Cosmetic Compositions Using EPA and GLA Derivatives to Prevent Odor

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Solution Overview

Problem

Cosmetic compositions containing long chain free fatty acids often develop unpleasant odors due to decomposition, leading to non-compliance with treatment schedules and reduced hydrophilicity, which is undesirable for skin care products.

Innovation Solution

Formulations comprising eicosapentaenoic free acid and gamma-linolenic free acid in specific weight ratios, combined with cosmetically acceptable excipients, that are free of unpleasant odors and suitable for topical use, addressing the odor issue while maintaining hydrophilicity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If free fatty acids (EPA and GLA) are used in cosmetic compositions, then desired therapeutic activity is achieved, but unpleasant odors develop due to decomposition

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetherapeutic activityVSAvoidunpleasant odor
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical parameters by using specific derivatives (esters, triglycerides, ethyl esters) of free fatty acids instead of the free fatty acids themselves. This parameter change maintains the therapeutic activity while preventing the decomposition that causes unpleasant odors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the harmful decomposition products (odorous substances) into beneficial stable derivatives. By esterifying the free fatty acids, the potentially harmful decomposition is prevented, and the derivatives themselves provide the desired therapeutic effects without odor issues.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

2Object-generated harmful factors

If derivatives of free fatty acids (esters, triglycerides) are used to avoid odor, then odor formation is prevented, but hydrophilicity decreases and solubility in aqueous compositions is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveodor formationVSAvoidhydrophilicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by selecting specific derivative types with different properties. Short-chain esters and ethyl esters are used where high hydrophilicity is needed, while longer-chain derivatives are used where more lipophilic properties are acceptable. This localized selection of derivative types optimizes both odor prevention and hydrophilicity for different application needs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses composite formulations combining multiple derivative types (esters, triglycerides, ethyl esters) of EPA and GLA. This composite approach allows the composition to achieve both odor prevention and adequate hydrophilicity by leveraging the complementary properties of different derivative types working together.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Object-generated harmful factors

If derivatives of free fatty acids are used, then odor is avoided, but preparation time and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveodorVSAvoidpreparation time
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-converting the free fatty acids into stable derivative forms during the formulation process. These derivatives are prepared in advance and incorporated into the cosmetic composition, eliminating the need for complex real-time odor control measures and reducing overall preparation time and cost.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP2892616B1Cosmetic compositions comprising eicosapentaeninic free acid and gamma-linopenic free acid
Publication Date: 2020.08.05 AFIMMUNE LIMITED
  • EP2892616B1 patent drawingFigure 1

AI summary

The present disclosure is directed generally to cosmetic compositions comprising eicosapentaenoic free acid and gamma-linolenic free acid. In some embodiments, the cosmetic compositions have a cosmetically acceptable odor.