Sulfate-Free Cleanser Viscosity via Fatty Acid Thickeners
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sulfate-free cosmetic cleansing formulations struggle to achieve sufficient viscosity and clarity, leading to unpleasant user experiences due to dripping and running during application.
Innovation Solution
A cosmetic composition comprising at least one sulfate-free anionic surfactant and a fatty acid thickener, which maintains transparency and achieves a desirable viscosity range of 3000 to 11000 cps, while being cost-friendly and stable over time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If sulfate-free surfactants are used in cosmetic cleansing formulations, then skin gentleness and mildness are improved, but viscosity and thickening capability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the formulation by introducing fatty acid thickeners (isostearic acid, linoleic acid, linolenic acid, oleic acid) at specific concentrations (0.1-5%) to modify the viscosity of sulfate-free surfactant formulations, achieving both skin gentleness and adequate thickness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite formulation combining sulfate-free surfactants with fatty acid thickeners, where the fatty acids serve dual purposes as both emollients and thickeners, achieving a synergistic effect that provides both mildness and viscosity
2Reliability
If higher concentrations of sulfate-free surfactants are used to improve self-assembly properties, then cleansing performance is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the fatty acid thickener serve multiple functions: as a thickening agent to improve viscosity, as an emollient to enhance skin feel, and as a cost-effective alternative to expensive rheological modifiers, thereby achieving good cleansing performance without significantly increasing cost
3Strength
If high concentrations of rheological modifiers are used to thicken sulfate-free cleanser formulations, then viscosity is improved, but foaming ability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses fatty acid thickeners that provide sufficient viscosity at low concentrations (0.1-5%), avoiding the need for high concentrations of rheological modifiers that would compromise foaming ability, thus achieving a balance between viscosity and foam formation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the concentration parameters of fatty acid thickeners to achieve the desired viscosity range (3000-11000 cps) without excessive amounts that would interfere with foaming, creating an optimal balance between thickness and foamability
4Strength
If common thickeners like xanthan gum or hydroxyethylcellulose are used to increase viscosity, then thickness is improved, but clarity and transparency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition by using fatty acid thickeners (isostearic acid, linoleic acid, linolenic acid, oleic acid) that are optically transparent, maintaining the clarity and transparency of the formulation while achieving the desired viscosity increase
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a clear composite formulation where fatty acid thickeners combine with sulfate-free surfactants to provide both viscosity and transparency, avoiding the cloudiness associated with traditional gum-based thickeners
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 composition provides a clear, jelly-like texture with good cleansing and sensory performance, maintaining stability and viscosity over several weeks, and is gentle on the skin without leaving residue or causing irritation.
Implementation Method 1
at least one fatty acid thickener, wherein the cosmetic composition is transparent and sulfate free
Implementation Method 2
at least one surfactant, which comprises at least one anionic surfactant
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a cosmetic composition that includes: (a) at least one surfactant, which includes at least one anionic surfactant; and (b) a fatty acid thickener. The cosmetic composition may be transparent and sulfate free.