Cleansing Composition with Organic Buffer for Reduced Surfactant Foaming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cleansing compositions that aim to reduce surfactant concentration often compromise on foaming and cleansing performance, and the sourcing of surfactants can be costly and environmentally impactful.
Innovation Solution
A cleansing composition comprising a C10-C18 fatty acid, a surfactant, and an organic buffer, where the fatty acid is present in less than 12% by weight, the surfactant in 0.25 to 5% by weight, and the organic buffer in 0.1 to 3% by weight, which maintains foaming and cleansing performance even with reduced surfactant levels through the provision of a reservoir of counter ions and pH adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If surfactant concentration is reduced to lower costs and environmental impact, then cost and environmental sustainability improve, but foaming and cleansing performance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the system by introducing an organic buffer system (such as amino acids or their derivatives) that modifies the pH and ionic environment. This parameter change enables reduced surfactant concentrations while maintaining performance, as the buffer system creates optimal conditions for surfactant activity and foam stability at lower concentrations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite cleansing system combining multiple components: reduced surfactant, organic buffer (such as amino acids), and fatty acids. This composite approach allows the buffer and fatty acids to work synergistically with the surfactant to maintain cleansing and foaming performance even when surfactant concentration is reduced, thereby lowering cost and environmental impact.
2Reliability
If anionic surfactants are used to provide cleansing effect, then cleansing performance improves, but skin and hair feel dry, bristly, and tangled
Solution Approach 1:
The organic buffer system (amino acids or their derivatives) acts as an intermediary between the anionic surfactant and the skin/hair. This intermediary modifies the interaction by adjusting the local pH and ionic environment, reducing the harshness of the surfactant while maintaining its cleansing capability. The buffer system mediates the interface between cleanser and keratin materials to prevent damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the chemical parameters at the interface between surfactant and skin/hair by introducing organic buffers that adjust pH and ionic strength. These parameter changes reduce the stripping effect of anionic surfactants on natural oils while preserving cleansing performance, thereby preventing dryness, bristliness, and tangling.
3Reliability
If higher surfactant amounts are used to ensure foaming performance, then foaming performance improves, but cost and environmental impact increase
Solution Approach 1:
The organic buffer system changes the physical-chemical parameters of the formulation by adjusting pH and ionic environment. These parameter changes enhance foam stability and generation efficiency, allowing lower surfactant amounts to produce equivalent or superior foaming performance, thereby reducing the quantity of surfactant needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent develops a composite system where organic buffers (amino acids or derivatives) work synergistically with reduced surfactant amounts. This composite formulation enhances foam performance through the combined effects of the buffer system and surfactant, enabling lower surfactant loading while maintaining or improving foaming characteristics.
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 achieves enhanced or instant foaming effects with reduced surfactant levels, maintaining lather time and performance, and reduces the environmental impact and costs associated with surfactant sourcing.
Implementation Method 1
an organic buffer... which maintains foaming and cleansing performance even with reduced surfactant levels through the provision of a reservoir of counter ions and pH adjustment
Implementation Method 2
The cleansing composition is expected to foam, lather, and be rinsed from the body with relative ease
Data Source
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AI summary
A cleansing composition comprises: less than 12% by weight of a C10-C18 fatty acid; 0.25 to 5% by weight of a surfactant; and 0.1 to 3% by weight of an organic buffer. A method of forming a foaming composition is accomplished by forming the cleansing composition and agitating the resulting composition for less than or equal to 5 minutes.