Saturated C8-C14 Alkyl Amides for Fragrance Solubilization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current personal cleansers face challenges in solubilizing a wide variety of fragrances and high levels of fragrances, particularly those with hydrophobic chemical structures, which are difficult to incorporate in highly aqueous mixtures, and there is a need for surfactants or surfactant blends that can be formulated at high active levels up to 100%.

Innovation Solution

An oil-in-water emulsion comprising a continuous aqueous phase, a discontinuous phase with 0.1 to 35 wt.% of a saturated C8-C14 alkyl N,N-dialkylamide, and a fragrance, specifically using saturated C12-C14 alkyl N,N-dialkylamides, which act as excellent solubilizers for fragrances and emollients, enabling the formulation of stable emulsions for cosmetics and skin-care products.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If conventional surfactants are used in personal cleansers, then cleansing and foaming properties are achieved, but the ability to solubilize high levels of hydrophobic fragrances is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefragrance levelVSAvoidphase separation
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a composite surfactant system combining anionic surfactants with N,N-dialkylamides (specifically C8-C14 alkyl N,N-dimethylamides) to create a synergistic effect that enhances both cleansing performance and fragrance solubilization capacity, allowing high fragrance levels without phase separation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the chemical structure parameters of the secondary surfactant by using saturated N,N-dialkylamides with specific carbon chain lengths (C8-C14), which provides optimal balance between solubilizing power and compatibility with anionic surfactants, enabling high fragrance incorporation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If cocamide MEA or cocamide DEA are used as secondary surfactants, then viscosity and foam stability are improved, but irritation and regulatory compliance issues arise

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveregulatory complianceVSAvoidformulation flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces problematic long-chain amides (cocamide MEA/DEA) with shorter-chain N,N-dialkylamides (C8-C14) that provide equivalent or superior performance without the regulatory restrictions, effectively substituting a restricted material with an unrestricted alternative

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent modifies the secondary surfactant structure by using N,N-dialkylamides with 8-14 carbon atoms in the alkyl chain, which changes the molecular properties to reduce irritation potential while maintaining or improving viscosity-building and foam-stabilizing capabilities

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 use of saturated C8-C14 alkyl N,N-dialkylamides allows for the formulation of personal cleansers with excellent flash foaming character, foam volume, and foam feel, providing a luxurious after-feel and enabling the incorporation of high fragrance levels without phase separation, while avoiding the need for alkanolamide surfactants and meeting regulatory standards.

Implementation Method 1

Fatty N,N-dialkylamides are excellent solubilizers for fragrances, essential oils, and other hydrophobic cleanser components

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSolubilization: Solvation

Implementation Method 2

an oil-in-water emulsion comprising: (a) a continuous aqueous phase; (b) a discontinuous phase comprising one or more emollients

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEmulsion: Emulsion

Data Source

PatentEP3682863B1O/w emulsions comprising a saturated c8-c14 alkyl n,n-dialkylamide
Publication Date: 2023.03.15 STEPAN COMPANY

AI summary

The invention relates to an oil-in-water emulsion comprising: (a) a continuous aqueous phase; (b) a discontinuous phase comprising one or more emollients and 0.1 to 35wt.%, based on the amount of emulsion, ofasaturated C8-C14 alkyl N,N-dialkylamide. The fatty N,N-dialkylamides are valuable for formulating oil-in-water emulsions with good stability.