Patent Description:
Anionic surfactants are some of the most widespread interface-active compounds and, apart from being used in detergents and cleaners, are also used for diverse purposes in the field of cosmetics. Customary anionic surfactants as are used in particular in cosmetics are the salts of alkyl ether sulfates (alkyl polyether sulfates, fatty alcohol polyglycol ether sulfates, in short also ether sulfates). They are characterized by a strong foaming ability, high cleaning power, low sensitivity to hardness and grease and are used widely for producing cosmetic products such as, for example, hair shampoos, foam or shower baths, but also in hand dishwashing detergents.

For many current applications, apart from a good interface-active effect, further requirements are placed on anionic surfactants. A high dermatological compatibility is required in particular in cosmetics. Furthermore, an adequate solubility in water, good compatibility with as many as possible of the active ingredients and auxiliaries used in cosmetics, a good foaming ability and good thickenability are generally desired. Especially for hair care compositions the dermatological compatibility and ease of use are objects of new developments.

Furthermore, there is a need for anionic surfactants which can be produced at least partially from biogenic sources and specifically also renewable raw materials. In addition, there is also a need for surfactants which have no alkoxylated groups and which thus render superfluous in particular the use of ethylene oxide for their production.

US application <CIT> discloses aqueous personal care compositions comprising salts of sulfonated fatty acid esters and/or salts of sulfonated fatty acids in combination with alkyl betaines as hair care formulations. Salts of sulfonated fatty acid esters are well tolerated surfactants, but due to their good water solubility it is difficult to form solid surfactant compositions with these surfactants.

It was an object of the invention to provide a composition for skin cleansing which provides an easy rinse-off feeling and skin smoothness, softness and less skin dryness after rinsing. Especially for hair treatment it was another object to achieve a conditioning effect without stickiness and long drying time. Improved drying properties of hair-care surfactant compositions for a time-saving use (quick-dry effect on hair) are an important object.

Anionic surfactants are very often used surfactants in solid compositions. In former times solid cleaning bars which were conventional soap bars contained alkali metal salts of fatty acids (soaps in the classical sense), but in recent years cleaning bars were also made from surfactants. Soap-like bars consisting entirely of synthetic detergent compositions were called syndet bars, the combination of salts of fatty acids with surfactants was marketed as combibars. Conventional soaps being salts of fatty acids provide an alkaline environment due to hydrolysis in aqueous solution at a pH of <NUM>-<NUM>, which is resulting in a damage of the epidermis, the natural protection of the skin which normally has an acid pH of approximately <NUM>-<NUM>. Destroying the natural skin barrier by permanent use of these surfactant soaps leads to a bad skin tolerance with itching, dehydration and cracking of the epidermis. In order to overcome these disadvantages "re-fatting agents" such as fatty and oily ingredients selected from natural oils, mineral oil, petrolatum, stearic acid or lanolin, or "moisturizers" for example glycerin, urea and sorbitol have been incorporated into soap bars, these re-fatting agents often result in a sticky feeling and increase the drying time. Furthermore, the addition of these additives entails the drawback of poor foaming and cleaning properties of the soaps. In addition conventional soaps have undesirable scum- or curd-forming characteristics due to their incompatibility with hard water and bad solubility of their calcium salts.

The same partly applies to common fillers of soaps which are used to reduce the costs and improve the handling of the bars by providing a sufficient firmness. Years ago sodium silicate, talc or borax have been used as main components. However, these fillers are not very well tolerated especially for sensitive skin. In the International Patent Application <CIT> surfactant bars of common anionic surfactants and polysaccharides are disclosed. Talc, clay, calcium carbonate and dextrin are listed as possible filler materials.

Preferred surfactants used in syndet bars were alkali metal salts of acyl isethionates, fatty alcohol sulfates or alkane sulfonates which are still the predominantly used surfactants in surfactant containing bars.

<CIT> discloses a detergent bar consisting of an alkali metal salt of esters of isethionic acid; mixed aliphatic acids; a so-called suds-boosting detergent salt, e.g., alkyl aryl sulfonates; water; a higher fatty acid soap; and a higher fatty acid.

<CIT> is related to a synthetic detergent bar which consists of coconut-oil fatty acid ester of sodium isethionate and/or sodium lauryl sulfoacetate, paraffin, powdered starch, dextrin, coconut-oil fatty acid and water.

The necessary quantities of synthetic detergents in surfactant bars often result in mushiness and poor firmness, tackiness, difficulties in manufacturing, cracking of the bars and poor foaming properties. Furthermore, the use of these surfactants is currently decreased for environmental reasons and substitutes free of impurities of ethylene oxide and sulfates which are made of raw materials from renewable resources are more and more in favor.

The patent family related to the International Patent Applications <CIT>, <CIT> and <CIT> is disclosing the combination of C6 to C22-fatty acid salts, a polyhydric alcohol and a mixture of anionic surfactants comprising alpha sulfonated alkyl ester and a sulfonated fatty acid. These compositions show improved processability and improved after-feel properties to the skin. However, the high amount of at least <NUM> wt% of a fatty acid soap still results in the disadvantages of the conventional soap of fatty acid salts and it was a major object to avoid a high amount of conventional soaps.

Examples <NUM> to <NUM> of US-patent <CIT> disclose mouldable detergent compositions comprising alpha sulfolauric and myristic acid as anionic surfactant in addition to conventional alkali metal soaps.

From the above, it is apparent that there is still a need for solid surfactant compositions made of well tolerable detergents which have a pH approximating that of a person's skin and anyhow show good handling, foaming and cleaning properties. The processing of solid surfactant compositions should easily be possible. Hence it was another object to provide the anionic surfactant in form of a solid surfactant containing composition with good foaming properties, surfactant mildness, a good compatibility with water hardness and increased firmness.

Hair treatment with the surfactant composition should as well be possible in form of solid surfactant compositions, these should show an advanced foaming behavior during rinsing, a conditioning effect and an improved drying time compared to a commercially available surfactant compositions, e.g. surfactant bars with Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate.

The object of the present invention was to provide improved surfactant compositions with a content of well-tolerable anionic surfactants which are solid compositions.

This object was solved by a solid surfactant composition comprising.

The surfactant compositions are characterized by an excellent foaming ability, in particular initial foaming behavior. The initial foaming behavior plays a very important role for so-called rinse-off products, which are to be understood as meaning products which come into contact with the skin or hair during cleaning or grooming, but are then washed off again (e.g. shower gels, shower formulations, shampoos, liquid soaps, etc.). In this sector, as large a foam volume as possible is desired.

The surfactant compositions moreover have a hydrolysis stability both in the acidic and in the alkaline pH range and avoid constituents which comprise ethylene or propylene oxide building blocks for ecological reasons as well as surfactants with sulfate groups to improve skin and mucosa tolerability.

The surfactant compositions also have a storage stability at room temperature (<NUM>) of more than at least <NUM> weeks without any kind of visible changes (for example clouding, phase separations, discoloration and the like) occurring and without viscosity changes or changes in the chemical composition arising.

The inventive surfactant compositions are solid surfactant compositions.

Due to the low skin tolerability it is an object to reduce the amount of anionic surfactants in personal care and household products. The surfactant compositions of the current invention should comprise less than <NUM> % by weight, preferably less than <NUM>% by weight, most preferably less than <NUM> % by weight anionic surfactants other than compounds (A) and (C) based on the weight of the composition. Very often other anionic surfactants are conventional soaps, which are alkali salts of fatty acids. In case of solid compositions the fatty acid is mainly a saturated C12 to C22 fatty acid, especially stearic acid. Compositions comprising salts of long chain fatty acids, especially stearic acid are difficult to handle because of their incompatibility with water hardness, poor foaming properties, scum- or curd-forming characteristics and low skin tolerability resulting from the alkaline pH-value. Therefore the compositions of the current invention should comprise less than <NUM> % by weight, preferably less than <NUM> % by weight, most preferably less than <NUM> % by weight of fatty acid salts of stearic acid based on the weight of the composition.

Solid compositions comprising anionic surfactants with good foaming properties should have improved characteristics in anti-mush performance and faster drying performance in order to be suitable for treating hair, preferable as hair care compositions for shampooing. Surprisingly solid compositions comprising alpha-sulfo fatty acid disalts and polysaccharides selected from the group consisting of dextrin and its derivatives show improved anti-mush performance and have a fast drying performance after hair treatment.

"A composition suitable for treating hair" according to the present invention can be any composition suitable for cleansing hair, it can be a composition for conditioning hair (a conditioner), it can be a mask for treating hair. The solid surfactant composition could be a combination bar or a syndet bar.

The invention provides solid surfactant composition comprising.

More preferably the invention provides solid surfactant composition comprising.

The compounds (A), which are referred to within the context of the present invention as alpha-sulfo fatty acid monosalts and/or disalts and/or protonated acids, are obligatory for the aqueous and solid surfactant compositions according to the invention. They have the afore mentioned formula (I).

R<NUM>CH(SO<NUM>M<NUM>)COOM<NUM>     (I).

in which the radical R<NUM> is a linear or branched alkyl or alkenyl radical with <NUM> to <NUM> carbon atoms and the radicals M<NUM> and M<NUM> - independently of one another - are selected from the group H, Li, Na, K, Ca/<NUM>, Mg/<NUM>, ammonium and alkanolamines. Particularly preferred alkanolamines of the invention are Monoethanolamine, Diethanolamine, Triethanolamine and Mono-Isopropanolamine.

In the context of the present invention the compounds (A) named as "alpha-sulfo fatty acid monosalts and/or disalts and/or protonated acids" are defined by formula (I) in which the radicals M<NUM> and M<NUM> - independently of one another-are selected from the group H, Li, Na, K, Ca/<NUM>, Mg/<NUM>, ammonium and alkanolamines and thus encompass a disalt and/or a monosalt and/or a protonated acid.

In one embodiment, the proviso applies that the fraction of the compounds (A) in the surfactant compositions in which the radical R<NUM> is an alkenyl radical - based on the total amount of the compounds (A) - is <NUM>% by weight or less.

In a preferred embodiment, the radical R<NUM> in the formula (I) means a saturated, linear radical with <NUM> to <NUM> carbon atoms, where, with regard to the compounds (A), it is the case that the fraction of the compounds (A) in which the radical R<NUM> is a decyl and/or a dodecyl radical - based on the total amount of the compounds (A) - is more than <NUM>% by weight, preferably more than <NUM> % by weight, more preferably more than <NUM> % by weight and particular more than <NUM> % by weight.

Preferably, the radicals M<NUM> and M<NUM> in the formula (I) are Na.

The liquid aqueous compositions usually comprise more than <NUM> to <NUM> % by weight of alpha-sulfo fatty acid monosalts and/or disalts and/or protonated acids (A), preferably more than <NUM> to <NUM> %, more preferably <NUM> to <NUM> % by weight of alpha-sulfo fatty acid disalts based on the weight of the composition. The solid compositions usually comprise <NUM> to <NUM> % by weight of alpha-sulfo fatty acid monosalts and/or disalts and/or protonated acids (A), preferably <NUM> to <NUM> %, more preferably <NUM> to <NUM> % by weight of alpha-sulfo fatty acid monosalts and/or disalts and/or protonated acids based on the weight of the composition.

The compounds (A) can be prepared by all methods known appropriately to the person skilled in the art. A particularly preferred method of preparation here is the sulfation of the corresponding carboxylic acids. Here, the corresponding carboxylic acid and in particular the corresponding fatty acids are reacted with gaseous sulfur trioxide, the sulfur trioxide being used preferably in an amount such that the molar ratio of SO<NUM> to fatty acid is in the range from <NUM>: <NUM> to <NUM> : <NUM>. The crude products obtained in this way, which are acidic sulfonation products, are then partially or completely neutralized, preference being given to complete neutralization with aqueous NaOH. If desired, it is also possible to undertake purification steps and/or a bleaching (for adjusting the desired pale color of the products).

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the compounds (A) are used in technical-grade form. This means that the corresponding carboxylic acids, in particular native fatty acid, are sulfonated with gaseous sulfur trioxide, as a result of which, following partial or complete neutralization of the resulting acidic sulfonation products, a mixture of the compounds (A), (C) and (D) results. By virtue of corresponding adjustments of the reaction parameters (in particular molar ratio of carboxylic acid and sulfur trioxide, and also reaction temperature) it is possible to control the ratio of the compounds (A), (C) and (D). The compounds (C) and (D) are described below in the chapter "Preferred embodiments".

Within the context of the present invention, preference is given to those technical-grade mixtures of the alpha-sulfo fatty acid monosalts and/or disalts and/or protonated acids which have the following composition:.

with the proviso that the sum of the components (A), (C) and (D) in this mixture is <NUM>% by weight.

The function of compound (B) in the aqueous surfactant composition is based on its conditioning and hair care effects for liquid and solid compositions and its filling and forming properties for solid compositions.

For the solid surfactant compositions the compounds B are fillers. The function of the filler is to enable the use of the surfactants in a solid form, to fortify the composition, to increase the wear rate, firmness and sensory feeling of the composition while decreasing the cost while not compromising foaming performance of the anionic surfactant.

Dextrins and its derivatives include dextrins, maltodextrins and cyclodextrins. The most preferred compounds (B), in the context of the present invention are dextrins. They have the afore mentioned formula (II),
<CHM>
in which n - the average degree of polymerization - is an integer between <NUM> and <NUM>, preferably between <NUM> and <NUM>, and most preferably between <NUM> and <NUM>.

Dextrins are a group of low molecular weight carbohydrates obtainable by the hydrolysis of starch forming D-glucose units linked by α-(<NUM>→<NUM>) bonding starting with an α-(<NUM>→<NUM>) glycosidic bond.

Preferably they have a dextrose equivalent between <NUM> and <NUM> %, preferably between <NUM> and <NUM>% based on dextrose (glucose) with <NUM> %. Dextrose equivalent (DE) is a measure of the amount of reducing sugars present in a sugar product, expressed as a percentage on a dry basis relative to dextrose. The dextrose equivalent gives an indication of the average degree of polymerisation (DP) for starch sugars, it is inversely related to the molecular weight. The degree of polymerization (DP) is an indicator of the degree of hydrolysis, unhydrolysed starch has a DE of <NUM> while glucose has a DE value of <NUM>.

These polysaccharides are produced from starch using enzymes like amylases or by dry heating under acidic conditions (pyrolysis or roasting). Industrial production of dextrins is generally performed by acidic hydrolysis of potato starch.

Finished dextrins are a very fine powder in various colors from pure white to brown. Depending on their molecular weight and color three main types of dextrins are differentiated: white dextrins, canary or yellow dextrins, and Britisch gums. British gums are dextrins with the highest molecular weight with an average degree of polymerization of about <NUM> and strong adhesive properties, yellow dextrins are the lowest in molecular weight, while the white dextrins have a molecular weight between the other types. They are often used in adhesives and coatings which come in contact with food products.

Although not the preferred dextrins, maltodextrins can as well be included as polysaccharides and dextrin derivatives in the composition. They are composed of α-(<NUM>→<NUM>) bonding glucose only and have an average polymerization degree of between <NUM> and <NUM> and a dextrose equivalent of <NUM> to <NUM> %, preferably <NUM> to <NUM> %.

The cyclodextrin can be any of the known cyclodextrins such as, unsubstituted cyclodextrins containing from six to twelve glucose monomers, especially, alpha-, beta-, and gamma-cyclodextrins, and/or their derivatives, and/or mixtures thereof. The alpha-, beta-, and gamma-cyclodextrins contain <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> glucose monomer units, respectively, arranged in a donut-shaped ring. Examples of cyclodextrin derivatives suitable for use in the present invention include methyl beta-cyclodextrin, hydroxy-ethyl beta-cyclodextrin, and hydroxypropyl beta-cyclodextrin of different degrees of substitution. Water-soluble cyclodextrin derivatives are preferred cyclodextrin derivatives. Preferably at least a major portion of the cyclodextrins is alpha-, beta- and/or gamma-cyclodextrins, more preferably alpha- and beta-cyclo-dextrins. An especially preferred cyclodextrin for use in the present invention is beta-cyclodextrin. It is also preferred to use mixtures of cyclodextrins.

In the present invention the amount of dextrins is responsible for the improved drying effect, a conditioning effect of aqueous surfactant compositions not compromising foaming performance of the anionic surfactant and for the processability of the solid surfactant compositions.

Dextrins allow the processing of solid compositions with alpha-sulfo fatty acid disalts, they enable the shaping of the solids. By using these solid compositions in hair care compositions a good conditioning effect is achieved while improving the hair blow drying speed.

The solid surfactant and liquid aqueous compositions may contain further additives such as skin moisturizers for example sodium lactate, glycerin, pyrrolidone carboxylic acid; pH-regulans, complexing agents; colorants; whiteners; perfumes; salts such as sodium chloride, sodium sulfate, sodium phosphates; antioxidants, antimicrobial agents and preservatives or stabilizers.

The surfactant compositions preferably contain a pH-regulans, the most preferred one is citric acid which is added in an amount of <NUM> to <NUM> wt%, preferably <NUM> to <NUM> wt % based on the weight of the composition. In order to achieve a good skin tolerability the pH of a <NUM> wt% solution of the composition in water has a value of <NUM> to <NUM>, preferably <NUM> to <NUM>.

In one embodiment, the surfactant compositions according to the invention comprise, besides the compounds (A) and (B) additionally one or more compounds (C) of the general formula (III).

In the formula (III), the radical R<NUM> is a linear or branched alkyl or alkenyl radical with <NUM> to <NUM> carbon atoms, preferably R<NUM> is a saturated, linear alkyl radical having <NUM> to <NUM> carbon atoms, with respect to the compounds (C) that the proportion of the compounds (C) in which the radical R<NUM> is an undecyl or a tridecyl radical, - based on the total amount of the compounds (C) - is more than <NUM> % by weight. and the radical M<NUM> is selected from the group H, Li, Na, K, Ca/<NUM>, Mg/<NUM>, ammonium and alkanolamines. Particularly preferred alkanolamines are Monoethanolamine, Diethanolamine, Triethanolamine and Mono-Isopropanolamine.

In one embodiment, the surfactant compositions according to the invention comprise, besides the compounds (A), (B), additionally one or more inorganic salts of sulfuric acid (D) of the general formula (IV).

where M<NUM> is selected from the group Li, Na, K, Ca/<NUM>, Mg/<NUM>, ammonium and alkanolamine.

The radicals M<NUM> and M<NUM> of the compounds (A), the radical M<NUM> of the compounds (C) and the radical M<NUM> of the compounds (D) can be alkanolamines. In this connection, particular preference is given to monoethanolamine, diethanolamine, triethanolamine and monoisopropanolamine.

In a preferred embodiment, the surfactant compositions according to the invention comprise the compounds (A), (B), (C) and (D). Here, it is particularly preferred if M<NUM> and M<NUM> of the compounds (A) are selected from the group H(hydrogen) and Na (sodium).

In one embodiment, the surfactant compositions according to the invention comprise, besides the compounds (A), (B) additionally one or more compounds (F) of the formula (VI).

R<NUM>CH<NUM>-CO-CHR<NUM>(SO<NUM>M<NUM>)     (VI),.

wherein the radicals R<NUM> and R<NUM> mean - independently of one another - linear or branched alkyl radical with <NUM> to <NUM> carbon atoms and the radical M<NUM> selected from the group H, Li, Na, K, Ca/<NUM>, Mg/<NUM>, ammonium and alkanolamines. Particularly preferred alkanolamines are monoethanolamine, diethanolamine, triethanolamine and mono-isopropanolamine.

A further subject matter of the invention is the use of the aforementioned compositions for cosmetic products and wash and cleansing products.

With regard to cosmetic products comprising rinse-off and leave on compositions for skincare particular preference is given here especially to those which are present in the form of hair shampoos, solid surfactant compositions, soaps, syndets, washing pastes, washing bars, scrub preparations, shaving foams and dental care products (for example toothpastes and the like). Preferred cosmetic products are hair care compositions such as shampoos, especially preferred are solid surfactant compositions as syndet bars for cosmetic cleaning and for use as hair care composition.

In particular, low-pH agents are preferred for cleaning hard surfaces, such as bath and toilet cleaners such as rim blocks and the like.

The solid surfactant compositions are suitable in various forms, such as bars, noodles, beads, granules, pads, needles, sheets or tablets depending on their manufacturing process and intended use.

More preferred solid surfactant compositions according to the invention comprise:.

The solid surfactant compositions comprising alpha-sulfo fatty acid disalts, dextrin and water preferably contain a pH-regulans, the most preferred one is citric acid which is added in an amount of <NUM> to <NUM> wt%, preferably <NUM> to <NUM> wt % based on the weight of the composition. Preferably the pH of a <NUM> wt% solution of the composition in water has a value of <NUM> to <NUM>, preferably <NUM> to <NUM>.

The compositions may contain further additives such as skin moisturizers for example sodium lactate, glycerin, pyrrolidone carboxylic acid; pH-regulans, complexing agents; colorants; whiteners; perfumes; salts such as sodium chloride, sodium sulfate, sodium phosphates; antioxidants, antimicrobial agents and preservatives or stabilizers.

The manufacturing process of the solid surfactant bars is comparable to conventional soap production using fatty acid soaps. The ingredients are mixed and can be processed by kneading, milling, extrusion, cutting and bar pressing into a form suitable for transportation or for application.

Texapon SFA powder (BASF SE): alpha-sulfo fatty acid disalt of technical grade based on native C12/<NUM>-fatty acid; composition: <NUM>% by weight disodium <NUM>-sulfolaurate, <NUM>% by weight sodium laurate, <NUM>,<NUM>% by weight sodium sulfate, water ad <NUM> % by weight. The term "laurate" here means that the C12/<NUM> weight ratio of the mixture of the underlying native fatty acids is <NUM> : <NUM>.

Texapon SFA paste (BASF SE): alpha-sulfo fatty acid disalt of technical grade based on native C12/<NUM>-fatty acid; composition: <NUM>,<NUM>% by weight disodium <NUM>-sulfolaurate, <NUM>,<NUM>% by weight sodium laurate, <NUM>,<NUM>% by weight sodium sulfate, water ad <NUM> % by weight. The term "laurate" here means that the C12/<NUM> weight ratio of the mixture of the underlying native fatty acids is <NUM> : <NUM>.

Dextrin: from Haiyan Liuhe Pharmaceutical Industry Co. LTD, Sanlian Village, Yucheng Town, Haiyan County. Pharmaceutical Grade Dextrin, mesh size: <NUM> mesh, reducing sugar < <NUM>. Dehyton PK45 (BASF SE): Dry residue <NUM> to <NUM>. o wt%, INCI: Cocamidopropyl Betaine; Eumulgin EO33 (BASF SE): Polyethylene glycol <NUM> distearate, INCI: PEG-<NUM> Distearate Plantacare <NUM> UP (BASF SE): C8-C16 fatty alcohol glycoside; INCI: Coco-Glucoside Ucare JR-<NUM> (Dow Chemical): INCI: Polyquaternium-<NUM>;.

The preparation of the solid surfactant bars comprises the following steps:.

The soap bar was plunged into a <NUM> beaker, which is filled with <NUM> of demineralized water of <NUM>± <NUM> (<FIG>: apparatus for anti-mush performance test method). The bar was immersed into the water for about <NUM>. The length (a) and width (b) of the bottom surface was measured for calculating the mushy surface (A = a*b).

After <NUM> hours soaking the bar was removed from the water, carefully shaken to dislodge any surplus of water and weighed (W1).

The mush was then removed by carefully scraping with a plastic scraper the scraped bars were wiped with a tissue and dried overnight before determining the termal weight (W2).

The mush performance was calculated: <MAT>.

For hair care applications one of the key performances is foaming, but mushiness is an additional important property. If the anti-mush value is too low, the bar will be too hard and difficult to be applied on hair. If the anti-mush value is too high, the bar will be too soft and easy to be solved in water. The range for the best mush percentage value of the solid surfactant bars was <NUM> %- <NUM> %, preferably <NUM> % - <NUM>%.

In order to compare different fillers for solid soap bars the mush tendency and the foaming properties of the bars have been investigated.

The drying performance after hair cleaning has been tested using these soap bars for shampooing hair.

Stearic acid has been used as comparison to dextrin as a standard filler for solid soap bars.

A panel of <NUM> trained volunteers (<NUM> Chinese females, <NUM> Chinese males) tested a commercially available solid surfactant bar (Olaz Bar: INCI: Sodium Stearate, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Paraffin, Aqua, Sodium Cocoglyceryl Ether Sulfonate, Glycerin, Sodium Stearate, Talc, Stearic Acid, Sodium Cocoate, Coconut Acid (Coconut Derived), Sodium Isethionate, Sodium Chloride, Titanium Dioxide, Citric Acid, fragrance, PEG-<NUM>) and the solid surfactant composition according to the invention (Sample: S10 of Table <NUM>). One bar of the control product and one bar of the inventive product were used for all eleven panelists. For the foam test, the panelists foamed up the soap bars, described the properties of the foam and then rinsed it off. For the skin test, the panelists rubbed the wetted soap bar onto their forearms for <NUM> seconds, rinsed and dried them. The tests are performed in an air-conditioned room at a temperature of <NUM> and a relative humidity of <NUM>%. Results are described in <FIG> (Results of the Panel Test).

Claim 1:
A solid surfactant composition comprising
(A) <NUM> to <NUM> percent by weight based on the weight of the solid surfactant composition of
- one or more alpha-sulfo fatty acid monosalts and/or disalts and/or protonated acids of the general formula (I),

        R<NUM>CH(SO<NUM>M<NUM>)COOM<NUM>     (I)

in which the radical R<NUM> is a linear or branched alkyl or alkenyl radical with <NUM> to <NUM> carbon atoms and the radicals M<NUM> and M<NUM> - independently of one another - are selected from the group H, Li, Na, K, Ca, Mg, ammonium and alkanolamine and encompass a disalt and/or a monosalt and/or a protonated acid, and
• (B) <NUM> to <NUM> percent by weight based on the weight of the solid surfactant composition of
- one or more dextrins of the general formula (II),
<CHM>
in which n is an integer between <NUM> and <NUM>, and
• <NUM> to <NUM> percent by weight based on the weight of the solid surfactant composition of water,
where the following provisos apply:
• if the surfactant composition comprises one or more of compound (E) ester sulfonates of the general formula (V),

        R<NUM>CH(SO<NUM>M<NUM>)COOR<NUM>     (V)

in which the radical R<NUM> is a linear or branched alkyl or alkenyl radical with <NUM> to <NUM> carbon atoms and the radical R<NUM> is a linear or branched alkyl or alkenyl radical with <NUM> to <NUM> carbon atoms, and the radical M<NUM> is selected from the group Li, Na, K, Ca, Mg, ammonium and alkanolamines, it is the case that the compounds (A) - based on the sum of the compounds (A) and (E) - must be present to more than <NUM>% by weight.