Alkanediol Compositions for Solubilizing Lipophilic Actives
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and homecare products face challenges in solubilizing lipophilic active components due to their poor water solubility, leading to difficulties in formulating clear and stable aqueous-based products, and current solubilizers often cause unwanted foam formation and skin permeation issues.
Innovation Solution
A mixture of two or more different specific alkanediols with carbon chains of 5 to 14 atoms is added to improve the solubility of lipophilic active components, reducing the need for solubilizers and minimizing foam formation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If solubilizers are used to improve the solubility of lipophilic active components, then the solubility is improved, but foam formation increases and skin permeation issues occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters by using alkanediols with specific carbon chain lengths (5-14 atoms) instead of conventional solubilizers. This parameter change achieves solubility improvement without the harmful foam formation and skin permeation effects associated with traditional solubilizers like polysorbates and PEG compounds.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs simple, readily available alkanediol compounds as substitutes for complex solubilizer systems. These alkanediols provide effective solubility enhancement without the need for additional stabilizing agents or emulsifiers, simplifying the formulation while maintaining product performance.
2Quantity of substance
If conventional solubilizers are used to solubilize lipophilic components, then solubility is improved, but the formulation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates unnecessary formulation components by using alkanediols that can function as both solubilizers and preservatives. This removes the need for separate preservative systems and reduces the total number of ingredients required, thereby simplifying the overall formulation while maintaining solubility and stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The alkanediol compounds serve multiple functions simultaneously: they act as solubilizers for lipophilic ingredients, preservatives to prevent microbial growth, and skin-conditioning agents. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate ingredients needed and simplifies the formulation process.
3Stability of the object's composition
If emulsifiers are used to blend immiscible ingredients, then blending is achieved, but the product appears milky and particle size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the interfacial tension parameters by using alkanediols with optimal hydrophilic-lipophilic balance. This allows for the formation of microemulsions with droplet sizes in the nanometer range rather than micrometer range, resulting in clear or lightly hazy appearances instead of milky opalescence while maintaining composition stability.
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 alkanediol mixture enhances the solubility and stability of lipophilic active components, maintaining clarity and reducing solubilizer use, while being skin-tolerable and environmentally friendly.
Implementation Method 1
A mixture of two or more different specific alkanediols with carbon chains of 5 to 14 atoms is added to improve the solubility of lipophilic active components
Data Source
Figure 1D~2
Figure 3A~3D
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The present invention relates to a cosmetic or pharmaceutical, preferably dermatological, composition or homecare product comprising or consisting of a specific lipophilic active component and an effective amount of a 1,2-heptanediol and/or 2,3-heptanediol or of a specific alkanediol or a mixture of two or more different specific alkanediols and said compositions for personal care, or as a pharmaceutical or for animal care. Additionally, the present invention relates to the use of 1,2-heptanediol and/or 2,3-heptanediol or of a specific alkanediol or a mixture of two or more different specific alkanediols for improving the solubility of a specific lipophilic active component in a cosmetic or pharmaceutical composition. Finally, the present invention relates to the use of 1,2-heptanediol and/or 2,3-heptanediol or of a specific alkanediol or a mixture of two or more different specific alkanediols as solubilizer replacer in a cosmetic or pharmaceutical composition or homecare product.