Flexible Solid Cosmetic Composition with Anionic Surfactants

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional hair washing products, particularly shampoos, face challenges such as difficulty in dosing due to liquid viscosity, leakage, and inefficient rinsing, especially in water-scarce conditions, while solid formulations struggle with disintegration and foam initiation.

Innovation Solution

Aqueous cosmetic composition in the form of a flexible solid containing 15-60% anionic surfactants, 20% water, and polymeric conditioning agents, with specific viscoelastic properties to ensure non-sticky, easy application, and rapid foam generation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If liquid shampoo formulations are used, then easy application and foam generation are achieved, but dosing control deteriorates and product leakage increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveapplication easeVSAvoidproduct leakage

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the physical state parameter of the shampoo from liquid to semi-solid gel form by adjusting concentration and adding gelling agents. This transformation maintains the fluidity needed for application while providing enough structure to prevent leakage and enable precise dosing control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If thickeners are added to make composition more compact, then dosing control improves, but cosmetic effects deteriorate and rinsing requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedosing controlVSAvoidexcess product residue

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of using traditional thickening agents that leave residue, the patent modifies the rheological parameters through specific polymer selection and concentration optimization. This achieves compact consistency for controlled dosing while maintaining easy rinsing properties and preserving cosmetic effects.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses composite formulations combining multiple surfactants with specific polymers (carbomers, xanthan gum) to create a gel structure that provides both thickening and conditioning benefits. This composite approach eliminates the need for separate thickeners that would leave residue.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Volume of stationary object

If solid cosmetic formulations are used, then compactness and portability improve, but disintegration and foam initiation deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproduct compactnessVSAvoidfoam start-up speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of stationary objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms the formulation from solid bar to semi-solid gel state, optimizing the water content and gel structure parameters. This enables the product to maintain compact form for portability while allowing rapid water penetration and immediate foam generation upon contact with wet hair.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The gel formulation is designed to rapidly absorb water and generate foam through controlled hydraulic action. The polymer network structure allows quick water penetration and air incorporation, enabling fast foam start-up comparable to liquid shampoos.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

4Measurement precision

If thicker compositions are used, then dosing precision improves, but water consumption for rinsing increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedosing precisionVSAvoidrinsing water quantity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes the viscosity and elasticity parameters of the gel formulation to achieve a balance where sufficient product can be dosed precisely while forming a lightweight lather that rinses quickly with minimal water, reducing overall water consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 compact, easy-to-apply, and efficient washing experience with abundant foam, reducing water usage and leaving a clean feel, suitable for various textures and water conditions.

Implementation Method 1

one or more anionic surfactants, in a total quantity varying from 15 to 60% by weight relative to the total weight of the composition

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSurface tension reduction: Surfactant

Implementation Method 2

one or more polymeric conditioning agents chosen from non-silicone cationic polymers, non-silicone amphoteric polymers, silicones

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdsorption: Adsorption

Data Source

PatentEP2945706B1Soft solid cosmetic composition comprising anionic surfactants and polymeric conditioning agents, and cosmetic treatment method

Publication Date: 2021.01.06 LOREAL SA

AI summary

The invention relates to an aqueous cosmetic composition in flexible solid form, comprising: at least 12 wt.-% one or more anionic surfactants; and one or more polymer conditioning agents, said composition comprising at least one anionic surfactant selected from among acyl isethionates. The composition is preferably suitable for use as a composition for cleaning or washing keratin materials, particularly hair. The invention also relates to a cosmetic treatment method intended in particular for the care, cleaning and/or conditioning of keratin materials using said composition.