Colorimetric Detector for Glycerol in Antiperspirant Testing

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need to effectively demonstrate the moisturization effect of cosmetic compositions, particularly in antiperspirant products, to ensure their efficacy and differentiation.

Innovation Solution

A method involving a fibrous substrate with a detector substance for glycerol, which generates a visible color change upon contact with the cosmetic composition, is used to indicate the presence of glycerol, preferably at relative humidity levels below 80%, utilizing enzymes or inorganic salts with pH indicator dyes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a cosmetic composition is tested for moisturisation effect, then the ability to differentiate compositions with moisturising properties is improved, but the test complexity and conditions required increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection of glycerol presenceVSAvoidtest conditions and substrate requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a detector substance that undergoes a visible color change when it comes into contact with glycerol in the cosmetic composition. This colorimetric response provides a simple, visual indication of glycerol presence, enabling differentiation between compositions with and without moisturising properties without requiring complex instrumentation or procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a fibrous substrate as an intermediary carrier that holds the detector substance. This substrate facilitates the interaction between the cosmetic composition and the detector, providing a structured platform for the test while simplifying the overall testing procedure and making it more accessible for routine evaluation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the test is conducted at controlled relative humidity levels, then the reliability of glycerol detection is improved, but the ease of operation decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccuracy of moisturisation effect demonstrationVSAvoidtest procedure simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent specifies that the test should be conducted at controlled relative humidity levels (below 80%) to ensure reliable detection of glycerol. This parameter control prevents false positives that could occur in high humidity conditions, thereby maintaining test accuracy while providing clear guidance for operational simplicity.

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

This method allows for the clear differentiation of cosmetic compositions with moisturizing properties, as demonstrated by visible color changes, confirming the presence of humectants like PEG-8 and glycerol, and can also indicate antiperspirant effects through aluminum detection, providing a reliable assessment of product performance.

Implementation Method 1

a detector substance for glycerol, said detector substance generating a visible colour change to directly indicate the presence of glycerol

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectColor change: Photochromism

Implementation Method 2

contacting the composition with a fibrous substrate comprising a detector substance for glycerol

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAbsorption: Absorption (physical)

Data Source

PatentEP3156793B1Testing method for specific ingredients in antiperspirant and humectant cosmetic compositions

Publication Date: 2019.01.16 UNILEVER PLC

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AI summary

A method of demonstrating the potential for a moisturisation and/or antiperspirancy effect from a cosmetic composition, said method comprising contacting the composition with a detector substance for aluminium-containing antiperspirant salt and/or moisturiser, said detector substance generating a visible colour change to indicate the presence of aluminium-containing antiperspirant salt and/or moisturiser.