Konjac-Tara-Algin Biopolymer Composition for Texture and Curl Retention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Cosmetic formulations using synthetic polymers for texture and stability face challenges in achieving an attractive, soft, and nice texture without compromising performance, while natural biopolymers often result in slimy or watery textures and inadequate hair styling properties.

Innovation Solution

A composition comprising konjac gum, tara gum, and algin in specific weight ratios, along with additional cosmetically acceptable ingredients, is formulated to provide improved texture, high bending stiffness, high curl retention, and low flaking, surpassing the performance of xanthan gum.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If natural biopolymers are used to replace synthetic polymers, then sustainability and natural aspects are improved, but texture quality deteriorates (slimy or watery texture)

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesustainability and natural aspectsVSAvoidtexture quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple natural biopolymers (xanthan gum, algin, konjac gum, tara gum) in specific ratios to create a composite formulation that achieves attractive texture while maintaining natural sustainability. This composite approach allows the formulation to overcome the individual limitations of each biopolymer and deliver both soft texture and styling performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent optimizes the concentration ratios of different biopolymers (e.g., xanthan gum 0.1-1%, algin 0.1-1%, konjac gum 0.1-1%, tara gum 0.1-1%) to achieve the desired texture profile. By carefully adjusting these parameters, the formulation transitions from slimy/watery textures to soft and attractive textures while maintaining natural composition.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Object-affected harmful factors

If natural biopolymers are used, then naturality is improved, but hair styling properties deteriorate (insufficient bending stiffness, curl retention, and flaking control)

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovenaturalityVSAvoidhair styling properties
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a composite of multiple biopolymers where each component contributes different functional properties. Xanthan gum provides thickening, algin contributes to film formation, konjac gum enhances elasticity, and tara gum improves stability. This synergistic combination achieves bending stiffness and curl retention comparable to synthetic polymers while maintaining 100% natural composition.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges multiple biopolymer functionalities into a single formulation system. By combining polymers with different molecular weights, charge characteristics, and rheological properties, the formulation achieves comprehensive hair styling performance including hold, flexibility, and anti-flaking properties that would be difficult to obtain with a single biopolymer.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Shape

If synthetic polymers are used, then texture and hair styling performance are improved, but sustainability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetexture and styling performanceVSAvoidsustainability
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent adjusts the molecular weight, concentration, and ratio parameters of natural biopolymers to match the performance characteristics of synthetic polymers. By optimizing these parameters, the natural formulation achieves equivalent texture quality and styling performance without compromising sustainability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent aims to copy the functional performance of synthetic polymers using natural biopolymers. The formulation replicates the texture, hold, and styling properties of synthetic alternatives while using only naturally derived ingredients, thereby providing a sustainable substitute that maintains consumer-expected performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

4Object-affected harmful factors

If biopolymers are used, then environmental compatibility is improved, but formulation performance deteriorates (texture and stability)

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenvironmental compatibilityVSAvoidformulation performance
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent develops a stable biopolymer composite system that maintains formulation integrity over time. The combination of xanthan gum, algin, konjac gum, and tara gum creates a synergistic network that provides both texture stability and environmental compatibility, preventing separation or degradation while maintaining natural composition.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Data Source

PatentEP4429776B1A composition comprising polymers
Publication Date: 2025.08.13 BASF SE
  • EP4429776B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4429776B1 patent drawingFigure 4
  • EP4429776B1 patent drawingFigure 15

AI summary

The present invention relates to a composition suitable for cosmetic applications, especially suitable for styling hair or for skin care purposes, comprising at least two of the components konjac gum, tara gum and algin, wherein the weight ratios of these components are within a specified range. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a raw material composition consisting of at least two of the said components, wherein this raw material composition can be used to make the composition according to the present invention. Furthermore, the present invention relates to the use of the composition for styling hair or for skin care.