Oil-in-Water Cosmetic Emulsion Stabilization via Crosspolymer Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing oil-in-water emulsified cosmetics face challenges in achieving high ultraviolet ray protection while maintaining stability and providing a fresh, watery sensation, as high ultraviolet absorber content can cause stickiness and destabilize the emulsion.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a crosspolymer with (meth)acrylamidealkylsulfonic acid or its salt, dialkyl (meth)acrylamide, and (meth)acrylic acid ester structural units, along with anionic and nonionic surfactants, and methylene bis-benzotriazolyl tetramethylbutylphenol, to stabilize the oil phase and enhance the ultraviolet ray-protecting effect while minimizing surfactant content.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If large amounts of ultraviolet absorbers are added to achieve high ultraviolet ray protection, then the ultraviolet ray-protecting effect is improved, but the cosmetic creates discomfort including stickiness and destabilizes the emulsion

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveultraviolet ray-protecting effectVSAvoidstickiness and emulsion destabilization
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the ultraviolet protection function into two segments: an oil-soluble ultraviolet absorber (c) for UV absorption and a crosspolymer (e) for emulsion stabilization. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function without the harmful effects of using excessive ultraviolet absorbers alone.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The crosspolymer (e) containing (meth)acrylamidealkylsulfonic acid acts as an intermediary substance that stabilizes the emulsion structure. It mediates between the oil phase containing ultraviolet absorbers and the aqueous phase, preventing emulsion destabilization while allowing the ultraviolet absorbers to maintain their protective function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If water-soluble ultraviolet absorbers are added to reduce ultraviolet absorber content while maintaining protection, then the ultraviolet ray-protecting effect is maintained, but the emulsion stability is lowered because water-soluble ultraviolet absorbers are electrolytes that affect the emulsified state

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveultraviolet ray-protecting effectVSAvoidemulsion stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The crosspolymer (e) serves as an intermediary that counteracts the destabilizing effect of water-soluble ultraviolet absorbers (electrolytes) on the emulsion. It maintains the emulsified state even in the presence of electrolytes, allowing water-soluble ultraviolet absorbers to be used without compromising emulsion stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the chemical structure parameters of the polymer component by selecting a specific crosspolymer containing (meth)acrylamidealkylsulfonic acid with particular molecular weight and composition ratios. This parameter optimization enables the polymer to effectively stabilize the emulsion against electrolyte-induced destabilization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Stability of the object's composition

If a considerable amount of surfactant is added to achieve a more stable emulsified state and minimize stickiness, then the emulsion stability is improved, but the cosmetic creates a heavy, creamy sensation and lacks a fresh and watery sensation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveemulsion stabilityVSAvoidfresh and watery sensation during application
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The crosspolymer (e) acts as a superior intermediary compared to conventional surfactants. It provides emulsion stabilization through steric hindrance and electrostatic repulsion mechanisms, achieving stability with minimal surfactant content and preserving the fresh, watery sensation during application.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent optimizes the molecular weight and composition parameters of the crosspolymer (e) to achieve maximum emulsion stabilization efficiency. This allows for minimal surfactant content while maintaining stability, thereby preserving the desired sensory characteristics of fresh and watery sensation.

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 solution provides an oil-in-water emulsified cosmetic with excellent stability, high ultraviolet ray protection, and a fresh, watery sensation during application, without stickiness, effectively addressing the limitations of previous formulations.

Implementation Method 1

an oil-in-water emulsified cosmetic comprising... (b) an anionic surfactant... (e) a crosspolymer including a (meth)acrylamidealkylsulfonic acid or its salt

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEmulsification: Emulsion

Implementation Method 2

an oil-soluble ultraviolet absorber (c), a water-soluble ultraviolet absorber (d)... preventing and/or reducing the effects of UV radiations onto the keratinic materials

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAbsorption (EM radiation): Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentEP3897856B1Oil-in-water emulsified cosmetic with ultraviolet ray-protecting effect
Publication Date: 2024.11.27 LVMH RECH
  • EP3897856B1 patent drawing
  • EP3897856B1 patent drawing
  • EP3897856B1 patent drawing

AI summary

An oil-in-water emulsified cosmetic comprising in a cosmetically acceptable medium, (a) an aqueous phase, (b) an anionic surfactant, (c) an oil-soluble ultraviolet absorber, (d) a water-soluble ultraviolet absorber and (e) a crosspolymer including a (meth)acrylamidealkylsulfonic acid or its salt, a dialkyl (meth)acrylamide and a (meth)acrylic acid ester as structural units.