Composite Particles with Refractive Index Contrast for Soft Focus

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional topical compositions for improving skin appearance either hide imperfections without radiance or provide radiance with aesthetically displeasing skin appearance, failing to achieve a balanced soft focus effect that enhances skin's natural look.

Innovation Solution

Composite particles comprising a polymeric base with subparticles and/or voids of varying refractive indices are used, where the subparticles have an index of refraction above or below that of the polymeric base, creating a superior soft focus effect by scattering light and enhancing skin radiance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Difficulty of detecting and measuring

If traditional foundation-based products with absorbent fillers are used to hide skin imperfections, then skin imperfections are concealed, but radiance and natural appearance are lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevisibility of skin imperfectionsVSAvoidskin radiance
Core Design Contradiction:
Difficulty of detecting and measuringVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the optical parameters of the particle system by using composite particles with specific refractive index differences between core and shell materials. This creates controlled light scattering that conceals imperfections while preserving radiance through the soft focus effect.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs composite particles consisting of a core material with one refractive index and a shell material with a different refractive index. This composite structure enables simultaneous achievement of imperfection concealment and radiance preservation through optimized light interaction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Illumination intensity

If light scattering particles are used to achieve soft focus effect, then radiance and healthy glow are enhanced, but skin topography becomes aesthetically displeasing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveskin radianceVSAvoidvisibility of skin topography
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different optical properties to different regions of the particle structure. The core and shell materials have different refractive indices, creating localized optical effects that scatter light to enhance radiance while the overall particle structure maintains smooth appearance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent optimizes the refractive index difference between core and shell materials, along with particle size and distribution, to achieve the desired soft focus effect that enhances radiance without exaggerating skin topography.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Illumination intensity

If single-crystal platy barium sulfate or conventional particles are used, then some soft focus effect is achieved, but superior soft focus and natural appearance are not obtained

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesoft focus effectVSAvoidconsistency of soft focus performance
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses composite particles with core-shell structure where the refractive index difference between core and shell creates superior and more consistent soft focus performance compared to conventional single-material particles.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent systematically optimizes multiple parameters including core and shell material composition, refractive index difference, particle size, and concentration to achieve reliable and consistent superior soft focus performance.

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 composite particles provide a significantly improved soft focus effect, enhancing skin radiance and natural appearance while minimizing the visibility of imperfections, resulting in a more aesthetically pleasing outcome compared to conventional products.

Implementation Method 1

This occurs when incoming light is distorted by scattering (dispersion) wherein light is twisted into a variety of directions

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight scattering: Scattering

Implementation Method 2

The composite particles comprise a polymeric base and subparticles with or without voids, some of which have indexes of refraction above and some of which have indexes of refraction below the index of refraction of the polymeric base

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRefraction: Refraction

Data Source

PatentUS9993397B2Composite particles and compositions with composite particles
Publication Date: 2018.06.12 CONOPCO INC

AI summary

Composite particles and compositions with the composite particles are described. The particles have a polymeric base with or without voids and subparticles whereby the subparticles have indexes of refraction above and below the index of refraction of the polymeric base. When typically applied, the compositions impart excellent soft focus results on the skin of consumers.