Hydroglycolic Cosmetic Composition Using Glycols for Active Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cosmetic compositions with high active content face instability issues, leading to precipitation and reduced effectiveness due to insufficient solubility and phase stability, necessitating the development of chemically stable formulations that maintain solubility and phase stability over time.
Innovation Solution
A hydroglycolic cosmetic composition comprising specific ratios of glycols and skin actives like ascorbic acid, cinnamic acid derivatives, and Vitamin E, formulated to maintain stability at temperatures between 5°C to 45°C and pH 3.0 to 3.5 for extended periods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If high amounts of actives are included in cosmetic compositions, then the protective effectiveness is improved, but the solubility and phase stability deteriorate leading to precipitation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces specific glycols (dipropylene glycol, pentylene glycol, hexylene glycol) as intermediary substances that act as solubilizing agents. These glycols mediate between the hydrophobic actives and hydrophilic water, enabling high active content (16-30%) while maintaining solubility and preventing precipitation through their molecular bridge function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent systematically varies and optimizes multiple parameters including glycol type and concentration (10-30%), pH level (3.0-3.5), temperature (5-45°C), and active composition ratios. By changing these parameters, the formulation achieves both high active content and stable solubility over extended periods (4-10+ days).
2Quantity of substance
If high amounts of actives are formulated, then the skin care effectiveness is improved, but the shelf life deteriorates due to instability and precipitation
Solution Approach 1:
The glycols serve as stabilizing intermediaries that prevent active precipitation throughout the shelf life period. Dipropylene glycol, pentylene glycol, and hexylene glycol specifically interact with ascorbic acid, cinnamic acid derivatives, and Vitamin E to maintain them in soluble form, extending shelf life to 4-10+ days without loss of effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes pH to 3.0-3.5 and controls temperature (5-45°C) to maintain chemical stability of actives. These parameter controls prevent oxidative degradation and precipitation reactions, ensuring high active content remains effective throughout the extended shelf life period.
3Quantity of substance
If the composition is maintained at high active content, then the protective benefit is improved, but the chemical stability deteriorates over time
Solution Approach 1:
The glycols act as chemical stability intermediaries, forming protective solvation shells around actives like ascorbic acid, cinnamic acid derivatives, and Vitamin E. This prevents direct contact between actives that would cause degradation reactions, maintaining chemical stability (no precipitation, decomposition, or clouding) over 4-10+ days.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent controls pH at 3.0-3.5 to optimize the stability of ascorbic acid and other actives, preventing oxidative degradation. Temperature control (5-45°C) further enhances chemical stability by minimizing reaction rates that would lead to decomposition or precipitation, ensuring reliability of high active content over time.
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 ensures stable solubilization of actives for up to 10 days, maintaining a clear single phase solution with high active content, enhancing the effectiveness and longevity of skin care benefits.
Implementation Method 1
The disclosure relates to a hydroglycolic cosmetic composition with a high active content that demonstrates stable solubilization of the actives
Implementation Method 2
there is a need for compositions that retain phase stability (do not form additional separate phases)
Data Source
AI summary
A hydroglycolic cosmetic composition includes at least one or a combination of skin actives comprising at least one of ascorbic acid, a cinnamic acid derivative, Vitamin E, or a combination of these, and a glycol or combination of glycols selected from the group consisting of: dipropylene glycol, pentylene glycol, hexylene glycol, a combination of dipropylene glycol and pentylene glycol, and a combination of dipropylene glycol and hexylene glycol. The composition demonstrates stability of solubility of the actives at temperatures in the range from about 5° C. to about 45° C. and at a pH that is in the range from about 3.0 to about 3.5, all over a time period up to at least about 4 days or more.