Details for Patent: 6,090,395

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:	Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company (St. Paul, MN)
Filing Date:	Jan 09, 1997
Application Number:	08/781,565
Claims:	1. 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 composition of claim 1 which does not separate by more than about 10% by volume when centrifuged for 30 minutes at 2275.times.g. 3. The composition 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 composition of claim 1 further comprising at least one emollient distinct from the thickener system. 5. The composition of claim 4 wherein the at least one emollient is in the form of a wax or a liquid. 6. The composition of claim 5 wherein the ratio of wax emollients to liquid emollients is from about 1:5 to about 5:1. 7. The composition of claim 5 wherein the at least one emulsifier is in the form of a wax or a liquid. 8. The composition of claim 7 wherein the ratio of wax emollients and wax emulsifiers to liquid emollients and liquid emulsifiers is from about 1:5 to about 5:1. 9. The composition of claim 5 wherein the emollient is a dialkoxy dimethicone or a polyether/polysiloxane copolymer. 10. The composition of claim 1 further comprising an antimicrobial agent distinct from the lower alcohol. 11. The composition of claim 10 wherein the antimicrobial agent is selected from the group of a chlorhexidine salt, iodine, a complexed form of iodine, parachlorometaxylenol, triclosan, hexachlorophene, Lauricidin, a phenol, a surfactant having a long chain hydrophobic group and a quaternary group, a quaternary silane, hydrogen peroxide, silver, a silver salt, silver oxide, silver sulfadiazine, and mixtures thereof. 12. The composition of claim 11 wherein the antimicrobial agent is selected from the group of a chlorhexidine salt, iodine, a complexed form of iodine, parachlorometaxylenol, triclosan, and mixtures thereof. 13. The composition of claim 12 wherein the antimicrobial agent is chlorhexidine digluconate. 14. The composition of claim 1 further comprising a salt. 15. The composition of claim 1 wherein the lower alcohol is a C1-C4 alcohol. 16. The composition of claim 15 wherein the lower alcohol is selected from the group of ethanol, 2-propanol, n-propanol, and mixtures thereof. 17. The composition of claim 16 wherein the lower alcohol is ethanol. 18. The composition of claim 1 wherein the thickener system is present in an amount of about 0.75% by weight to about 5% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition. 19. The composition of claim 18 wherein the thickener system is present in an amount of about 1.0% by weight to about 3.5% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition. 20. The composition of claim 1 further comprising a stabilizer. 21. The composition of claim 20 wherein the stabilizer is selected from the group of alkyl pendant polymers and borate ion. 22. The composition of claim 1 further comprising polydimethylsiloxane or derivatives thereof. 23. The composition of claim 1 further comprising a polymeric thickening agent. 24. The composition of claim 1 further comprising a therapeutic agent. 25. The composition of claim 1 wherein the emulsifier includes at least two hydrophobic groups. 26. The composition of claim 1 wherein the ethylene oxide- and/or propylene oxide-group is a polyethylene glycol group, a polypropylene glycol group, or a polyethylene glycol/polypropylene glycol copolymeric group. 27. The composition of claim 1 wherein the emulsifier is selected from the group of a poly(ethoxylated and/or propoxylated)alcohol, a poly(ethoxylated and/or propoxylated)ester, a derivative of a poly(ethoxylated and/or propoxylated)alcohol, a derivative of a poly(ethoxylated and/or propoxylated)ester, an alkyl alcohol, an alkenyl alcohol, an ester of a polyhydric alcohol, an ether of a polyhydric alcohol, an ester of a polyalkoxylated derivative of a polyhydric alcohol, an ether of a polyalkoxylated derivative of a polyhydric alcohol, a sorbitan fatty acid ester, a polyalkoxylated derivative of a sorbitan fatty acid ester, and mixtures thereof. 28. The composition of claim 1 wherein the thickener system comprises a polyethoxylated alcohol and an alkyl alcohol. 29. The composition of claim 1 wherein the thickener system comprises a polyethoxylated alkyl alcohol. 30. The composition of claim 1 wherein the thickener system comprises an alkyl alcohol and a polyethoxylated alkyl alcohol having an alkyl group of at least 20 carbon atoms. 31. The composition of claim 1 wherein the thickener system comprises a polyethoxylated alcohol and an alkyl alcohol having an alkyl group of at least 20 carbon atoms. 32. The composition of claim 1 wherein the thickener system comprises a polyhydric alcohol ester and a polyethoxylated alcohol. 33. The composition of claim 1 wherein the thickener system comprises an alkyl ester of sorbitan and a polyethoxylated alcohol. 34. The composition of claim 1 wherein the thickener system comprises an alkyl alcohol and an alkyl ester of a polyethoxylated alcohol. 35. The composition of claim 1 wherein the thickener system comprises a polyethoxylated alkyl alcohol and an alkyl ester of a polyethoxylated alcohol. 36. The composition of claim 1 wherein the thickener system comprises an all alcohol, a polyethoxylated alkyl alcohol, and a dimethicone copolyol alkyl phosphate. 37. The composition of claim 1 wherein the thickener system comprises a polyglycerol ester, a polyethoxylated alcohol, and an alkyl alcohol. 38. The composition of claim 1 wherein the lower alcohol and water are present in a weight ratio of about 60:40 to about 75:25. 39. The composition of claim 1 which 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. 40. The composition of claim 1 which 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. 41. The composition of claim 1 wherein the thickener system consists essentially of nonionic emulsifiers, cationic emulsifiers, or combinations thereof. 42. A hydroalcoholic 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. 43. The composition of claim 42 further comprising at least one emollient distinct from the thickener system. 44. The composition of claim 43 wherein the at least one emollient is in the form of a wax or a liquid. 45. The composition of claim 42 further comprising an antimicrobial agent distinct from the lower alcohol. 46. The composition of claim 45 wherein the antimicrobial agent is selected from the group of a chlorhexidine salt, iodine, a complexed form of iodine, parachlorometaxylenol, triclosan, hexachlorophene, Lauricidin, a phenol, a surfactant having a long chain hydrophobic group and a quaternary group, a quaternary silane, hydrogen peroxide, silver, a silver salt, silver oxide, silver sulfadiazine, and mixtures thereof. 47. The composition of claim 42 wherein the emulsifier is selected from the group of a poly(ethoxylated and/or propoxylated)alcohol, a poly(ethoxylated and/or propoxylated)ester, a derivative of a poly(ethoxylated and/or propoxylated)alcohol, a derivative of a poly(ethoxylated and/or propoxylated)ester, an alkyl alcohol, an alkenyl alcohol, an ester of a polyhydric alcohol, an ether of a polyhydric alcohol, an ester of a polyalkoxylated derivative of a polyhydric alcohol, an ether of a polyalkoxylated derivative of a polyhydric alcohol, a sorbitan fatty acid ester, a polyalkoxylated derivative of a sorbitan fatty acid ester, and mixtures thereof. 48. The composition of claim 42 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. 49. The composition of claim 42 further comprising a polymeric thickening agent. 50. The composition of claim 42 wherein the emulsifier includes at least two hydrophobic groups. 51. The composition of claim 42 wherein at least one of the emulsifiers is a solid at room temperature and the thickener system hydrophobe number average chain length is at least about 20. 52. The composition of claim 42 which has a melt temperature of greater than about 40.degree. C. when in the absence of an auxiliary thickener. 53. 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. 54. The lotion of claim 53 wherein the antimicrobial agent is selected from the group of a chlorhexidine salt, iodine, a complexed form of iodine, parachlorometaxylenol, triclosan, hexachlorophene, Lauricidin, a phenol, a surfactant having a long chain hydrophobic group and a quaternary group, a quaternary silane, hydrogen peroxide, silver, a silver salt, silver oxide, silver sulfadiazine, and mixtures thereof. 55. The lotion of claim 53 wherein the thickener system consists essentially of nonionic emulsifiers, cationic emulsifiers, or combinations thereof. 56. The lotion of claim 53 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. 57. The lotion of claim 53 which has a melt temperature of greater than about 40.degree. C. when in the absence of an auxiliary thickener. 58. 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. 59. The lotion of claim 58 wherein the thickener system has a hydrophobe number average chain length of at least about 20. 60. The lotion of claim 59 wherein the antimicrobial agent is selected from the group of a chlorhexidine salt, iodine, a complexed form of iodine, parachlorometaxylenol, triclosan, hexachlorophene, Lauricidin, a phenol, a surfactant having a long chain hydrophobic group and a quaternary group, a quaternary silane, hydrogen peroxide, silver, a silver salt, silver oxide, silver sulfadiazine, and mixtures thereof. 61. The lotion of claim 58 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. 62. A hydroalcoholic 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. 63. A hydroalcoholic 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. 64. The hydroalcoholic lotion of claim 63 which has a melt temperature of greater than about 40.degree. C. when in the absence of an auxiliary thickener. 65. A method of preparing a stable composition, the method comprising: a) preparing a thickener system comprising 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; b) combining the thickener system with a major amount of a solvent system at a temperature sufficient to melt the thickener system and form a composition having 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; wherein the solvent system comprises a lower alcohol and water in a weight ratio of about 60:40 to about 100:0. 66. The method of claim 65 further comprising cooling the composition to less than about 30.degree. C. 67. The method of claim 66 further comprising adding an antimicrobial to said cooled composition. 68. The method of claim 65 further comprising high shear mixing the composition while above its melt temperature. 69. A method of preparing a stable hydroalcoholic composition, the method comprising: a) heating a thickener system to a temperature sufficient to melt it; the thickener system comprising 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 b) heating water to a temperature above the melt temperature of the thickener system; c) combining the thickener system and the water; and d) adding a lower alcohol to the thickener system and water to form a composition comprising a major amount of a hydroalcoholic solvent system comprising a lower alcohol and water; 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; wherein the lower alcohol and water are present in a weight ratio of about 60:40 to about 75:25. 70. The method of claim 69 further comprising cooling the thickener system and water combination before adding the lower alcohol. 71. The method of claim 69 wherein the ethylene oxide- and/or propylene oxide-containing group is a polyethylene glycol group, a polypropylene glycol group, or a polyethylene glycol/polypropylene glycol copolymeric group. 72. The method of claim 69 wherein the emulsifier is selected from the group of a poly(ethoxylated and/or propoxylated)alcohol, a poly(ethoxylated and/or propoxylated)ester, a derivative of a poly(ethoxylated and/or propoxylated)alcohol, a derivative of a poly(ethoxylated and/or propoxylated)ester, an alkyl alcohol, an alkenyl alcohol, an ester of a polyhydric alcohol, an ether of a polyhydric alcohol, an ester of a polyalkoxylated derivative of a polyhydric alcohol, an ether of a polyalkoxylated derivative of a polyhydric alcohol, a sorbitan fatty acid ester, a polyalkoxylated derivative of a sorbitan fatty acid ester, and mixtures thereof. 73. A method of preparing a lotion comprising: a) heating a thickener system comprising 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 polyalkoxylated sorbitan having 2-150 moles of alkylene oxide per mole of hydrophobic group; and (D) combinations thereof; and 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; wherein the thickener system has a weight average hydrophile/lipophile balance of about 4 to about 16; and b) combining the thickener system and a major amount of an alcoholic solvent system comprising a lower alcohol and an antimicrobial agent distinct from the lower alcohol to form a lotion having 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; wherein the alcoholic solvent system comprises a lower alcohol and water in a weight ratio of about 60:40 to about 100:0. 74. A method of preparing a lotion comprising: a) preparing a thickener system comprising 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 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 b) combining the thickener system, a chlorhexidine salt, and a major amount of an alcoholic solvent system comprising a lower alcohol to form a lotion having 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; wherein the alcoholic solvent system comprises a lower alcohol and water in a weight ratio of about 60:40 to about 100:0. 75. A composition produced from the method of claim 69. 76. A hydroalcoholic composition produced from the method of claim 69. 77. A lotion produced from the method of claim 73. 78. A lotion produced from the method of claim 74. 79. The hydroalcoholic lotion of claim 62 further comprising an antifungal agent. 80. The hydroalcoholic lotion of claim 62 further comprising an antimicrobial agent distinct from the lower alcohol. 81. The hydroalcoholic lotion of claim 63 further comprising an antifungal agent. 82. The hydroalcoholic lotion of claim 63 further comprising an antimicrobial agent distinct from the lower alcohol. 83. 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. 84. A hydroalcoholic 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 esters (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. 85. A hydroalcoholic 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. 86. A method of preparing a stable hydroalcoholic composition, the method comprising: a) heating a thickener system to a temperature sufficient to melt it; the thickener system comprising 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 b) heating water to a temperature above the melt temperature of the thickener system; c) combining the thickener system and the water; and d) adding a lower alcohol to the thickener system and water to form a composition comprising a major amount of a hydroalcoholic solvent system comprising a lower alcohol and water; 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; wherein the viscosity is measured using a very low shear viscometer and T spindles with a heliopath adapter, wherein the lower alcohol and water are present in a weight ratio of about 40:60 to about 95:5.