Bio-based Polymer Thickening Agents for Sustainable Cosmetics
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a limited availability of renewable polymers suitable for use as thickening agents and rheology modifiers in cosmetic, dermatological, or pharmaceutical compositions, and existing polymers are not sustainable, despite consumer demand for environmentally friendly and biodegradable options.
Innovation Solution
A polymer composition is developed that includes at least 9.49 mol-% of repeating units with 28 wt.-% to 100 wt.-% bio-based carbon content, derived from bio-based components such as acrylonitrile and isobutene, which can be used as crosslinked or non-crosslinked polymers in cosmetic, dermatological, or pharmaceutical compositions, providing excellent performance and sustainability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional crude oil-derived polymers are used as thickening agents and rheology modifiers, then excellent performance and availability are achieved, but environmental sustainability and biodegradability are poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of material origin from petrochemical to bio-based sources. The polymer is synthesized using renewable raw materials such as bio-based acrylonitrile, bio-based isobutene, and other bio-based monomers, transforming the carbon source from fossil fuels to biological materials while maintaining the polymer's functional properties as a thickening agent and rheology modifier
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite polymer structure incorporating multiple bio-based components including crosslinking units, hydrophilic units, and hydrophobic units derived from renewable sources. This composite approach combines different bio-based monomers to achieve both sustainability and the required performance characteristics for cosmetic and pharmaceutical applications
2Object-affected harmful factors
If bio-based materials are used to improve environmental sustainability, then environmental friendliness is improved, but availability and performance as thickening agents are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adjusts the molecular parameters of the bio-based polymer including molecular weight, degree of crosslinking, and monomer composition to match the performance characteristics of conventional petroleum-based polymers. The polymer is designed with specific structural features that enable it to function effectively as a thickening agent and rheology modifier in cosmetic and pharmaceutical formulations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces functional differentiation within the polymer structure by incorporating specific bio-based monomers with defined local functions: crosslinking units for structural integrity, hydrophilic units for water interaction and thickening, and hydrophobic units for stability. This local functional differentiation ensures the polymer performs its thickening function effectively while remaining fully bio-based
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to the use of a polymer in a cosmetic, dermatological or pharmaceutical composition, wherein the polymer is crosslinked or non-crosslinked, characterized in that the polymer comprises at least 9.49 mol-% of repeating units (a) according to Formula (1) wherein at least 10 wt.-%, preferably at least 20 wt.-% of the repeating units according to Formula (1) comprise from 28 wt.-% to 100 wt.-% bio-based carbon content, relative to the total mass of carbon in the repeating unit according to Formula (1), measured according to standard ASTM D6866-12, Method B