Associative Thickener Composition Preventing Soaping in Cosmetic Gels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cosmetic compositions using associative thickeners often result in unpleasant textures and soaping issues, particularly when forming transparent gels, which are undesirable for consumer products.
Innovation Solution
A composition combining an associative thickener, an alkyleneoxide derivative, and a nonionic surfactant with an HLB value of 13.0 or less, along with water, to prevent soaping and enhance texture while providing sufficient thickening or gelling effects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If an associative thickener is used to thicken and/or gel cosmetic compositions, then sufficient thickening or gelling effects are achieved, but unpleasant texture and soaping (foaming) issues occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a specific nonionic surfactant as an intermediary substance that mediates between the associative thickener and water. This surfactant prevents the harmful soaping effect while maintaining the thickening capability. The surfactant acts as a bridge that allows the thickener to function properly without generating unwanted foam and texture issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent specifies precise parameter ranges for the nonionic surfactant, including HLB value (3.0-13.0) and concentration (0.01-10% by weight). By controlling these parameters, the composition achieves optimal balance between thickening effect and prevention of soaping. The specific HLB range ensures the surfactant has appropriate hydrophilic-lipophilic balance to prevent foaming while allowing gelation.
2Stability of the object's composition
If an associative thickener is used to prepare a transparent gel, then gelling effect is achieved, but soaping occurs which creates white foam and poor consumer impression
Solution Approach 1:
The nonionic surfactant serves as a mediator that prevents direct interaction between the associative thickener and water that would otherwise produce unwanted foam. The surfactant interferes with the mechanism that generates white foam, allowing the gel to remain transparent and visually appealing while maintaining structural stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent defines specific parameter ranges for the surfactant concentration (0.01-10% by weight) and HLB value (3.0-13.0) that optimize the balance between gel stability and prevention of foaming. These parameter controls ensure the gel maintains its transparent appearance without developing white foam during application or storage.
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 effectively prevents soaping and offers excellent texture and viscosity, ensuring a better consumer experience by maintaining the desired gel form and properties.
Implementation Method 1
The associative thickener is capable of reversibly associating with itself or with other molecules or particles. This physical association can give rise to thixotropic or shear-thinning macromolecular systems, i.e. systems whose viscosity depends on the shear forces to which they are subjected.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a composition, preferably a cosmetic composition for a keratin substance, preferably skin, comprising: (a) at least one associative thickener; (b) at least one specific alkyleneoxide derivative; (c) at least one nonionic surfactant, other than (b), with an HLB value of 13.0 or less; and (d) water. The composition according to the present invention can prevent soaping and can provide excellent texture, when used, while providing sufficient thickening or gelling effects.