Anhydrous Deodorant Composition for Stable High Powder Suspension

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Solution Overview

Problem

Natural deodorant compositions are unstable due to oil and wax structure separation, and structurant systems are not robust enough to support solid formulations with high powder suspensions, leading to unpleasant sensory experiences and potential skin irritation.

Innovation Solution

A personal care composition comprising a first mineral compound (clay mineral), a second mineral compound (oxide mineral), an inorganic salt, and a powdered hygroscopic material, along with plant-based oil or wax, in a specific ratio, forming a stable anhydrous solid product.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If natural deodorant compositions use oil and wax bases, then they provide pleasant sensory experience and are free of astringent metal salts, but they exhibit structure separation and lack stability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveskin irritation from astringent metal saltsVSAvoidstructure separation of oil and wax
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a complex structurant system comprising multiple components: a cationic polymer, an anionic polymer, a non-ionic polymer, and a metal salt. This intermediary system mediates between the oil/wax base and the mineral powders, preventing structure separation while maintaining stability. The complex interactst with both the hydrophobic oil/wax and the hydrophilic mineral surfaces, creating a stable emulsion that prevents phase separation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a composite structurant system combining multiple polymer types (cationic, anionic, non-ionic) with metal salts to create a robust network that stabilizes the oil/wax/mineral powder mixture. This composite approach creates synergistic effects where the combination of materials provides superior stability compared to single-component systems, preventing both oil/wax separation and mineral powder aggregation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If the formulation uses high powder suspension, then it provides effective deodorancy, but the structurant system is not robust enough to support stability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedeodorancy effectivenessVSAvoidstructural integrity at elevated temperatures
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes multiple parameters of the structurant system including the molecular weight distribution of polymers, the ratio of cationic to anionic components, the metal salt concentration, and processing conditions. By carefully controlling these parameters, the formulation achieves high powder suspension (40-70% by weight) while maintaining structural integrity at elevated temperatures through enhanced intermolecular interactions and a three-dimensional network structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates local quality variations within the formulation by ensuring uniform distribution of mineral powders throughout the oil/wax matrix through the structurant system. The complex provides localized stabilization at the interface between oil/wax and mineral particles, preventing aggregation while maintaining overall homogeneity. This local quality control enables high powder content without compromising stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Reliability

If aluminum or zirconium salt is used as antiperspirant active, then it provides effective malodor protection, but it causes fabric discoloration and is perceived as harsh or irritating

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemalodor protection performanceVSAvoidfabric discoloration and skin irritation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and removes the harmful astringent metal salts (aluminum or zirconium) from the formulation while retaining the beneficial malodor protection function through alternative natural ingredients. The formulation replaces conventional astringent metals with mineral-based actives and natural compounds that provide deodorancy without the harmful effects of fabric discoloration and skin irritation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the potential harm of metal salt irritation into benefit by using naturally derived mineral compounds that provide similar protective functions without the harmful effects. The mineral powders and natural oils work synergistically to provide malodor protection while being gentler on skin and clothing, transforming a harmful formulation approach into a beneficial natural alternative.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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 provides enhanced stability, a pleasant sensory experience, and effective deodorancy without astringent metal salts, while maintaining structural integrity at elevated temperatures.

Implementation Method 1

a powdered hygroscopic material

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHygroscopicity: Absorption (physical)

Implementation Method 2

a first mineral compound that is a clay mineral; a second mineral compound that is an oxide mineral

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMineral structure stability:

Data Source

PatentEP4499022B1Composition with enhanced stability and sensory
Publication Date: 2025.12.10 UNILEVER IP HLDG BV

AI summary

Disclosed herein is a personal care composition. In particular, disclosed herein is an anhydrous personal care composition comprising a first mineral compound that is a clay mineral; a second mineral compound that is an oxide mineral; an inorganic salt; a powdered hygroscopic material; and an oil, wax, or mixture thereof. The disclosed personal care composition is especially useful as an efficacious, natural deodorant alternative that is unexpectedly stable, is free of astringent metal salts, and provides a pleasant consumer use experience upon topical application.