Biphasic Cosmetic Composition Segmentation for Skin Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cosmetic compositions fail to effectively deliver both aqueous-based and oil-based ingredients to the skin while maintaining skin quality and avoiding synthetic components that can have unintended deleterious effects, and they face challenges in maintaining enzymatic activity during emulsification processes.
Innovation Solution
A bi-phasic, non-emulsion cosmetic composition is developed, comprising a hydrophobic liquid phase and a hydrophilic liquid phase that form globules upon agitation, allowing for simultaneous delivery of both phases to the skin without synthetic components, using squalane, algae extract, caprylic/capric triglyceride, sclerotium gum, Lactobacillus fermentation filtrate, ascorbyl glucoside, Crocus sativus flower extract, salmon hatching fluid filtrate, and particulates like gold flecks and inorganic pigments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If oil-based cosmetic compositions are used to moisturize skin, then skin flexibility and smoothness are improved, but the composition creates an unpleasant greasy and heavy feel
Solution Approach 1:
The cosmetic composition is divided into two separate phases (hydrophobic oil phase and hydrophilic aqueous phase) that remain distinct rather than fully emulsified. This segmentation allows the oil phase to provide moisturizing benefits while the aqueous phase provides a lighter feel, eliminating the greasy sensation of traditional oil-based cosmetics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state and distribution of oil in the composition by creating a biphasic system where oil exists as a separate phase rather than being fully dispersed. This parameter change in the system's structure allows oil to deliver moisturizing benefits without creating the unpleasant greasy feel associated with traditional oil-based cosmetics.
2Adaptability or versatility
If water-in-oil or oil-in-water emulsions are used to deliver both hydrophilic and hydrophobic ingredients, then the ability to deliver both types of active agents is improved, but the stability of the emulsion affects skin penetration rates
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than creating a stable emulsion that may compromise penetration, the patent segments the composition into two distinct phases that maintain their identity. Upon application and agitation, these phases form a temporary dispersed system that delivers both hydrophilic and hydrophobic ingredients without the stability issues of conventional emulsions, thereby improving skin penetration.
Solution Approach 2:
The composition transitions from a static separated biphasic state in the container to a dynamic dispersed state upon agitation and application. This dynamic behavior allows the system to adapt: phases remain separate for stability during storage, then disperse upon application to enable delivery of both ingredient types while maintaining reliable skin penetration.
3Strength
If fish egg hatching proteins are added to oil/water emulsion-based cosmetic compositions, then skin quality is improved, but maintaining enzymatic activity through the emulsification process is challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent places fish egg hatching proteins in the hydrophilic aqueous phase, separated from the hydrophobic oil phase. This segmentation protects the enzymatic proteins from denaturation that can occur during emulsification and storage, maintaining their biological activity while still allowing them to improve skin quality when applied.
Solution Approach 2:
The biphasic system acts as an intermediary that protects sensitive enzymatic proteins from harsh conditions. By providing a protective aqueous environment and avoiding high-shear emulsification processes, the system maintains enzymatic activity of the proteins while still delivering their skin-beneficial effects.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a non-emulsion bi-phasic cosmetic composition is used to deliver both aqueous and oil-based ingredients, then the ability to deliver both types of ingredients is improved, but the composition requires agitation to form globules for effective delivery
Solution Approach 1:
The composition is designed to be dynamic rather than static: phases remain separated during storage for stability, but transform into a dispersed globular system upon agitation. This dynamic transition enables the composition to deliver both aqueous and oil-based ingredients effectively while requiring only simple user agitation rather than complex application procedures.
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 composition improves skin quality by delivering both hydrophilic and hydrophobic ingredients effectively, enhancing skin hydration, exfoliation, and providing a sparkle effect while avoiding synthetic components and maintaining enzymatic activity, with improved stability and delivery of active agents.
Implementation Method 1
a hydrophobic liquid phase and a hydrophilic liquid phase separate from and having a meniscus in contact with the hydrophobic phase
Implementation Method 2
The hydrophilic liquid phase includes a suspending agent. When the composition is agitated, it forms globules of one of the phases suspended in the other phase
Data Source
AI summary
A bi-phasic, non-emulsion cosmetic composition for application to skin includes a hydrophobic liquid phase and a hydrophilic liquid phase separate from but in contact with the hydrophobic liquid phase. Either or both phases may include active ingredients useful for cosmetic applications. When the composition is agitated, a temporary mixture of the two phases results, wherein the mixture contains globules of one of the phases suspended in the other. The mixture containing globules is applied to skin as a cosmetic.