Antimicrobial Composition for Acne and Malodour via Selective Bacteria Inhibition

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current treatments for acne and body malodour often require long durations to show noticeable effects and can have drawbacks such as broad-spectrum antimicrobial effects that harm skin microbiota or use harsh ingredients like alcohol.

Innovation Solution

A composition combining alkyl substituted dihydroxy benzene, such as 4-hexyl resorcinol, with substituted phenol compounds like 4-sec butyl phenol, in a cosmetically acceptable base, to provide antimicrobial and anti-acne benefits while reducing body malodour.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If broad-spectrum antimicrobial treatments like antibiotics are used to treat acne, then the number of bacteria in and around the follicle is decreased, but the skin microbiota is harmed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveacne treatment effectivenessVSAvoidharm to skin microbiota
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by selecting antimicrobial agents that specifically target acne-causing bacteria (such as Cutibacterium acnes) while preserving beneficial skin microbiota. The composition uses alkyl substituted dihydroxy benzene and substituted phenol compounds that demonstrate selective antimicrobial activity against pathogenic bacteria present in acne lesions, rather than broad-spectrum killing of all skin bacteria.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the harmful effect of broad-spectrum antimicrobials into a benefit by using selective antimicrobial agents that specifically target acne-causing bacteria. The alkyl substituted dihydroxy benzene and substituted phenol compounds in the composition are designed to inhibit pathogenic bacteria while maintaining a balanced skin microbiome, thus transforming the potential harm of aggressive antimicrobial treatment into a beneficial targeted approach.

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

2Reliability

If alcohol is used to control bacterial population in the underarm region, then body malodour is reduced, but the skin is harmed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemalodour controlVSAvoidskin irritation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by replacing alcohol with alternative antimicrobial agents (alkyl substituted dihydroxy benzene and substituted phenol compounds) that have different chemical properties and skin compatibility. These alternative compounds provide similar antimicrobial and malodour control functions but with reduced skin irritation and improved cosmetic acceptability, thus changing the chemical parameters of the active ingredients while maintaining therapeutic effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If benzoyl peroxide is used for mild cases of comedones, then antibacterial effect is achieved, but the treatment takes several weeks to months before noticeable change

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveantibacterial effectVSAvoidtime to show noticeable change
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies continuity of useful action by using a combination of alkyl substituted dihydroxy benzene and substituted phenol compounds that provide sustained and continuous antimicrobial activity. This synergistic combination maintains consistent bacterial inhibition over time, potentially accelerating the visible improvement compared to single-agent treatments like benzoyl peroxide that require extended periods to manifest effects.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Data Source

PatentUS20250041176A1An antimicrobial composition
Publication Date: 2025.02.06 CONOPCO INC
  • US20250041176A1 patent drawing
  • US20250041176A1 patent drawing
  • US20250041176A1 patent drawing

AI summary

The present invention relates to an antimicrobial composition, more particularly to a method and a composition to prevent or treat acne. This is achieved through a composition that comprises alkyl substituted dihydroxy benzene in combination with select substituted phenol compound. The composition is also seen to have anti-malodour benefits.