Multiple Emulsion Cosmetic Composition Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional multiple emulsion formulations in cosmetics, such as O/W/O and W/O/W, are structurally complex and thermodynamically unstable due to the use of surfactants in both inner and outer phases, leading to phase separation and instability over time.
Innovation Solution
A cosmetic composition with a multiple emulsion formulation where droplets of the inner and outer phases are densely packed in the outermost phase, with a distance of 5 μm or less between adjacent droplets, and comprising 80% to 100% of the total weight, stabilizing the formulation through inter-droplet forces and maintaining skin-friendly ingredients' stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If surfactants are used in inner and outer phases of multiple emulsion formulations, then emulsion formation is achieved, but formulation stability deteriorates due to Laplace effect and interfacial tension
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical-chemical parameters of the system by replacing traditional surfactant-based emulsification with a system based on droplet density and interfacial properties. By controlling the distance between droplets to 5 μm or less and adjusting the density distribution, the formulation achieves stability without relying on surfactants, thereby resolving the contradiction between stability and structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes surfactants from the multiple emulsion formulation, eliminating the source of instability caused by interfacial tension and Laplace effect. The formulation achieves emulsion stability through the physical arrangement and density differences of droplets rather than chemical surfactant agents
2Stability of the object's composition
If droplets are densely packed with distance of 5 μm or less, then formulation stability is improved through inter-droplet forces, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent establishes a specific parameter range for droplet distance (5 μm or less) that balances stability benefits with manufacturing feasibility. This quantified parameter provides clear guidance for production while achieving the desired inter-droplet interaction effects
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different density characteristics to different regions of the formulation, with droplets arranged in dense clusters rather than uniform distribution. This local density variation creates the necessary inter-droplet forces for stability while being more achievable in manufacturing than uniform precise spacing
3Stability of the object's composition
If droplets with 80% to 100% weight proportion are used, then emulsion structure integrity is maintained, but formulation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent defines a specific weight proportion range (80% to 100%) for droplets in the formulation, providing clear compositional guidelines that ensure structural integrity while simplifying formulation development through quantified parameters rather than complex multi-component systems
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 composition provides long-term stability and a fresh, hydrating effect by maintaining the integrity of the emulsion structure, allowing for the inclusion of low solubility or stability skin ingredients and preventing phase separation, even under storage conditions.
Implementation Method 1
due to the Laplace effect, interfacial tension acts towards a side where the surface area of droplets dispersed in a continuous phase is to be minimized, and thereby the pressure of the droplets in the inner phase is higher than the pressure of the droplets in the outer phase
Data Source
AI summary
A cosmetic composition containing a multiple emulsion formulation is provided. The multiple emulsion formulation contains droplets including an inner phase and an outer phase and an outermost phase, and an outermost phase. The inner phase may be an oil phase and the outer phase may be an aqueous phase, and the outermost phase includes silicon-based oil. The cosmetic composition may provide excellent formulation stability due to the distribution of the droplets very close to the outermost phase.