Inolex Patents Novel Alkylhydroxamic Acid Technology

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 the company'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.

“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, said Michael J. Fevola, PhD, VP R^D and product stewardship at Inolex.

The 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.” It 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, according to the company.

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. Ingredients covered by the latter include Phenostat, Benzostat, and Aromastat.