High-SPF Sunscreen Emulsion Using Hydrogenated Castor Oil
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sunscreen compositions struggle to achieve very high SPF levels, such as 70 or greater, even when using the maximum approved amounts of UV absorbers, and often lack desirable aesthetic properties as liquid emulsions.
Innovation Solution
A sunscreen composition comprising avobenzone, homosalate, octocrylene, octisalate, hydrogenated castor oil, and carnauba wax, formulated as a liquid, oil-in-water emulsion, which provides an SPF of at least 70 and maintains good aesthetics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If maximum approved amounts of UV absorbers are used, then SPF level is improved, but the composition cannot achieve very high SPF levels (70 or greater)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple UV absorbers (avobenzone, homosalate, octocrylene, octisalate) with non-UV ingredients (hydrogenated castor oil, carnauba wax) in a composite formulation. This composite approach allows the UV absorbers to work synergistically while the non-UV components contribute to film formation and SPF enhancement without adding more UV absorbers, thereby achieving SPF ≥70 without exceeding maximum approved UV absorber amounts.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical and chemical parameters of the formulation by incorporating hydrogenated castor oil and carnauba wax, which alter the film-forming properties and UV blocking characteristics of the composition. These parameter changes enable the composition to achieve high SPF levels through improved film integrity and UV reflection/absorption mechanisms rather than simply increasing UV absorber concentration.
2Reliability
If high concentration of UV absorbers is used to achieve high SPF, then SPF level is improved, but aesthetic properties as liquid emulsion deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite emulsion system combining UV absorbers with cosmetic ingredients (hydrogenated castor oil, carnauba wax, and other emulsion components). This composite formulation maintains liquid emulsion aesthetics while achieving high SPF through the synergistic interaction of multiple ingredients, where non-UV components contribute to film formation and UV protection without compromising the liquid texture and appearance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by having different ingredients perform specific functions: UV absorbers provide photoprotection, hydrogenated castor oil and carnauba wax provide film formation and aesthetic properties, and emulsion components ensure proper texture and application. This functional differentiation allows high SPF to be achieved without sacrificing the aesthetic qualities of the liquid emulsion.
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 high SPF levels of at least 70, preferably 75 or 100, while maintaining a liquid, lotion form with appealing appearance and ease of application, using a specific weight percentage of ingredients.
Implementation Method 1
sunscreen compositions typically contain a combination of organic UV absorbers such as avobenzone, homosalate, octocrylene, and octisalate
Implementation Method 2
the composition is a liquid, oil-in-water emulsion
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a sunscreen composition comprising: (i) avobenzone; (ii) homosalate; (iii) octocrylene; (iv) octisalate; (v) hydrogenated castor oil; and (vi) carnauba wax; wherein the composition is a liquid, oil-in-water emulsion and provides an SPF of at least 70.