Claims for Patent: 6,623,744

Summary for Patent: 6,623,744

Title:	Stable hydroalcoholic compositions
Abstract:	A hydroalcoholic lotion is disclosed which comprises (a) a lower alcohol and water in a weight ratio of about 35:65 to 100:0, and (b) between at least 0.5% and 8% by weight thickener system comprised of at least one emulsifier present in at least 0.05% by weight wherein the composition in a polymer free state has a viscosity of at least 4,000 centipoise at 23 degrees C. and wherein the emulsifier is comprised of at least one hydrophobic group and at least one hydrophilic group. The hydroalcoholic composition is useful as a hand preparation such as a lotion or as a presurgical scrub replacement.
Inventor(s):	Asmus; Robert A. (Hudson, WI), Scholz; Matthew T. (Woodbury, MN), Charpentier; Jill R. (Minnetonka, MN)
Assignee:	3M Innovative Properties Company (St. Paul, MN)
Application Number:	10/075,509
Patent Claims:	1. A method of maintaining or improving skin condition, the method comprising: applying to skin a composition comprising: a) a major amount of a solvent comprising a lower alcohol and water in a weight ratio of about 60:40 to about 100:0; and b) a thickener system present in an amount of about 0.5% by weight to about 8% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition; wherein the thickener system comprises at least one emulsifier in an amount of at least about 0.05% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition; wherein the emulsifier comprises: (i) at least one hydrophobic group selected from the group of: (A) an alkyl group of at least 24 carbon atoms; (B) an alkenyl group of at least 24 carbon atoms; and (C) an aralkyl or an aralkenyl group of at least 24 carbon atoms; and (ii) at least one hydrophilic group selected from the group of: (A) an ethylene oxide- and/or propylene oxide-containing group bonded to the hydrophobic group through an ether or ester bond and optionally terminated with a (C1-C36)alkyl ester, (C2-C36)alkenyl ester, or (C6-C36)alkaryl ester; (B) an alcohol group; (C) a polyhydric alcohol group; (D) an ester or ether group of a polyhydric alcohol or polyalkoxylated derivative thereof; (E) an ester or ether group of sorbitan or polyalkoxylated derivative thereof having 2-150 moles of alkylene oxide per mole of hydrophobic group; and (F) combinations thereof; wherein the composition has a melt temperature of greater than about 25.degree. C. when in the absence of an auxiliary thickener and a viscosity of at least about 4,000 centipoise at 23.degree. C. when in the absence of an auxiliary thickener; wherein the viscosity is measured using a very low shear viscometer and T spindles with a heliopath adapter. 2. The method of claim 1 wherein the composition does not separate by more than about 10% by volume when centrifuged for 30 minutes at 2275.times.g. 3. The method of claim 1 wherein the hydrophobic and hydrophilic groups are selected to provide a thickener system having a weight average hydrophile/lipophile balance of about 8 to about 12. 4. The method of claim 1 wherein the composition further comprises at least one emollient distinct from the thickener system. 5. The method of claim 1 wherein the composition further comprises an antimicrobial agent distinct from the lower alcohol. 6. The method of claim 1 wherein the composition further comprises a stabilizer. 7. The method of claim 1 wherein the composition further comprises a therapeutic agent. 8. The method of claim 1 wherein the emulsifier includes at least two hydrophobic groups. 9. The method of claim 1 wherein the lower alcohol and water are present in a weight ratio of about 60:40 to about 75:25. 10. The method of claim 1 wherein the composition has a viscosity of at least about 10,000 centipoise at 23.degree. C. when in the absence of an auxiliary thickener, wherein the very low shear viscometer is a Brookfield LVDV-I.sup.+ equipped with a model D Brookfield heliopath and T spindles B-F. 11. The method of claim 1 wherein the composition has a viscosity of about 80,000 centipoise to about 500,000 centipoise at 23.degree. C. when in the absence of an auxiliary thickener, wherein the very low shear viscometer is a Brookfield LVDV-I.sup.+ equipped with a model D Brookfield heliopath and T spindles B-F. 12. A method of maintaining or improving skin condition, the method comprising: applying to skin a composition comprising: a) a major amount of a hydroalcoholic solvent comprising a lower alcohol and water in a weight ratio of about 60:40 to about 75:25; and b) a thickener system present in an amount of about 0.5% by weight to about 8% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition; wherein the thickener system comprises at least one emulsifier in an amount of at least about 0.05% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition; wherein the emulsifier comprises: (i) at least one hydrophobic group selected from the group of: (A) an alkyl group of at least 16 carbon atoms; (B) an alkenyl group of at least 16 carbon atoms; and (C) an aralkyl or an aralkenyl group of at least 20 carbon atoms; and (ii) at least one hydrophilic group selected from the group of: (A) an ethylene oxide- and/or propylene oxide-containing group bonded to the hydrophobic group through an ether or ester bond and optionally terminated with a (C1-C36)alkyl ester, (C2-C36)alkenyl ester, or (C6-C36)alkaryl ester; (B) an alcohol group; (C) a polyhydric alcohol group; (D) an ester or ether group of a polyhydric alcohol or polyalkoxylated derivative thereof; (E) an ester or ether group of sorbitan or polyalkoxylated derivative thereof having 2-150 moles of alkylene oxide per mole of hydrophobic group; and (F) combinations thereof; wherein: the thickener system has a weight average hydrophile/lipophile balance of about 4 to about 16; and the composition has a melt temperature of greater than about 35.degree. C. when in the absence of an auxiliary thickener and a viscosity of at least about 4,000 centipoise at 23.degree. C. when in the absence of an auxiliary thickener; wherein the viscosity is measured using a very low shear viscometer and T spindles with a heliopath adapter. 13. A method of maintaining or improving skin condition, the method comprising: applying to skin a lotion comprising: a) a major amount of a solvent comprising a lower alcohol and water in a weight ratio of about 60:40 to 100:0; b) a thickener system present in an amount of about 0.5% by weight to about 8% by weight, based on the total weight of the lotion; wherein the thickener system comprises at least two emulsifiers, each in an amount of at least about 0.05% by weight, based on the total weight of the lotion; wherein at least one of the emulsifiers comprises: (i) at least one hydrophobic group selected from the group of: (A) an alkyl group of at least 16 carbon atoms; (B) an alkenyl group of at least 16 carbon atoms; and (C) an aralkyl or an aralkenyl group of at least 20 carbon atoms; and (ii) at least one hydrophilic group selected from the group of: (A) an ethylene oxide- and/or propylene oxide-containing group bonded to the hydrophobic group through an ether or ester bond and optionally terminated with a (C1-C36)alkyl ester, (C2-C36)alkenyl ester, or (C6-C36)alkaryl ester; (B) an ester or ether group of a polyalkoxylated polyhydric alcohol; (C) an ester or ether group of a polyalkoxylated sorbitan having 2-150 moles of alkylene oxide per mole of hydrophobic group; and (D) combinations thereof, wherein at least one of the other emulsifiers comprises: (i) at least one hydrophobic group selected from the group of: (A) an alkyl group of at least 16 carbon atoms; (B) an alkenyl group of at least 16 carbon atoms; and (C) an aralkyl or an aralkenyl group of at least 20 carbon atoms; and (ii) at least one alcoholic or polyhydroalcoholic hydrophilic group; and c) an antimicrobial agent distinct from the lower alcohol; wherein: the thickener system has a weight average hydrophile/lipophile balance of about 4 to about 16; and the lotion has a melt temperature of greater than about 35.degree. C. when in the absence of an auxiliary thickener and the at least two emulsifiers provide the lotion with a viscosity of at least about 4,000 centipoise at 23.degree. C. when in the absence of an auxiliary thickener; wherein the viscosity is measured using a very low shear viscometer and T spindles with a heliopath adapter. 14. A method of maintaining or improving skin condition, the method comprising: applying to skin a lotion comprising: a) a major amount of a solvent comprising a lower alcohol and water in a weight ratio of about 60:40 to about 100:0; and b) a thickener system present in an amount of about 0.5% by weight to about 8% by weight, based on the total weight of the lotion; wherein the thickener system comprises at least one emulsifier in an amount of at least about 0.05% by weight, based on the total weight of the lotion; wherein the emulsifier comprises: (i) at least one hydrophobic group selected from the group of: (A) an alkyl group of at least 20 carbon atoms; (B) an alkenyl group of at least 20 carbon atoms; and (C) an aralkyl or an aralkenyl group of at least 20 carbon atoms; and (ii) at least one hydrophilic group selected from the group of: (A) an ethylene oxide- and/or propylene oxide-containing group which is bonded to the hydrophobic group through an ether or ester bond and optionally terminated with a (C1-C36)alkyl ester, (C2-C36)alkenyl ester, or (C6-C36)alkaryl ester; (B) an alcohol group; (C) a polyhydric alcohol group; (D) an ester or ether group of a polyhydric alcohol or polyalkoxylated derivative thereof, (E) an ester or ether group of sorbitan or polyalkoxylated derivative thereof having 2-150 moles of alkylene oxide per mole of hydrophobic group; and (F) combinations thereof; and c) a chlorhexidine salt; wherein: the thickener system has a weight average hydrophile/lipophile balance of about 4 to about 16; the at least one emulsifier provides the lotion with a melt temperature of greater than about 25.degree. C. when in the absence of an auxiliary thickener and a viscosity of at least about 4,000 centipoise at 23.degree. C. when in the absence of an auxiliary thickener; wherein the viscosity is measured using a very low shear viscometer and T spindles with a heliopath adapter. 15. A method of maintaining or improving skin condition, the method comprising: applying to skin a lotion comprising: a) a major amount of a hydroalcoholic solvent comprising a lower alcohol and water in a weight ratio of about 60:40 to about 95:5; and b) a thickener system present in an amount of about 0.5% by weight to about 8% by weight, based on the total weight of the lotion; wherein the thickener system comprises one or more emulsifiers, each in an amount of at least about 0.05% by weight, based on the total weight of the lotion, wherein at least one of the emulsifiers is solid at room temperature; wherein the lotion has a melt temperature of greater than about 25.degree. C. and a viscosity of at least about 45,000 centipoise after 19 days at 23.degree. C. and is substantially free of auxiliary thickeners; wherein the viscosity is measured using a very low shear viscometer and T spindles with a heliopath adapter. 16. A method of maintaining or improving skin condition, the method comprising: applying to skin a lotion comprising: a) a major amount of a hydroalcoholic solvent comprising a lower alcohol and water in a weight ratio of about 60:40 to about 95:5; and b) a thickener system present in an amount of about 0.5% by weight to about 8% by weight, based on the total weight of the lotion; wherein the thickener system comprises one or more emulsifiers having a hydrocarbon chain, each emulsifier present in an amount of at least about 0.05% by weight, based on the total weight of the lotion; wherein the one or more emulsifiers provides the lotion with a viscosity of at least about 20,000 centipoise at 23.degree. C. when in the absence of an auxiliary thickener; wherein the viscosity is measured using a very low shear viscometer and T spindles with a heliopath adapter; and further wherein the hydrocarbon chain length of the one or more emulsifiers and the lower alcohol content of the lotion are chosen to maintain a melt temperature of the lotion over 35.degree. C. when in the absence of an auxiliary thickener. 17. The method of claim 16 wherein the lotion has a melt temperature of greater than about 40.degree. C. when in the absence of an auxiliary thickener. 18. A method of maintaining or improving skin condition, the method comprising: applying to skin a lotion comprising: a) a major amount of a solvent comprising a lower alcohol and water in a weight ratio of about 60:40 to about 100:0; and b) a thickener system present in an amount of about 0.5% by weight to about 8% by weight, based on the total weight of the lotion; wherein the thickener system comprises at least one emulsifier in an amount of at least about 0.05% by weight, based on the total weight of the lotion; wherein the emulsifier comprises: (i) at least one hydrophobic group selected from the group of: (A) an alkyl group of at least 24 carbon atoms; (B) an alkenyl group of at least 24 carbon atoms; and (C) an aralkyl or an aralkenyl group of at least 24 carbon atoms; and (ii) at least one hydrophilic group selected from the group of: (A) an ethylene oxide- and/or propylene oxide-containing group bonded to the hydrophobic group through an ether or ester bond and optionally terminated with a (C1-C36)alkyl ester, (C2-C36)alkenyl ester, or (C6-C36)alkaryl ester; (B) an alcohol group; (C) a polyhydric alcohol group; (D) an ester or ether group of a polyhydric alcohol or polyalkoxylated derivative thereof; (E) an ester or ether group of sorbitan or polyalkoxylated derivative thereof having 2-150 moles of alkylene oxide per mole of hydrophobic group; and (F) combinations thereof; wherein the at least one emulsifier provides the lotion with a melt temperature of greater than about 25.degree. C. when in the absence of an auxiliary thickener and a viscosity of at least about 4,000 centipoise at 23.degree. C. when in the absence of an auxiliary thickener wherein the viscosity is measured using a very low shear viscometer and T spindles with a heliopath adapter. 19. A method of maintaining or improving skin condition, the method comprising: applying to skin a lotion comprising: a) a major amount of a hydroalcoholic solvent comprising a lower alcohol and water in a weight ratio of about 60:40 to about 75:25; and b) a thickener system present in an amount of about 0.5% by weight to about 8% by weight, based on the total weight of the lotion; wherein the thickener system comprises at least one emulsifier in an amount of at least about 0.05% by weight, based on the total weight of the lotion; wherein the emulsifier comprises: (i) at least one hydrophobic group selected from the group of: (A) an alkyl group of at least 16 carbon atoms; (B) an alkenyl group of at least 16 carbon atoms; and (C) an aralkyl or an aralkenyl group of at least 20 carbon atoms; and (ii) at least one hydrophilic group selected from the group of: (A) an ethylene oxide- and/or propylene oxide-containing group bonded to the hydrophobic group through an ether or ester bond and optionally terminated with a (C1-C36)alkyl ester, (C2-C36)alkenyl ester, or (C6-C36)alkaryl ester; (B) an alcohol group; (C) a polyhydric alcohol group; (D) an ester or ether group of a polyhydric alcohol or polyalkoxylated derivative thereof; (E) an ester or ether group of sorbitan or polyalkoxylated derivative thereof having 2-150 moles of alkylene oxide per mole of hydrophobic group; and (F) combinations thereof; wherein: the thickener system has a weight average hydrophile/lipophile balance of about 4 to about 16; the lotion has a melt temperature of greater than about 35.degree. C. when in the absence of an auxiliary thickener; and the at least one emulsifier provides the lotion with a viscosity of at least about 4,000 centipoise at 23.degree. C. when in the absence of an auxiliary thickener; wherein the viscosity is measured using a very low shear viscometer and T spindles with a heliopath adapter. 20. A method of maintaining or improving skin condition, the method comprising: applying to skin a composition comprising: a) a major amount of a hydroalcoholic solvent comprising a lower alcohol and water in a weight ratio of about 40:60 to about 95:5; and b) a thickener system present in an amount of about 0.5% by weight to about 8% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition; wherein the thickener system comprises at least one emulsifier in an amount of at least about 0.05% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition; wherein the emulsifier comprises: (i) at least one hydrophobic group selected from the group of: (A) an alkyl group of at least 16 carbon atoms; (B) an alkenyl group of at least 16 carbon atoms; and (C) an aralkyl or an aralkenyl group of at least 20 carbon atoms; and (ii) at least one hydrophilic group selected from the group of: (A) an ethylene oxide- and/or propylene oxide-containing group bonded to the hydrophobic group through an ether or ester bond and optionally terminated with a (C1-C36)alkyl ester, (C2-C36)alkenyl ester, or (C6-C36)alkaryl ester; (B) an alcohol group; (C) a polyhydric alcohol group; (D) an ester or ether group of a polyhydric alcohol or polyalkoxylated derivative thereof; (E) an ester or ether group of sorbitan or polyalkoxylated derivative thereof having 2-150 moles of alkylene oxide per mole of hydrophobic group; and (F) combinations thereof; wherein: the thickener system has a weight average hydrophile/lipophile balance of about 4 to about 16; and the composition has a melt temperature of greater than about 35.degree. C. when in the absence of an auxiliary thickener and a viscosity of at least about 20,000 centipoise at 23.degree. C. when in the absence of an auxiliary thickener; wherein the viscosity is measured using a very low shear viscometer and T spindles with a heliopath adapter. 21. A method of maintaining or improving skin condition, the method comprising: applying to skin a composition comprising: a) a major amount of a hydroalcoholic solvent comprising a lower alcohol and water in a weight ratio of about 60:40 to about 75:25; and b) a thickener system present in an amount of about 0.5% by weight to about 8% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition; wherein the thickener system comprises at least one emulsifier in an amount of at least about 0.05% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition; wherein the emulsifier comprises: (i) at least one hydrophobic group selected from the group of: (A) an alkyl group of at least 16 carbon atoms; (B) an alkenyl group of at least 16 carbon atoms; and (C) an aralkyl or an aralkenyl group of at least 20 carbon atoms; and (ii) at least one hydrophilic group selected from the group of: (A) an ethylene oxide- and/or propylene oxide-containing group bonded to the hydrophobic group through an ether or ester bond and optionally terminated with a (C1-C36)alkyl ester, (C2-C36)alkenyl ester, or (C6-C36)alkaryl ester; (B) an alcohol group; (C) a polyhydric alcohol group; (D) an ester or ether group of a polyhydric alcohol or polyalkoxylated derivative thereof; (E) an ester or ether group of sorbitan or polyalkoxylated derivative thereof having 2-150 moles of alkylene oxide per mole of hydrophobic group; and (F) combinations thereof; wherein: the composition has a melt temperature of greater than about 35.degree. C. when in the absence of an auxiliary thickener and a viscosity of at least about 4,000 centipoise at 23.degree. C. when in the absence of an auxiliary thickener; wherein the viscosity is measured using a very low shear viscometer and T spindles with a heliopath adapter. 22. The method of claim 21 wherein the thickener system comprises one or more emulsifiers capable of forming an alcoholic composition having a viscosity of at least about 4,000 centipoise at 23.degree. C. when in the absence of an auxiliary thickener, wherein the very low shear viscometer is a Brookfield LVDV-I.sup.+ equipped with a model D Brookfield heliopath and T spindles B-F. 23. The method of claim 21 wherein the composition further comprises a polymeric thickening agent. 24. A method of maintaining or improving skin condition, the method comprising: applying to skin a lotion comprising: a) a major amount of a solvent comprising a lower alcohol and water in a weight ratio of about 60:40 to 100:0; b) a thickener system present in an amount of about 0.5% by weight to about 8% by weight, based on the total weight of the lotion; wherein the thickener system comprises at least two emulsifiers, each in an amount of at least about 0.05% by weight, based on the total weight of the lotion; wherein at least one of the emulsifiers comprises: (i) at least one hydrophobic group selected from the group of: (A) an alkyl group of at least 16 carbon atoms; (B) an alkenyl group of at least 16 carbon atoms; and (C) an aralkyl or an aralkenyl group of at least 20 carbon atoms; and (ii) at least one hydrophilic group selected from the group of: (A) an ethylene oxide- and/or propylene oxide-containing group bonded to the hydrophobic group through an ether or ester bond and optionally terminated with a (C1-C36)alkyl ester, (C2-C36)alkenyl ester, or (C6-C36)alkaryl ester; (B) an ester or ether group of a polyalkoxylated polyhydric alcohol; (C) an ester or ether group of a polyalkoxylated sorbitan having 2-150 moles of alkylene oxide per mole of hydrophobic group; and (D) combinations thereof; wherein at least one of the other emulsifiers comprises: (i) at least one hydrophobic group selected from the group of: (A) an alkyl group of at least 16 carbon atoms; (B) an alkenyl group of at least 16 carbon atoms; and (C) an aralkyl or an aralkenyl group of at least 20 carbon atoms; and (ii) at least one alcoholic or polyhydroalcoholic hydrophilic group; and c) an antimicrobial agent distinct from the lower alcohol; wherein: the lotion has a melt temperature of greater than about 35.degree. C. when in the absence of an auxiliary thickener and the at least two emulsifiers provide the lotion with a viscosity of at least about 4,000 centipoise at 23.degree. C. when in the absence of an auxiliary thickener; wherein the viscosity is measured using a very low shear viscometer and T spindles with a heliopath adapter. 25. The method of claim 24 wherein the thickener system comprises one or more emulsifiers capable of forming an alcoholic lotion having a viscosity of at least about 4,000 centipoise at 23.degree. C. when in the absence of an auxiliary thickener, wherein the very low shear viscometer is a Brookfield LVDV-I.sup.+ equipped with a model D Brookfield heliopath and T spindles B-F. 26. A method of maintaining or improving skin condition, the method comprising: applying to skin a lotion comprising: a) a major amount of a solvent comprising a lower alcohol and water in a weight ratio of about 60:40 to about 100:0; and b) a thickener system present in an amount of about 0.5% by weight to about 8% by weight, based on the total weight of the lotion; wherein the thickener system comprises at least one emulsifier in an amount of at least about 0.05% by weight, based on the total weight of the lotion; wherein the emulsifier comprises: (i) at least one hydrophobic group selected from the group of: (A) an alkyl group of at least 20 carbon atoms; (B) an alkenyl group of at least 20 carbon atoms; and (C) an aralkyl or an aralkenyl group of at least 20 carbon atoms; and (ii) at least one hydrophilic group selected from the group of: (A) an ethylene oxide- and/or propylene oxide-containing group which is bonded to the hydrophobic group through an ether or ester bond and optionally terminated with a (C1-C36)alkyl ester, (C2-C36)alkenyl ester, or (C6-C36)alkaryl ester; (B) an alcohol group; (C) a polyhydric alcohol group; (D) an ester or ether group of a polyhydric alcohol or polyalkoxylated derivative thereof; (E) an ester or ether group of sorbitan or polyalkoxylated derivative thereof having 2-150 moles of alkylene oxide per mole of hydrophobic group; and (F) combinations thereof; and c) a chlorhexidine salt; wherein: the at least one emulsifier provides the lotion with a melt temperature of greater than about 25.degree. C. when in the absence of an auxiliary thickener and a viscosity of at least about 4,000 centipoise at 23.degree. C. when in the absence of an auxiliary thickener; wherein the viscosity is measured using a very low shear viscometer and T spindles with a heliopath adapter. 27. The method of claim 26 wherein the thickener system comprises one or more emulsifiers capable of forming an alcoholic lotion having a viscosity of at least about 4,000 centipoise at 23.degree. C. when in the absence of an auxiliary thickener, wherein the very low shear viscometer is a Brookfield LVDV-I.sup.+ equipped with a model D Brookfield heliopath and T spindles B-F. 28. A method of maintaining or improving skin condition, the method comprising: applying to skin a lotion comprising: a) a major amount of a hydroalcoholic solvent comprising a lower alcohol and water in a weight ratio of about 60:40 to about 75:25; and b) a thickener system present in an amount of about 0.5% by weight to about 8% by weight, based on the total weight of the lotion; wherein the thickener system comprises at least one emulsifier in an amount of at least about 0.05% by weight, based on the total weight of the lotion; wherein the emulsifier comprises: (i) at least one hydrophobic group selected from the group of: (A) an alkyl group of at least 16 carbon atoms; (B) an alkenyl group of at least 16 carbon atoms; and (C) an aralkyl or an aralkenyl group of at least 20 carbon atoms; and (ii) at least one hydrophilic group selected from the group of: (A) an ethylene oxide- and/or propylene oxide-containing group bonded to the hydrophobic group through an ether or ester bond and optionally terminated with a (C1-C36)alkyl ester, (C2-C36)alkenyl ester, or (C6-C36)alkaryl ester; (B) an alcohol group; (C) a polyhydric alcohol group; (D) an ester or ether group of a polyhydric alcohol or polyalkoxylated derivative thereof; (E) an ester or ether group of sorbitan or polyalkoxylated derivative thereof having 2-150 moles of alkylene oxide per mole of hydrophobic group; and (F) combinations thereof; wherein: the lotion has a melt temperature of greater than about 35.degree. C. when in the absence of an auxiliary thickener; and the at least one emulsifier provides the lotion with a viscosity of at least about 4,000 centipoise at 23.degree. C. when in the absence of an auxiliary thickener; wherein the viscosity is measured using a very low shear viscometer and T spindles with a heliopath adapter. 29. A method of maintaining or improving skin condition, the method comprising: applying to skin a composition comprising: a) a major amount of a hydroalcoholic solvent comprising a lower alcohol and water in a weight ratio of about 40:60 to about 95:5; and b) a thickener system present in an amount of about 0.5% by weight to about 8% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition; wherein the thickener system comprises at least one emulsifier in an amount of at least about 0.05% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition; wherein the emulsifier comprises: (i) at least one hydrophobic group selected from the group of: (A) an alkyl group of at least 16 carbon atoms; (B) an alkenyl group of at least 16 carbon atoms; and (C) an aralkyl or an aralkenyl group of at least 20 carbon atoms; and (ii) at least one hydrophilic group selected from the group of: (A) an ethylene oxide- and/or propylene oxide-containing group bonded to the hydrophobic group through an ether or ester bond and optionally terminated with a (C1-C3 6)alkyl ester, (C2-C36)alkenyl ester, or (C6-C36)alkaryl ester; (B) an alcohol group; (C) a polyhydric alcohol group; (D) an ester or ether group of a polyhydric alcohol or polyalkoxylated derivative thereof; (E) an ester or ether group of sorbitan or polyalkoxylated derivative thereof having 2-150 moles of alkylene oxide per mole of hydrophobic group; and (F) combinations thereof; wherein: the composition has a melt temperature of greater than about 35.degree. C. when in the absence of an auxiliary thickener and a viscosity of at least about 20,000 centipoise at 23.degree. C. when in the absence of an auxiliary thickener; and the viscosity is measured using a very low shear viscometer and T spindles with a heliopath adapter. 30. A method of delivering a fragrance to skin, the method comprising: applying to skin a composition comprising: a) a fragrance; b) a major amount of a solvent comprising a lower alcohol and water in a weight ratio of about 60:40 to about 100:0; and c) a thickener system present in an amount of about 0.5% by weight to about 8% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition; wherein the thickener system comprises at least one emulsifier in an amount of at least about 0.05% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition; wherein the emulsifier comprises: (i) at least one hydrophobic group selected from the group of: (A) an alkyl group of at least 24 carbon atoms; (B) an alkenyl group of at least 24 carbon atoms; and (C) an aralkyl or an aralkenyl group of at least 24 carbon atoms; and (ii) at least one hydrophilic group selected from the group of: (A) an ethylene oxide- and/or propylene oxide-containing group bonded to the hydrophobic group through an ether or ester bond and optionally terminated with a (C1-C36)alkyl ester, (C2-C36)alkenyl ester, or (C6-C36)alkaryl ester; (B) an alcohol group; (C) a polyhydric alcohol group; (D) an ester or ether group of a polyhydric alcohol or polyalkoxylated derivative thereof; (E) an ester or ether group of sorbitan or polyalkoxylated derivative thereof having 2-150 moles of alkylene oxide per mole of hydrophobic group; and (F) combinations thereof; wherein the composition has a melt temperature of greater than about 25.degree. C. when in the absence of an auxiliary thickener and a viscosity of at least about 4,000 centipoise at 23.degree. C. when in the absence of an auxiliary thickener; wherein the viscosity is measured using a very low shear viscometer and T spindles with a heliopath adapter. 31. A method of delivering a fragrance to skin, the method comprising: applying to skin a composition comprising: a) a fragrance; b) a major amount of a hydroalcoholic solvent comprising a lower alcohol and water in a weight ratio of about 60:40 to about 75:25; and c) a thickener system present in an amount of about 0.5% by weight to about 8% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition; wherein the thickener system comprises at least one emulsifier in an amount of at least about 0.05% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition; wherein the emulsifier comprises: (i) at least one hydrophobic group selected from the group of: (A) an alkyl group of at least 16 carbon atoms; (B) an alkenyl group of at least 16 carbon atoms; and (C) an aralkyl or an aralkenyl group of at least 20 carbon atoms; and (ii) at least one hydrophilic group selected from the group of: (A) an ethylene oxide- and/or propylene oxide-containing group bonded to the hydrophobic group through an ether or ester bond and optionally terminated with a (C1-C36)alkyl ester, (C2-C36)alkenyl ester, or (C6-C36)alkaryl ester; (B) an alcohol group; (C) a polyhydric alcohol group; (D) an ester or ether group of a polyhydric alcohol or polyalkoxylated derivative thereof; (E) an ester or ether group of sorbitan or polyalkoxylated derivative thereof having 2-150 moles of alkylene oxide per mole of hydrophobic group; and (F) combinations thereof; wherein: the thickener system has a weight average hydrophile/lipophile balance of about 4 to about 16; and the composition has a melt temperature of greater than about 35.degree. C. when in the absence of an auxiliary thickener and a viscosity of at least about 4,000 centipoise at 23.degree. C. when in the absence of an auxiliary thickener; wherein the viscosity is measured using a very low shear viscometer and T spindles with a heliopath adapter. 32. A method of delivering a fragrance to skin, the method comprising: applying to skin a composition comprising: a) a fragrance; b) a major amount of a hydroalcoholic solvent comprising a lower alcohol and water in a weight ratio of about 60:40 to about 95:5; and c) a thickener system present in an amount of about 0.5% by weight to about 8% by weight, based on the total weight of the lotion; wherein the thickener system comprises one or more emulsifiers having a hydrocarbon chain, each emulsifier present in an amount of at least about 0.05% by weight, based on the total weight of the lotion; wherein the one or more emulsifiers provides the lotion with a viscosity of at least about 20,000 centipoise at 23.degree. C. when in the absence of an auxiliary thickener; wherein the viscosity is measured using a very low shear viscometer and T spindles with a heliopath adapter; and further wherein the hydrocarbon chain length of the one or more emulsifiers and the lower alcohol content of the lotion are chosen to maintain a melt temperature of the lotion over 35.degree. C. when in the absence of an auxiliary thickener. 33. A method of delivering a fragrance to skin, the method comprising: applying to skin a composition comprising: a) a fragrance; b) a major amount of a hydroalcoholic solvent comprising a lower alcohol and water in a weight ratio of about 60:40 to about 75:25; and c) a thickener system present in an amount of about 0.5% by weight to about 8% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition; wherein the thickener system comprises at least one emulsifier in an amount of at least about 0.05% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition; wherein the emulsifier comprises: (i) at least one hydrophobic group selected from the group of: (A) an alkyl group of at least 16 carbon atoms; (B) an alkenyl group of at least 16 carbon atoms; and (C) an aralkyl or an aralkenyl group of at least 20 carbon atoms; and (ii) at least one hydrophilic group selected from the group of: (A) an ethylene oxide- and/or propylene oxide-containing group bonded to the hydrophobic group through an ether or ester bond and optionally terminated with a (C1-C36)alkyl ester, (C2-C36)alkenyl ester, or (C6-C36)alkaryl ester; (B) an alcohol group; (C) a polyhydric alcohol group; (D) an ester or ether group of a polyhydric alcohol or polyalkoxylated derivative thereof; (E) an ester or ether group of sorbitan or polyalkoxylated derivative thereof having 2-150 moles of alkylene oxide per mole of hydrophobic group; and (F) combinations thereof; wherein: the composition has a melt temperature of greater than about 35.degree. C. when in the absence of an auxiliary thickener and a viscosity of at least about 4,000 centipoise at 23.degree. C. when in the absence of an auxiliary thickener; wherein the viscosity is measured using a very low shear viscometer and T spindles with a heliopath adapter. 34. A method of delivering a fragrance to skin, the method comprising: applying to skin a composition comprising: a) a fragrance; b) a major amount of a hydroalcoholic solvent comprising a lower alcohol and water in a weight ratio of about 40:60 to about 95:5; and c) a thickener system present in an amount of about 0.5% by weight to about 8% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition; wherein the thickener system comprises at least one emulsifier in an amount of at least about 0.05% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition; wherein the emulsifier comprises: (i) at least one hydrophobic group selected from the group of: (A) an alkyl group of at least 16 carbon atoms; (B) an alkenyl group of at least 16 carbon atoms; and (C) an aralkyl or an aralkenyl group of at least 20 carbon atoms; and (ii) at least one hydrophilic group selected from the group of: (A) an ethylene oxide- and/or propylene oxide-containing group bonded to the hydrophobic group through an ether or ester bond and optionally terminated with a (C1-C36)alkyl ester, (C2-C36)alkenyl ester, or (C6-C36)alkaryl ester; (B) an alcohol group; (C) a polyhydric alcohol group; (D) an ester or ether group of a polyhydric alcohol or polyalkoxylated derivative thereof, (E) an ester or ether group of sorbitan or polyalkoxylated derivative thereof having 2-150 moles of alkylene oxide per mole of hydrophobic group; and (F) combinations thereof; wherein: the composition has a melt temperature of greater than about 35.degree. C. when in the absence of an auxiliary thickener and a viscosity of at least about 20,000 centipoise at 23.degree. C. when in the absence of an auxiliary thickener; and the viscosity is measured using a very low shear viscometer and T spindles with a heliopath adapter.