BEMT Quenches Menthyl Anthranilate Fluorescence
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sunscreens containing menthyl anthranilate often exhibit fluorescence and stickiness, leading to adverse effects such as clothing staining under black light and increased sand adherence, which discourages consumers from using sufficient sunscreen, compromising UV protection.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating bis-ethylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyl triazine (BEMT) into sunscreen compositions to quench the fluorescence and reduce stickiness of menthyl anthranilate, thereby enhancing skin feel and reducing sand affinity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If menthyl anthranilate is added to sunscreen compositions, then UV protection is improved, but fluorescence occurs which stains clothing under black light
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses BEMT as an intermediary substance that interacts with menthyl anthranilate to quench its fluorescence. BEMT acts as a mediator that accepts energy from excited menthyl anthranilate molecules, preventing them from emitting light and staining clothing, while allowing menthyl anthranilate to continue providing UV protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful fluorescence effect of menthyl anthranilate into a beneficial interaction by utilizing the energy transfer between menthyl anthranilate and BEMT. The excitation energy that would normally cause fluorescence is instead transferred to BEMT, which dissipates it harmlessly, thus eliminating the staining problem while preserving UV protection.
2Reliability
If menthyl anthranilate is added to sunscreen compositions, then UV protection is improved, but stickiness increases leading to sand adherence
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite sunscreen formulation combining menthyl anthranilate with BEMT and other complementary ingredients. This composite approach balances the high UV protection of menthyl anthranilate with the non-sticky, non-fluorescent properties of BEMT and other components, achieving overall improved performance without the adverse effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the formulation parameters by introducing BEMT at specific concentrations (0.1-10% w/w) to counterbalance the stickiness of menthyl anthranilate. By adjusting the composition ratios and incorporating substances with different rheological properties, the overall texture and feel of the sunscreen is optimized to reduce sand adherence.
3Reliability
If lipophilic liquid UV filters are used, then UV protection is provided, but greasy residue remains on skin
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the principle of local quality by using different types of UV filters with different properties in specific regions of the formulation. Lipophilic liquid filters provide UV protection where needed, while hydrophilic or volatile components are included to counteract greasiness in the overall composition, creating localized functional zones within the product.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical-chemical parameters of the sunscreen formulation by incorporating ingredients with varying volatility, polarity, and molecular weight. This creates a balanced formulation where lipophilic UV filters provide protection while lighter, more volatile components evaporate or absorb quickly, reducing the greasy residue on skin.
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 combination of BEMT and menthyl anthranilate in sunscreens effectively eliminates fluorescence and stickiness, providing a more appealing skin feel and improved sand resistance while maintaining effective UV protection.
Implementation Method 1
the addition of menthyl anthranilate leads to a fluorescence/phosphorescence of said sunscreen compositions... incorporating bis-ethylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyl triazine into said compositions... quench the fluorescence of menthyl anthranilate
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to sunscreen compositions containing bis-ethylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyl triazine (BEMT) and menthyl anthranilate. Said compositions exhibit a reduced fluorescence and an appealing skin feel and look.