Aqueous Nail Polish Remover Using Ethanolamide Surfactants
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional nail polish removers contain harsh, flammable solvents that can damage nails and skin, and there is a need for a solvent-free composition that effectively removes nail polish without causing harm.
Innovation Solution
A solvent-deficient aqueous solution composed mainly of water and ethanolamide-based surfactants, optionally including thickening agents, abrasive agents, emollients, and fragrances, which breaks the bond between nail polish and the nail surface without using acetone, ethyl acetate, or butyl acetate.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional organic solvents (acetone, ethyl acetate, butyl acetate) are used in nail polish remover, then the polish dissolving and removal characteristics are improved, but the skin and nail are dried and damaged, and the solvents are flammable and emit unpleasant odors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters by replacing traditional organic solvents with water-based surfactant systems. Specifically, it uses mixtures of water, nonionic surfactants (such as alkyl polyglucosides), and amphoteric surfactants (such as cocamidopropyl betaine) to achieve polish removal without the harmful effects of acetone, ethyl acetate, and butyl acetate. This parameter change maintains removal efficiency while eliminating skin drying and flammability issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces surfactants as intermediary substances that mediate between water and nail polish components. These surfactants reduce surface tension and enable the water-based formulation to effectively interact with and remove polish without requiring harsh organic solvents. The surfactants act as mediators that facilitate polish removal while being gentle on skin and nails.
2Productivity
If traditional organic solvents are used to remove nail polish, then the removal effectiveness is improved, but the solvents are flammable and may fill a room with unhealthy and unpleasant odors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent fundamentally changes the formulation parameters by transitioning from organic solvent-based systems to water-based surfactant systems. The use of water as the primary vehicle eliminates flammability concerns and unpleasant odors associated with acetone, ethyl acetate, and butyl acetate, while surfactants maintain the effectiveness needed for polish removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the traditionally harmful role of solvents into a beneficial water-based surfactant system. Instead of using flammable organic solvents that create odors and health concerns, the formulation uses water combined with surfactants that provide effective polish removal while eliminating the harmful characteristics. This transforms a potentially harmful approach into a safe and beneficial one.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If solvent-free composition is used to avoid skin damage, then safety is improved, but the ability to dissolve and remove nail polish may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite material principles by combining water with multiple types of surfactants (nonionic and amphoteric) to create a formulation that achieves polish removal capability without relying on harsh organic solvents. The synergistic interaction between different surfactant types and water provides both safety and effectiveness, resolving the contradiction between gentleness and removal power.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the chemical parameters by using surfactant concentration, HLB (hydrophilic-lipophilic balance) values, and formulation ratios to optimize both safety and removal effectiveness. By carefully adjusting these parameters in the water-based surfactant system, the formulation achieves adequate polish dissolution and removal while maintaining skin and nail safety.
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 solution effectively removes nail polish without damaging the nail or skin, is non-toxic, and biodegradable, providing a safer and more environmentally friendly alternative to traditional removers.
Implementation Method 1
an aqueous composition for nail polish removal that includes at least one amide of an aminoalcohol at a concentration of about 0.01% or greater in water... configured to break a bond between nail polish and nail surface
Data Source
AI summary
An aqueous composition for removing nail polish from a wearer's nail(s) is disclosed. This nail polish remover is essentially free of organic solvents, such as acetone, ethyl acetate, butyl acetate, and the like. The aqueous nail polish remover includes at least one amide of an aminoalcohol at a concentration of about 0.1% or greater in water.