Cleansing Cosmetic Composition Viscosity Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing makeup cleansing compositions fail to effectively remove difficult-to-remove makeup like mascara without dripping during application and leaving an oily or slimy residue on the skin, while also posing safety concerns such as eye irritation.

Innovation Solution

A cleansing cosmetic composition comprising 1-15% silicone oil, 1-15% volatile hydrocarbon oil, 5-20% dihydric glycol, 5-40% polyoxyethylene glyceryl fatty acid ester, and 15-88% water, with a viscosity of 100-500 mPa·s, which balances cleansing power, applicability, and skin freshness.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If cleansing oils containing large amounts of oil are used to remove makeup, then makeup removal power is improved, but the composition becomes difficult to apply due to dripping and running on the face

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemakeup removal powerVSAvoidapplicability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the physical parameters of the composition by controlling viscosity to 100-500 mPa·s and adjusting the oil-to-water ratio. This transforms the composition from a low-viscosity liquid that drips into a higher-viscosity formulation that maintains makeup removal efficacy while preventing running and dripping during application.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite formulation combining oil components (for makeup removal) with water-soluble components and thickening agents. This composite structure allows the composition to maintain high oil content for effective makeup dissolution while incorporating water-soluble polymers and surfactants that control viscosity and prevent dripping.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Productivity

If cleansing oils with high oil content are used, then cleansing power is improved, but an oily and slimy feel remains on the skin after washing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecleansing powerVSAvoidoily and slimy feel
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent adjusts the composition parameters to achieve a balanced oil-to-water ratio and incorporates water-soluble components that modify the feel of the residue. By controlling viscosity and incorporating specific surfactants, the formulation reduces the oily and slimy sensation while preserving effective makeup removal capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces water-soluble surfactants and polymers as intermediary substances that facilitate the emulsification and rinsing of oil components. These intermediaries allow the oil to effectively dissolve makeup while being easily washed away with water, preventing the accumulation of oily residue on the skin.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If low viscosity composition is used for easy application, then applicability is improved, but the composition drips from hand and runs on face during application

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveapplicabilityVSAvoiddripping and running
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes the viscosity parameter to a specific range (100-500 mPa·s) that provides the right balance between applicability and drip prevention. This viscosity level allows the composition to spread easily on the skin while being thick enough to resist gravity and prevent running down the face during application.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Object-affected harmful factors

If ester or ether of lauryl or tetradecyl group and hydrophilic substance are added to improve safety, then eye irritation is reduced, but the composition still causes sore eyes when entering eyes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveeye irritationVSAvoidsafety
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent adjusts the concentration and selection of surfactant components to reduce irritation potential. By optimizing the types and amounts of surfactants used, the formulation achieves lower irritation levels while maintaining effective cleansing performance, though complete elimination of eye irritation remains challenging.

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 composition ensures easy application without dripping, thorough makeup removal, and a fresh skin feel without irritating the eyes, while maintaining high cleansing power and safety.

Implementation Method 1

the melting action of which helps makeup come off

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSolubilization: Solvation

Implementation Method 2

the surfactant emulsifies the oil during washing off with water

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEmulsification: Emulsion

Implementation Method 3

a viscosity within a particular range... the cleansing cosmetic composition has a viscosity of 100 to 500 mPa·s at 25°C

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectViscosity modification:

Data Source

PatentEP2308457B1Cleansing cosmetic preparation
Publication Date: 2018.12.12 SHISEIDO CO LTD

AI summary

It is intended to provide a cleansing cosmetic composition that quickly removes makeup from the skin, is easily applicable onto the skin without dripping from the hand or running on the face during application, and can freshen the skin because of being washed off thoroughly. The present invention provides a cleansing cosmetic composition comprising (1) 1 to 15% by mass of silicone oil, (2) 1 to 15% by mass of volatile hydrocarbon oil, (3) 5 to 20% by mass of dihydric glycol, (4) 5 to 40% by mass of polyoxyethylene glyceryl fatty acid ester, and (5) 15 to 88% by mass of water, wherein the weight ratio between the silicone oil (1) and the volatile hydrocarbon oil (2) ((1)/(2)) falls within the range of 0.3 to 3 and the composition has a viscosity of 100 to 500 mPa·s at 25°C.