Clear Sunscreen Composition for Wet Skin Application
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sunscreen products fail to provide effective protection on wet skin, as they tend to dilute, smear, and form an incomplete, unattractive film that peels off, offering poor sun protection.
Innovation Solution
A composition comprising cross-linked copolymers of acrylic acid and a hydrophobic co-monomer, sodium polyacrylate, silicone acrylate, oil, water, and sunscreen actives, which remains clear and stable upon application to wet skin, preventing whitening and ensuring film integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional sunscreen products are applied to wet skin, then the application process is simple, but the sunscreen actives dilute, smear, and form an incomplete film that peels off
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a composite polymer system comprising both hydrophobic and hydrophilic polymers that work synergistically to create a film resistant to water while maintaining adhesion to skin. The hydrophobic polymer provides water resistance while the hydrophilic polymer ensures skin adhesion, solving the film integrity problem when applied to wet skin.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the physical and chemical parameters of the sunscreen formulation by incorporating specific polymer types and ratios, adjusting viscosity, and selecting appropriate solvents to ensure the formulation maintains film integrity on wet skin without diluting or smearing the sunscreen actives.
2Ease of operation
If conventional sunscreen products are applied to wet skin, then the application is straightforward, but the product takes on a pasty, white appearance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adjusts formulation parameters including the selection of transparent or translucent polymers, optimization of particle size for any inorganic UV filters, and control of viscosity to prevent pasty appearance. These parameter changes ensure the sunscreen remains aesthetically pleasing when applied to wet skin.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs different polymer components with specific properties in different ratios to achieve uniform clarity and prevent localized whitening or pasty appearance. The hydrophobic and hydrophilic polymers are distributed to ensure consistent optical properties across the film.
3Ease of operation
If conventional sunscreen products are applied to wet skin, then the application process is simple, but the protection from sun's rays is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple UV-filtering agents including organic UV filters and inorganic UV screens in a composite formulation. This composite approach ensures broad-spectrum sun protection while the polymer system maintains the uniform distribution and stability of these protective agents on wet skin.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates water-resistant polymers that automatically maintain film integrity and prevent loss of sunscreen actives when exposed to water or sweat, providing self-sustaining protection without requiring reapplication after water exposure.
4Stability of the object's composition
If a water-in-oil emulsifier is used to self-emulsify in the presence of residual water, then emulsification occurs, but severe aesthetic and performance problems still exist
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional water-in-oil emulsifiers with a composite polymer system comprising hydrophobic and hydrophilic polymers that provide superior stability without the aesthetic and performance problems of conventional emulsifiers. This composite approach achieves both emulsification and clear appearance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the emulsification mechanism by using polymer-based stabilization rather than traditional surfactants, adjusting the HLB balance through polymer selection to achieve stable emulsion with clear appearance and good performance on wet skin.
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 maintains clarity and stability on wet skin, providing uniform protection and preventing whitening, while ensuring effective sun protection and film integrity.
Implementation Method 1
at least one cross- linked copolymers of acrylic acid and a hydrophobic co-monomer
Implementation Method 2
cross- linked copolymers of acrylic acid and a hydrophobic co-monomer
Implementation Method 3
sodium polyacrylate
Implementation Method 4
at least one silicone acrylate
Implementation Method 5
conventional sunscreen products generally take the form of ultraviolet (UV)-filter compounds and/or particulate UV-screening compounds (collectively, 'sunscreen actives') that are solublized, emulsified, or dispersed in a vehicle
Implementation Method 6
at least one sunscreen active
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is directed to a composition containing: at least one cross-linked copolymers of acrylic acid and a hydrophobic co-monomer; at least one polyacrylamide; at least one silicone acrylate; oil; water; and at least one sunscreen active, wherein the composition is initially clear in appearance and remains clear in appearance upon application onto wet skin.