MÉTODO PARA DEMONSTRAR OU AVALIAR O MODO DE AÇÃO DE UM PRODUTO

Abstract

A method demonstrating or assessing the mode of action of a skin care product or a component thereof, the method comprising: selecting a first substrate and a second substrate; combining the first substrate and second substrate in a container, wherein a surface layer predominately comprises the first substrate; applying a product to the surface layer, with the product in an effective amount, preferably to coat the surface layer; and visually assessing the second substrate, wherein the second substrate is capable of changing its appearance after interacting with the product.

Description

1 / 14 “METHOD FOR DEMONSTRATING OR EVALUATING THE MODE OF ACTION OF A PRODUCT” Field of the Invention Technique

[001] The present invention relates to a method for demonstrating and / or evaluating the mode of action of a skin care product or a component thereof. Background of the Invention

[002] Consumers have many options when it comes to skincare products. To assess the effectiveness of a skincare product, one characteristic that can be evaluated is whether that product or its components can penetrate the upper layer of the skin (e.g., to / through the stratum corneum), which may yield some additional benefits for the skin compared to products that only remain on the skin's surface. The skin has three main layers, namely the epidermis, the dermis, and the hypodermis, with the epidermis being the outermost layer. Within the epidermis, there are several layers, including the stratum corneum (which is the top layer of the epidermis) and the stratum lucidum, which is the next layer of the epidermis after the stratum corneum.

[003] For example, the compositions disclosed in document no. WO 2022 / 136357 (Unilever) penetrate the stratum corneum and unexpectedly result in greater elongation of fatty acids and / or lipid production deep within the stratum corneum and near the surface of the stratum lucidum. This surprisingly results in a long-lasting skin resilience barrier, suitable for improving overall skin health and appearance. On the other hand, topical products with complex lipids, such as ceramides, are large and are not easily transported through the outermost pores of the skin and therefore do not penetrate the stratum corneum.

[004] Instrumental measurement in vivo and in vitro of, for example, the Petition 870250079786, dated 05 / 09 / 2025, p. 35 / 57 2 / 14 Elongation of fatty acids and lipid production in the skin is often complicated and / or involves expensive laboratory equipment. Furthermore, these measurements often result in numerical parameters that are difficult for consumers to understand or, at least, related to the product's effectiveness. Thus, it is necessary to provide consumers with a simple and visually compelling demonstration of the mode of action of skincare products that does not require expensive or specialized equipment, particularly to be able to demonstrate / evaluate the ability of a skincare product or its components to penetrate the epidermis and its benefits. Related Technique

[005] D1: Document No. US 2015 / 0132737 refers to an in vitro or ex vivo method for preserving and / or maintaining alive mammalian skin biopsies, preferably human, in order to allow their transport and, if applicable, their cultivation. A skin biopsy thus preserved and obtained by such method is also disclosed and referred to as a model, especially in a kit for screening or selecting cosmetic or therapeutic compounds.

[006] D2: son et al. is an article that discusses a research activity to evaluate a variety of skin care products. Brief Description of the Invention

[007] In one aspect, a method is provided for demonstrating and / or evaluating the mode of action of a skin care product or a component thereof, wherein the method comprises: (i) select a first substrate and a second substrate; (ii) combine the first substrate and the second substrate in a container, wherein a surface layer comprises predominantly the first substrate; (iii) apply a product to the surface layer, with the product in Petition 870250079786, dated 05 / 09 / 2025, page 36 / 57 3 / 14 effective quantity, preferably to coat the surface layer; and (iv) visually assess the second substrate, where the second substrate is able to change its appearance after interacting with the product.

[008] In another aspect, a method is provided for comparing modes of action of skin care products or components thereof, wherein the method comprises: (i) select a first substrate and a second substrate; (ii) combine the first substrate and the second substrate in at least one first container and one second container, wherein each container has a surface layer comprising predominantly the first substrate; (iii) apply a first product to the first container and a second product to the second container, preferably wherein the first and second products coat the surface layer of each respective container and, preferably, wherein the first and second products are different in each container, and (iv) evaluate the second substrate in each of the first and second containers, wherein the second substrate is able to change its appearance after interacting with the products.

[009] In another aspect, a method is provided for displaying images and / or videos in visible display units to demonstrate, evaluate and / or compare modes of action of skin care products or components thereof, wherein the method comprises: (i) select a first substrate and a second substrate; (ii) combine the first substrate and the second substrate in at least one first container and one second container, wherein each container Petition 870250079786, dated 05 / 09 / 2025, page 37 / 57 4 / 14 has a surface layer that predominantly comprises the first substrate; (iii) apply a first product to the first container and a second product to the second container, preferably wherein the first and second products coat the surface layer of each respective container and, preferably, wherein the first and second products are different in each container; (iv) evaluate the second substrate in each of the first and second containers, where the second substrate is able to change its appearance after interacting with the products; and (v) display images and / or videos of any previous step.

[010] In another aspect, a method is provided for recording images and / or videos to demonstrate, evaluate and / or compare modes of action of skin care products or their components, wherein the method comprises: (i) select a first substrate and a second substrate; (ii) combine the first substrate and the second substrate in at least one first container and one second container, wherein each container has a surface layer comprising predominantly the first substrate; (iii) apply a first product to the first container and a second product to the second container, preferably wherein the first and second products coat the surface layer of each respective container and, preferably, wherein the first and second products are different in each container; (iv) evaluate the second substrate in each of the first and second containers, where the second substrate is able to change its appearance after interacting with the products; and Petition 870250079786, dated 05 / 09 / 2025, page 38 / 57 5 / 14 (v) record images and / or videos of any of the previous steps onto recordable media and, optionally, display images and / or videos of any previous step.

[011] All other aspects of the present invention will become more readily apparent upon consideration of the detailed description and examples that follow. Brief Description of the Figures

[012] Figure 1 shows a top view of two containers, each with a first and a second substrate, as described in this document.

[013] Figure 2 shows a side view of two containers, each with a first and a second substrate, as described in this document.

[014] Figure 3 shows the same two containers as in Figure 2 where one container has a first product (10a) and the other container has a second product (10b).

[015] Figure 4 shows the same two containers with products 10a and 10b, respectively, from Figure 3, after about 20 minutes. Detailed Description

[016] Except in examples, or where explicitly indicated otherwise, all numbers in this description that indicate quantities of material or reaction conditions, physical properties of materials and / or use may optionally be understood as modified by the expression “about”.

[017] All quantities are by weight unless otherwise specified. Note that when specifying value ranges, any particular upper value may be associated with any particular lower value. Petition 870250079786, dated 05 / 09 / 2025, page 39 / 57 6 / 14

[018] To avoid confusion, the word “that includes” is intended to mean “that includes,” but not necessarily “that consists of” or “composed of.” In other words, the steps or options listed do not need to be exhaustive.

[019] The invention disclosure, as found in the present document, should be considered as covering all embodiments as found in the claims in such a way that they are multiply dependent on each other regardless of whether the claims can be found without multiple dependency or redundancy.

[020] The methods described in this document provide a visually convincing assessment of the mode of action of skin care products or their components.

[021] In one aspect, a method is provided for demonstrating or evaluating the mode of action of a skin care product or a component thereof, wherein the method comprises: (i) select a first substrate and a second substrate; (ii) combine the first substrate and the second substrate in a container, wherein a surface layer comprises predominantly the first substrate; (iii) apply a product to the surface layer, with the product in an effective quantity, preferably to coat the surface layer; and (iv) visually assess the second substrate, where the second substrate is able to change its appearance after interacting with the product.

[022] As used in this document, mode of action refers to how the skin care product or component thereof achieves its effect on the human body. Furthermore, the methods described in this document allow for easy comparison of different modes of action. Petition 870250079786, dated 05 / 09 / 2025, pp. 40 / 57 7 / 14 when performed side-by-side, or when the results are recorded in photographs or video media. Preferably, the method is conducted using a transparent container (s) (2), such as glass or plastic, so that it is possible to see the substrates used in the demonstration (see, for example, Figures 1-4). When more than one container (2) is used, preferably the containers are of the same size and shape. In one aspect, the diameter of the container (2) is between 2.54 cm (1 inch) and 101.6 cm (40 inches), preferably from 2.54 cm (1 inch) to 50.8 cm (20 inches), more preferably from 2.54 cm (1 inch) to 25.4 cm (10 inches).In one aspect, the volume of the container (2) is from 2048.38 cm3 (125 cubic inches) to 0.66 m3 (40000 cubic inches), preferably from 2048.38 cm3 (125 cubic inches) to 0.33 m3 (20000 cubic inches), more preferably from 2048.38 cm3 (125 cubic inches) to 81935.3 cm3 (5000 cubic inches), even more preferably from 2048.38 cm3 (125 cubic inches) to 16387.06 cm3 (1000 cubic inches).

[023] In one aspect, the method described in this document has at least two different substrates. A first substrate (4) is a plurality of solid articles, preferably marbles, pebbles, stones, or any combination thereof. Preferably, the solid articles are non-absorbent. As used in this document, non-absorbent refers to particles or articles that do not absorb liquid. Depending on the container(s) (2) used for the demonstration, the approximate diameter of the solid articles is 0.2 cm to 3 cm, or 0.5 cm to 2.5 cm, and any intermediate amount. For the purposes of this demonstration, the first substrate (4) represents, for example, dead skin cells or the upper layer of the epidermis. A second substrate (6) is one or more porous absorbent articles, preferably hydrospheres (or water microspheres, such as Orbeez®) and / or other absorbent articles, such as hydromorphic polymers, sponges, products Petition 870250079786, dated 05 / 09 / 2025, p. 41 / 57 8 / 14 feminine hygiene products, diapers, or any combination thereof. Preferably, the second substrate (6) can not only absorb liquids but also swell and / or expand when the liquid is absorbed. For the purposes of this demonstration, the second substrate (6) represents, for example, the stratum corneum layer of the epidermis. In one aspect, the second substrate (6) is added to the bottom of the container, and then the first substrate (4) is added on top of the second substrate (6) (see, for example, Figure 2), so that there is a predominantly first substrate (4) layer closer to the opening of the container, for example, a surface layer (8) (see, for example, Figure 1). As used herein, predominantly means at least 85%, or at least 90%, or at least 95%, or at least 99% of the surface layer (8) is the first substrate (4).In one aspect, the weight ratio of the first substrate (4) to the second substrate (6) is about 6:1 to about 1.5:1, or about 4:1 to about 1.5:1, or about 3:1 to about 1.5:1, or about 2:1 to about 1.5:1. In one aspect, the first substrate (4) is larger in size than the second substrate (6). In one aspect, the first substrate (4) and the second substrate (6) are of different colors.

[024] The method requires applying a product (10) to the surface layer (8) of the container. For the purposes of this method, the demonstration uses a product intended to demonstrate the mode of action of a skin care product or component thereof. In one aspect, the product (10a) has a viscosity of 0 to 100 mPas, or 1 to 50 mPa s, and is capable of permeating through the first substrate (4) (see, for example, Figure 3) so that the second substrate (6) will absorb at least part of the product (10a) and, preferably, the second substrate (6) will expand and / or swell, which can be visually assessed (see, for example, Figure 4). In one aspect, the product (10a) is water, opacified water, milk, juice, or any combination thereof. In Petition 870250079786, dated 05 / 09 / 2025, pp. 42 / 57 9 / 14 one aspect, it is possible to measure how much the second substrate (6) has swollen or expanded by measuring the increase in area or volume of the second substrate (6).

[025] Alternatively, the product (10b) has a viscosity of 101 to 40000 mPas, or 5000 to 20000 mPa s, and does not permeate through the first substrate (4) or has limited permeability through the first substrate, which can also be visually assessed (see, for example, Figures 3 and 4). As used herein, limited permeability means that the product (10b) generally remains in the surface layer (8) and there is no perceptible change in the second substrate (6) during the demonstration period. In one aspect, the product (10b) is water comprising 3-25%, preferably 3-10%, of a thickening agent, yogurt, applesauce, or any combination thereof. As used herein, a thickening agent may refer to polysaccharides, which include starches, natural / synthetic gums, cellulosics, and any combinations thereof.Representative examples of starches include chemically modified starches such as sodium hydroxypropyl starch phosphate and aluminum starch octenylsuccinate. Suitable gums include xanthan gum, sclerotium gum, pectin gum, karaya gum, gum arabic, agar gum, guar gum, carrageenan gum, alginate gum, and combinations thereof. Suitable cellulosic materials include hydroxypropylcellulose, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, ethylcellulose, and sodium carboxymethylcellulose. Synthetic polymers are another class of effective thickening agents. This category includes cross-linked polyacrylates, such as Carbomers, polyacrylamides, such as Sepigel® 305, and taurate copolymers, such as Simulgel EG® and Ashtoflex® AVC, the copolymers being identified by their respective INCI nomenclature as Sodium Acrylate / Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate and Acryloyl Dimethyltaurate / Vinylpyrrolidone Copolymer. Another preferred synthetic polymer suitable for thickening is a commercially available acrylate-based polymer. Petition 870250079786, dated 05 / 09 / 2025, pp. 43 / 57 10 / 14 by Seppic and sold under the name Simulgel IN100. Polyquaternium 32 and / or 37 are also suitable for use. Cellulose microfibrils can be used as thickening agents and include secondary cell wall materials (e.g., wood pulp, cotton), bacterial cellulose, and primary cell wall materials. Frequently, the source of primary cell wall material is selected from parenchymal tissue of fruits, roots, bulbs, tubers, seeds, leaves, and a combination thereof; more preferably it is selected from citrus fruits, tomato, peach, pumpkin, kiwi, apple, mango, sugar beet, beet root, turnip, parsnip, corn, oats, wheat, peas, and combinations thereof; and even more preferably it is selected from citrus fruits, tomato, and combinations thereof. A more preferred source of primary cell wall material is parenchymal tissue from citrus fruits.Citrus fibers, such as those provided by Herbacel® as AQ Plus, can also be used as a source of cellulose microfibrils. Cellulose sources can be surface modified by any known methods, including those described in Kalia et al., “Nanofibrillated cellulose: surface modification and potential applications”, Colloidal Polymer Science, Vol. 292, pp. 5-31 (2014).

[026] Depending on the substrates and product(s) used, the demonstration period may be from 1 minute to 90 minutes, or from 1 minute to 60 minutes, or from 1 minute to 30 minutes. The preference for waiting longer periods of time is so that the visual aspect of the change in appearance of the second substrate, if any, is more pronounced and more easily seen by the consumer.

[027] In a preferred aspect, at least two containers are used, each with the same first and second substrate, but different products are used. A visual assessment to compare each of the second substrates can be carried out. Petition 870250079786, dated 05 / 09 / 2025, pp. 44 / 57 11 / 14

[028] In one aspect, the method comprises a step of capturing images and / or recording videos and / or storing and / or transmitting images and / or videos of at least part of the method described herein. The images may be, for example, photographs or illustrations of one or more steps or results of one or more steps of the method described herein. The images and / or videos may be stored on a recordable medium, such as a CD, pen drive or other computer-readable memory. The images and / or videos may be transmitted, for example, for display on one or more visible display units. Suitable visible display units include, for example, posters, point-of-sale displays, brochures, advertising leaflets, monitors, TV screens and / or mobile device screens.As used herein, at least a portion of the method may refer to at least one step or a combination of steps of the method described herein, or to how the substrate(s) appear before, during and / or after conducting a step of the method described herein.

[029] In one aspect, a method is provided for displaying images and / or videos in visible display units to demonstrate, evaluate and / or compare modes of action of skin care products or components thereof, wherein the method comprises: (i) select a first substrate and a second substrate; (ii) combine the first substrate and the second substrate in at least one first container and one second container, wherein each container has a surface layer comprising predominantly the first substrate; (iii) Apply a first product to the first container and a second product to the second container, preferably where the first and second products coat the surface layer of each respective container. Petition 870250079786, dated 05 / 09 / 2025, pages 45 / 57 12 / 14 and, preferably, where the first and second products are different in each container; (iv) evaluate the second substrate in each of the first and second containers, where the second substrate is able to change its appearance after interacting with the products; and (v) display images and / or videos of any previous step.

[030] As used in this document, display of images and / or photos of any previous step(s) may refer to an image and / or video of performing at least one step or a combination of steps of the method described in this document, and / or how the substrate(s) appear(s) before, during and / or after performing one or more steps of the method described in this document.

[031] In one aspect, a method is provided for recording images and / or videos to demonstrate, evaluate and / or compare modes of action of skin care products or components thereof, wherein the method comprises: (i) select a first substrate and a second substrate; (ii) combine the first substrate and the second substrate in at least one first container and one second container, wherein each container has a surface layer comprising predominantly the first substrate; (iii) apply a first product to the first container and a second product to the second container, preferably wherein the first and second products coat the surface layer of each respective container and, preferably, wherein the first and second products are different in each container; (iv) evaluate the second substrate in each of the first and second containers, where the second substrate is able to alter its Petition 870250079786, dated 05 / 09 / 2025, pages 46 / 57 13 / 14 appearance after interacting with the products; and (v) record images and / or videos of any of the previous steps on recordable media and, optionally, display images and / or videos of any previous step.

[032] The following examples are provided to facilitate understanding of the invention. The examples are not intended to limit the scope of the claims. Examples Example 1

[033] This example compares the mode of action of two skin care products or their components.

[034] Two glass cylinder containers of equal size were used (10.16 cm L x 4 cm W x 25.4 cm H (4L x 4W x 10H)). The same first and second substrates were used for each container. The first substrate was a plurality of marbles, and the second substrate was a plurality of water beads (see, for example, Figure 2). The second substrate was added to the glass container first, followed by the first substrate. The weight ratio of the quantity of the first substrate to the second substrate was approximately 1.75 to 1.

[035] The test products used in Example 1 were: Product A: opacified water (to represent the inventive compositions in document no. WO 2022 / 136357); and Product B: water containing 4% carbomer (to represent comparative products).

[036] Product A was added to the surface layer of the first container, and product B was added to the surface layer of the second container, and a video was recorded for about 20 minutes.

[037] The results after 20 minutes showed that Product A Petition 870250079786, dated 05 / 09 / 2025, pages 47 / 57 Product 14 / 14 was able to permeate the first substrate and then, upon contact with the second substrate, the second substrate swelled and expanded, representing the elongation of fatty acids and / or lipid production deep into the stratum corneum (see, for example, Figure 4). In contrast, Product B only minimally permeated the surface layer but did not permeate the second substrate, and no swelling or expansion occurred (see, for example, Figure 4). Consequently, this visually demonstrates the different modes of action for two different skincare products and the benefits of Product A. Petition 870250079786, dated 05 / 09 / 2025, pp. 48 / 57

Claims

1 / 4 Claims 1. METHOD FOR DEMONSTRATING OR EVALUATING THE MODE OF ACTION OF A skin care PRODUCT or a component thereof, wherein the method is characterized by comprising: (i) selecting a first substrate and a second substrate; (ii) combining the first substrate and the second substrate in a container, wherein the second substrate is added to the bottom of the container and then the first substrate is added to the top of the second substrate, and wherein a surface layer closest to the opening of the container comprises predominantly the first substrate; (iii) applying a product to the surface layer, with the product in an effective quantity, preferably to coat the surface layer; and (iv) visually evaluating the second substrate, wherein the second substrate is able to change its appearance after interacting with the product.

2. METHOD, according to claim 1, characterized in that the first substrate is a plurality of solid articles, preferably marbles, pebbles, stones or any combination thereof.

3. METHOD, according to any one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the second substrate is one or more porous absorbent articles, preferably hydrospheres, articles comprising hydromorphic polymers, sponges, feminine hygiene products, diapers or any combination thereof.

4. METHOD, according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that the product has a viscosity of 0 to 100 mPa^s, preferably 1 to 50 mPa^s.

5. METHOD, according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized by the product having a viscosity of 101 to 40000 mPa^s, preferably 5000 to 20000.

6. METHOD, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that steps iii-iv occur from 1 minute to 90 minutes, preferably from 1 minute to 60 minutes, more preferably from 1 minute to 30 minutes and, optionally, by measuring an increase in the size of the second substrate.

7. METHOD, according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the method is characterized by comparing modes of action of skin care products or components thereof, wherein the method comprises: (i) selecting the first substrate and the second substrate; (ii) combining each of the first and second substrates in at least one first container and one second container, wherein each container has a surface layer comprising predominantly the first substrate; (iii) applying a first product to the first container and a second product to the second container, preferably wherein the first and second products coat the surface layer of each respective container and preferably wherein the first and second products are different in each container; and (iv) evaluating the second substrate in each of the first and second containers, wherein the second substrate is able to change its appearance after interacting with the products.

8. METHOD, according to claim 7, characterized in that the first substrate is a plurality of solid articles, preferably marbles, pebbles, stones or any combination thereof.

9. METHOD, according to any of the claims in Petition 870250079786, dated 05 / 09 / 2025, p. 50 / 57 3 / 4 7 or 8, characterized in that the second substrate is one or more porous absorbent articles, preferably hydrospheres, articles comprising hydromorphic polymers, sponges, feminine hygiene products, diapers or any combination thereof.

10. METHOD, according to any one of claims 7-9, characterized in that the first product has a viscosity of 0 to 100 mPa^s, preferably 1 to 50 mPa^s, and the second product has a viscosity of 101 to 40000 mPa^s, preferably 5000 to 20000.

11. METHOD, according to any one of claims 1-6, wherein the method is characterized by comprising displaying images and / or videos on visible display units to demonstrate, evaluate and / or compare modes of action of skin care products or components thereof, wherein the method comprises: (i) selecting the first substrate and the second substrate; (ii) combining each of the first and second substrates in at least one first container and one second container, wherein each container has a surface layer comprising predominantly the first substrate; (iii) applying a first product to the first container and a second product to the second container, preferably wherein the first and second products coat the surface layer of each respective container and preferably wherein the first and second products are different in each container;(iv) evaluate the second substrate in each of the first and second containers, where the second substrate is able to change its appearance after interacting with the products; and (v) display images and / or videos of any previous step.

12. METHOD, according to claim 11, characterized by the first product having a viscosity of 0 to 100 mPaA, preferably 1 to 50 mPaA, and the second product having a viscosity of 101 to 40000 mPaA, preferably 5000 to 20000.

13. METHOD, according to any one of claims 1-6, wherein the method is characterized by comprising recording images and / or videos to demonstrate, evaluate and / or compare modes of action of skin care products or components thereof, wherein the method comprises: (i) selecting the first substrate and the second substrate; (ii) combining each of the first and second substrates in at least one first container and one second container, wherein each container has a surface layer comprising predominantly the first substrate; (iii) applying a first product to the first container and a second product to the second container, preferably wherein the first and second products coat the surface layer of each respective container and, preferably, wherein the first and second products are different in each container;(iv) evaluate the second substrate in each of the first and second containers, where the second substrate is able to change its appearance after interacting with the products; and (v) record images and / or videos of any of the previous steps on recordable media and, optionally, display images and / or videos of any previous step.

14. METHOD, according to claim 13, characterized in that the first product has a viscosity of 0 to 100 mPaA, preferably 1 to 50 mPaA, and the second product has a viscosity of 101 to 40000 mPaA, preferably 5000 to 20000. Petition 870250079786, dated 05 / 09 / 2025, pp. 52 / 57

Images