Bio-based Poly(farnesene) Thickening Composition for Cosmetics

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cosmetic thickening compositions derived from fossil sources have limitations, including a runny texture and environmental concerns, and existing poly(farnesene) compositions are not suitable for topical skin or nail applications.

Innovation Solution

A thickening composition combining a hydrocarbon oil from biological sources with a bio-based poly(farnesene) polymer, which can be mixed at ambient temperatures, providing improved gloss and sensory properties while being biodegradable and non-irritant.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If mineral oil based gels are used for thickening, then compatibility with copolymers is improved, but environmental sustainability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovecompatibilityVSAvoidenvironmental impact

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical parameters of the base oil from mineral oil to bio-based hydrocarbon oil (isoparaffins with 14-18 carbon atoms), maintaining the non-polar characteristics necessary for copolymer compatibility while improving environmental sustainability through biological sourcing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention creates a composite system combining bio-based hydrocarbon oil with fossil-based copolymers (ethylene/propylene styrene or butylene/ethylene/styrene), achieving a balance between environmental benefits and proven performance compatibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Ease of manufacture

If mixing temperature is increased above 40°C to obtain gelled composition, then mixing efficiency is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemixing efficiencyVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSUse of energy by stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the temperature parameter from elevated temperatures (>40°C) to ambient temperature mixing, reducing energy consumption while achieving effective gel formation through the specific combination of bio-based oil and poly(farnesene) copolymer

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Strength

If poly(farnesene) with high molecular mass (>450,000 g/mol) is used, then structural integrity is improved, but suitability for topical application deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidskin compatibility

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the molecular mass parameter of poly(farnesene) from high (>450,000 g/mol) to moderate ranges (10,000-120,000 g/mol), achieving a balance between structural integrity for thickening and compatibility for topical cosmetic applications

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS12178894B2Bio-based thickening composition comprising a poly(farnesene)

Publication Date: 2024.12.31 TOTALENERGIES ONETECH

AI summary

The invention relates to a thickening composition intended for topical application on the skin, lips or skin appendages, said thickening composition comprising at least one oil derived from a biological source and at least one poly(farnesene) polymer having a number average molar mass ranging from 10,000 to 120,000 g/mol. The invention also relates to a cosmetic composition comprising the thickening composition according to the invention and the use of the thickening composition according to the invention in a cosmetic composition.