Glyceride Additive for Sunscreen SPF Boosting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current sunscreen boosters face challenges in enhancing UV protection with organic or mineral filters while maintaining skin feel and sustainability, as existing additives like micro-crystalline cellulose, galactoarabinan, and beeswax have limitations such as increased viscosity, discoloration, and non-vegan concerns.
Innovation Solution
The use of glycerides based on C12-C20 fatty acids as vegan additives that increase the in-vitro SPF by 2-fold, improve skin feel, reduce whitening of primary sun filters like titanium dioxide, and enhance water resistance in sunscreen formulations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If micro-crystalline cellulose is used as an SPF booster, then the UV protection is enhanced, but the viscosity of the composition increases and sprayability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical-chemical parameters of the booster additive by using glycerides with specific molecular weight ranges (500-5000 Da) and specific fatty acid compositions (C12-C20), which provides optimal balance between SPF boosting capability and formulation flow properties for sprayability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses glycerides that mimic the beneficial properties of natural waxes (SPF boosting, skin feel improvement) while avoiding their drawbacks (viscosity increase, non-vegan status), effectively creating a superior substitute that copies the good aspects without the bad aspects
2Reliability
If galactoarabinan is used as an SPF booster, then the UV protection is enhanced, but discoloration occurs at daylight and higher temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs glycerides that are chemically stable and do not undergo degradation reactions that cause discoloration, providing a long-lasting stable solution rather than a temporary fix
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potential harm of oxidative degradation (which causes discoloration in many additives) into a benefit by selecting glycerides with high oxidative stability, turning a vulnerable chemical property into a strength
3Reliability
If beeswax is used as an SPF booster, then the UV protection and skin feel are improved, but the product is not vegan
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and isolates the beneficial functional properties of beeswax (SPF boosting, emollient effects) and implements them through synthetic or plant-derived glycerides, separating the desirable functions from the undesirable animal origin
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal booster additive (glycerides) that can serve multiple functions (UV filtering, skin conditioning, emulsion stabilization) and is compatible with both vegan and non-vegan formulations, increasing its adaptability across different product lines
4Reliability
If triacontanyl PVP is used as an SPF booster, then the UV protection is enhanced, but unpleasant tacky skin feel occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the molecular parameters of the booster additive by selecting glycerides with specific molecular weights (500-5000 Da) and fatty acid chain lengths (C12-C20), which provide optimal skin feel properties without tackiness while maintaining SPF boosting efficacy
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 glycerides provide a significant increase in SPF, improve skin feel, and enhance water resistance without adverse effects, addressing the limitations of existing boosters and aligning with market demands for sustainable, vegan, and effective UV protection.
Implementation Method 1
A compound of formula (I) is a wax at room temperature, absorbs UVA and UVB radiation, and boosts the sun protection factor of sunscreen compositions
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
Suggested is an additive for sunscreens containing or consisting of glycerides based on C12-C20 fatty acids and at least one primary or secondary sun protection filter.