PHILADELPHIA, PA, June 28, 2022 — U.S Patent 11291204 B2; Chinese Patent CN107595662B Inolex has expanded its existing global patent portfolio of novel alkylhydroxamic acid technology with the issuance of several new patents directed to the use of caprylhydroxamic acid and related alkylhydroxamic acids for preservation of cosmetic, beauty, and personal care formulations.

Caprylhydroxamic acid (CHA) is a 100% natural and readily biodegradable chelating agent that efficiently binds iron ions, resulting in a strong fungistatic effect. Additionally, its C₈ acyl carbon chain imparts bacteriostatic character. The combination of these properties provides strong preservation effects in formulations by creating an environment that inhibits microbial growth.

Combinations of CHA with medium chain terminal diols (MCTDs) are ideal for microbial control in cosmetic formulations, as demonstrated through Inolex’s portfolio of safe, broad spectrum preservation solutions. The newly issued US Patent US11291204B2 is titled “Preservatives for cosmetic, toiletry and pharmaceutical compositions” and covers preservation compositions having a C₆, C₈, C₁₀, or C₁₂ alkylhydroxamic acid, including CHA, in combination with a variety of medium chain terminal diols such as caprylyl glycol; glyceryl caprylate; and caprylyl glyceryl ether.

According to Michael J. Fevola, PhD, VP Research & Development and Product Stewardship at Inolex, “The innovation enabled by Inolex’s patents, employing synergistic combinations of multifunctional ingredients as key components of a hurdle technology approach, is displacing traditional biocidal methods to preservation. Our platforms offer advances that decrease toxicological risks and environmental impact, creating a new standard for brands to achieve safe and effective preservation of cosmetics and personal care products.”

Inolex products covered by this patent are offered under the Spectrastat™ brand, and include Spectrastat™, Spectrastat™ G2 Natural MB, Spectrastat™ CGE Natural MB, and Spectrastat™ MHG Natural MB.

In addition to the aforementioned patent, the company has expanded the global reach of its alkylhydroxamic acid portfolio with Chinese Patent CN107595662B, titled “Synergistic compositions, formulations and related methods for reducing ultraviolet-induced lipid peroxidation”, and covers synergistic compositions of alkylhydroxyamic acids, including CHA, with antioxidants to reduce ultraviolet-induced lipid peroxidation.

The patent also claims alkylhydroxamic acids in combination with antioxidants including ascorbic acid; sodium ascorbyl phosphate; ascorbyl palmitate; tocopherols (vitamin E); tocopheryl acetate (vitamin E acetate); butylated hydroxytoluene; butylated hydroxyanisole; resveratrol; quercetin; uric acid; carotenes; glutathione; melatonin and mixtures thereof.

An additional patent application in Europe for the use of combinations of alkyl ethers of glycerol and CHA in cosmetic and dermatological formulations is pending. This application compliments an existing portfolio of patents in Europe, acquired by Inolex, that cover the use of CHA in applications including hair styling with flexible hold, dandruff control in combination with sorbic acid, and combinations of CHA with aromatic alcohols. Inolex ingredients covered by the latter include Phenostat™, Benzostat™, and Aromastat™.

The breadth of Inolex’s patented technology underscores the company’s ongoing commitment to advancing the field of safe, effective, and sustainable options for preservation of formulated products.

Patent references:

• CN 10-7595662 B – “Synergistic compositions, formulations and related methods for reducing ultraviolet-induced lipid peroxidation”
• US 11,291,204 B2 – “Preservatives for cosmetic, toiletry and pharmaceutical compositions”
• EP 2 793 814 B1 ­– “Active substance combinations of one or more aromatic alcohols and octanohydroxamic acids, and cosmetic or dermatological preparations containing such active substance combinations”
• EP 2 606 934 B1 – “Hair styling formulation for the creation of a flexible hold by means of octanohydroxamic acid”
• EP 2 793 820 B1 – “Use of an active agent combination of sorbic acid and a hydroxamic acid against dandruff”
• EP 2 793 815 A1 (pending) – “Active substance combinations of one or more alkyl ethers of glycerol and one or more physiologically acceptable hydroxamic acids, and cosmetic or dermatological preparations containing such active substance combinations”