ETPEA Polymer Sunscreen Compositions for High SPF and Non-Fluffing Sprays

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sunscreen products face challenges in achieving high sun protection factors without compromising comfort and tend to cause fluffing on the skin, especially in spray forms.

Innovation Solution

Formulating ester-terminated poly(ester amide) (ETPEA) polymers into fluid aqueous compositions combined with photoprotective systems capable of screening out UV radiation, which enhances the sun protection factor and reduces fluffing effects.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If more screening agents are incorporated in high concentrations to reach high protection factors, then the sun protection factor is improved, but the comfort is impaired (tacky, coarse effect and/or greasy effect)

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesun protection factorVSAvoidcomfort
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a composite system combining ester-terminated poly(ester amide) polymers with conventional UV screening agents. The polymer matrix provides a unique microenvironment that enhances the performance of screening agents while maintaining comfort, resolving the contradiction between high protection factor and skin comfort.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the physical and chemical parameters of the sunscreen formulation by introducing ETPEA polymers with specific molecular weights and structures. This alters the rheological properties and interaction with skin, enabling high SPF without the typical uncomfortable effects of high concentrations of screening agents.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If spherical microparticles of porous silica are used to create spray form compositions, then ease of use is improved, but fluffing on the skin occurs after application

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of useVSAvoidfluffing effect
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The ester-terminated poly(ester amide) polymer acts as an intermediary substance between the spray formulation and the skin. It modifies the interaction dynamics, preventing the fluffing effect that typically occurs with spray applications while maintaining the ease of use benefits.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent modifies the physical parameters of the spray composition by incorporating ETPEA polymers, which change the flow and deposition characteristics of the formulation. This eliminates the fluffing effect while preserving the convenient spray application method.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If ester-terminated poly(ester amide) polymers are formulated into fluid aqueous compositions with photoprotective systems, then sun protection factor is increased, but the formulation complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesun protection factorVSAvoidformulation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The ester-terminated poly(ester amide) polymer serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a structuring agent, a comfort enhancer, and a performance booster for UV screening agents. This multi-functionality reduces the need for multiple separate ingredients, thereby managing formulation complexity while achieving high protection factors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 combination of ETPEA polymers with photoprotective systems in a cosmetically acceptable aqueous support increases the sun protection factor while maintaining a comfortable, non-fluffing texture, even in high-factor sprays.

Implementation Method 1

at least one photoprotective system capable of screening out UV radiation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectUV radiation absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentUS8778313B2Aqueous fluid photoprotective compositions comprising ester-terminated poly(ester amide) polymers
Publication Date: 2014.07.15 LOREAL SA

AI summary

Enhanced SPF and/or reduced fluffing fluid compositions for photoprotecting the skin and/or the hair against the damaging effects of ultraviolet radiation, contain:(a) at least one photoprotective system capable of screening out UV radiation; and(b) at least one ester-terminated poly(ester amide) (ETPEA) polymer, formulated into (c) a topically applicable, cosmetically acceptable aqueous support therefor; the subject aqueous compositions are advantageously vaporizable, especially in the form of sprays, confined within a pressurization device.