Hydratable Cosmetic Precursor for On-Demand Customization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Customizing cosmetic compositions for individual consumers is challenging due to the time required to create personalized products and the potential waste associated with producing bespoke formulas tailored to a single consumer's unique skin needs.
Innovation Solution
A cosmetic composition precursor is developed, comprising partially neutralized fatty acid and high HLB surfactant, which can be rapidly hydrated with water or a water-miscible solvent to create a customizable end-use composition, allowing for on-demand production and reduced waste.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If cosmetic compositions are customized for individual consumers, then the product meets individual skin needs, but the production time and waste increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cosmetic composition is divided into two segments: a stable precursor formulation containing partially neutralized fatty acids and active ingredients, and a hydration step that converts it to final use form. This segmentation allows the precursor to be manufactured once and stored, then rapidly converted to multiple customized formulations by adding different amounts of water or water-miscible solvents, reducing both production time and waste.
Solution Approach 2:
The precursor formulation is prepared in advance with partially neutralized fatty acids (30-70% neutralization) and high HLB surfactants, creating a stable base that can be rapidly hydrated later. This preliminary action separates the complex formulation work from the final customization step, allowing quick adaptation to individual consumer needs without repeating the entire formulation process.
2Adaptability or versatility
If cosmetic compositions are customized for individual consumers, then the product meets individual skin needs, but the material waste increases
Solution Approach 1:
The precursor formulation allows customization through parameter changes - specifically, varying the amount of water or water-miscible solvent added to the fixed precursor base. This enables multiple customized formulations from a single precursor composition, reducing material waste by eliminating the need to manufacture separate batches for different consumer needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The precursor formulation serves multiple functions: it acts as a stable base formulation, a storage form, and a versatile platform for creating multiple customized end products. By making the precursor multi-functional, the invention reduces waste as the same precursor can be used to create various customized compositions for different skin types and needs.
3Stability of the object's composition
If traditional cosmetic formulations are used, then the product is stable, but the customization and on-demand production capability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The invention creates a dynamic system where the precursor formulation can be statically stored with partial neutralization (30-70%), then dynamically converted to the final hydrated form on-demand. The partially neutralized state provides stability during storage, while the addition of water or water-miscible solvents triggers rapid hydration and activation of the active ingredients, enabling customization without compromising stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The precursor-to-final-product conversion utilizes a phase transition approach: the precursor exists in a stable, low-water state suitable for storage and shipping, then undergoes a hydration phase transition when water or water-miscible solvent is added. This phase change activates the formulation and enables customization while maintaining stability during the transition and in the final product.
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 precursor enables rapid hydration and customization of cosmetic compositions, reducing production time and waste, while being sustainable and environmentally friendly, suitable for use as a refill with reduced plastic use.
Implementation Method 1
high HLB surfactant
Implementation Method 2
rapidly hydrated with the addition of water, water-miscible solvent or mixture thereof
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is directed to a cosmetic composition precursor that is rapidly hydratable and conducive to creating a personalized end-product. This invention thus relates to a cosmetic composition precursor having fatty acid, inorganic base, and high HLB surfactants and methods of using said precursors in creating the end-product. The invention also relates to end-use compositions made from the hydratable cosmetic composition precursor of the invention.