2-(4-Hydroxyphenoxy)-Propionic Acid for Stable Skin Whitening

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current cosmetic and medicinal agents for skin whitening and anti-aging are often chemically unstable and can cause skin irritation, and there is a need for more effective and safer substances to address abnormal pigmentation and signs of aging skin.

Innovation Solution

The use of 2-(4-hydroxyphenoxy)-propionic acid in combination with other skin-whitening actives in cosmetic compositions to provide a chemically stable and non-irritating solution for skin lightening, reducing pigmentation, and inhibiting melanogenesis, suitable for both cosmetic and medicinal applications.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional skin-whitening agents (e.g., hydroquinone derivatives) are used, then skin whitening effect is achieved, but skin irritation occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveskin whitening effectVSAvoidskin irritation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies the chemical structure of hydroquinone derivatives by changing parameters such as introducing 4-hydroxyphenoxy group at specific positions (e.g., 2-(4-hydroxyphenoxy)alkanoic acids), altering molecular weight, and adjusting functional groups to reduce skin irritation while maintaining whitening efficacy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses 2-(4-hydroxyphenoxy)-propionic acid as an intermediary substance that acts as a skin-whitening agent without causing the severe irritation associated with conventional hydroquinone derivatives, thereby mediating between the desired whitening effect and skin compatibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If chemically unstable substances are used for skin whitening, then whitening effect is achieved, but chemical stability is poor making incorporation into cosmetic compositions difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewhitening effectVSAvoidchemical stability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes chemical parameters by selecting specific alkanoic acid chain lengths (C1-C6) and modifying the molecular structure of 2-(4-hydroxyphenoxy)alkanoic acids to enhance chemical stability while preserving skin-whitening activity, making them suitable for cosmetic formulation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If higher concentrations of skin-whitening agents are used, then pigmentation reduction is enhanced, but skin irritation increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepigmentation reductionVSAvoidskin irritation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes concentration parameters by determining effective dosing ranges for 2-(4-hydroxyphenoxy)-propionic acid that achieve pigmentation reduction without causing excessive skin irritation, allowing for safe and effective cosmetic formulation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP2117498B1Use of derivatives of 4-hydroxyphenoxy acetic acid

Publication Date: 2013.10.02 COGNIS IP MANAGEMENT GMBH

AI summary

The present invention relates to substances which can be used as cosmetic ingredients, especially for skin whitening and as cosmetic agents against signs of ageing skin. The present invention also relates to the use of such substances for the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment of disorders related to the pigmentation of the skin.