| abstract |
The invention concerns clear o/w microemulsions comprising a perfume oil, an aqueous phase and one or more surfactants with HLB between 9 and 18, and co-surfactants of which at least 0.5% of ionic co-surfactant. The weight ratio of perfume oil to total surfactant is between 0.85 and 2.5, and preferably above 1 . The quantity of perfume oil is 0.01-40% w/w, preferably below 35%, of the microemulsion and the quantity of water at least 40% w/w, preferably at least 50%. The microemulsions comprise less than 10%, preferably less than 5%, of alcohol. The surfactants are preferably of the nonionic type. n The microemulsions are very suitable for perfuming purposes where the amount of organic solvents should preferably be kept to a minimum, such as for perfuming skin or hair. n The invention also concerns surfactant/perfume oil mixtures suitable for preparing the clear o/w microemulsions. |