Sunscreen Composition Using BEMT Without Soaping Residue

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Solution Overview

Problem

Sunscreens containing bis-ethylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyl triazine (BEMT) often exhibit a soaping effect, leading to an undesirable whitish residue on the skin, and the use of ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate as a solvent can be environmentally scrutinized, necessitating alternative solvents to maintain efficacy and reduce environmental impact.

Innovation Solution

Replacing ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate with diethylhexyl sebacate in sunscreen compositions, along with alkanediols, to solubilize BEMT and eliminate the soaping effect without using silicones.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If conventional sunscreen agents (PABA, cinnamates, salicylates) are used to provide UV protection, then sunscreen efficacy is achieved, but allergic contact dermatitis and other adverse skin reactions occur

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveUV protection efficacyVSAvoidallergic contact dermatitis
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and eliminates the problematic conventional sunscreen agents (PABA, cinnamates, salicylates) from the formulation while maintaining UV protection through alternative agents. This removal of harmful substances directly addresses the allergic contact dermatitis issue while preserving the core UV protection function through zinc oxide and titanium dioxide.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts potentially harmful conventional chemical sunscreen agents into beneficial physical sunscreen agents (zinc oxide, titanium dioxide) that provide UV protection without causing allergic reactions. The harmful chemical filters are replaced with harmless mineral-based filters that reflect and scatter UV radiation.

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

2Productivity

If microbeads are used as exfoliating agents in cosmetic compositions, then exfoliation efficacy is improved, but environmental pollution and ecological harm occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveexfoliation efficacyVSAvoidenvironmental pollution
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and removes microbeads from the cosmetic formulation entirely, eliminating the source of environmental pollution. This is achieved by replacing synthetic microbead exfoliants with naturally occurring exfoliating ingredients that provide similar cosmetic benefits without environmental harm.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces durable synthetic microbeads with biodegradable natural exfoliating particles that break down harmlessly in the environment. These natural particles provide the necessary exfoliation function but decompose completely, avoiding the persistent pollution problems associated with conventional microbeads.

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

3Ease of operation

If conventional cosmetic formulations are used to maintain skin hydration, then moisturizing function is provided, but harmful chemicals and allergens are present

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveskin hydration maintenanceVSAvoidharmful chemicals
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes harmful chemicals and allergens from the cosmetic formulation while retaining the essential skin hydration function. This is accomplished by eliminating problematic ingredients and replacing them with safe, naturally derived moisturizing agents that provide equivalent or superior skin care benefits.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a composite formulation combining multiple natural ingredients (plant oils, butters, extracts) to achieve effective skin hydration. This composite approach using synergistic natural components provides moisturizing benefits while avoiding the need for harmful synthetic chemicals.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

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 compositions provide a reduced soaping effect, resulting in a more appealing skin feel and look, while maintaining broad-spectrum UV protection without the environmental concerns associated with ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate and silicones.

Implementation Method 1

the active ingredients zinc oxide and titanium dioxide in the form of a nano-emulsion

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectUV absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 2

provide broad spectrum UV protection

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight scattering: Scattering

Implementation Method 3

the active ingredients zinc oxide and titanium dioxide in the form of a nano-emulsion

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectNano-emulsion formation: Emulsion

Implementation Method 4

stable emulsion or nano-emulsion

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectColloidal dispersion: Colloid

Implementation Method 5

The sunscreen composition of the present invention further comprises plant extracts and/or plant oils

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAntioxidant activity: Oxidation

Data Source

PatentEP4568640B1Sunscreen composition
Publication Date: 2026.05.13 DSM IP ASSETS BV

AI summary

The present invention relates to sunscreen compositions containing bis-ethylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyl triazine (BEMT), diethylhexyl sebacate and one or more alkanediol with the proviso that the composition is free of ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate. Said compositions exhibit a reduced soaping effect and thus a more appealing skin feel and look.