1,2-Hexanediol and 1,2-Octanediol Mixture for Cosmetic Emulsion Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cosmetic emulsions face challenges in achieving microbial stability, physiochemical stability, and sensorial profile, particularly in terms of droplet size distribution and skin feel, with limited preservative options and a need for additives that enhance antimicrobial efficacy and reduce droplet size.

Innovation Solution

The use of a binary mixture of 1,2-hexanediol and 1,2-octanediol in a specific weight ratio, preferably 25:75 to 75:25, in cosmetic, pharmaceutical, or dermatological emulsions to provide antimicrobial stability while shifting the average particle size to smaller droplets, improving spreadability and absorption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional preservatives are used to achieve microbial stability, then antimicrobial efficacy is improved, but the number of accepted substances is limited due to legal restrictions and negative press

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemicrobial stabilityVSAvoidnumber of accepted substances

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical parameters by using 1,2-alkanediols with 5-10 carbon atoms instead of traditional preservatives. This parameter change provides microbial stability while avoiding legal restrictions and consumer concerns associated with conventional preservative systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by selecting specific chain lengths (5-10 carbon atoms) for the 1,2-alkanediol molecules. This specific molecular characteristic provides the desired antimicrobial activity while maintaining compatibility with cosmetic regulations and consumer acceptance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Ease of manufacture

If larger droplet sizes are used in emulsions, then ease of manufacture is improved, but sensorial profile and spreadability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveemulsion preparationVSAvoidspreadability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the physical parameter of droplet size by using 1,2-alkanediols that shift the particle size distribution towards smaller droplets (d10 < 2 μm, d50 < 5 μm, d90 < 15 μm). This parameter change improves spreadability and sensorial profile while maintaining emulsion stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If smaller droplet sizes are achieved to improve spreadability, then sensorial profile is improved, but emulsion stability becomes more difficult to maintain

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovespreadabilityVSAvoidemulsion stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses composite materials by combining 1,2-alkanediols with specific surfactants and co-surfactants in defined concentration ranges. This composite approach creates a stable emulsion system with small droplet sizes (d10 < 2 μm, d50 < 5 μm, d90 < 15 μm) that maintains both spreadability and physiochemical stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes multiple parameters simultaneously - using specific 1,2-alkanediol chain lengths (5-10 carbons), optimizing surfactant concentrations (0.1-10%), and controlling droplet size distribution. These coordinated parameter changes achieve small droplet sizes while maintaining emulsion stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Device complexity

If single preservative substances are used, then simplicity of formulation is maintained, but antimicrobial efficacy is insufficient compared to multifunctional ingredients

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveformulation simplicityVSAvoidantimicrobial efficacy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies multi-functionality by using 1,2-alkanediols that simultaneously provide microbial stabilization and influence particle size distribution. This single ingredient performs multiple functions (preservation and texture modification) while maintaining formulation simplicity.

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 mixture effectively reduces droplet size, enhancing antimicrobial stability and sensorial properties, resulting in faster spreading and improved skin feel.

Implementation Method 1

mixtures of alkane diols of different change lengths have a synergistically enhanced antimicrobial effect in comparison to pure 1,2-alkane diols

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSynergistic effect:

Implementation Method 2

more and more traditional preservatives are replaced totally or partly by multifunctional ingredients with antimicrobial properties

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAntimicrobial effect: Preservative

Implementation Method 3

The faster the oil bodies of an emulsion are spread on the skin, the better is the perception of the customer. The spreading behaviour of a formulation - and therefore its sensorial profile - is linked to the average particle size of the droplets in the composition

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSensorial modification:

Data Source

PatentEP3045161B1Use of active mixtures of 1,2-hexanediol and 1,2-octanediol in cosmetic, pharmaceutical or dermatological emulsions

Publication Date: 2026.03.25 SYMRISE GMBH & CO KG

Figure 1~2D

AI summary

Suggested is an active mixture comprising (a) 1,2-hexanediol and (b) 1,2-octanediol.