Alginate Facial Mask Single-Unit Packaging and Mixing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing alginate-based masks require separate packaging for anhydrous and hydrous preparations, leading to increased environmental impact and instability due to phase separation, while lacking skin-caring components like glycerin or nourishing oils.
Innovation Solution
A single-packaging alginate-based mask composition comprising anhydrous alginate, calcium salt, oil, and emulsifier, which can be mixed with water to form a stable emulsion, incorporating skin-moisturizing polyols and lipophilic active ingredients without phase separation, using polyglyceryl-4 isostearate as an emulsifier and glycerin as a preferred polyol.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If alginate-based masks are provided as separate anhydrous and hydrous preparations, then skin-caring components like oils and glycerin can be included, but packaging material increases and environmental impact worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines both anhydrous (oil components) and hydrous (water-soluble active ingredients) preparations into a single packaging unit. The applicator device contains both types of preparations in separate compartments, allowing them to be mixed during application. This eliminates the need for separate packaging while maintaining the benefits of both water-soluble and water-insoluble skin care substances.
2Quantity of substance
If alginate-based masks are provided as separate anhydrous and hydrous preparations, then skin-caring components can be included, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a nested structure where the anhydrous preparation container is integrated within the applicator device, which itself contains the hydrous preparation. The applicator serves multiple functions: storing the anhydrous preparation, mixing it with the hydrous preparation, and applying the combined mask to the skin. This nested arrangement consolidates multiple components into a unified device structure.
3Stability of the object's composition
If alginate and calcium salt are mixed before packaging, then gelation occurs rapidly, but application time becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the alginate-based mask preparation into two separate segments: an anhydrous preparation containing alginate and oil components, and a hydrous preparation containing calcium salt and water-soluble active ingredients. These segments are stored separately in the applicator device and only mixed at the moment of application. This segmentation prevents premature gelation while enabling rapid mixing when needed, solving both stability and application time issues.
4Quantity of substance
If water-containing emulsions are used for active ingredient masks, then higher concentrations of active ingredients can be incorporated, but the preparations smear and contaminate clothing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the mask preparation by using an anhydrous base with oil components instead of water-containing emulsions. The inclusion of emulsifiers allows for the incorporation of both water-soluble and water-insoluble active ingredients at high concentrations while maintaining a non-smearing consistency. The altered composition provides a paste-like texture that adheres to the skin without dripping or smearing onto clothing.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The composition allows for a homogeneous paste application, reducing packaging waste and enabling the inclusion of both water-soluble and water-insoluble skin care substances, maintaining stability and providing effective skin moisturization.
Implementation Method 1
The composition is mixed with water to form an emulsion for application to the skin
Implementation Method 2
at least one emulsifier selected from the group polyglyceryl-4 isostearate, polyglyceryl-10 caprylate/caprate, polyglyceryl-10 stearate, PEG-7 glyceryl cocoate, polyglyceryl-3 methyl glucose distearate and polyglyceryl-4 laurate
Implementation Method 3
Gelation then takes place in aqueous solution. This gelation occurs due to the incorporation of calcium ions into the zigzag structure of the GG blocks
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an alginate-based facial mask, provided in the form of a water-free cosmetic composition that comprises a) at least one water-soluble alginate, b) at least one calcium salt, c) at least one oil, d) at least one emulsifier selected from the group polyglyceryl-(4) isostearate, polyglyceryl-(10) octanoate/caprate, polyglyceryl-(10) stearate, PEG-7 glyceryl cocoate, polyglyceryl-(3) methyl glucose distearate and polyglyceryl-(4) laurate.