Cationic Dextran Moisturizing Formulation for Cost-Effective Hydration

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for effective and cost-efficient moisturizing materials for skin care formulations that can absorb and retain moisture, as high-cost humectants like hyaluronic acid are limited to high-end products.

Innovation Solution

A method involving a cationic dextran polymer functionalized with quaternary ammonium groups is used to create a skin moisturizing formulation by combining it with a dermatologically acceptable vehicle, where the formulation contains 0.05 to 10 wt% of the cationic dextran polymer.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If hyaluronic acid is used as a humectant, then moisture absorption and retention ability is improved, but product cost increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemoisture absorption and retention abilityVSAvoidproduct cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces expensive hyaluronic acid with a cheaper alternative polymer that provides comparable moisturizing functionality. The cationic polymer described in the patent offers similar humectant properties at a lower cost, making it suitable for mass-market skincare products rather than being limited to high-end formulations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent modifies polymer properties by using cationic polymers with specific molecular weights and charge densities that mimic the performance of hyaluronic acid. By adjusting parameters such as polymer charge, molecular weight, and composition, the patent achieves comparable moisture retention at lower cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Object-affected harmful factors

If natural polymers are used for skin moisturization, then biocompatibility is improved, but manufacturing precision and consistency become more difficult to control

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovebiocompatibilityVSAvoidmanufacturing consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses semi-synthetic cationic polymers that combine natural polymer backbones (providing biocompatibility) with chemically added functional groups (providing consistent, controllable properties). This composite approach maintains the benefits of natural materials while achieving the manufacturing precision of synthetic materials.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent achieves manufacturing consistency by precisely controlling polymer synthesis parameters including molecular weight distribution, degree of substitution, and charge density. These controlled parameters ensure batch-to-batch consistency while maintaining biocompatibility through the use of biologically compatible polymer backbones.

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 method provides an effective and cost-efficient moisturizing formulation that can absorb and retain moisture, suitable for various skin care products, including leave-on formulations like lotions and creams.

Implementation Method 1

selecting a skin moisturizing agent based on its ability to absorb and retain moisture, wherein the skin moisturizing agent selected is a cationic dextran polymer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHygroscopic: Absorption (physical)

Data Source

PatentUS12576021B2Method of making and using a skin moisturizing formulation

Publication Date: 2026.03.17 UNION CARBIDE CORP

AI summary

A method for making a skin moisturizing formulation is provided, comprising: providing a dermatologically acceptable vehicle; selecting a skin moisturizing agent based on its ability to absorb and retain moisture, wherein the skin moisturizing agent selected is a cationic dextran polymer, comprising a dextran polymer functionalized with quaternary ammonium groups; providing the selected skin moisturizing agent; combining the dermatologically acceptable vehicle and the skin moisturizing agent to form a skin moisturizing formulation; wherein the skin moisturizing formulation contains 0.05 to 10 wt %, based on weight of the skin moisturizing formulation, of the skin moisturizing agent. Also provided is a method for moisturizing skin.