Multi-Layer Skin Care Product with Segmented Powder Emulsion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing personal care products face challenges in delivering multiple skin benefits effectively, as combining multiple functional materials in a single product often results in difficulties such as stickiness, greasiness, and loss of appearance benefits, while layering products not designed to be used together can lead to complications like flakiness and uneven skin texture.

Innovation Solution

A multi-step product regimen involving a first layer with high glycerin content and a powder layer containing spherical particles, applied in a specific sequence, where the powder layer is an oil-in-water emulsion with a controlled non-volatile oil to particulate material ratio, to enhance skin feel and appearance benefits without the drawbacks of single-layer products.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If high levels of powder are used to provide skin feel and appearance benefits, then the skin appearance and texture are improved, but the product becomes hard to spread and loses its look benefits over time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveskin appearance benefitVSAvoidspreadability
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the skin care product into multiple layers: a first layer containing humectants and skin actives, and a second powder layer applied on top. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific function optimally - the first layer provides moisture and active ingredients without interference from powders, while the second layer delivers skin appearance benefits without the stickiness issue. The layers are applied in sequence rather than mixed together.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If high levels of glycerin are used to provide humectant benefits, then skin health and appearance are improved, but the product feels sticky and heavy on the skin

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveskin health benefitVSAvoidsticky feel
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent separates the humectant function (glycerin in the first layer) from the powder function (spherical particles in the second layer). By applying the glycerin-containing first layer first and allowing it to absorb into the skin, the sticky feel is minimized. The powder layer is then applied on top, providing a non-sticky surface that delivers skin appearance benefits without the harmful sticky sensation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple functional materials are combined in a single product to deliver multiple benefits, then the product provides comprehensive skin care, but the product becomes difficult to apply and maintains benefits poorly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemultiple skin benefitsVSAvoidapplication difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the multi-functional skin care product into two distinct layers applied in sequence. The first layer contains humectants and skin actives for skin health benefits, while the second layer contains spherical particles for immediate skin appearance benefits. This segmentation allows each layer to be optimized for its specific function, making the overall product easier to apply and more effective at maintaining benefits over time compared to a single combined product.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies the first layer containing humectants and skin actives before applying the powder layer. This preliminary action allows the first layer to be absorbed into the skin first, providing a base of moisture and active ingredients. Then the powder layer is applied on top to provide immediate skin appearance benefits without interfering with the absorption and function of the first layer.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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

This approach significantly reduces the sticky feel of humectants, enhances the smooth feel of powders, and increases the appearance benefits, providing a more effective and desirable skin texture and appearance compared to traditional single-step or uncoordinated product applications.

Implementation Method 1

Particulate materials also may provide an immediate visible benefit to the skin by diffusely reflecting light, which provides a matting effect to the skin.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight scattering: Scattering

Implementation Method 2

humectants and other skin actives to improve the condition and health of the skin

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAbsorption: Absorption (physical)

Implementation Method 3

emollients to lubricate the skin

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLubrication: Lubrication

Data Source

PatentUS9931285B2Multi-step product for improving the appearance and feel of human skin
Publication Date: 2018.04.03 PROCTER & GAMBLE CO
  • US9931285B2 patent drawing
  • US9931285B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A multi-layer product for improving the look of human skin by the steps of: apply to the skin a first layer that is a skin care composition; and applying to, and on top of, the first layer, a powder layer. The powder layer has from about 10% to about 30%, by weight of the powder layer, of substantially spherical particles selected from the group consisting of coated or uncoated starch, silicone elastomer particles, and combinations thereof. The powder layer is an aqueous based composition that is an oil-in-water emulsion comprising a non-volatile oil present in a concentration level such that the weight ratio of non-volatile oil to particulate material is from about 1:10 to about 3:2. At least one of, or both the first layer and the powder layer have a contrast ratio of less than about 20.