Two-Step Anhydrous Makeup Removal Method

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing makeup removing products are often messy, difficult to use, and leave behind a greasy residue, failing to effectively remove long-wear makeup without disrupting the skin's barrier.

Innovation Solution

A two-step anhydrous cleansing method using a first composition with a hydrophobic polymer to dissolve and dislodge makeup, followed by a second composition that causes the makeup and polymer to solidify and coagulate for easy removal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional makeup removing products are used, then makeup can be removed, but they leave behind a greasy residue and are messy to use

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of useVSAvoidgreasy residue
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention divides the makeup removal process into two separate compositions: a first anhydrous composition for dissolving makeup and a second anhydrous composition for removing the dissolved makeup. This segmentation allows each composition to have optimized properties - the first can be purely solvent-based without needing a second step, while the second can be formulated for easy rinsing without leaving residue.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the chemical parameters between the two compositions. The first composition uses solvents with high solubility for makeup components, while the second composition uses solvents in which the makeup and first composition are not soluble, causing precipitation and easy removal. This parameter change enables effective makeup removal without greasy residue.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Object-affected harmful factors

If makeup is not removed properly, then skin barrier is protected, but pores become clogged leading to acne and inflammation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveskin barrier protectionVSAvoidpore clogging
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention replaces mechanical scrubbing and rubbing with a chemical dissolution mechanism. The first anhydrous composition chemically dissolves makeup through solvation, allowing removal without mechanical friction that could disrupt the skin barrier. This substitution enables effective makeup removal while protecting skin integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If anhydrous oils and gels are used for makeup removal, then they dissolve fatty residues effectively, but they are messy and difficult to use

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemakeup removal effectivenessVSAvoidease of use
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The invention segments the makeup removal function into two compositions with distinct roles. The first composition handles the dissolving function, while the second composition handles the removal function. This segmentation allows the first composition to be purely oil-based for maximum dissolving power, while the second composition can be formulated for easy application and rinsing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The first anhydrous composition acts as an intermediary that dissolves makeup and transfers it to the second composition. This intermediary step allows the effective dissolving action of oils to be separated from the final removal step, enabling the use of powerful solvents without the messiness and difficulty of use associated with traditional oil-based removers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 method provides a simple, effective, and gentle way to remove long-wear makeup, preventing skin irritation and maintaining the skin's barrier integrity.

Implementation Method 1

a first anhydrous composition is initially applied to the skin to dissolve and dislodge makeup present on the skin

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSolubilization: Solvation

Implementation Method 2

Application of the second anhydrous composition causes precipitation, aggregation, and solidification of the first anhydrous composition and makeup that has been absorbed or dislodged from the skin

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPrecipitation: Precipitation

Implementation Method 3

The first anhydrous composition and the solubilized or dislodged makeup is not appreciably soluble in the second anhydrous composition. Therefore, application of the second anhydrous composition causes precipitation, aggregation, and solidification

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCoagulation: Coagulation

Data Source

PatentUS20250195396A1Two-step cleansing method
Publication Date: 2025.06.19 LOREAL SA
  • US20250195396A1 patent drawing
  • US20250195396A1 patent drawing
  • US20250195396A1 patent drawing

AI summary

Described is a two-step method for removing makeup from skin. The method includes applying a first anhydrous composition to skin upon which makeup is present and subsequently applying a second anhydrous composition to the skin upon which the makeup and the first anhydrous composition are present. The first anhydrous composition include: (a) a hydrophobic polymer formed as a reaction product of a natural or food-derived oil and a methacrylate or acrylate polymer; (b) one or more solvents capable of solubilizing the hydrophobic polymer of (a); and (c) optionally, one or more alkanes. The second anhydrous composition includes one or more nonpolar oils in which the hydrophobic polymer of the first anhydrous composition is not soluble.