Anhydrous Photoprotective Composition Transparency Irritation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current photoprotective compositions often cause ocular lacrimation, sting, and dermal irritation, and lack clear, anhydrous, and alcohol-free formulations that are mild to both ocular and dermal regions, with existing products being opaque and not suitable for hard-to-reach areas.

Innovation Solution

A photoprotective composition comprising at least one photoactive agent, aliphatic hydrocarbon, and ester, which is single-phase, homogenous, non-whitening, anhydrous, water-resistant, and free of preservatives, surfactants, alcohol, and silicone, allowing for effective and gentle protection without irritation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If physical sunscreen active ingredients are used in a whitening thick/thin lotion format or as a whitening lotion spray, then ocular irritation is reduced, but the composition becomes opaque and leaves a white film on skin

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveocular irritationVSAvoidopacity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the physical state and optical properties of the sunscreen composition by using micronized or nanosized physical sunscreen particles dispersed in a clear vehicle, transforming the product from opaque to transparent while maintaining photoprotection and reducing ocular irritation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention creates a composite formulation combining physical sunscreen agents (micronized/nanosized) with organic sunscreen filters in a clear anhydrous base, achieving both transparency and broad-spectrum protection while minimizing irritation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If conventional photoprotective compositions are formulated to provide broad spectrum protection, then UV protection is improved, but ocular lacrimation and sting occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebroad spectrum protectionVSAvoidocular lacrimation and sting
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies the formulation parameters by using a clear anhydrous alcohol-free base instead of traditional aqueous or oily vehicles, changing the solvent properties to reduce ocular irritation while maintaining broad-spectrum UV protection through combined physical and organic filters

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The clear anhydrous vehicle acts as an intermediary medium that delivers UV-filtering agents to the skin without causing ocular irritation, mediating between the photoprotective function and ocular comfort requirements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Shape

If alcohol is included in photoprotective compositions for rapid drying and clarity, then transparency is improved, but dermal irritation and sensitization occur

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovetransparencyVSAvoiddermal irritation and sensitization
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts and removes alcohol from the formulation entirely, eliminating the source of dermal irritation and sensitization while maintaining product transparency and rapid drying properties through alternative clear solvents and vehicle systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces long-standing alcohol-based formulations with alternative clear, anhydrous, alcohol-free vehicles that achieve the same cosmetic and functional results without the harmful effects of alcohol

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

4Stability of the object's composition

If emulsifiers and surfactants are used to create homogeneous mixtures, then composition uniformity is improved, but dermal irritation and sensitization occur

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovehomogeneityVSAvoiddermal irritation and sensitization
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention removes emulsifiers and surfactants from the formulation, eliminating these common sources of dermal irritation and sensitization while maintaining composition homogeneity through careful selection of compatible anhydrous ingredients and proper mixing procedures

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent achieves homogeneity in the anhydrous alcohol-free system through compatible ingredient selection and proper formulation techniques, creating a uniform clear liquid composition without requiring irritating emulsifying or surfactant agents

Inventive Principle:
Principle #33Homogeneity

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 broad-spectrum protection with a critical wavelength of greater than or equal to 370 nm, is non-irritating to both skin and eyes, maintains water-resistance for extended periods, and is easy to apply without leaving a white film, enhancing user convenience and safety.

Implementation Method 1

Sunlight or ultraviolet radiation in the UVB range has a wavelength of 290 nanometers to 320 nanometers and is known to be the primary cause of sunburn. Ultraviolet radiation at a wavelength of 320 nanometers to 400 nanometers, known as UVA radiation, can cause tanning of the skin.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAbsorption (EM radiation): Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentEP3013313B1Non-irritating, non-whitening photoprotective compositions
Publication Date: 2018.12.26 EDGEWELL PERSONAL CARE BRANDS LLC
  • EP3013313B1 patent drawingFigure 1

AI summary

A photoprotective composition can be utilized for a variety of cosmetic compositions. A photoprotective composition comprises one or more photoactive agents, at least one aliphatic hydrocarbon, and at least one ester, wherein said photoprotective composition is substantially non-whitening, is substantially non-irritating, or both. The photoprotective composition can be anhydrous, a single phase composition, water-resistant and can provide any combination of the foregoing characteristics without further ingredients required in the prior art. The photoprotective composition can be a liquid such that it is easily and consistently dispensed from a bottle, pump or spray.