Bio-Based Polyurethane Elastomer Gels for Silicone-Free Skin Feel
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Solution Overview
Problem
The cosmetic industry faces a need for silicone-free elastomer gels that provide unique aesthetics and are biodegradable and sourced from renewable materials, as silicone-based elastomers have negative environmental impacts and are not biodegradable.
Innovation Solution
A polyurethane elastomer gel is developed using bio-based polyol and polyisocyanate, catalyzed by a bismuth catalyst, and processed with bio-based emollients to create a cross-linked network that mimics the sensory benefits of silicone elastomers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If silicone-based elastomers are used to achieve smooth and silky sensory profile, then the aesthetic benefits and thickening efficiency are improved, but the environmental compatibility and biodegradability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters by replacing silicone-based elastomers with polyurethane elastomers derived from bio-based polyols and polyisocyanates. This substitution maintains the desired aesthetic properties (smooth, silky feel) while fundamentally altering the material's environmental profile to achieve biodegradability and renewability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a composite gel system combining polyurethane elastomer network with bio-based emollients and carrier fluids. This composite structure achieves both the sensory benefits of traditional silicone elastomers and the environmental benefits of bio-based materials through synergistic material combinations
2Device complexity
If traditional oil gels or linear polymers are used, then the formulation simplicity is maintained, but the aesthetic benefits and skin feel are deteriorated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a composite gel structure where polyurethane elastomer particles are dispersed in a bio-based emollient phase. This composite approach delivers the unique aesthetic benefits and ball bearing-like skin feel of elastomer gels while maintaining relative formulation simplicity through a well-defined two-phase system
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces elastomer properties locally through dispersed polyurethane particles within the continuous emollient phase. This localized elastomer network provides enhanced aesthetics and skin feel without requiring the entire formulation to be complex, maintaining simplicity in the bulk phase composition
3Object-affected harmful factors
If bio-based materials are used to achieve environmental friendliness, then the biodegradability and renewability are improved, but the aesthetic benefits and sensory profile are deteriorated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent successfully combines bio-based polyurethane elastomers with bio-based emollients to create a composite gel that achieves both environmental compatibility (biodegradability, renewability) and desirable aesthetic benefits (smooth, non-tacky, moisturizing feel). The synergistic interaction between the elastomer network and emollient phase delivers properties that neither component achieves alone
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 polyurethane elastomer gel offers a smooth, non-tacky, and moisturizing feel, enhancing cosmetic formulations while being environmentally friendly and compatible with polar mediums, addressing the market demand for renewable and biodegradable ingredients.
Implementation Method 1
A bio-based polyol is reacted with a bio-based polyisocyanate using a polyurethane catalyst at elevated temperature in a reaction medium of bio-based emollient or a mixture of bio-based emollients to give a polyurethane elastomer rubber
Implementation Method 2
A bio-based polyol is reacted with a bio-based polyisocyanate using a polyurethane catalyst at elevated temperature
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to gel compositions comprising a polyurethane elastomer. The polyurethane elastomer is formed from the reaction of a polyol, a polyisocyanate, and a polyurethane reaction catalyst in the presence of a topically acceptable carrier fluid. In some embodiments, the gel composition comprises a personal active ingredient or a healthcare active ingredient, which may be incorporated into the gel composition via a pre-load method or a post-load method. Also provided herein are gel pastes and topical formulations containing the polyurethane elastomers, and methods of making the same.