in general , the compositions of the invention comprise an effective amount of an agent mixed with a highly volatile silicone solvent . optionally , the compositions may further comprise a film - forming polymer . the solvent and polymer permit the application of the agent such that the solvent rapidly evaporates , leaving a thin film comprised of the polymer and the agent . in one embodiment , for example , a sanitizing composition of the invention contains an effective amount of a germicidal agent in a highly volatile silicone solvent . in its simplest form , the invention can be made by dissolving benzalkonium chloride , or other germicide , in a highly volatile silicone solvent such as hexamethyldisiloxane ( hds ) and / or octamethyltrisiloxane . typical levels of benzalkonium chloride are 0 . 13 % or less . a small amount ( less than about 3 %) of a low molecular weight alcohol such as isopropyl alcohol or ethanol may be used to help solubilize polar germicides like benzalkonium chloride . in order to form an invisible but retentive film which maintains the germicidal agent on the surface , a film - forming polymer may be included in the composition . these include protecting / conditioning materials such as high viscosity polydimethylsiloxanes ( about 15 , 000 cst and greater ) - highly protective and retentive to skin . certain skin conditioning agents that are somewhat retentive include croda &# 39 ; s liquid medilan ™ ultra ( lanolin oil ( lo )), petrolatum ( wp ), croda &# 39 ; s medilan ™ usp and medilan ™ ultra - lanolins , dow corning ® soy wax , and dow corning ® cosmetic wax . certain “ skin feel ” agents are also potentially retentive , such as moderately volatile silicones like dodecamethylpentasiloxane ( 2 . 0 cst ), decamethyltetrasiloxane , and dow corning ® st - cyclomethicone5 - nf and gels such as dow corning ® 9040 and st elastomer 10 . in other embodiments , the agent is a component such as local anesthetics , sunscreens , insect repellents , fragrances , colorants , drugs , nutrients , and vitamins . many highly volatile silicone solvents are suitable for use in the present invention . hexamethyldisiloxane is one preferred such solvent , as is octamethyltrisiloxane . the compositions of the invention may have a single highly volatile silicone solvent , or may comprise a combination of more than one such solvents . in some embodiments of the invention , it is desired to maintain the activity of the agent for an extended period of time following its application . in such cases , a film - forming polymer may be included in the composition which , upon volatilization of the silicone solvent , ( i . e ., as the applied composition dries ) forms a thin film , substantially invisible and substantially undetectable to touch , which film contains the still - active germicidal agent . such film - forming polymers are known in the art , and include , but are not limited to , less volatile silicone compounds , such as viscous , or highly viscous silicone polymers , such as polydimethylsiloxanes ( 50 , 000 cst or greater ). the compositions of the invention may have a single film - forming polymer , or may comprise a combination of two or more such polymers . those of skill in the art will appreciate that there are many germicidal agents suitable for use in the present invention . while many of the embodiments and examples recited herein use benzalkonium chloride as the germicidal agent , such agents include all alkyl quaternary ammonium germicides , benzethonium chloride , lauric acid , undecylenic acid , and others known to those of skill in the art . certain quaternary ammonium germicides may require alcohol to be added to the composition in order to facilitate their solubilization in the highly volatile silicone . in other embodiments , the composition of the invention may comprise agents directed to skin care in general included in the formulation . thus , for example , the composition may include such agents as protecting / conditioning materials such as super high viscosity polydimethylsiloxanes ( 50 , 000 cst - 1 , 000 , 000 cst ), croda &# 39 ; s liquid medilan ™ ultra ( lanolin oil ( lo )), petrolatum ( wp ), croda &# 39 ; s medilan ™ usp and medilan ultra - lanolins , dow corning ® soy wax , and dow corning ® cosmetic wax , shea butter and “ skin feel ” agents such as low volatile silicones like dodecamethylpentasiloxane ( 2 . 0 cst ) and dow corning ® st - cyclomethicone5 - nf and gels such as dow corning ® 9040 and st elastomer 10 . the compositions of the invention may have a single conditioner , or may comprise a combination of two or more such conditioners . the compositions may be solutions or dispersions , and the dispersions may be formed in a variety of ways including but not limited to making a solution at higher temperatures followed by agitation / high shear mixing as the solution cools . additionally one may employ methods such cavitation / microfluidization to create nano sized dispersions . in some embodiments , optional components include local anesthetics ( e . g ., benzocaine ), sunscreens ( e . g ., octyl salicylate ), insect repellents ( e . g ., n , n ,- diethyl - meta - toluamide ( deet )), fragrances ( e . g ., lavender oil ), colorants ( e . g ., beet root extract ), drugs ( e . g , retinol ), and vitamins ( e . g ., nicotinamide ). the compositions of the invention may have a single such optional component , or may comprise a combination of two or more such optional components . alternatively , in some embodiments , the composition of the invention may have these otherwise optional components as the desired agent itself . for example , in one embodiment of the invention , the composition is a highly volatile silicone solvent , a film - forming polymer , and a sunscreen agent . such a composition of the invention provides rapid and efficient application of the sunscreen to the skin . in another embodiment , for example , a sunscreen agent is added to a skin - conditioning composition of the invention , whereby the composition comprises both a skin conditioner agent and a sunscreen agent . those of skill in the art will appreciate the many varied combinations of agents and optional ingredients made possible by the invention . in some embodiments , the composition of the invention is in the form of a liquid , generally applied in a spray bottle or other application device . in other embodiments , the invention &# 39 ; s compositions may be formulated in a gel form , for direct application to the skin . such gels may be prepared by using a gelling agent , such as dow corning ® 9040 and st elastomer 10 added to the composition . uses of the highly adaptable compositions of the invention are limited only by the user &# 39 ; s imagination . essentially any surface to be sanitized or coated is an appropriate surface for the compositions of the invention to be applied to . the embodiments of the invention with skin protectants and conditioners are highly suitable for use on skin surfaces , whether it be the hands , face , feet , etc . such embodiments are also well - suited for other biological surfaces , but embodiments such as germicidal compositions can be applied to counters , doorknobs , leather goods , and the like ; where the surface to be treated is not skin , embodiments of the invention without skin protectants and conditioners are quite suitable for extended sanitization . other embodiments , uses , and advantages of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the invention disclosed herein . the specification and examples should be considered exemplary only . the intended scope of the invention is only limited by the claims appended hereto . the present invention will be further understood by reference to the following non - limiting examples . on a weight basis 0 . 13 % benzalkonium chloride , 2 . 5 % isopropyl alcohol , 1 . 3 % polydimethyl siloxane ( 300 , 000 cst ), and 96 . 07 % hexamethyldisiloxane were mixed to form a clear solution . this solution when sprayed onto skin or other surface can be spread and dried in a few seconds to leave a smooth film containing benzalkonium chloride . on a weight basis 0 . 13 % benzalkonium chloride , 1 . 25 % ethyl alcohol , 0 . 8 % polydimethyl siloxane ( 300 , 000 cst ), 0 . 5 % dow corning ® 9040 , and 97 . 32 % hexamethyldisiloxane were mixed to form a clear solution . this solution when sprayed onto skin or other surface can be spread and dried in a few seconds to leave a smooth film containing benzalkonium chloride . on a weight basis 0 . 13 % benzalkonium chloride , 1 . 25 % ethyl alcohol , 0 . 8 % polydimethyl siloxane ( 300 , 000 cst ), 0 . 5 % dow corning ® 9040 , and 97 . 32 % hexamethyldisiloxane were mixed to form a clear solution . this solution when sprayed onto skin or other surface can be spread and dried in a few seconds to leave a smooth film containing benzalkonium chloride . on a weight basis 0 . 13 % benzalkonium chloride , 2 . 5 % isopropyl alcohol , 1 % dow corning ® cosmetic or soy wax , and 96 . 37 % hexamethyldisiloxane were mixed to form a clear solution upon heating . this mixture became turbid upon cooling to room temperature and when sprayed onto skin or other surface can be spread and dried in a few seconds to leave a smooth film containing benzalkonium chloride . on a weight basis 0 . 13 % benzalkonium chloride , 1 . 25 % ethyl alcohol , 1 . 0 % polydimethyl siloxane ( 300 , 000 cst ), 1 . 0 % croda liquid medilan ™ ultra , 3 % dow corning ® st - cyclomethicone 5 - nf , and 93 . 62 % hexamethyldisiloxane were mixed to form a clear solution . this solution when sprayed onto skin or other surface can be spread and dried in a few seconds to leave a smooth film containing benzalkonium chloride . on a weight basis 0 . 13 % benzalkonium chloride , 1 . 25 % ethyl alcohol , 2 . 3 % croda liquid medilan ™ ultra , 0 . 7 % dow corning ® 9040 , 2 % dow corning st - cyclomethicone 5 - nf , and 93 . 62 % hexamethyldisiloxane were mixed to form a clear solution . this slightly turbid mixture when sprayed onto skin or other surface can be spread and dried in a few seconds to leave a smooth film containing benzalkonium chloride . on a weight basis 0 . 13 % benzalkonium chloride , 1 . 25 % ethyl alcohol , 1 . 0 % croda liquid medilan ™ ultra , 4 % dow corning ® st - cyclomethicone 5 - nf , and 93 . 62 % hexylmethyldisiloxane were mixed to form a clear solution . this solution when sprayed onto skin or other surface can be spread and dried in a few seconds to leave a smooth film containing benzalkonium chloride . on a weight basis 0 . 13 % benzalkonium chloride , 1 . 25 % ethyl alcohol , 2 . 0 % croda liquid medilan ™ ultra , 3 % dow corning ® st - cyclomethicone 5 - nf , and 93 . 62 % hexylmethyldisiloxane were mixed to form a clear solution . this solution when sprayed onto skin or other surface can be spread and dried in a few seconds to leave a smooth film containing benzalkonium chloride . on a weight basis 0 . 13 % benzalkonium chloride , 1 . 25 % ethyl alcohol , 3 . 0 % croda liquid medilan ™ ultra , 2 % dow corning ® st - cyclomethicone 5 - nf , and 93 . 62 % hexamethyldisiloxane were mixed to form a clear solution . this solution when sprayed onto skin or other surface can be spread and dried in a few seconds to leave a smooth film containing benzalkonium chloride . on a weight basis 0 . 13 % benzalkonium chloride , 1 . 25 % ethyl alcohol , 2 . 0 % croda liquid medilan ™ ultra , 3 % octamethyltrisiloxane , and 93 . 62 % hexamethyldisiloxane were mixed to form a clear solution . this solution when sprayed onto skin or other surface can be spread and dried in a few seconds to leave a smooth film containing benzalkonium chloride . on a weight basis 0 . 13 % benzalkonium chloride , 1 . 25 % ethyl alcohol , 5 % polydimethyl siloxane ( 300 , 000 cst ), 0 . 2 % lidocaine , and 93 . 42 % hexamethyldisiloxane were mixed to form a clear solution . this solution can be sprayed onto a light wound or abrasion to prevent infection , control pain , and provide a protective coating . on a weight basis 0 . 13 % benzalkonium chloride , 2 . 5 % isopropyl alcohol , 1 . 3 % polydimethyl siloxane ( 300 , 000 cst ), 0 . 2 % lidocaine , and 95 . 87 % hexamethyldisiloxane were mixed to form a clear solution . this solution can be sprayed onto a light would or abrasion to prevent infection , control pain , and provide a protective coating . on a weight basis 0 . 13 % benzalkonium chloride , 1 . 25 % ethyl alcohol , 0 . 2 % lidocaine , and 98 . 42 % hexamethyldisiloxane were mixed to form a clear solution . this solution can be sprayed onto a light wound or abrasion to prevent infection , control pain , and provide a protective coating . on a weight basis 0 . 13 % benzalkonium chloride , 1 . 25 % ethyl alcohol , and 98 . 62 % hexamethyldisiloxane were mixed to form a clear solution . this solution can be sprayed onto a surface or wound where no residue is desired . such an example would be for example to prevent infection in animal ears . on a weight basis 0 . 13 % benzalkonium chloride , 1 . 25 % ethyl alcohol , 2 . 0 % croda liquid medilan ™ ultra , 3 . 0 % octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane , and 93 . 62 % octamethyltrisiloxane were mixed to form a clear solution . this solution when sprayed onto skin or other surface can be spread and dried in a few seconds to leave a smooth film containing benzalkonium chloride . on a weight basis 0 . 13 % benzalkonium chloride , 1 . 25 % ethyl alcohol , 2 . 0 % croda liquid medilan ™ ultra , 3 . 0 % decamethylcyclopentasiloxane , and 93 . 62 % hexamethyldisiloxane were mixed to form a clear solution . this solution when sprayed onto skin or other surface can be spread and dried in a few seconds to leave a smooth film containing benzalkonium chloride . on a weight basis 0 . 13 % benzalkonium chloride , 1 . 25 % ethyl alcohol , 2 . 0 % croda liquid medilan ™ ultra , 3 . 0 % octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane , 30 % octamethyltrisiloxane , and 63 . 62 % hexamethlydisiloxane were mixed to form a clear solution . this solution when sprayed onto skin or other surface can be spread and dried in a few seconds to leave a smooth film containing benzalkonium chloride . skin conditioning and moisturizing , skin protectant , and wound healing compositions without antimicrobial agents are shown in the following example compositions , which do not contain water , do not burn or sting , can be sprayed on or applied by gentle rubbing , and can be used on the face as well . they leave the skin with a very smooth and non - sticky feel . the following dispersions of solid moisturizers in the highly volatile hexamethyldisiloxane were obtained by heating all ingredients till a clear solution was obtained and then gradual cooling with vigorous shaking as the dispersion forms : 18 . 1 ) by weight 10 % dow corning ® hy - 3050 soy wax and 90 % hexamethyldisiloxane were mixed and processed as described above to provide a low viscosity dispersion for rapid and even application to skin . 18 . 1a ) by weight 10 % dow corning ® st - wax30 and 90 % hexamethyldisiloxane were mixed and processed as described above to provide a low viscosity dispersion for rapid and even application to skin . 18 . 1b ) by weight 10 % medilan ™ ultra lanolin and 90 % hexamethyldisiloxane were mixed and processed as described above to provide a low viscosity dispersion for rapid and even application to skin . 18 . 2 ) by weight 20 % dow corning ® st - wax30 and 80 % hexamethyldisiloxane were mixed and processed as described above to provide a low viscosity dispersion for rapid and even application to skin . 18 . 2a ) by weight 20 % dow corning ® hy - 3050 soy wax and 80 % hexamethyldisiloxane were mixed and processed as described above to provide a low viscosity dispersion for rapid and even application to skin . 18 . 2b ) by weight 20 % medilan ™ ultra lanolin and 80 % hexamethyldisiloxane were mixed and processed as described above to provide a low viscosity dispersion for rapid and even application to skin . 18 . 3 ) by weight 20 % dow corning ® st - wax30 , 10 % dow corning ® st - elastomer 10 , and 70 % hexamethyldisiloxane were mixed and processed as described above to provide a low viscosity dispersion for rapid and even application to skin . 18 . 3a ) by weight 20 % dow corning ® hy - 3050 soy wax , 10 % dow corning ® st - elastomer 10 , and 70 % hexamethyldisiloxane were mixed and processed as described above to provide a low viscosity dispersion for rapid and even application to skin . 18 . 3b ) by weight 20 % medilan ™ ultra lanolin , 10 % dow corning ® st - elastomer 10 , and 70 % hexamethyldisiloxane were mixed and processed as described above to provide a low viscosity dispersion for rapid and even application to skin . 18 . 4 ) by weight 35 % medilan ™ ultra lanolin , 20 % dow corning ® st - elastomer 10 , and 45 % hexamethyldisiloxane were mixed and processed as described above to provide a medium viscosity dispersion for rapid and even application to skin . 18 . 5 ) by weight 45 % medilan ™ ultra lanolin , 20 % dow corning ® st - elastomer 10 , and 35 % hexamethyldisiloxane were mixed and processed as described above to provide a viscous dispersion for rapid and even application to skin . 18 . 6 ) by weight 20 % medilan ™ ultra lanolin , 20 % dow corning ® st - cyclomethicone 5 - nf , and 60 % hexamethyldisiloxane were mixed and processed as described above to provide a low viscosity dispersion for rapid and even application to skin . 18 . 7 ) by weight 25 % liquid medilan ™ ultra lanolin , 20 % dow corning ® st - cyclomethicone 5 - nf , 2 . 5 % beeswax , and 52 . 5 % hexamethyldisiloxane were mixed and processed as described above to provide a low viscosity dispersion for rapid and even application to skin . 18 . 8 ) by weight 25 % liquid medilan ™ ultra lanolin , 20 % dow corning ® st - cyclomethicone 5 - nf , 2 . 5 % dow corning ® st - wax30 , and 52 . 5 % hexamethyldisiloxane were mixed and processed as described above to provide a low viscosity dispersion for rapid and even application to skin . 18 . 9 ) by weight 25 % liquid medilan ™ ultra lanolin , 20 % dow corning ® st - cyclomethicone 5 - nf , dow corning ® hy - 3050 soy wax , and 52 . 5 % hexamethyldisiloxane were mixed and processed as described above to provide a low viscosity dispersion for rapid and even application to skin . 18 . 10 ) by weight 25 % liquid medilan ™ ultra lanolin , 20 % dow corning ® st - cyclomethicone 5 - nf , 5 % dow corning ® st - wax30 , and 50 % hexamethyldisiloxane were mixed and processed as described above to provide a low viscosity dispersion for rapid and even application to skin . 19 . 1 ) by weight 32 % liquid medilan ™ ultra lanolin , 3 % vitamin e , and 65 % hexamethyldisiloxane were dissolved together to provide a low viscosity solution for rapid and even application to skin . 19 . 2 ) by weight 35 % liquid medilan ™ ultra lanolin , 20 % dow corning ® st - elastomer 10 , and 45 % hexamethyldisiloxane were dissolved together to provide a low viscosity hazy solution for rapid and even application to skin . ( this product was given to a person who works in construction with bleeding dry hands with band aids , and after one week the hands were markedly improved with only two applications per day ). 19 . 3 ) by weight 22 % liquid medilan ™ ultra lanolin , 3 % vitamin e , 10 % dow corning ® st - elastomer 10 , and 65 % hexamethyldisiloxane were dissolved together to provide a low viscosity hazy solution for rapid and even application to skin . 19 . 4 ) by weight 20 % liquid medilan ™ ultra lanolin , 20 % dow corning ® st - cyclomethicone 5 - nf , and 60 % hexamethyldisiloxane were mixed and processed as described above to provide a low viscosity solution for rapid and even application to skin . 19 . 5 ) by weight 32 % liquid medilan ™ ultra lanolin , 3 % vitamin e , 20 % dow corning ® st - cyclomethicone 5 - nf , and 45 % hexamethyldisiloxane were mixed and processed as described above to provide a medium viscosity solution for rapid and even application to skin . 19 . 6 ) by weight 35 % liquid medilan ™ ultra lanolin , 20 % dow corning ® st - cyclomethicone 5 - nf , and 45 % hexamethyldisiloxane were mixed and processed as described above to provide a medium viscosity solution for rapid and even application to skin . 19a . 1 ) by weight 5 % polydimethylsiloxane ( 300 , 000 cst ) and 95 % hexamethyldisiloxane were mixed to give a clear solution that can be rapidly and evenly applied to lubricate and protect skin . 19a . 2 ) by weight 5 % polydimethylsiloxane ( 1 , 000 , 000 cst ) and 95 % hexamethyldisiloxane were mixed to give a clear solution that can be rapidly and evenly applied to lubricate and protect skin . 19a . 3 ) by weight 10 % polydimethylsiloxane ( 300 , 000 cst ) and 90 % hexamethyldisiloxane were mixed to give a clear solution that can be rapidly and evenly applied to lubricate and protect skin . 19a . 4 ) by weight 10 % polydimethylsiloxane ( 1 , 000 , 000 cst ) and 90 % hexamethyldisiloxane were mixed to give a clear solution that can be rapidly and evenly applied to lubricate and protect skin . 20 . 1 ) dissolve 5 grams octyl salicylate in 90 grams hexmethyldisiloxane and add 5 grams polydimethylsiloxane ( 300 , 000 cst ). solution / mixture can be sprayed onto surface leaving a smooth , retentive film . 20 . 2 ) dissolve 10 grams octyl salicylate in 80 grams hexmethyldisiloxane and add 10 grams polydimethylsiloxane ( 300 , 000 cst ). solution / mixture can be sprayed onto surface leaving a smooth , retentive film . 20 . 3 ) dissolve 5 grams octyl salicylate in 87 grams hexmethyldisiloxane , 3 grams cylcomethicone and add 5 grams polydimethylsiloxane ( 300 , 000 cst ). solution / mixture can be sprayed onto surface leaving a smooth , retentive film . 20 . 4 ) dissolve 3 grams avobenzone in 92 grams hexmethyldisiloxane and add 5 grams polydimethylsiloxane ( 300 , 000 cst ). solution / mixture can be sprayed onto surface leaving a smooth , retentive film . 20 . 5 ) dissolve 5 grams octyl methoxycinnamate in 90 grams hexmethyldisiloxane and add 5 % polydimethylsiloxane ( 300 , 000 cst ). solution / mixture can be sprayed onto surface leaving a smooth , retentive film . 20 . 6 ) dissolve 7 . 5 grams octyl methoxycinnamatein 84 . 5 grams hexmethyldisiloxane and add 8 grams polydimethylsiloxane ( 300 , 000 cst ). solution / mixture can be sprayed onto surface leaving a smooth , retentive film . the present invention is not to be limited in scope by the specific embodiments described above , which are intended as illustrations of aspects of the invention . functionally equivalent methods and components are within the scope of the invention . indeed , various modifications of the invention , in addition to those shown and described herein , will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the foregoing description . such modifications are intended to fall within the scope of the appended claims . all cited references are hereby incorporated by reference . while this invention has been particularly shown and described with references to preferred embodiments thereof , it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the scope of the invention encompassed by the appended claims .
the invention relates to the field of depositing agents on surfaces using highly volatile silicone solvents . particularly , the invention relates to novel compositions useful for depositing agents on skin and other surfaces .