C13 Hydrocarbon Mixture Odor Control in Cosmetics

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current cosmetic and pharmaceutical formulations using volatile linear hydrocarbons face challenges with odor interference and skin sensitivity, particularly in fragrances and perfumes, where the scent of hydrocarbon mixtures alters the perfume profile and requires masking, and there is a need for stable, odorless solvents for decorative cosmetics.

Innovation Solution

A hydrocarbon mixture comprising at least 95% by weight of linear C13 hydrocarbons, with specific proportions of C11/C12 and C14 to C17 hydrocarbons, which maintains the perfume profile and is suitable for use in fragrances and perfumes without altering their scent, and can be used in perfume-free formulations for sensitive skin.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If hydrocarbon mixtures with C11- and C13-chain length are used in fragrances and perfumes, then emollient properties and skin tolerability are improved, but the perfume profile is altered due to the hydrocarbon's own scent and specific volatility

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveskin tolerabilityVSAvoidodor interference
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by precisely controlling the chain length distribution of hydrocarbons (95-99.5% C13, 0.01-1.5% C11/C12, 0.1-3.0% C14 to C17) to achieve optimal balance between emollient properties and odor characteristics. This specific compositional parameter range minimizes unwanted scent while maintaining skin tolerability and emollient effect.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses composite materials by creating a multi-component hydrocarbon mixture rather than using a single hydrocarbon component. The composite consists of C13 hydrocarbons as the main component with controlled amounts of C11/C12 and C14 to C17 hydrocarbons, where each component contributes different properties that together achieve the desired balance of emollient effect, volatility, and odor characteristics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Adaptability or versatility

If hydrocarbon mixtures are used as solvents for perfume oils and fragrances, then solubility and formulation stability are improved, but additional purification steps are required to remove odor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesolvent suitabilityVSAvoidpurification process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-optimizing the hydrocarbon composition during production to inherently minimize unwanted odor and improve solvent properties. The specific chain length distribution (95-99.5% C13, 0.01-1.5% C11/C12, 0.1-3.0% C14 to C17) is established beforehand to reduce the need for subsequent odor masking or extensive purification steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses parameter changes by adjusting the compositional parameters of the hydrocarbon mixture to achieve optimal solvent properties. The controlled distribution of carbon chain lengths improves solubility for perfume oils and fragrances while simultaneously minimizing unwanted odor, thereby reducing the need for additional purification steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Speed

If volatile hydrocarbons are used in decorative cosmetics, then light sensory impression and volatility are improved, but formulation stability with pigments and dyes is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovevolatilityVSAvoidformulation stability
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies composite materials by creating a multi-component hydrocarbon mixture with specific chain length distribution (C13 dominant with controlled C11/C12 and C14 to C17 content). This composite structure provides both the desired volatility for light sensory impression and improved formulation stability with pigments and dyes, as the different hydrocarbon components work synergistically to maintain stability while enabling rapid evaporation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses parameter changes by optimizing the compositional parameters of the hydrocarbon mixture to achieve the right balance between volatility and stability. The specific carbon chain length distribution (95-99.5% C13, 0.01-1.5% C11/C12, 0.1-3.0% C14 to C17) provides sufficient volatility for decorative cosmetics while the presence of longer chain components (C14 to C17) enhances formulation stability with pigments and dyes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS20240033197A1C13 - hydrocarbon mixture and use thereof
Publication Date: 2024.02.01 BASF SE
  • US20240033197A1 patent drawing
  • US20240033197A1 patent drawing
  • US20240033197A1 patent drawing

AI summary

The present invention relates to a specific hydrocarbon mixture comprising at least 95% by weight of saturated linear C-13 hydrocarbon based on the sum of the hydrocarbons in the hydrocarbon mixture, characterized in that the amount of C11/C12 is 0.05 to 1.5% by weight based on the sum of the hydrocarbons in the hydrocarbon mixture and the amount of C14 to C17 is 0.2 to 3.5 % by weight based on the sum of the hydrocarbons in the hydrocarbon mixture and the use thereof in cosmetic and/or pharmaceutical formulations, and to cosmetic formulations comprising the hydrocarbon mixture.