Electrostatically Sprayable Cosmetic Formulation for Uniform Skin Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sun screen formulations are not electrostatically sprayable due to their electrical characteristics and properties such as high surface tension and viscosity, leading to inadequate skin coverage and a 'zebra crossing' pattern on the skin.
Innovation Solution
A cosmetic formulation comprising 20-60 wt.% ethanol, 10-55 wt.% liquid polar emollients, 10-55 wt.% UV-A and/or UV-B filters, 0.5-15 wt.% polyalkyleneoxy terminated polyamide and acrylate film forming agent mixture, and less than 5 wt.% water, which improves electrostatic sprayability and provides nearly full skin coverage without streaking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional sun screen formulations are applied by hand or pump sprays, then sufficient UV protection is provided, but adequate skin coverage and uniform distribution are not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical application methods (hand application, pump sprays) with electrostatic spraying technology. The formulation is applied using an electrostatic spray device that charges the formulation particles, enabling them to be attracted to and distributed uniformly across the skin surface by electrostatic forces, thereby achieving near 100% coverage and eliminating zebra crossing patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the electrical characteristics of the formulation by adjusting its resistivity to a specific range (10^7 to 10^12 ohm·cm) and controlling its surface tension (20-50 mN/m). These parameter changes enable the formulation to be electrostatically sprayable while maintaining its UV protection functionality, allowing it to be properly atomized and distributed by electrostatic spray devices.
2Manufacturing precision
If conventional sun screen formulations are electrostatically sprayed, then uniform skin coverage is achieved, but the formulations are not electrostatically sprayable due to high surface tension and viscosity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the electrical characteristics of the formulation by adjusting its resistivity to a specific range (10^7 to 10^12 ohm·cm) and controlling its surface tension (20-50 mN/m). These parameter changes enable the formulation to be electrostatically sprayable while maintaining its UV protection functionality, allowing it to be properly atomized and distributed by electrostatic spray devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a composite formulation system that combines UV filters (such as avobenzone, octocrylene, homosalate), emollients (such as isopropyl myristate, dimethicone), and film-forming agents. This composite structure achieves the desired electrical properties (resistivity and surface tension) for electrostatic sprayability while maintaining effective UV protection and skin compatibility.
3Quantity of substance
If hand application method is used, then simple application process is maintained, but sufficient amount of formulation and adequate skin coverage are not ensured
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical application methods (hand application, pump sprays) with electrostatic spraying technology. The formulation is applied using an electrostatic spray device that charges the formulation particles, enabling them to be attracted to and distributed uniformly across the skin surface by electrostatic forces, thereby achieving near 100% coverage and eliminating zebra crossing patterns.
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 formulation achieves nearly 100% skin coverage with improved sun protection factor (SPF) and water resistance, ensuring uniform distribution and enhanced protection against UV radiation.
Implementation Method 1
In an electrostatic spaying device a voltage generator creates a high voltage which electrically charges the compounds of the cosmetic product. This results into a spray of the cosmetic product.
Implementation Method 2
the use of a film forming agent mixture, which comprises at least one polyalkyleneoxy terminated polyamide and at least one acrylate, the cosmetic formulation shows an improved electrostatic sprayability
Implementation Method 3
WO 2018/194086 refers to a coating film, which provides an ultraviolet protection effect and can be applied on the skin by electrostatic spraying.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to an electrostatically sprayable cosmetic formulation having a sufficient sun protection factor and water resistance, and which provides a sufficient, i.e. nearly full, coverage of the skin surface, when the formulation is applied on the surface of the skin by electrostatic spraying.