Cosmetic Emulsion Stability with Alkyl Acrylate and Allylic Polymers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cosmetic compositions struggle to incorporate skin-beneficial ingredients while maintaining stability and sensory characteristics such as a non-tacky feel and hydrating properties.

Innovation Solution

A cosmetic composition that combines a C10-C40 alkyl acrylate polymer and an allylic polymer, along with an emulsifying agent, polar solvent, fatty substances, and other additives, to create a stable, low-tack emulsion that includes skin care ingredients.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If skin care ingredients are incorporated into cosmetic formulations, then skin care benefits are improved, but formulation stability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveskin care benefitsVSAvoidformulation stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses specific polymer combinations (C10-C40 alkyl acrylate polymer and allylic polymer) as intermediaries that mediate between skin care ingredients and the formulation matrix. These polymers act as carriers and stabilizers, allowing skin care ingredients to be incorporated without compromising formulation stability. The polymers create a compatible interface between hydrophilic and lipophilic components, enabling stable emulsion formation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs composite polymer systems combining C10-C40 alkyl acrylate polymer with allylic polymer (such as allyl stearate/VA copolymer). This composite approach creates a synergistic effect where the combination of polymers provides both stability and skin care functionality. The composite material structure allows for enhanced emulsion stability while incorporating beneficial skin care ingredients without phase separation or degradation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Stability of the object's composition

If skin care ingredients are added to maintain stability, then formulation stability is improved, but sensory characteristics deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveformulation stabilityVSAvoidsensory characteristics
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes parameter changes in polymer composition and molecular weight to achieve the desired balance between stability and sensory properties. By selecting specific ranges for alkyl chain length (C10-C40) and copolymer ratios, the formulation achieves optimal viscosity, spreadability, and non-tacky feel. The parameter optimization ensures that skin care ingredients are incorporated at concentrations that maintain both stability and pleasant sensory characteristics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by creating different functional zones within the formulation structure. The polymer network provides structural stability in the bulk phase, while the emulsifying agents and skin care ingredients are distributed locally at the oil-water interface. This localized arrangement allows skin care ingredients to be effective without affecting the overall sensory properties of the formulation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Ease of operation

If cosmetic additives are used to improve sensory properties, then sensory characteristics are improved, but formulation stability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensory characteristicsVSAvoidformulation stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs emulsifying agents and stabilizers as intermediaries that mediate between sensory enhancement additives and the formulation matrix. These intermediaries create compatible interfaces, allowing additives that improve sensory properties (such as emollients, humectants, and polymers) to be incorporated without causing phase separation or stability issues. The intermediaries act as bridges between hydrophilic and lipophilic components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses composite emulsion systems combining multiple polymers, emulsifying agents, and skin care ingredients in a synergistic formulation. This composite approach allows for the incorporation of sensory-enhancing additives while maintaining stability through the cooperative action of multiple components. The composite structure provides both aesthetic appeal and formulation stability simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

4Stability of the object's composition

If emulsion stability is improved through polymer combination, then formulation stability is improved, but complexity of formulation increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveemulsion stabilityVSAvoidformulation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent selects polymers that serve multiple functions simultaneously. The C10-C40 alkyl acrylate polymer and allylic polymer combination provides emulsion stabilization, skin care benefits, and sensory property modulation all within a single formulation system. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate stabilizing agents, emulsifiers, or adjuvants, thereby managing formulation complexity while achieving enhanced stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 achieves improved stability and sensory properties, allowing for the effective incorporation of skin care ingredients while maintaining a non-tacky feel and hydrating properties.

Implementation Method 1

The composition may be an emulsion

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEmulsion: Emulsion

Implementation Method 2

combines a C10-C40 alkyl acrylate polymer and an allylic polymer to provide a unique experience. The combination surprisingly improves the stability of emulsions

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSteric stabilization:

Implementation Method 3

The composition may include an emulsifying agent or stabilizer, such as Polyglyceryl-4 Diisostearate/Polyhydroxystearate/Sebacate

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSurfactant: Surfactant

Implementation Method 4

The composition may include a polar solvent. The polar solvent may be a polyol. The polyol may be glycerin

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSolvation: Solvation

Implementation Method 5

The composition may include one or more fatty substances. The fatty substance(s) may be present in a total amount of at least 30% by weight of the cosmetic composition

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLipophilic interaction:

Data Source

PatentUS20250064691A1Cosmetic composition
Publication Date: 2025.02.27 LOREAL SA
  • US20250064691A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A cosmetic composition may be provided. The composition may include C10-C40 alkyl acrylate polymer and an allylic polymer. The composition may include an emulsifying agent or stabilizer. The composition may be an emulsion. The composition may include a polar solvent, such as a polyol. The polyol may include glycerin, and may include a glycerin ether derivative. The composition may include one or more fatty substances, a polymeric elastomer, a dispersing agent, a hydrocarbon-based resin, a polyolefin, a colorant, a preservative, a skin care agent, an antioxidant, or any combination thereof.