Bio-Based Polyurethane Elastomer Gels for Silicone-Free Skin Feel

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for a silicone-free elastomer gel that provides the aesthetic benefits of silicone-based elastomers while being biodegradable and sourced from renewable materials, as consumers increasingly demand environmentally friendly and sustainable personal care products.

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 is compatible with cosmetic formulations, offering a smooth, non-oily feel and enhanced aesthetics.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If silicone elastomer gels are used to achieve smooth, non-oily skin feel and thickening efficiency, then aesthetic benefits and sensory profile are improved, but environmental compatibility and biodegradability worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaesthetic benefits and sensory profileVSAvoidenvironmental impact and biodegradability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

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 elastomeric gel structure and sensory properties while improving biodegradability and environmental compatibility, directly resolving the contradiction between aesthetic benefits and environmental harm

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention creates a composite gel system combining polyurethane elastomer network with bio-based emollients and carriers. This composite structure replicates the functional properties of silicone elastomer gels (thickening, gelling, smooth skin feel) while using environmentally benign components, thereby achieving both aesthetic performance and environmental sustainability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Ease of manufacture

If silicone-based elastomers are used to provide unique silky and powdery sensory profile, then cosmetic performance is improved, but renewability and sustainability worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecosmetic performance and sensory profileVSAvoidrenewability and sustainability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies the原料 source parameters by using bio-based polyols (such as those from vegetable oils) and polyisocyanates to synthesize polyurethane elastomers. This changes the material from fossil fuel-derived silicone to renewable biomass-based polyurethane, maintaining cosmetic performance while achieving renewability and sustainability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Object-affected harmful factors

If traditional linear polymers and emollients are used as silicone alternatives, then environmental compatibility is improved, but aesthetic benefits and unique sensory profile are lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenvironmental compatibilityVSAvoidaesthetic benefits and sensory profile

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The invention develops a composite polyurethane elastomer gel system that combines cross-linked polyurethane network with bio-based emollients. This composite structure provides the unique aesthetic benefits and sensory profile of elastomer gels (ball bearing-like feel, smooth appearance) while maintaining environmental compatibility through bio-based components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the molecular structure parameter from linear polymers to cross-linked elastomeric gel network. This structural transformation enables the material to exhibit elastomeric properties (swelling in emollients, unique sensory profile) while using environmentally friendly bio-based materials, thus achieving both aesthetic benefits and environmental compatibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 meets the demand for sustainable ingredients by providing a silicone-free, biodegradable alternative with a favorable environmental profile and unique sensory properties, enhancing the aesthetics and feel of cosmetic formulations.

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

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPolyurethane reaction: Chemical Bonding

Implementation Method 2

Elastomer gels are capable of swelling in emollients and are useful as oil phase thickeners in cosmetic formulations

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSwelling: Absorption (physical)

Data Source

PatentUS12616644B2Polyurethane gels

Publication Date: 2026.05.05 GRANT IND INC

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 optionally a polyurethane reaction catalyst, optionally 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 comprising the polyurethane elastomers, and methods of making the same.