Hydroxypropyl Starch Phosphate and Caprylic Esters for Natural Cosmetics

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for a substitute for mineral and silicone oils in cosmetic preparations that maintains sensory properties such as spreadability and absorbability, while being free from animal-derived ingredients and polyacrylates, to meet the growing demand for 'natural' and 'vegan' products.

Innovation Solution

A mixture of hydroxypropyl starch phosphate and esters of caprylic acid and/or capric acid is used as a substitute for mineral and silicone oils in cosmetic preparations, specifically in the form of an oil-in-water emulsion, with a preferred weight ratio of hydroxypropyl starch phosphate to caprylic/capric acid esters ranging from 1:1 to 1:20, and incorporating additional emulsifiers, waxes, and vegetable oils to enhance skin care and aesthetic benefits.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If mineral oils and silicone oils are used in cosmetic preparations, then sensory properties such as spreadability and absorbability are improved, but the products fail to meet the demand for natural and vegan cosmetics

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovespreadabilityVSAvoidnatural ingredient compatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical parameters of the oil phase by using esters of caprylic acid and capric acid (C8-C10 fatty acid esters) instead of mineral or silicone oils. These plant-derived esters have molecular structures and physical properties that closely mimic natural skin oils, providing similar spreadability and absorbability while meeting natural cosmetic requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite oil phase system combining multiple plant-derived esters (caprylic acid esters and capric acid esters) with specific molecular weight ranges. This composite approach allows optimization of sensory properties by combining complementary characteristics of different esters, achieving mineral oil-like performance with natural ingredients.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Stability of the object's composition

If polyacrylates are used as thickeners, then viscosity and stability are improved, but whitening effect and stringy texture occur on the skin

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveemulsion stabilityVSAvoidskin appearance
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes polyacrylates and xanthan gum from the formulation entirely, extracting the problematic thickening agents that cause whitening and stringy texture. Instead, it uses a minimal amount of plant-derived esters and emulsifiers to achieve the desired consistency without the adverse visual effects on skin.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex polyacrylate polymers with simpler, plant-based ester mixtures that provide adequate thickening and stabilization. These natural esters are readily biodegradable and do not accumulate on the skin, avoiding the persistent whitening effect of synthetic polymers.

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

3Stability of the object's composition

If xanthan gum is used as a thickener, then viscosity is improved, but stringy texture and inadequate absorbability occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveformula consistencyVSAvoidabsorbability
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the molecular characteristics of the continuous phase by using plant-derived esters with specific carbon chain lengths (C8-C10). These esters have optimal molecular sizes that allow rapid skin penetration and absorption, unlike the large molecular structure of xanthan gum that creates stringy textures and impedes absorbability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS20220296493A1Particularly natural oil substitute for cosmetic preparations
Publication Date: 2022.09.22 BEIERSDORF AG

AI summary

Use of a mixture of a) hydroxypropyl starch phosphate (INCI: Hydroxypropyl Starch Phosphate) and b) esters of caprylic acid and/or capric acid as a substitute for mineral oils and silicone oils in cosmetic preparations and to their use in cosmetic preparations.