Emulsion Preservative System Using Aromatic Alcohols
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional preservatives in cosmetic and dermatological compositions, such as parabens and glycols, can cause skin irritation and instability in emulsions, and high concentrations of ethanol are hazardous and drying to the skin, while being ineffective in preserving inverse emulsions.
Innovation Solution
A preservative system comprising 0.01% to 1% aromatic alcohol, 0.01% to 1% aromatic carboxylic acid, and 0.01% to 0.5% chlorophenyl glyceryl ether, which does not require parabens, ethanol, or glycols with C5 to C12 alkyl chains, effectively inhibiting microbial growth without adverse effects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional preservatives (parabens, formaldehyde-releasing compounds) are used at relatively high levels to ensure microbial protection, then preservation effectiveness is improved, but skin irritation and allergic reactions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the preservative system by using aromatic alcohols (0.01-1%), aromatic carboxylic acids (0.01-1%), and chlorophenyl glyceryl ethers (0.01-0.5%) instead of conventional parabens and formaldehyde-releasing compounds. This parameter change maintains microbial protection effectiveness while reducing skin irritation and allergic reactions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite preservative system combining three different chemical classes (aromatic alcohol, aromatic carboxylic acid, and chlorophenyl glyceryl ether) to achieve synergistic microbial protection. This composite approach provides effective preservation while minimizing harmful effects on sensitive skin.
2Reliability
If high concentrations of ethanol are used as a biocide to protect cosmetic products from microbial spoilage, then preservation effectiveness is improved, but manufacturing and handling become hazardous and skin drying increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the concentration parameter by using low levels of aromatic alcohol (0.01-1%) and chlorophenyl glyceryl ether (0.01-0.5%) compared to high concentrations of ethanol required for effective biocidal activity. This parameter change maintains microbial protection while eliminating skin drying and handling hazards.
3Reliability
If mid-sized alkyl chain glycols (C5-C12) are used for anti-microbial activity, then preservation effectiveness is improved, but emulsion stability deteriorates due to surfactant-like properties
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical structure parameter by using chlorophenyl glyceryl ethers with specific molecular structures that do not possess surfactant-like properties. This parameter change maintains anti-microbial activity while preserving emulsion stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the problematic surfactant-like property from the preservative system by selecting chlorophenyl glyceryl ethers that lack surface-active characteristics. This extraction allows the preservative to provide microbial protection without disrupting emulsion stability.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If inverse (W/O) emulsions are formulated to provide adequate product protection, then consumer safety is improved, but preservation becomes difficult due to microorganisms being lodged in the continuous oil phase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite preservative system with aromatic alcohol, aromatic carboxylic acid, and chlorophenyl glyceryl ether that works synergistically to protect W/O emulsions. This composite approach addresses the challenge of preserving emulsions where microorganisms are lodged in the continuous oil phase.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the preservative system to include compounds with appropriate lipophilicity and antimicrobial activity that can effectively penetrate and protect the continuous oil phase of W/O emulsions, thereby ensuring consumer safety.
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 preservative system provides effective microbial protection without skin irritation, maintains emulsion stability, and is suitable for use in packaging that requires direct finger contact, ensuring consumer safety and product stability.
Implementation Method 1
chemical preservatives commonly used are in particular parabens and formaldehyde-releasing compounds; but these preservatives have, however, the drawback of causing irritation
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is directed to an emulsion composition, comprising: (i) from about 0.01 to about 1% by weight of at least one aromatic alcohol; (ii) from about 0.01 to about 1% by weight of at least one aromatic carboxylic acid; and (iii) from about 0.01 to about 0.5 % by weight of at least one chlorophenyl glyceryl ether; and wherein the composition does not require use of parabens, ethanol and/or glycols in order to preserve the composition.