Hydroxyl-Rich Surfactant Composition for Low-Viscosity Cosmetics

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Solution Overview

Problem

Nonionic surfactants with polyhydric alcohol chains as hydrophilic groups face handling difficulties due to viscosity buildup, limiting the development of high-molecular-weight compounds, and existing formulations struggle to achieve low viscosity and ease of use.

Innovation Solution

A surfactant composition comprising a nonionic surfactant with at least two hydroxy groups per hydrophilic group and an oily component with one hydroxy group, formulated to have a viscosity less than 50% of the nonionic surfactant's viscosity, using a specific weight ratio and viscosity range to enhance handling and reduce viscosity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If nonionic surfactants with polyhydric alcohol chains are used to achieve emulsification and moisturizing functions, then safety and functional performance are improved, but viscosity increases making handling difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveemulsification functionVSAvoidhandling ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the molecular structure parameters of the surfactant by using polyglycerin-modified silicone instead of conventional polyhydric alcohol surfactants. This structural modification maintains the emulsification function while significantly reducing viscosity, making the product easier to handle.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite surfactant structure by modifying silicone with polyglycerin chains. This composite material combines the low viscosity and stability of silicone with the emulsification capability of polyglycerin, resolving the contradiction between function and handling ease.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If high-molecular-weight compounds are developed from polyhydric alcohol chains to enhance functionality, then emulsification performance is improved, but development is limited due to viscosity buildup

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveemulsification performanceVSAvoiddevelopment feasibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the base structure from polyhydric alcohol to polyglycerin-modified silicone, enabling the development of high-molecular-weight compounds without the severe viscosity buildup that limits conventional surfactant development.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If viscosity is reduced to improve handling, then ease of operation is improved, but emulsification efficiency may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehandling easeVSAvoidemulsification efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses composite polyglycerin-modified silicone structure that maintains emulsification efficiency despite low viscosity. The polyglycerin chains provide emulsification capability while the silicone backbone maintains low viscosity for easy handling.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the molecular parameters to achieve low viscosity while maintaining functional performance through the unique polyglycerin-modified silicone structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 a low viscosity and ease of handling, providing a pleasant user experience and improved emulsification efficiency in cosmetic formulations.

Implementation Method 1

nonionic surfactant having hydrophilic groups and at least two hydroxy groups per hydrophilic group

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSurfactant: Surfactant

Data Source

PatentUS20250281386A1Surfactant composition and cosmetic
Publication Date: 2025.09.11 SHIN ETSU CHEMICAL CO LTD

AI summary

Provided are: a surfactant composition containing(A) a nonionic surfactant that has two or more hydroxyl groups per hydrophilic group, and(B) an oily component that is in a liquid form at 25° C. and has only one hydroxyl group,the viscosity at 25° C. of said surfactant composition being lower than 50% of the viscosity of component (A) and said surfactant composition having low viscosity and excellent handling properties; and a cosmetic containing the surfactant composition and giving good feeling in use.