Depilatory Gel Using Crosslinked Polymer to Reduce Malodor
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional depilatory compositions with thiol groups, such as potassium thioglycolate, generate unpleasant odors due to the formation of sulfur-containing volatiles, and often contain irritants like sodium hydroxide, which can damage the skin.
Innovation Solution
A depilatory gel composition incorporating a crosslinked poly(methylvinyl ether/maleic anhydride) co-polymer with a depilatory compound, magnesium chloride, and other components like urea and potassium thioglycolate, which reduces malodor and improves skin tolerance by maintaining a high pH and using magnesium chloride for crosslinking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If depilatory compounds with thiol groups (e.g., potassium thioglycolate) are used to degrade hair keratin, then hair removal efficacy is improved, but unpleasant malodour is generated due to sulfur-containing volatiles
Solution Approach 1:
A fragrance composition is introduced as an intermediary substance that masks the unpleasant malodour generated by sulfur-containing volatiles. The fragrance composition comprises multiple fragrance compounds in specific proportions (first fragrance compound 5-20%, second fragrance compound 20-40%, third fragrance compound 10-30%, fourth fragrance compound 5-20%) to effectively counteract the offensive smell while allowing the depilatory compound to maintain its hair-degrading function
Solution Approach 2:
The pH of the depilatory composition is optimized to a specific range (pH 9.0-11.0) to balance hair degradation efficacy with reduced malodour generation. This parameter change allows the thiol group compounds to effectively break down keratin while minimizing the formation of unpleasant sulfur volatiles, and ensures the fragrance composition functions optimally to mask any remaining odors
2Productivity
If traditional depilatory compositions are formulated to effectively degrade hair, then hair removal performance is improved, but skin irritation and damage occur due to compounds like sodium hydroxide
Solution Approach 1:
The pH of the composition is optimized to a controlled range (pH 9.0-11.0) that is sufficiently alkaline to enable effective keratin degradation by thiol compounds but not excessively high to cause severe skin damage. This parameter optimization allows the depilatory composition to maintain hair removal efficacy while reducing skin irritation compared to traditional high-pH formulations
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a composite approach by combining multiple fragrance compounds in specific proportions along with the depilatory compound at controlled pH. This composite formulation works synergistically to provide effective hair removal while the fragrance composition masks malodour and the controlled pH reduces skin irritation, creating a more tolerable overall product
3Object-generated harmful factors
If known agents (e.g., zinc oxide) are added to reduce malodour, then smell is reduced, but efficacy of the depilatory compound is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using known malodour-reducing agents that compromise efficacy, the invention changes the approach by optimizing the pH parameter to a specific range (pH 9.0-11.0) and introducing a specially formulated fragrance composition. This alternative approach reduces malodour through fragrance masking and controlled pH management without interfering with the chemical activity of the depilatory compound, thereby maintaining hair degradation efficacy
Solution Approach 2:
A fragrance composition is introduced as an intermediary masking agent that counteracts malodour without chemically interfering with the depilatory compound's function. The fragrance compounds physically mask the unpleasant sulfur volatiles rather than chemically neutralizing them, allowing the depilatory compound to continue degrading keratin effectively while the fragrance layer masks the resulting odors
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 effectively minimizes unpleasant odors during use and enhances skin tolerance by reducing irritation and malodor perception, outperforming existing products in fragrance assessment and skin tolerance tests.
Implementation Method 1
a depilatory composition in the form of a gel which comprises a depilatory compound and at least 1.5 to 5 wt% based on the total weight of the composition of poly(methylvinyl ether/maleic anhydride) co-polymer crosslinked with 1,9 decadiene
Implementation Method 2
compounds which have a thiol group such as potassium thioglycolate... capable of degrading keratin
Implementation Method 3
poly(methylvinyl ether/maleic anhydride) co-polymer crosslinked with 1,9 decadiene... magnesium chloride, and other components
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a depilatory composition in the form of a gel which comprises a depilatory compound having a thiol group and at least 1.0 wt % of poly(methylvinyl ether/maleic anhydride) co-polymer crosslinked with 1,9 decadiene.