Process and apparatus for the production of a deodorant or antiperspirant composition

The present invention relates to a process and apparatus for forming a deodorant or antiperspirant composition, and particularly to compositions suitable for forming into sticks, to a process and apparatus for forming such sticks and to such sticks obtained thereby. In a first aspect, a process for forming deodorant or antiperspirant sticks by continuously forming a mobile composition for dispensing into containers or molds at a rate matched with the rate at which it is dispensed, and in other aspects a process in which a mobile deodorant or antiperspirant composition is dispensed by injection molding, i.e. a process in which the deodorant or antiperspirant composition is dispensed under pressure. The composition at the time of injection moulding is preferably either in the vicinity of its regular set temperature, particularly in the range of about 0-3° C. below the regular set temperature and/or partially structured at the time of its delivery it into a container or mold. The deodorant or antiperspirant composition is preferably continuously produced in a screw extruder, especially a twin screw extruder, which is controlled to deliver the composition in a substantially semi-solid state, at a temperature close to its regular set temperature and is injected into the container or barrel at a pressure at the point of injection that is often greater than 15 psi. and in many instances from 200 to 400 psi in the injection head. Apparatus for forming deodorant or antiperspirant sticks by injection molding is also described. The combined process offers benefits for incorporating sensitive ingredients and ameliorating sedimentation of particulates such as particulate antiperspirant actives.