Cold-Process Emulsifying Composition for Stable Cosmetic Emulsions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional emulsion production in cosmetic products requires heating, which increases energy consumption and carbon emissions and complicates the use of heat-sensitive ingredients.
Innovation Solution
A composition comprising an emulsifier with a HLB value of at least 15, alkylene glycol, and water forms stable emulsions without heating, using a formulation that includes 8.0 - 30.0% emulsifier, 20.0 - 60.0% alkylene glycol, and 20.0 - 60.0% water, optionally with pH adjusting agents, to create stable emulsions at ambient temperatures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If heating is used to form emulsion, then emulsion stability is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the emulsifier system by selecting specific emulsifiers with HLB values of at least 15 and combining them with alkylene glycols in specific ratios (8.0-30.0% emulsifier, 20.0-60.0% alkylene glycol). This parameter change allows the system to achieve stable emulsification without thermal energy input, resolving the contradiction between stability and energy consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite emulsifying system combining specific emulsifiers (with HLB ≥ 15) and alkylene glycols in defined proportions. This composite material approach enables cold emulsion formation, eliminating the need for heating while maintaining emulsion stability, thus resolving the energy-stability contradiction
2Productivity
If heating is used to form emulsion, then mixing efficiency is improved, but carbon dioxide emissions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the chemical composition parameters by using emulsifiers with high HLB values (at least 15) combined with alkylene glycols, which enables effective mixing and emulsification at ambient temperatures. This eliminates the need for heating, thereby maintaining mixing efficiency while reducing carbon dioxide emissions from energy consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the thermal field (heating) with a chemically optimized emulsifying system. The specific composition of emulsifiers and alkylene glycols provides the necessary interfacial activity to achieve efficient mixing without thermal energy input, thus reducing harmful emissions while maintaining productivity
3Reliability
If heating is used to form emulsion, then emulsification is achieved, but heat-sensitive ingredients are degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operational temperature parameter from heated conditions to ambient temperature by optimizing the chemical composition (emulsifiers with HLB ≥ 15 combined with alkylene glycols). This allows emulsification to proceed effectively without heat, preventing degradation of heat-sensitive ingredients while achieving reliable emulsion formation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses alkylene glycols as intermediary substances that facilitate emulsification at low temperatures. These glycols act as co-emulsifiers that enhance the effectiveness of the primary emulsifier, enabling stable emulsion formation without thermal energy input, thus protecting heat-sensitive ingredients
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
Reduces energy requirements and carbon emissions by producing stable emulsions at room temperature, eliminating the need for heating and additional stabilizing compounds, while maintaining emulsion quality.
Implementation Method 1
They generally act by reducing the surface tension between water and oil molecules, allowing them to mix evenly and prevent separation over time
Implementation Method 2
Emulsions are systems of two or more immiscible liquids or immiscible liquid phases. One of the liquid phases forms the dispersion medium or continuous phase, in which the other phase is distributed in the form of fine droplets
Data Source
AI summary
The present application provides improved compositions with emulsifying properties, and related methods and uses, wherein said compositions with emulsifying properties comprise are liquid compositions comprising (i) 8.0 - 30.0 % (w/w) of an emulsifier with a HLB value of at least 15, in particular a C16-C20 acyl glutamic acid or a salt thereof, such as sodium stearoyl glutamate; (ii) 20.0 - 60.0 % (w/w) of an alkylene glycol comprising between 3 and 7 carbon atoms, such as pentylene glycol; (iii) 20.0 - 60.0 % (w/w) water; (iv) up to 5.0 % (w/w) of an ester between polyglycerol and a C10-C14 fatty acid, such as polyglyceryl-4-laurate; and (v) up to 5.0 % (w/w) of a pH adjusting agent, such as sodium hydroxide. When the improved compositions with emulsifying properties are added to and mixed with an oily phase and an aqueous phase, stable and smooth emulsions are formed which do not require heating or the addition of stabilizing compounds.