Anhydrous Cosmetic Stick for Intimate Skin Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current cosmetic compositions for the intimate area fail to effectively address discreet odor protection, irritation from hair removal, and skin issues like rash and leakage, especially for women, while being easy to use and non-greasy.

Innovation Solution

An anhydrous cosmetic composition with complexed or encapsulated compounds having a thiol vapor pressure suppression index (TVPS) of more than 20, formulated as a solid stick without antiperspirant active, containing volatile solvents and thickening agents like zinc oxide and Vitamin B5 derivatives, designed for application during hair grooming and incontinence management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If thick creams are used for intimate area skin care, then moisturizing and protection functions are provided, but the product leaves greasy stains on clothes and is not dry on application

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveskin protection functionVSAvoidgreasy stains on clothes
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the fundamental parameter of water content in the formulation from conventional (water-based) to anhydrous (less than 5% water). This parameter change transforms the product from a greasy cream that stains clothes into a dry powder that provides protection without visible residue, while maintaining skin care functions through alternative moisturizing agents like dimethicone and Vitamin B5 derivatives

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If odor protection compounds are added to cosmetic compositions, then odor protection is improved, but the composition becomes greasy and leaves stains on clothes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveodor protectionVSAvoidgreasy residue on clothes
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes water from the formulation (anhydrous condition with less than 5% water) and uses odor protection compounds in a dry powder matrix. This parameter change allows the odor protection function to be maintained while eliminating the greasy residue problem associated with conventional water-based or oil-based formulations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite powder formulation combining odor protection compounds (like cyclomethicone and fragrance materials) with cosmetic ingredients (dimethicone, Vitamin B5 derivatives, zinc oxide) in an anhydrous matrix. This composite structure provides both odor protection and skin care functions without the greasy stains characteristic of conventional formulations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple functions (odor protection, hair removal care, incontinence management) are combined in one product, then versatility is improved, but product complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemulti-functionalityVSAvoidformulation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs a single anhydrous cosmetic composition that simultaneously provides odor protection (through volatile compounds and fragrance), skin protection against irritation (through dimethicone and Vitamin B5 derivatives for shaving care), and protection against incontinence-related rash (through zinc oxide and barrier properties). This universal formulation eliminates the need for multiple separate products while maintaining manageable complexity through a unified powder delivery system

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 effective odor protection, reduces irritation, and prevents skin rash and leakage, maintaining a non-greasy and easy-to-apply form, suitable for long-term use with absorbent articles.

Implementation Method 1

a volatile solvent comprising a siloxane

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEvaporation: Evaporation

Implementation Method 2

one or more complexed or encapsulated compounds having a thiol vapor pressure suppression index (TVPS) of more than 20

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVapor pressure suppression: Vapour Pressure

Data Source

PatentEP3233044B1Anhydrous cosmetic composition for topical application in intimate areas
Publication Date: 2019.10.02 PROCTER & GAMBLE CO
  • EP3233044B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3233044B1 patent drawing
  • EP3233044B1 patent drawing

AI summary

The present invention relates to an anhydrous cosmetic composition for topical application to skin in the intimate area. The compositions can be used following shaving or trimming hair in the intimate area. The compositions can also be used in the intimate skin area for consumers that wear absorbent articles against the intimate skin area for long periods of time.