Confocal Raman Spectroscopy for Antiperspirant Efficacy Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for assessing antiperspirant efficacy, such as the FDA procedure, are flawed due to interference from absorbent pads with compositions that form a skin layer, leading to inaccurate results and require costly clinical studies, necessitating a more precise and laboratory-friendly approach.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing confocal Raman spectroscopy to measure water content in the stratum corneum before and after applying a composition, allowing for non-invasive assessment of perspiration reduction through activities like exercise, which can be applied once or multiple times, and comparing results to determine efficacy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If an absorbent pad is used to collect perspiration in direct contact with the skin, then perspiration can be measured, but the absorbent pad removes the composition from the skin leading to inaccurate results
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an intermediary measurement approach by placing the absorbent pad in a holder above the skin surface, separated by a barrier (such as plastic wrap). This intermediary setup allows perspiration to be collected and measured without the pad directly contacting and removing the test composition from the skin, thus resolving the contradiction between measuring perspiration and maintaining composition integrity.
2Measurement precision
If a full clinical study is conducted to test antiperspirant efficacy, then comprehensive results are obtained, but the process is costly and time consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by using a simplified version of the clinical study protocol. Instead of requiring full clinical study conditions, the invention uses a controlled setup with an intermediary absorbent pad arrangement that provides sufficient measurement accuracy for screening purposes, thereby reducing time and cost while maintaining adequate efficacy assessment capability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional antiperspirant testing methods are used, then pore-plugging compositions can be evaluated, but film-forming and occlusive compositions cannot be accurately tested
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal testing method that works for all types of antiperspirant compositions including pore-plugging, film-forming, and occlusive compositions. The key is the intermediary absorbent pad setup that does not directly contact the skin, allowing all composition types to remain on the skin surface during testing and form their respective sweat-reducing mechanisms without interference, thus achieving both versatility and measurement precision.
Data Source
AI summary
A method to assess perspiration reduction of a composition comprising obtaining an amount of water in stratum corneum in a first area of skin on an individual using confocal Raman spectroscopy, applying a composition to the first area of skin on the individual, having the individual perform an activity to cause the individual to perspire, and obtaining an amount of water in stratum corneum in the first area of skin on the individual after the activity using confocal Raman spectroscopy.