Microalgae Hydrolysate Exfoliation for Sensitive Skin Smoothing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cosmetic exfoliating methods, such as mechanical peeling and fruit acid extracts, are aggressive and unsuitable for sensitive skin, leading to irritation and redness, while natural alternatives are limited and ineffective in promoting gentle, continuous exfoliation without stripping the epidermis.
Innovation Solution
Utilizing a hydrolysate of an extraction coproduct from the microalgae Phaeodactylum tricornutum, which is non-genetically modified and sustainably produced, to exfoliate the skin naturally and reduce skin microrelief.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If mechanical peeling or fruit acid extracts are used for exfoliation, then exfoliation effect is improved, but skin irritation and redness increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the exfoliating agent by using a hydrolysate with a specific pH range (3-6) and molecular weight distribution (average molecular weight between 100-10,000 Da). This modifies the gentleness parameter of the exfoliating composition, allowing effective exfoliation while reducing skin irritation compared to traditional fruit acids.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite exfoliating composition by combining the hydrolysate with other cosmetic ingredients such as humectants, emollients, and soothing agents. This composite approach enhances the exfoliation effect while the additional components mitigate potential irritation, resolving the contradiction between effectiveness and gentleness.
2Adaptability or versatility
If natural fruit extracts are used for exfoliation, then naturalness is improved, but aggressiveness increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and isolates the beneficial exfoliating components from natural sources (hydrolysate from microalgae or fruit by-products) while removing or reducing the aggressive elements. The extraction process produces a purified active ingredient that maintains natural origins but eliminates the harsh properties of whole fruit extracts, achieving both naturalness and gentleness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the molecular parameters of natural extracts by controlling the hydrolysis degree to achieve specific molecular weight ranges. This parameter change transforms aggressive natural fruit acids into gentler hydrolyzed forms that retain naturalness but reduce skin aggressiveness, allowing effective exfoliation without irritation.
3Productivity
If conventional exfoliating agents are used, then cell renewal is promoted, but epidermal stripping occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by using a hydrolysate that targets only the superficial dead cell layer (stratum corneum) for exfoliation, rather than penetrating deeper into viable epidermal layers. The controlled pH and molecular weight of the hydrolysate enable it to work effectively on the surface while leaving the underlying healthy skin intact, promoting cell renewal without epidermal stripping.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adjusts the pH parameter to a specific range (3-6) and controls the molecular weight distribution of the hydrolysate to ensure it acts gently on the epidermis. These parameter changes allow the product to promote cell renewal by removing dead cells while maintaining the structural integrity of the living epidermal layers, preventing over-exfoliation and damage.
Data Source
AI summary
A cosmetic or nutraceutical use of a hydrolysate of an extraction coproduct of the microalgae Phaeodactylum tricornutum to exfoliate skin and/or to reduce skin microrelief. A method of cosmetic care includes the topical application of a hydrolysate of an ethanolic extraction coproduct of the microalgae P. tricornutum or of a composition including it to exfoliate skin and/or to reduce skin microrelief.