Single-Phase Gelled Micellar Water for Makeup Removal

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing makeup removal compositions are often two-phase, requiring shaking before application, and leave an oily finish on the skin, while single-phase micellar waters are not always effective on oily or acne-prone skin.

Innovation Solution

A single-aqueous phase gelled micellar water composition comprising salicylic acid or derivatives, a C2 to C6 alkanol, a crosslinked (meth)acrylic acid type gelling polymer, and a poloxamer, which effectively removes makeup without shaking and provides soothing benefits, significantly reducing skin imperfections.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If two-phase compositions are used for makeup removal, then good makeup removal is achieved, but the composition requires shaking before application and leaves an oily finish on the skin

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemakeup removal effectivenessVSAvoidapplication convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the aqueous phase and oily phase into a single-phase composition by using specific surfactants and co-surfactants that enable micellar formation in a single phase. This eliminates the need for shaking while maintaining effective makeup removal capabilities, directly resolving the contradiction between reliability and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical-chemical parameters of the composition by using specific concentrations of surfactants (0.1-10% w/w), co-surfactants (0.01-5% w/w), and adjusting pH levels (3-6) to achieve a single-phase stable system. This parameter optimization allows the composition to remain homogeneous without shaking while maintaining effective makeup removal.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If two-phase compositions are used for makeup removal, then good makeup removal is achieved, but an oily finish is left on the skin

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemakeup removal effectivenessVSAvoidoily residue on skin
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes the composition parameters by using low concentrations of surfactants (0.1-10% w/w) and co-surfactants (0.01-5% w/w), and controlling pH (3-6) to create a single-phase system that effectively removes makeup without leaving oily residue. The specific parameter ranges enable effective cleansing while avoiding the harmful oily finish.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses readily biodegradable surfactants and co-surfactants that provide effective makeup removal in a single application without leaving persistent oily residue on the skin. These components are designed to be easily washed away, eliminating the harmful oily finish while maintaining effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Ease of operation

If single-phase micellar waters are used, then freshness and comfort are provided, but effectiveness on makeup removal and skin cleansing is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveapplication comfortVSAvoidmakeup removal effectiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the comfort-providing single-phase micellar water system with additional functional components including co-surfactants (0.01-5% w/w), anti-imperfection agents, and soothing ingredients. This merged formulation maintains the freshness and comfort of single-phase micellar waters while significantly enhancing makeup removal effectiveness through the synergistic action of multiple components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite single-phase composition by integrating surfactants, co-surfactants, anti-imperfection agents, and soothing ingredients into a unified system. This composite formulation provides both the comfort of micellar water and the effectiveness needed for thorough makeup removal and skin cleansing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

4Object-affected harmful factors

If low quantities of active agents are used, then hypoallergenic properties are achieved, but effectiveness on skin imperfections may be reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveallergic reaction riskVSAvoideffectiveness on skin imperfections
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes the concentration parameters of active agents within specific ranges (surfactants: 0.1-10% w/w, co-surfactants: 0.01-5% w/w, anti-imperfection agents: 0.01-1% w/w) to achieve the maximum effectiveness at minimal concentrations. This parameter optimization ensures hypoallergenic properties while maintaining effectiveness on skin imperfections through the synergistic action of all components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses multi-functional surfactants and co-surfactants that perform multiple roles: they provide the micellar structure for makeup removal, contribute to soothing properties, and enhance the effectiveness of anti-imperfection agents. This multi-functionality allows low quantities of each component to achieve both hypoallergenic properties and effective treatment of skin imperfections.

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 composition achieves effective makeup removal and skin cleansing without leaving an oily residue, providing significant reduction in skin imperfections, even with low agent quantities, and is hypoallergenic for keratin materials.

Implementation Method 1

micellar water composition comprising salicylic acid or derivatives, a C2 to C6 alkanol, a crosslinked (meth)acrylic acid type gelling polymer, and a poloxamer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMicelle formation: Microemulsion

Implementation Method 2

at least one gelling polymer chosen from crosslinked (meth)acrylic acid homopolymers and crosslinked acrylic acid and C10-C30 alkyl acrylate copolymers

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGel formation: Gel

Data Source

PatentUS20250049665A1Anti-imperfection aqueous makeup removing composition
Publication Date: 2025.02.13 LOREAL SA
  • US20250049665A1 patent drawing
  • US20250049665A1 patent drawing
  • US20250049665A1 patent drawing

AI summary

The present invention relates to a composition, preferably a cosmetic makeup removal and/or cleansing composition for keratin materials, comprising an aqueous phase comprising:at least one compound chosen from salicylic acid and derivatives thereof,at least one C2 to C6 alkanol,at least one gelling polymer chosen from crosslinked (meth)acrylic acid homopolymers and crosslinked acrylic acid and C10-C30 alkyl acrylate copolymers, andat least one poloxamer.It also relates to a method for makeup removal and/or cleansing of keratin materials using such a composition.