Block Copolymer Lip Gloss with Solvent Mixture for Wear and Comfort

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Solution Overview

Problem

Commercially available lip treatment compositions, such as lip glosses and lipsticks, often have limited wear and are uncomfortable due to high molecular weight polymers and tackiness, failing to provide long-lasting shine or gloss.

Innovation Solution

A cosmetic composition comprising a block copolymer with a hard segment having a Tg of 50° C. or more and a soft segment with a Tg of 20° C. or less, combined with a tackifier and a solvent mixture capable of solubilizing both segments, to create a comfortable and long-lasting shine or gloss.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of stationary object

If high molecular weight polymers with high viscosity are used to maintain wear of shine/gloss, then the longevity of gloss is improved, but the composition becomes tacky and uncomfortable to apply

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelongevity of glossVSAvoidcomfortability to apply

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by using block copolymers composed of distinct hard segments and soft segments. The hard segments (with Tg ≥ 50°C) provide structural integrity and gloss longevity, while the soft segments (with Tg ≤ 20°C) ensure comfort and ease of application. This segmentation allows each segment to independently fulfill its functional requirement without compromising the other.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs parameter changes by carefully controlling the glass transition temperatures (Tg) of the block copolymer segments. By selecting hard segments with Tg ≥ 50°C and soft segments with Tg ≤ 20°C, the composition achieves optimal balance between gloss durability and application comfort. The solvent mixture further modifies these parameters to fine-tune the physical and rheological properties.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Illumination intensity

If high refractive index fluids are used to enhance shine or gloss, then the gloss intensity is improved, but the wear of gloss remains limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshine or gloss intensityVSAvoidwear of gloss

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses composite materials by combining block copolymers with tackifiers and solvent mixtures. This composite formulation creates a synergistic system where the block copolymer provides both the optical properties (shine/gloss) and the durable wear characteristics, overcoming the limitation of using high refractive index fluids alone which provided intensity but poor wear.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Ease of operation

If silicone fluids are used to improve shine/gloss, then the application comfort is improved, but the wear of shine leaves much to be desired

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveapplication comfortVSAvoidwear of shine

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by assigning different functional properties to different segments of the block copolymer. The soft segments locally provide the comfort and ease of application similar to silicone fluids, while the hard segments locally provide the durable wear and gloss retention. This localized functional distribution allows both requirements to be met simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 delivers a comfortable, long-lasting shine or gloss on the lips by optimizing the physical and rheological properties of the block copolymer with the solvent mixture, enhancing wear and reducing tackiness.

Implementation Method 1

the solvent mixture contains at least one solvent capable of solubilizing the at least one hard segment, and at least one solvent capable of solubilizing the at least one soft segment

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSolubilization: Solvation

Data Source

PatentUS8673283B2Cosmetic compositions containing block copolymers, tackifiers and a solvent mixture

Publication Date: 2014.03.18 LOREAL SA

AI summary

A cosmetic composition containing at least one block copolymer having at least one hard segment and at least one soft segment, at least one tackifier component, a solvent mixture, and optionally, at least one colorant, and wherein the at least one hard segment has a Tg value of 50° C. or more, the at least one soft segment has a Tg value of 20° C. or less, and wherein the solvent mixture contains at least one solvent capable of solubilizing the at least one hard segment, and at least one solvent capable of solubilizing the at least one soft segment.