High-Viscosity Polyester Composition for Simpler Cosmetic Formulation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing polyesters derived from fatty acids and alcohols have low viscosity, necessitating the use of additional thickening or gelling agents, which complicates formulation and stability in cosmetic compositions.

Innovation Solution

A condensation reaction between dicarboxylic acid dimers and alcohols with hydroxyl functions, in the absence of monoalcohols, produces high viscosity polyesters with a low hydroxyl index, combined with biosourced hydrocarbon compounds, eliminating the need for additional structuring agents.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If existing polyesters derived from fatty acids and alcohols are used, then the cosmetic composition can be formulated, but the viscosity is low requiring additional thickening or gelling agents which complicates formulation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveformulation complexityVSAvoidviscosity
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the molecular parameters of the polyester by using dicarboxylic acid dimers and specific diols with controlled molecular weights and structures. This parameter change results in inherently high viscosity polyesters that do not require additional thickening agents, thus reducing formulation complexity while maintaining compositional stability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite system by combining dicarboxylic acid dimers with specific diols to produce a polyester with integrated thickening properties. This composite approach embeds the structuring function within the polyester itself, eliminating the need for separate thickening or gelling agents and simplifying the overall formulation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Stability of the object's composition

If waxes are used as structuring agents, then viscosity is increased, but greasy feel and matte appearance are produced which are undesirable in cosmetic products

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveviscosityVSAvoidgreasy feel and matte appearance
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical parameters of the structuring agent by using polyester molecules with specific functional groups and molecular architectures. This results in a viscous material that provides structuring without the greasy feel and matte appearance associated with traditional waxes, as the polyester maintains skin compatibility and shine

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional long-standing wax structuring agents with a novel polyester composition that achieves the same viscosifying effect without the harmful aesthetic side effects. This substitution eliminates the need to deal with the undesirable properties of waxes while maintaining the necessary rheological control

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

3Stability of the object's composition

If additional thickening or gelling agents are used to increase viscosity, then the cosmetic composition achieves desired structure, but the number of ingredients increases complicating formulation

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveviscosityVSAvoidnumber of ingredients
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the polyester multi-functional by designing it to simultaneously serve as both the base polymer and the thickening/structuring agent. This universal approach consolidates multiple functions into a single ingredient, reducing the total number of components needed in the cosmetic formulation while maintaining desired viscosity and stability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the functions of the polyester backbone and the thickening agent into a single molecular structure. By incorporating specific structural features directly into the polyester synthesis, the formulation requires fewer separate ingredients, simplifying both the ingredient list and the formulation process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 resulting mixture achieves high viscosity and naturalness, allowing for stable cosmetic compositions with improved properties without the greasy feel and matte appearance associated with waxes, while maintaining shine and durability.

Implementation Method 1

A condensation reaction between dicarboxylic acid dimers and alcohols with hydroxyl functions, in the absence of monoalcohols, produces high viscosity polyesters with a low hydroxyl index

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCondensation reaction: Condensation

Data Source

PatentUS20250281384A1Polyester, viscous mixture, process for preparing same and cosmetic composition
Publication Date: 2025.09.11 BIOSYNTHIS

AI summary

A mixture including: a) at least one polyester resulting from a reaction between at least one dicarboxylic acid dimer and at least one alcohol bearing at least two hydroxyl functions, the at least one polyester having a viscosity of at least 200 000 cSt at 40° C. and a hydroxyl number of less than 30 mg KOH/g, b) at least one biobased hydrocarbon compound. Also, the process obtains the polyester and the polyester. Also, a cosmetic composition includes the mixture and at least one compound chosen from non-volatile oils, volatile oils, glossy oils, pasty fatty substances, gelling agents, film-forming polymers, waxes, antioxidants, pigments, dyes, surfactants and an aqueous phase, and mixtures thereof.