Emulsifying Wax for Solid Cosmetics via One-Pot Process
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cosmetic formulations struggle with incorporating high concentrations of hydrophilic substances into solid products, leading to challenges in stability and uniformity, particularly in one-pot processes.
Innovation Solution
An emulsifying wax composed of sunflower seed wax and polyglyceryl-3/4-polyricinoleate, in a specific weight ratio of 3:1 to 5:1, which effectively stabilizes hydrophilic components and allows for efficient incorporation of water within a solid matrix.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional multi-stage emulsification processes are used with synthetic PEG/PPG emulsifiers, then emulsion products can be formulated, but the process is complex and requires separate preparation of aqueous and oily phases under stirring and high temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the aqueous and oily phases into a single phase containing both emulsifiers (sunflower seed wax and polyglyceryl-3-polyricinoleate), allowing one-pot emulsification without separate phase preparation. This merging eliminates the complex multi-stage process while maintaining emulsion formulation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The emulsifying wax composition serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both the emulsifying agent and the structuring agent for the solid cosmetic composition. This multi-functionality simplifies the overall formulation process by eliminating the need for separate emulsifier and structuring agent components.
2Quantity of substance
If high concentrations of hydrophilic substances are incorporated into solid cosmetic products, then water-soluble active ingredients can be included, but stability and uniformity over time deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a composite emulsifying system combining two distinct emulsifiers (sunflower seed wax and polyglyceryl-3-polyricinoleate) in specific ratios. This composite material approach creates synergistic effects that enhance both the capacity to incorporate hydrophilic substances and the stability of the resulting emulsion, resolving the contradiction between high hydrophilic content and emulsion stability.
3Productivity
If synthetic PEG/PPG emulsifiers are used, then emulsion products can be produced through conventional processes, but uniformity and stability of the emulsion over time are not satisfactory
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the emulsifying system by replacing synthetic PEG/PPG emulsifiers with a natural-based combination of sunflower seed wax and polyglyceryl-3-polyricinoleate. This parameter change improves both the reliability (uniformity and stability) and maintains productivity through the one-pot process.
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 emulsifying wax provides enhanced stability, uniformity, and structural integrity to cosmetic formulations, enabling the creation of solid products with improved texture and longevity, including lip balms and stick formulations.
Implementation Method 1
solid cosmetic compositions in the form of solid water/oil emulsions
Implementation Method 2
emulsifying wax consisting of: a component A which is sunflower seed wax (Heliantuus annuus); and a component B which is polyglyceryl-3-polyricinoleate or polyglyceryl-4-polyricinoleate
Data Source
AI summary
The invention concerns an emulsifying wax, capable of incorporating water or hydrophilic substances into solid cosmetic compositions, a method for its preparation and the cosmetic products that contain it.