Anhydrous Vitamin C Composition for Skin Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing topical antioxidant compositions face challenges in maintaining the stability and effectiveness of Vitamin C, a key antioxidant, due to its instability in aqueous systems and susceptibility to oxidative degradation, which limits their ability to effectively prevent skin damage from free radicals.

Innovation Solution

The development of stable topical compositions combining micronized Vitamin C with silicone oils or non-silicone oils, Vitamin E, polyphenol antioxidants, and optional additional antioxidants like creatine and low molecular weight chromane derivatives, which are non-aqueous and designed to prevent degradation of Vitamin C, thereby enhancing skin protection against radical-related damage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If Vitamin C is used in aqueous topical formulations, then antioxidant activity is provided, but stability deteriorates due to oxidative degradation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveantioxidant activityVSAvoidVitamin C stability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the physical state parameter of the formulation from aqueous to anhydrous (water-free), which fundamentally alters the stability characteristics. By removing water as the solvent system, the formulation prevents hydrolysis and microbial growth that would otherwise degrade Vitamin C, while maintaining its antioxidant activity through appropriate delivery mechanisms in the anhydrous system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite formulation system combining Vitamin C with specific anhydrous carriers and stabilizing agents. This composite approach protects Vitamin C from degradation through synergistic effects of the formulation components while maintaining its antioxidant function, resolving the contradiction between stability and activity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Object-affected harmful factors

If Vitamin C is used in topical formulations, then skin protection against free radicals is improved, but formulation stability worsens due to susceptibility to oxidative degradation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefree radical damage protectionVSAvoidformulation stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates an inert, oxygen-free environment within the anhydrous formulation system. By eliminating water and using oxygen-scavenging technologies, the formulation protects Vitamin C from oxidative degradation while maintaining its ability to protect skin from free radicals. The inert formulation environment prevents premature oxidation without compromising the antioxidant function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #39Inert atmosphere (Inert environment)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces stabilizing agents and delivery systems as intermediaries that protect Vitamin C from degradation while preserving its antioxidant activity. These intermediaries act as bridges between the instability of Vitamin C and the stability requirements of the formulation, enabling both long-term stability and effective skin protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If aqueous systems are used for topical administration, then ease of application is improved, but antioxidant stability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of applicationVSAvoidantioxidant stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the fundamental parameter of the solvent system from aqueous to anhydrous. This parameter change fundamentally alters the stability profile of the formulation while maintaining ease of application through appropriate texture and delivery system design. The anhydrous system provides superior stability without sacrificing user experience.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

These compositions maintain Vitamin C's stability over a prolonged period, providing superior antioxidant activity and effective prevention of skin damage from oxygen, nitrogen, and other radicals, while being well-tolerated and non-irritating, thus addressing the limitations of previous formulations.

Implementation Method 1

the silicone oil and/or non-silicon oil is present in an amount that is sufficient to prevent degradation of the Vitamin C in the composition

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhysical barrier formation: Physical Containment

Implementation Method 2

prevention of oxygen, nitrogen, and/or other radical related skin damage

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFree radical scavenging: Oxidation

Data Source

PatentUS9713604B2Antioxidant compositions and methods of using the same

Publication Date: 2017.07.25 ANTEIS SA

AI summary

The invention provides non-irritating, stable topical compositions including at least Vitamin C, Vitamin E and a polyphenol antioxidant. Such compositions can be used to facilitate the prevention or treatment of free oxygen, nitrogen, and/or other free radical related skin damage. Also provided are methods for modifying free radical damage to skin by administering such compositions in an amount sufficient to treat and/or prevent free radical damage to the skin.