Double-Coated Titanium Dioxide for Stable Self-Tanning Cosmetics

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Solution Overview

Problem

Combining self-tanning agents like erythrulose or dihydroxyacetone (DHA) with inorganic UV-filters, such as titanium dioxide, often results in unwanted discoloration and stability issues in cosmetic compositions, making it difficult to achieve a natural-looking tan without the risks associated with UV exposure.

Innovation Solution

A cosmetic composition comprising a self-tanning agent, specifically erythrulose, combined with a double-coated titanium dioxide that is substantially free of aluminum coating, featuring an inner inorganic silica coating and an outer organic coating, such as silicone oils, improves stability and transparency, reducing discoloration and enhancing chromaticity and homogeneity of the skin coloration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If inorganic UV-filters such as titanium dioxide are combined with self-tanning agents like erythrulose or DHA, then sun protection and tanning effects are achieved, but unwanted brown discoloration and stability issues occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestability of cosmetic compositionVSAvoidunwanted brown discoloration
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies an intermediary substance (coating material) between the titanium dioxide particles and the self-tanning agent to prevent direct interaction. The coating acts as a barrier that stops the chemical reaction causing discoloration while allowing the UV-filter and self-tanning functions to operate independently without interference

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The harmful reactive surface of the titanium dioxide is extracted or removed by coating the particles. This isolates the problematic interface between the inorganic UV-filter and organic self-tanning agent, separating their functions and preventing the discoloration reaction while maintaining both protective and tanning capabilities

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Adaptability or versatility

If typical self-tanning ingredients are combined with inorganic UV-filters, then comprehensive skin care is provided, but chemical incompatibility leads to formulation instability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomprehensive skin care functionalityVSAvoidformulation stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a composite structure where titanium dioxide particles are coated with a protective material. This composite approach combines the UV-filtering properties of titanium dioxide with the chemical stability of the coating material, enabling stable coexistence with self-tanning agents while maintaining comprehensive skin care functionality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The coating material serves as an intermediary layer that mediates between the inorganic UV-filter and organic self-tanning ingredients. This intermediary prevents direct chemical interactions that cause instability while allowing both functional ingredients to work together in the same formulation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If aluminium coated titanium dioxide is used in self-tanning compositions, then UV protection is enhanced, but discoloration of the composition increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveUV protection capabilityVSAvoiddiscoloration of composition
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the parameter of the coating material from aluminium-based to an alternative material that does not promote discoloration. This parameter change maintains the UV protection enhancement while eliminating the harmful discoloration effect by selecting a chemically compatible coating material

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 composition provides a stable, long-lasting, and homogeneous skin color similar to natural tanning, reducing the 'whitening effect' and maintaining appearance over time, while being safer than traditional UV exposure methods.

Implementation Method 1

the combination of certain titanium dioxides with a self tanning agent in cosmetic compositions overcomes the shortcomings of the prior art by significantly improving the stability of the compositions, reducing the discoloration of the formulations while showing an enhanced transparency

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectUV radiation scattering and absorption: Scattering

Implementation Method 2

at least one titanium dioxide which is substantially free of any aluminium coating characterized in that the self tanning agent is erythrulose and the titanium dioxide is a double coated titanium dioxide having an inner inorganic silica coating and an outer organic coating

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 3

self-tanning agents such as erythrulose or dihydroxyacetone (DHA) which, when topically applied onto the skin, in particular onto the face, elicit a tanning effect with an appearance more or less similar to that resulting from prolonged exposure to the sun (natural tanning) or under a UV lamp

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectChemical reaction with amino acids: Chemical Bonding

Implementation Method 4

The majority of cosmetic products for the artificial tanning of the skin are based on carbonyl derivatives which permit the formation of colored compounds by interaction with the amino acids of the skin

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMaillard reaction: Chemical Bonding

Implementation Method 5

the titanium dioxide is a double coated titanium dioxide having an inner inorganic silica coating and an outer organic coating selected from silicone oils, alkyl silanes, olefinic acids, polyols or organophosphonic acids and mixtures thereof

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhysical barrier protection: Physical Containment

Data Source

PatentEP2313069B1Novel cosmetic or dermatological compositions
Publication Date: 2016.09.28 DSM IP ASSETS BV

AI summary

The present invention relates to novel cosmetic or dermatological compositions comprising at least one specific titanium dioxide and at least one self-tanning agent and a cosmetically acceptable carrier. The compositions are in particular suitable for artificial/sunless tanning and/or browning of human skin.