Foamable Sunscreen Nanoparticle Whitening and Inhalation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current sunscreen formulations, particularly those using zinc oxide and titanium dioxide particles, often result in inhalation hazards due to aerosol delivery and cause visible whitening on the skin, which is aesthetically undesirable and may not provide adequate protection against UVA radiation.
Innovation Solution
Development of foamable sunscreen formulations comprising zinc oxide and titanium dioxide particles with specific particle sizes and concentrations, combined with emulsion stabilizers, skin conditioners, emulsifiers, suspending agents, and film formers, which are designed to minimize residual whitening and enhance skin protection by matching the formulation color to the skin tone, thereby reducing inhalation risks and improving UVA protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If aerosol spray delivery is used for sunscreen formulations, then ease of application is improved, but inhalation hazard increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the sunscreen formulation from an aerosol spray (gas phase) to a foam formulation (liquid/gas mixture phase). This phase transition eliminates the inhalation hazard associated with aerosol sprays while maintaining ease of application through the foam's dispensable nature and ability to spread uniformly on skin.
2Reliability
If zinc oxide and titanium dioxide particles are used for sun protection, then protection against UVA and UVB radiation is improved, but visible whitening effect increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the particle size parameter of zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to the nanoscale range (1-100 nm). This parameter change allows the particles to provide effective UV protection while minimizing light scattering in the visible range, thereby reducing the visible whitening effect on skin.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a composite formulation combining zinc oxide and titanium dioxide nanoparticles with organic sunscreen filters and various cosmetic ingredients. This composite approach provides broad-spectrum UV protection while the organic filters and formulation components help mask or reduce the visible whitening effect of the inorganic particles.
3Illumination intensity
If particle size is reduced to minimize whitening effect, then aesthetic appearance is improved, but uniform composition and stability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces several intermediary substances including surfactants, polymers, and cosmetic ingredients that act as mediators between the nanoparticle phase and the continuous phase. These intermediaries prevent nanoparticle aggregation, ensure uniform distribution throughout the foam, and maintain formulation stability while preserving the aesthetic benefits of reduced particle size.
Solution Approach 2:
The complex composite formulation includes multiple components (zinc oxide nanoparticles, titanium dioxide nanoparticles, organic sunscreen filters, surfactants, polymers, and cosmetic ingredients) that work synergistically to maintain both the aesthetic appearance and the stability of the formulation.
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 foamable formulations effectively reduce the risk of inhalation and minimize visible whitening while providing enhanced protection against UVA and UVB radiation, ensuring a uniform and aesthetically pleasing application.
Implementation Method 1
comprise zinc oxide and titanium dioxide particles... providing enhanced protection against UVA and UVB radiation
Implementation Method 2
comprise zinc oxide and titanium dioxide particles... providing enhanced protection against UVA and UVB radiation
Implementation Method 3
foamable sunscreen formulations... effectively reduce the risk of inhalation
Data Source
AI summary
The present application relates to sunscreen formulations, including foamable sunscreen formulations, that comprise zinc oxide and titanium dioxide particles, suitably in the size range of about 1-100 nm. The compositions suitably produce a minimal residual whitening effect when applied to a skin surface.