Method of using in situ complexation of surfactants for foam control and conditioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current cleansing compositions either foam well but require long rinsing times or provide skin conditioning but lack foaming, failing to deliver a quick, effective, and moisturized cleansing experience.

Innovation Solution

A cleansing system comprising separate anionic and cationic surfactant compositions that form a combined composition with initial high foam volume, which rapidly breaks down to facilitate easy rinsing and provide moisturized conditioning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If foaming cleansers are used to provide quick and sufficient foaming, then cleansing efficacy is improved, but rinsing time increases and skin conditioning deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleansing speedVSAvoidrinsing time

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The invention divides the surfactant system into two distinct phases: an anionic surfactant phase for foaming and cleansing, and a cationic surfactant phase for conditioning and rapid rinsing. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specialized function without interfering with the other, enabling quick rinsing while maintaining effective cleansing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the chemical parameters of the surfactant system by using oppositely charged surfactants (anionic and cationic) that can complex with each other. This parameter change enables the foam to break down rapidly upon contact with water during rinsing, as the complexation reduces surface tension and accelerates foam collapse, thereby reducing rinsing time

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Loss of information

If foaming cleansers are used to provide visual indicator of cleansing, then cleansing perception is improved, but skin mildness deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleansing perceptionVSAvoidskin mildness

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention segments the surfactant functions so that the anionic surfactant provides the foaming visual indicator while the cationic surfactant provides the mildness benefit. The cationic surfactant's conditioning properties compensate for any potential harshness, delivering both visual feedback and skin gentleness simultaneously

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention converts the potential harm of strong foaming agents (which can be harsh on skin) into a benefit by pairing them with cationic surfactants that provide conditioning and mildness. The anionic-cationic complexation actually enhances skin feel by leaving a conditioning residue, turning what could be a harmful combination into a beneficial one

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If oil-based cleansing systems are used to provide skin conditioning, then skin feel is improved, but foaming capability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveskin conditioningVSAvoidfoaming capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges the foaming capability of anionic surfactants with the skin conditioning properties of cationic surfactants into a single dual-phase system. This merging allows the composition to deliver both functions: rich foaming for cleansing and conditioning residue for skin feel, something that oil-based systems alone cannot achieve

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 system achieves rapid foam breakdown for easy rinsing and provides a soft, gliding sensorial experience with enhanced moisturization, addressing the limitations of existing cleansers.

Implementation Method 1

in situ complexation of surfactants

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectComplexation:

Implementation Method 2

combination of: a first composition including an anionic surfactant; and a second composition including a cationic surfactant

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrostatic interaction: Ion Repulsion/Attraction

Data Source

PatentUS12514793B2Method of using in situ complexation of surfactants for foam control and conditioning

Publication Date: 2026.01.06 KENVUE BRANDS LLC

AI summary

A cleansing composition and method of using the cleansing composition, including a first composition including an anionic surfactant and a second composition including a cationic surfactant, where the first composition and second composition are maintained in separate containers and are dispensed and combined to form a combined foam, the combined foam having a reduced volume within a desired time after combination.