.);
The sulfobetaine type amphoteric surfactants may be used alone or in combination of two or more kinds.

The content of at least one amphoteric surfactant selected from the group consisting of (C-1) imidazolinium-type amphoteric surfactants, (C-2) alkylbetaine-type amphoteric surfactants, (C-3) amidobetaine-type amphoteric surfactants, and (C-4) sulfobetaine-type amphoteric surfactants in the cleaning composition (the total amount when two or more types are used) is preferably 10% by mass or less, more preferably 8% by mass or less, even more preferably 5% by mass or less, and is more than 0% by mass (excluding 0% by mass), preferably 0.1% by mass or more, more preferably 0.5% by mass or more, even more preferably 1% by mass or more.
The higher the content of the specific amphoteric surfactant (C), the better the effect, especially the cleaning power, which is preferable, but the lower the low-temperature stability, the more likely it is that turbidity or precipitation will occur at low temperatures.Furthermore, the foam will become watery, the foam will lose elasticity, and the feeling when used may be poor.

In the present invention, amphoteric surfactants other than the specific amphoteric surfactant (C) (hereinafter sometimes referred to as other amphoteric surfactants) may be contained, but if other amphoteric surfactants are contained, the effects, particularly dischargeability and cleansing power, may be reduced compared to when other amphoteric surfactants are not contained, and skin may feel tight and squeaky, or skin moisture may be reduced. Therefore, it is desirable that the cleansing composition of the present invention does not contain other amphoteric surfactants.

The cleaning composition of the present invention preferably contains the specific amphoteric surfactant (C) in the above range, and the ratio of the polyglycerol alkyl ether (A) to the specific amphoteric surfactant (C) is preferably controlled within a predetermined range.
If either ratio is too high or too low, the ejection properties, coating properties and low temperature stability may be reduced.
The mass ratio of (A) the polyglycerol alkyl ether to (C) the specific amphoteric surfactant [(A):(C)] is preferably 1:0.1 to 1:5.

(4) (D) Polyhydric Alcohol In a preferred embodiment, the cleaning composition of the present invention further contains (D) a polyhydric alcohol.
The inclusion of (D) polyhydric alcohol can provide moisture to the skin and hair during and after washing, thereby alleviating physical damage during washing and improving the feel of the skin and hair after washing. Therefore, the inclusion of (D) polyhydric alcohol can further improve the moisture of the skin and further reduce the squeaky feeling and tightness.

The polyhydric alcohol (D) is not particularly limited, but examples thereof include 1,3-butylene glycol, glycerin, propylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, diglycerin, polyethylene glycol, 1,2-hexanediol, and the like. Of these, 1,3-butylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, and polyethylene glycol are preferred because they improve the moisture and feel of the skin during and after cleansing.
The polyhydric alcohol (D) may be used alone or in combination of two or more kinds, and the use of two or more kinds in combination is particularly preferred since it can improve the ejection properties and coating properties.

The content of (D) polyhydric alcohol (the total amount when two or more types are used) in the cleaning composition (100% by mass) is preferably 40% by mass or less, more preferably 35% by mass or less, even more preferably 30% by mass or less, and is preferably more than 0% by mass (excluding 0% by mass), more preferably 1% by mass or more, even more preferably 5% by mass or more, and still more preferably 10% by mass or more.
A higher content of (D) polyhydric alcohol is desirable because it improves the effects obtained, but if the content is excessive, the elasticity of the foam of the formed cleaning composition may decrease, resulting in a poor feeling when used.

The cleaning composition of the present invention comprises (A) a polyglycerol alkyl ether, (B) a specific nonionic surfactant, and (C) a specific amphoteric surfactant, and preferably further comprises (D) a polyhydric alcohol, with the remainder being water.
The cleaning composition of the present invention may contain additives that are commonly used in cleaning compositions, as needed, to the extent that the effects of the present invention are not impaired.
Examples of additives include oils, surfactants (excluding (A) polyglycerol alkyl ethers, (B) specific nonionic surfactants, (C) specific amphoteric surfactants, and anionic surfactants), silicones, wetting agents (excluding (D) polyhydric alcohols), ultraviolet absorbers, antioxidants, chelating agents, preservatives, pigments, and fragrances.

Hereinafter, a cleaning method using the cleaning composition of the present invention will be described, but the cleaning method of the present invention is not limited to the following examples and can be modified as appropriate.
The cleansing composition of the present invention can achieve the above-mentioned effects by washing the skin and/or hair with an appropriate amount according to the usual method of use depending on the application. Note that, although the following description will be given of the skin as a representative example, the composition can also be applied to the hair.

The cleaning composition of the present invention does not require complicated cleaning procedures, and the above-mentioned effects can be obtained with cleaning procedures that are simpler than conventional cleaning procedures.
For example, in conventional cleansing methods, the cleansing composition is lathered and then massaged into the skin and hair, and/or the skin is washed by rubbing with a cleaning implement such as a towel soaked in the cleansing composition. In the present invention, however, the cleansing composition is first lathered to form a foam, and the foamed cleansing composition is then applied to the skin and hair and gently massaged in, thereby achieving a high cleansing effect, and leaving the skin moisturized after rinsing off the cleansing composition, while also reducing the feeling of tightness and squeaking.
Furthermore, stubborn stains such as makeup and sunscreen agents that are difficult to remove with ordinary facial cleansers such as facial soap can be easily removed by the cleaning method using the cleaning composition of the present invention.
Therefore, according to the present invention, there is no need for the conventional cleaning procedures such as pre-cleaning with a dedicated cleanser before the main cleansing, scrubbing thoroughly with a cleaning aid such as a body towel, or washing the same area twice with a facial cleanser or body soap.

The cleansing composition of the present invention is preferably foamed and then the skin is cleansed with the foamed cleansing composition.
When the cleaning composition of the present invention is used in a foamed state, it is easy to apply to the skin and is easily absorbed into dirt, resulting in quicker removal of dirt. Furthermore, when the cleaning composition is used in a foamed state, stubborn dirt is easily lifted, allowing for easy cleaning without excessive rubbing or scrubbing of the skin.
The cleaning composition of the present invention has excellent foaming properties and cleaning power even though it does not contain an anionic surfactant, so it can shorten the ``contact time between the hands and the cleaning composition when foaming'' and the ``contact time between the skin and the foamy cleaning composition when washing,'' thereby minimizing the stress on the skin.

In order to further shorten the contact time between the skin and the cleansing composition, it is preferable to lather the cleansing composition using a tool, and examples of the lathering tool include a whisk, a foaming net, a foaming sponge, an aerosol, and a pump foamer. One or more types of lathering tools may be used in combination.
Among these, tools that can form foam using their functions, such as pump formers, can shorten the "contact time with hands when foaming" and are effective in preventing rough hands when foaming.

In the cleaning method using the cleaning composition of the present invention, dirt can be sufficiently removed by washing the skin with the foamy cleaning composition as described above, but if necessary, after washing with the cleaning composition of the present invention, i.e., after rinsing off the cleaning composition, further cleaning may be performed using a conventional cleanser such as a facial cleanser, body soap, or shampoo.
Alternatively, after applying the cleansing composition of the present invention to the skin and hair, the applied area may be massaged and left for a few minutes before rinsing. If the foamy cleansing composition is left on the skin, dirt adhering to the skin will be lifted, further improving the cleansing effect.

The present invention will be explained in more detail below using examples, but the present invention is not limited to the examples below, and it is of course possible to implement the invention with appropriate modifications within the scope of the above and below-described aims, and all such modifications are within the technical scope of the present invention.

Experiment 1
In Experiment 1, the cleaning compositions were evaluated for the following items.
Evaluation item 1: Dischargeability from the pump former Evaluation item 2: Application ability (ease of spreading, no dripping)
Evaluation item 3: No tightness or creaking sensation on the skin (1)
・Evaluation item 4: Skin moisture (absence of dryness)
Evaluation item 5: Detergency (1)
Evaluation item 6: Low temperature stability Evaluation item 7: Confirmation of low irritation (absence of tingling sensation or itching)

1-1 Evaluation Item 1: Dischargeability from Pump Former 100 g of the cleaning compositions (formulation examples) in Tables 1 to 8 were filled into a pump former (200 mL container). After filling, the pump was pressed until the cleaning composition was discharged in foam form. After the cleaning composition began to be discharged in foam form, the pump was pressed five times to discharge a foamy foam. After the foamy foam had been discharged five times, the ease of pressing the pump and the foam condition (foam dischargeability) were subjected to a sensory evaluation by 10 expert panelists based on the following three-level evaluation (evaluation points). The evaluation points of each panelist were calculated and the dischargeability was evaluated according to the following criteria.
[Evaluation criteria]
3 points: Almost no force is required to pump and the foam is voluminous. 2 points: Some force is required to pump and the foam is voluminous. 1 point: Significant force is required to pump and/or the foam is not voluminous.
[Evaluation criteria for discharge performance from pump former]
◎: 25 points or more 〇: 20 points or more but less than 25 points △: 15 points or more but less than 20 points ×: Less than 15 points

1-2 Evaluation item 2: Application property (ease of spreading, absence of dripping)
The front of the upper arm was washed with soap, rinsed (hereinafter, "washing" may be included in the term "washing"), and lightly towel-dried. Then, the pump of the pump foamer was pressed twice to dispense two doses of the cleaning composition (formulation examples in Tables 1 to 8) (foam foam), which was then applied to the front of the upper arm after soap washing. Ten expert panelists evaluated the ease of spreading the foam during application and the presence or absence of dripping when spreading the foam (applicability) based on the following three-point scale (evaluation points). The panelists' evaluation points were totaled, and applicability was evaluated according to the following criteria.
[Evaluation criteria]
3 points: Easy to spread and no dripping at all 2 points: Easy to spread, but slight dripping 1 point: Difficult to spread and/or heavy dripping
[Evaluation criteria for application (ease of spreading, no dripping)]
◎: 25 points or more 〇: 20 points or more but less than 25 points △: 15 points or more but less than 20 points ×: Less than 15 points

1-3 Evaluation item 3: No feeling of skin tightness or creaking (1)
After washing the front of the upper arm with soap and lightly towel drying it, the pump of the pump foamer was pressed twice to dispense two doses of the cleaning composition (formulation examples in Tables 1 to 8) (foam foam), which was then applied to the front of the upper arm after washing with soap. After application, the skin was rubbed 20 times with the pad of the index finger, and the cleaning composition was completely rinsed off with lukewarm water, followed by light towel drying. After drying, the skin on the front of the upper arm was subjected to a sensory evaluation based on the following three-point scale (evaluation points) by 10 expert panelists for tightness and creaky feeling. The panelists' evaluation points were calculated in total, and the skin tightness and creaky feeling were evaluated according to the following criteria.
[Evaluation criteria]
3 points: no tightness or creaking sensation of the skin at all 2 points: almost no tightness or creaking sensation of the skin 1 point: tightness and/or creaking sensation of the skin
[Evaluation criteria for skin tightness and lack of squeaky feeling]
◎: 25 points or more 〇: 20 points or more but less than 25 points △: 15 points or more but less than 20 points ×: Less than 15 points

1-4 Evaluation item 4: Skin moisture (absence of dryness)
After washing the front of the upper arm with soap and lightly towel drying it, the pump of the pump foamer was pressed twice to dispense two doses of the cleaning composition (formulation examples in Tables 1 to 8) (foam foam), which was then applied to the front of the upper arm after washing with soap. After application, the skin was rubbed 20 times with the pad of the index finger, and the cleaning composition was completely rinsed off with lukewarm water, followed by light towel drying. After drying, the skin moisture on the front of the upper arm was evaluated sensorily by 10 expert panelists based on the following three-point scale (evaluation points). The evaluation points of each panelist were calculated and the skin moisture was evaluated according to the following criteria.
[Evaluation criteria]
3 points: Skin is very moisturized (no dryness at all)
2 points: Skin is moisturized (almost no dryness)
1 point: Dry skin
[Evaluation criteria for skin moisture (no dryness)]
◎: 25 points or more 〇: 20 points or more but less than 25 points △: 15 points or more but less than 20 points ×: Less than 15 points

1-5 Evaluation Item 5: Detergency (1)
50 μL of the artificial sebum described in Table 10 was spread to a certain size (2.5 cm × 2.5 cm) on a glass plate (2.5 cm × 7.7 cm) and allowed to dry. After drying, the surface of the artificial sebum was lightly rinsed with lukewarm water. A single dose of the cleaning composition (formulation examples in Tables 1 to 8) (foam foam) was dispensed in foam form by pressing the pump of the pump former once, and applied to the artificial sebum and left to stand for 3 minutes. After 3 minutes had passed, the applied foam foam was washed away with lukewarm water. The state of the obtained artificial sebum on the surface of the glass plate was subjected to a sensory evaluation by 10 expert panelists based on the following 3-point rating (rating points). The total rating points of each panelist were calculated, and the detergency was evaluated according to the following criteria.
[Evaluation criteria]
3 points: Artificial sebum is completely washed away
2 points: Most of the artificial sebum has been washed away. 1 point: The artificial sebum has not been washed away.
[Evaluation criteria for cleaning power (1)]
◎: 25 points or more 〇: 20 points or more but less than 25 points △: 15 points or more but less than 20 points ×: Less than 15 points

1-6 Evaluation Item 6: Low-Temperature Stability Glass bottles (volume: 200 mL) were filled to the brim with the cleaning compositions (formulation examples) shown in Tables 1 to 8 and left to stand for one week in an incubator set at 5° C. After one week had passed, one panelist visually evaluated the condition of the cleaning compositions in the glass bottles and rated them according to the following criteria.
[Low temperature stability evaluation criteria]
◎: Transparent in appearance, no precipitation at all. ○: Slightly cloudy, but no precipitation at all. △: Slightly cloudy, with some precipitation observed. ×: Much precipitation observed.

1-7 Evaluation item 7: Confirmation of low irritation (absence of tingling sensation or itching)
After washing the front of the upper arm with soap and lightly towel drying it, two doses of the cleansing composition (formulation example in Table 8) (foam foam) were applied to the front of the upper arm after washing with soap. After application, the cleansing composition was rubbed 20 times with the pad of the index finger and left for 5 minutes. After 5 minutes, the cleansing composition was completely rinsed off with lukewarm water and then lightly towel dried. While left for 5 minutes and after drying, 10 expert panelists evaluated the tingling sensation and itching of the skin on the front of the upper arm based on the following 3-point rating (rating score). The total rating scores of each panelist was calculated and irritation was evaluated according to the following criteria.
3 points: No sensation on the skin (no tingling or itching)
2 points: slight tingling and/or slight itching on the skin 1 point: severe tingling and/or itching on the skin
[Evaluation criteria for confirming hypoallergenicity (no tingling or itching)]
◎: 25 points or more 〇: 20 points or more but less than 25 points △: 15 points or more but less than 20 points ×: Less than 15 points

Experiment 2
In Experiment 2, the cleaning compositions were evaluated for the following items.
Evaluation item 8: Ease of foaming Evaluation item 9: Foam volume Evaluation item 10: Ease of blending into dirt

2-1 Evaluation Item 8: Ease of Foaming Ten expert panelists performed a sensory evaluation of Formulation Example 77 (0.7 g) in Table 7 based on the method of use in Table 9, using the following three-level evaluation (evaluation points). The evaluation points of each panelist were calculated, and the ease of foaming was evaluated according to the following criteria.
[Evaluation criteria]
3 points: Very easy to lather (fast foaming)
2 points: Easy to lather 1 point: Hard to lather (slow to lather)
[Evaluation criteria for foaming ease]
◎: 25 points or more 〇: 20 points or more but less than 25 points △: 15 points or more but less than 20 points ×: Less than 15 points

2-2 Evaluation Item 9: Foam Volume When Formulation Example 77 (0.7 g) in Table 7 was whipped according to the method of use in Table 9, the foam volume was subjected to a sensory evaluation by 10 expert panelists based on the following three-level evaluation (evaluation points). The evaluation points of each panelist were calculated, and the foam volume was evaluated according to the following criteria.
[Evaluation criteria]
3 points: Very voluminous
2 points: Has volume 1 point: Doesn't have volume
[Evaluation criteria for foam volume]
◎: 25 points or more 〇: 20 points or more but less than 25 points △: 15 points or more but less than 20 points ×: Less than 15 points

2-3 Evaluation Item 10: Adaptability to Stain The front of the upper arm was washed with soap and lightly towel-dried, and then 50 μL of the artificial sebum in Table 10 was thinly spread on the front of the upper arm washed with soap and left for 5 minutes. After 5 minutes, Formulation Example 77 (0.7 g) in Table 7 was thinly spread on the front of the upper arm using the method of use (Experimental Examples 1 to 7) in Table 9. Ten expert panelists performed a sensory evaluation based on the following 3-level evaluation (evaluation score) to determine the adaptability to stains when applied to the artificial sebum. The total evaluation score of each panelist was calculated, and the adaptability to stains was evaluated according to the following criteria.
"Easy to blend into dirt" means that by making it easier for the chemicals to penetrate into dirt, the dirt is more likely to lift off the skin and hair, and the dirt is removed more quickly.
[Evaluation criteria]
3 points: Very good at absorbing dirt (very quickly)
2 points: Good absorption of dirt (quickly)
1 point: Poor adhesion to dirt (slow)
[Evaluation criteria for ease of dirt absorption]
◎: 25 points or more 〇: 20 points or more but less than 25 points △: 15 points or more but less than 20 points ×: Less than 15 points

Experiment 3
In Experiment 3, the cleaning methods in Table 11 were evaluated for the following items.
Evaluation item 11: Detergency (2)
Evaluation item 12: Ease of use during actual use Evaluation item 13: No tightness or creaking sensation on the skin (2)

3-1 Evaluation Item 11: Detergency (2)
200 μL of the artificial sebum described in Table 10 was spread to a certain size (2.5 cm × 7.7 cm) on a glass plate (2.5 cm × 7.7 cm) and dried. After drying, the surface of the artificial sebum was lightly rinsed with lukewarm water. Thereafter, the state of the artificial sebum obtained by the cleaning method in Table 11 was subjected to a sensory evaluation by 10 expert panelists based on the following three-level evaluation (evaluation score). The evaluation scores of each panelist were calculated, and the detergency was evaluated according to the following criteria. Details of the cleaning method in Table 11 are as follows.

[Cleaning method details]
Experimental Example 8: 0.7 g of "N Shampoo MD" (manufactured by Nakano Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.) was placed in the palm of the hand, and the hands were rubbed together to lather the shampoo. The lather was then applied to the artificial sebum spread on a glass plate prepared in the same manner as in Evaluation Item 5, and left for 3 minutes. After 3 minutes had passed, the applied shampoo was rinsed off with lukewarm water.
Experimental Example 9: After carrying out the cleaning method of Experimental Example 8, the water adhering to the glass plate was lightly wiped off, and the cleaning method of Experimental Example 8 was carried out again.
Experimental Example 10: 0.7 g of the cleansing oil in Table 12 was applied to the artificial sebum spread on a glass plate prepared in the same manner as in Evaluation Item 5, and left for 3 minutes. After 3 minutes, the cleansing oil was washed off with lukewarm water. After lightly towel-drying the water adhering to the glass plate, the cleaning method of Experimental Example 8 was carried out.
Experimental Example 11: Formulation Example 77 in Table 7 was pumped once from a pump former to produce foam, which was applied to the artificial sebum and left for 3 minutes. After 3 minutes had passed, the foam was washed off with lukewarm water.
Experimental Example 12: After carrying out the cleaning method of Experimental Example 11, the water adhering to the glass plate was lightly wiped off, and the cleaning method of Experimental Example 8 was carried out again.
[Evaluation criteria]
3 points: Artificial sebum is completely washed away
2 points: Most of the artificial sebum has been washed away. 1 point: The artificial sebum has not been washed away.
[Evaluation criteria for cleaning power (2)]
◎: 25 points or more 〇: 20 points or more but less than 25 points △: 15 points or more but less than 20 points ×: Less than 15 points

3-2 Evaluation Item 12: Ease of Use During Actual Use The hair of 10 expert panelists was washed according to the washing methods (Experimental Examples 8 to 12) in Table 11. The ease of use of Experimental Examples 9 to 12 was evaluated by sensory evaluation based on the following three-level evaluation (evaluation points) in comparison with the evaluation of operability (ease of washing, ease of rinsing, effort during washing, etc.) in Experimental Example 8. The total score of the evaluation points of each panelist was calculated, and the ease of use during actual use was evaluated according to the following criteria.
The amount of each agent used will vary depending on the length and volume of the expert panelist's hair, but the following amounts are used as a guideline.
N Shampoo MD (manufactured by Nakano Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.): approx. 3 mL
Cleansing oil (described in Table 12): approximately 3 mL
Formulation Example 77 (described in Table 7) (filled into a pump former and used): 5 pushes [Evaluation criteria]
3 points: Easier to use than Experimental Example 8 (no hassle at all)
2 points: Equivalent to the operability of Experimental Example 8 (not too troublesome)
1 point: Worse operability than Experimental Example 8 (feels like a hassle)
[Evaluation criteria for ease of use in actual use]
◎: 25 points or more 〇: 20 points or more but less than 25 points △: 15 points or more but less than 20 points ×: Less than 15 points

3-3 Evaluation item 13: No feeling of skin tightness or creaking (2)
After washing the front of the upper arm with soap, the front was lightly towel-dried, and then the washing method in Table 11 (the washing was performed on the front of the upper arm washed with soap according to the amount and procedure described in the "Details of Washing Method" above) was followed by lightly towel-drying. After drying, the skin on the front of the upper arm was subjected to a sensory evaluation based on the following three-point scale (evaluation points) by 10 expert panelists for tightness and creaky feeling. The panelists' evaluation points were totaled, and the skin tightness and creaky feeling were evaluated according to the following criteria.
[Evaluation criteria]
3 points: no tightness or creaking sensation of the skin at all 2 points: almost no tightness or creaking sensation of the skin 1 point: tightness and/or creaking sensation of the skin
[Evaluation criteria for skin tightness and lack of squeaky feeling (2)]
◎: 25 points or more 〇: 20 points or more but less than 25 points △: 15 points or more but less than 20 points ×: Less than 15 points

Example 1
In this example, the difference in effect depending on the presence or absence of (A) polyglycerol alkyl ether was investigated. Specifically, the formulation examples in Table 1 were evaluated for evaluation items 1 to 6 in Experiment 1. The results are shown in Table 1.
In addition, for the components in Tables 1 to 8, where commercially available products listed outside the table were used, the values are calculated by converting the components listed in the table into pure amounts.

As can be seen from Table 1, Formulation Examples 2 to 4 and 8 to 11 containing (A) polyglycerol alkyl ether gave good results in all evaluation items.
On the other hand, Formulation Example 1, which did not contain (A) polyglycerol alkyl ether, and Formulation Examples 5 to 7, which used only alternative components that do not fall under (A) polyglycerol alkyl ether, received low evaluation points overall, and the evaluations of application property, detergency, and low-temperature stability were particularly poor.

Example 2
In this example, the preferred blending amount of (A) polyglycerol alkyl ether was investigated. Specifically, the cleaning compositions shown in Table 2 were evaluated for evaluation items 1 to 6 in Experiment 1. The results are shown in Table 2.

As can be seen from Table 2, Formulation Examples 2, 12-19, which contain (A) polyglycerol alkyl ether, all achieved favorable results. Formulation Examples 2, 12-14, and 16-19, which satisfy the preferred content range of the present invention, were superior to Formulation Example 15 in terms of ejection properties and skin tightness and squeaky sensation.

Example 3
In this example, the difference in effect due to the presence or absence of a nonionic surfactant selected from alkyl glucoside, polyglycerol fatty acid ester, and polyoxyethylene glyceryl ether fatty acid ester as defined in the present invention (hereinafter referred to as "prescribed (B) nonionic surfactant") was investigated. Specifically, the cleaning compositions shown in Table 3 were evaluated for evaluation items 1 to 6 in Experiment 1. The results are shown in Table 3.

As can be seen from Table 3, all of Formulation Examples 21 to 23 and 27 to 31 containing the specified nonionic surfactant (B) gave good results.
On the other hand, Formulation Example 20, which did not contain the specified (B) nonionic surfactant, and Formulation Examples 24 to 26, which used only alternative components that do not fall under the specified (B) nonionic surfactant, received low evaluation points overall, and were particularly poorly evaluated for application property, detergency, and low-temperature stability.

Example 4
In this example, the preferred blending amount of the predetermined nonionic surfactant (B) was investigated. Specifically, the cleaning compositions shown in Table 4 were evaluated for evaluation items 1 to 6 of Experiment 1. The results are shown in Table 4.

As can be seen from Table 4, formulation examples 21, 32-45, which contain the specified (B) nonionic surfactant, all produced favorable results. Formulation examples 21, 32-35, 37-41, and 43-45, which satisfy the preferred content ranges of the present invention, were superior to formulation examples 36 and 42 in terms of ejection properties, application properties, and skin tightness and squeaky sensation.

Example 5
In this example, the difference in effect due to the presence or absence of (C) an amphoteric surfactant selected from the group consisting of imidazolinium-type amphoteric surfactants, alkylbetaine-type amphoteric surfactants, amidobetaine-type amphoteric surfactants, and sulfobetaine-type amphoteric surfactants (hereinafter referred to as "prescribed (C) amphoteric surfactant") defined in the present invention was investigated. Specifically, the cleaning compositions shown in Table 5 were evaluated for evaluation items 1 to 6 in Experiment 1. The results are shown in Table 5.

As can be seen from Table 5, good results were obtained in all of Formulation Examples 47 to 50 and 53 to 56, which contained the specified amphoteric surfactant (C).
On the other hand, Formulation Example 46, which did not contain the predetermined amphoteric surfactant (C), was evaluated poorly in terms of ease of application, skin tightness, squeaky feeling, and skin moisture.
Furthermore, Formulation Examples 51 and 52, which used only alternative components that do not fall under the specified (C) amphoteric surfactant, were evaluated as poor in terms of application property and low-temperature stability.

Example 6
In this example, the preferred amount of the predetermined amphoteric surfactant (C) was investigated, and the preferred mass ratio [(A):(C)] of the polyglycerol alkyl ether (A) to the predetermined amphoteric surfactant (C) was also investigated. Specifically, the cleaning compositions listed in Table 6 were evaluated for evaluation items 1 to 6 of Experiment 1. The results are shown in Table 6.

As can be seen from Table 6, all of the formulation examples 57 to 74 in which the specified amphoteric surfactant (C) was blended gave good results.
Among Formulation Examples 57 to 62, Formulation Examples 57 to 61, which satisfy the preferred contents of the present invention, were evaluated as being particularly superior to Formulation Example 62 in terms of application properties.
Among Prescription Examples 63 to 74, Prescription Examples 64 to 68 and 70 to 74, which satisfied the preferred mass ratio [(A):(C)] of (A) polyglycerol alkyl ether to the specified (C) amphoteric surfactant, were evaluated as being particularly superior to Prescription Example 63 in terms of skin tightness and squeaky feeling. Furthermore, they were evaluated as being particularly superior to Prescription Example 69 in terms of application ease and low-temperature stability.

Example 7
In this example, the difference in effect depending on the presence or absence of (D) polyhydric alcohol, and the preferred blend amount were investigated. Specifically, the cleaning compositions in Table 7 were evaluated for evaluation items 1 to 6 in Experiment 1. The results are shown in Table 7.

As can be seen from Table 7, Formulation Example 71 and Formulation Examples 75-84, which satisfy the composition of the present invention, all achieved favorable results. In particular, Formulation Examples 71, 76-78, and 80-84, which contain (D) polyhydric alcohol, were evaluated as being particularly superior in terms of skin tightness, squeaky feeling, and skin moisture compared to Formulation Example 75, which does not contain (D) polyhydric alcohol. Furthermore, Formulation Examples 71, 76-78, and 80-84, which satisfy the preferred content of the present invention, were evaluated as being particularly superior in terms of ejection and application properties compared to Formulation Example 79.

Example 8
In this example, formulation examples 85 to 92, which contain anionic surfactants, which are excluded from the present invention, were compared with formulation example 77, which satisfies the composition of the present invention. Specifically, the cleaning compositions in Table 8 were evaluated for evaluation items 1 to 7 in Experiment 1. The results are shown in Table 8.

As can be seen from Table 8, Formulation Examples 85 to 90, which contained anionic surfactants such as higher fatty acid salts, alkyl sulfates, and polyoxyalkylene alkyl ether sulfates, were evaluated significantly lower than Formulation Example 77 in terms of skin tightness, squeaky feeling, skin moisture, and low irritation.
Furthermore, Formulation Examples 91 and 92, which contained anionic surfactants such as sodium cocoyl methyl taurate and TEA-cocoyl glutamate, were significantly lower in evaluation than Formulation Example 77, particularly with regard to low-temperature stability.

Example 9
In this example, a preferred method of using the cleaning composition was investigated. Specifically, Formulation Example 77 in Table 7 was applied based on the method of use in Table 9, and evaluation items 8 to 10 of Experiment 2 were evaluated. The results are shown in Table 9.
As can be seen from Table 9, Experimental Examples 4 to 7, which were used in a foamed state using a dedicated foaming tool, were rated superior in terms of ease of foaming and foam volume compared to Experimental Example 3, which was used in a foamed state by hand without using a dedicated foaming tool.
On the other hand, Experimental Example 1, which was used without lathering, and Experimental Example 2, which was used by lathering on the skin, showed inferior results in all evaluation items compared to Experimental Examples 3 to 7, which were used by lathering.

Example 10
In this example, the usefulness of the cleaning composition of the present invention was investigated. Specifically, after washing using the washing method in Table 11, evaluation items 11 and 13 of Experiment 3 were evaluated. In addition, for Experiments 9 to 12, panelists' hair was actually washed, and evaluation item 12 of Experiment 3 was evaluated. The results are shown in Table 11.

As can be seen from Table 11, Experimental Examples 11 and 12, in which cleaning was performed using the cleaning composition of the present invention (Formulation Example 77), were good in all evaluation items.
On the other hand, in Experimental Examples 8 to 10, which did not use the cleaning composition of the present invention, Experimental Example 8 was evaluated as inferior in terms of detergency compared to Experimental Examples 11 and 12. Experimental Example 9 was evaluated as inferior in terms of detergency and ease of use during actual use. Experimental Example 10 was evaluated as inferior in terms of ease of use during actual use and skin tightness and squeaky feeling.

Claims (8)

(A) polyglycerol alkyl ether;
(B) at least one nonionic surfactant selected from the group consisting of alkyl glucoside, polyglycerin fatty acid ester, and polyoxyethylene glyceryl ether fatty acid ester; and (C) at least one amphoteric surfactant selected from the group consisting of imidazolinium-type amphoteric surfactant, alkyl betaine-type amphoteric surfactant, amido betaine-type amphoteric surfactant, and sulfobetaine-type amphoteric surfactant;
A cleaning composition characterized by being substantially free of anionic surfactants. The cleaning composition according to claim 1, wherein the content of (A) polyglycerol alkyl ether contained in the cleaning composition is 10% by mass or less (not including 0% by mass). The cleaning composition according to claim 1, wherein the content of (B) at least one nonionic surfactant selected from the group consisting of alkyl glucosides, polyglycerin fatty acid esters, and polyoxyethylene glyceryl ether fatty acid esters contained in the cleaning composition is 20% by mass or less (excluding 0% by mass). The cleaning composition according to claim 1, wherein the content of the (C) amphoteric surfactant in the cleaning composition is 10% by mass or less (not including 0% by mass), and the mass ratio of the (A) polyglycerol alkyl ether to the (C) amphoteric surfactant [(A):(C)] is 1:0.1 to 1:5. The cleaning composition according to claim 1, further comprising (D) a polyhydric alcohol. A cleansing method comprising foaming the cleansing composition according to any one of claims 1 to 5 and then washing the skin and/or hair with the foamed cleansing composition. The cleaning method according to claim 6, wherein the foamed cleaning composition is foamed using at least one selected from the group consisting of a foaming device, a foaming net, a foaming sponge, an aerosol, and a pump foamer. The cleansing method according to claim 6, wherein after the skin and/or hair is cleansed with the foamy cleansing composition, the skin and/or hair is cleansed with a separate cleanser.