Seeking Technology Allowing Color Change of Cleansing Products

A technology that signals the completion of a cleansing task, via color change. Product (forms: Liquid/gel/foam) is being dispensed from a container and is intended to be used by the consumer for cleansing his/her hands, body, hair, etc.. Product is manipulated (rubbed by hands or applied on a pouf) and is being used with water to produce lather. The desired solution would be for the product to change color as the cleansing task reaches completion. This way the consumer will know that the job is done. Color changing can take place gradually or abruptly.

Signals are a key opportunity for Personal Care cleansing products. Instead of having consumers time the particular cleansing task, the product provides a visual cue to signify completion. Products can include (but not limited to): Liquid handsoap, bodywash, shower gel, shampoo, facial cleanser.

Areas already investigated:
• Color changing dyes (including pH color changing indicators, oxidizing dyes)
• Thymol-based chemistry proven to be unstable due to high pH required (pH>10.5)
• Film technology; Polymer-based strips containing pigments

Liquid cleansing product that exhibits a color change that starts when the product applied to the surface that is intended to clean/disinfect and continues during is use

• Color change within 15-30 seconds of use (i.e. handsoap)
• Should work with warm or cold water (Temperature range: 20-30C°)
• Color intensity strong enough to be seen by consumer
• Final product should not stain surfaces if dropped accidentally (tiles, counter tops)
• Should be compatible with formula components (surfactants, rheological builders, emulsifiers, humectants, skin conditioners, preservatives, chelating agents) and stable when incorporated in a liquid/gel/semi-liquid formula at pH: 3.8 - 7.5.
• Final product must pass accelerated stability testing requirements (3mo @ 40C°/70%RH)
• Should have enough safety information available to ensure it can be used in the products of interest listed above

If technology is identified (fulfills Regulatory & Safety requirements) product will be launched globally within 9 months.