Cyclodextrin-Stabilized Ethanol-Free Emulsions for Fragrance

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is an increasing demand for ethanol-free products in fine fragrance applications, which have been hindered by skin irritancy issues in the past, necessitating a stable and ethanol-free emulsion solution.

Innovation Solution

The development of emulsions stabilized by cyclodextrins, specifically using an aqueous phase with water, an oil phase containing perfume oil and an oil-miscible solvent, and a stabilizer such as α, β, or γ cyclodextrin, which allows for the creation of stable oil-in-water or water-in-oil emulsions without surfactants or ethanol, enabling the dispersion of large oil droplets in water.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If traditional emulsion formulations are used to achieve stable emulsions, then emulsion stability is improved, but skin irritancy increases due to ethanol and surfactant content

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveemulsion stabilityVSAvoidskin irritancy
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention removes harmful components (ethanol and traditional surfactants) from the emulsion formulation while maintaining emulsion stability through an alternative stabilization mechanism using cyclodextrin-coated particles, thereby eliminating skin irritancy while preserving functional performance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention introduces cyclodextrin-coated particles as an intermediary stabilization mechanism that replaces traditional surfactants and ethanol, allowing the emulsion to remain stable without harmful ingredients by mediating between the oil and water phases through a biocompatible coating layer

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If ethanol-free formulations are developed to reduce skin irritancy, then skin compatibility is improved, but emulsion stability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveskin irritancyVSAvoidemulsion stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

Cyclodextrin-coated particles serve as an intermediary stabilization mechanism that replaces traditional surfactants and ethanol, allowing the emulsion to remain stable without harmful ingredients by mediating between the oil and water phases through a biocompatible coating layer

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the stabilization parameter from chemical (surfactants and ethanol) to physical-chemical (cyclodextrin coating on particles), maintaining emulsion stability while eliminating harmful substances through a fundamental change in the stabilization approach

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Quantity of substance

If high concentration of dispersed phase is used to increase perfume content, then product efficacy is improved, but emulsion stability worsens

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveperfume contentVSAvoidemulsion stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The cyclodextrin coating acts as an intermediary that enables high perfume loading by providing enhanced interfacial stabilization, allowing up to 50% perfume content while preventing coalescence through the protective cyclodextrin layer on particle surfaces

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses composite particles consisting of a core material coated with cyclodextrin, creating a multi-functional stabilizer that can handle high dispersed phase concentrations while maintaining emulsion stability through the combined properties of the core and coating layers

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

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

This solution provides stable, ethanol-free emulsions that can contain up to 80% dispersed phase and 50% perfume, offering an appealing visual effect and improved skin compatibility, while allowing for the formation of giant oil droplets in water, addressing the skin irritancy concerns and meeting industry demands.

Implementation Method 1

an emulsion stabilized by a cyclodextrin

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCyclodextrin stabilization: Adsorption

Implementation Method 2

stable oil-in-water or water-in-oil emulsions

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEmulsion formation: Emulsion

Data Source

PatentUS20240156711A1Pickering emulsions stabilized by cyclodextrin
Publication Date: 2024.05.16 FIRMENICH SA

AI summary

This invention relates to a liquid product in the form of an oil in water or a water in oil emulsion stabilized by a cyclodextrin, methods for obtaining the emulsions, consumer products, and uses thereof.