Colgate-Palmolive files trio of patents on ‘antibacterial’ CBD oral care blends

By Kacey Culliney

- Last updated on GMT

Colgate-Palmolive has filed three separate international patents on oral care compositions made using a cannabinoid that can be used to make toothpastes, mouthwashes and other products like oral gels (Getty Images)
Colgate-Palmolive has filed three separate international patents on oral care compositions made using a cannabinoid that can be used to make toothpastes, mouthwashes and other products like oral gels (Getty Images)
Personal care giant Colgate-Palmolive has developed three active oral care formulas that integrate a cannabinoid, namely cannabidiol (CBD), for antibacterial efficacy and anti-inflammatory action.

Writing in three separate international patents (I​, II​ & III​), Colgate-Palmolive said it had created different oral care compositions comprising a cannabinoid, in particular CBD, integrated with an orally acceptable carrier. These blends, it said, could be used to make a range of oral care products, including toothpaste, mouthwash, oral gels, chewing gum and mouth spray, among others.

The first blend integrated CBD or other cannabinoids with a thickening system comprised of xanthan gum and carrageenan; the second blend included CBD or other cannabinoids alongside zinc ion sources for additional antimicrobial protection and strengthening; and the third blend mixed CBD or other cannabinoids with amino acids that targeted cavity formation and tooth sensitivity.

Cannabinoid oral care – CBD has ‘antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties’

Colgate-Palmolive said “unchecked bacterial growth”​ in the oral cavity could lead to “a number of adverse conditions”,​ including gingivitis – an inflammation of the gums and one of the most common disorders – as well as abscesses and cold sores which also involved inflammation.

“Accordingly, there is a need for oral care compositions with antibacterial efficacy, but which are also palatable and desirable for the user,” ​Colgate-Palmolive wrote in its patent filings.

“…Without being bound by theory, it is believed that oral care compositions comprising cannabinoids such as CBD provide antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, for example, and are well-suited to treat a variety of oral diseases and disorders,”​ the company said.

The cannabinoid blends, it said, had been developed to “improve oral health”​ in several ways: reduce or inhibit formation of dental caries; reduce levels of acid producing bacteria; inhibit microbial bio film formation in the oral cavity; reduce plaque accumulation; immunize (or protect) the teeth against cariogenic bacteria; and clean the teeth and oral cavity. Certain product forms could also be used to soothe affected areas of the oral cavity, reduce gingival irritation, or simply promote a moisturising effect in the mouth, Colgate-Palmolive said.

CBD ‘lacked the psychoactive effects’ but other cannabinoid blends also possible

The personal care major said it had therefore developed three different blends incorporating a cannabinoid, preferably CBD because it lacked the psychoactive effects seen in many others like delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).

However, the patent filings outlined the possibility of incorporating a range of other cannabinoids instead of CBD, including cannabichromene (CBC), cannabigerol (CBG), cannabicitran (CBT), and even adding THC into the mix. But Colgate-Palmolive made clear the blends had to contain THC levels lower than 0.3% wt. % relative to the total weight of the composition no matter what mix was used.

In terms of the cannabinoid sources, the company said these could include hemp seed oil or cannabis sativa seed oil.

For all three blends, Colgate-Palmolive said a range of other active and sensorial ingredients could also be incorporated, including flavourings, whitening agents, herbal extracts, essential oils and vitamins.

Cannabis beauty evolution – A CBD toothpaste boom?

At the beginning of last year, Colgate-Palmolive acquired Hello Products​ – a natural oral care specialist with a range of CBD-infused toothpastes and mouth rinses and series of hemp seed oil personal care items. And at the time, Noel Wallace, CEO and president of Colgate-Palmolive, said Hello Products had an “impressive product line”​ and “distinct on-trend positioning”​ that it was thrilled to be onboarding.

More recently, at this year’s Consumer Analyst Group of New York (CAGNY) conference, Wallace and the company’s chief technology officer Pat Verduin PhD said Colgate-Palmolive was changing its innovation approach to a more design-led way of thinking​ that would tap into user experience and trends from start-to-finish.

 

Patent I
WIPO International Patent No. WO/2021/071867
Published on: April 15, 2021. Filed on: October 7, 2020.
Title: “Oral care composition comprising a cannabinoid”
Inventor: Colgate-Palmolive – P. Arora et al.

Patent II
WIPO International Patent No. WO/2021/072422
Published on: April 15, 2021. Filed on: October 6, 2020.
Title: “Oral care compositions and methods of use”
Inventor: Colgate-Palmolive – P. Arora et al.

Patent III
WIPO International Patent No. WO/2021/072423
Published on: April 15, 2021. Filed on: October 6, 2020.
Title: “Oral care compositions and methods of use”
Inventor: Colgate-Palmolive – P. Arora et al.

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