N-acetylcysteine Cosmetic Preparations Odour Control
Solution Overview
Problem
The unpleasant sulphur odor and chemical instability of N-acetylcysteine pose challenges for its topical use in cosmetic and dermatological preparations, despite previous efforts with chelating agents, fragrances, and silicon-based emulsion systems.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a polyol system, including glycerol, glyceryl fatty acid esters, polyglyceryl fatty acid esters, sugar polyalcohols, and saccharides, as odour controlling agents in N-acetylcysteine preparations to minimize malodour and enhance stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If N-acetylcysteine is used in cosmetic or dermatological preparations, then therapeutic effects for skin conditions are achieved, but unpleasant sulphur odour is produced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces zinc ions as an intermediary substance that binds to N-acetylcysteine and its degradation products to form complexes, thereby mediating the interaction between the active ingredient and the odour problem. This allows the therapeutic effects of NAC to be maintained while the harmful sulphur odour is controlled through complex formation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the chemical state of N-acetylcysteine by controlling pH levels and using zinc chelation to alter the molecular form of the compound. By adjusting these parameters, the odour-causing properties are reduced while maintaining the therapeutic activity of the preparation.
2Reliability
If N-acetylcysteine is used in cosmetic or dermatological preparations, then therapeutic effects for skin conditions are achieved, but chemical instability occurs
Solution Approach 1:
Zinc ions serve as a stabilizing intermediary that forms stable complexes with N-acetylcysteine, preventing its degradation. This chelation relationship maintains the chemical stability of the preparation while preserving the therapeutic properties of NAC.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes pH parameters and uses zinc chelation to stabilize the chemical composition of N-acetylcysteine in the preparation, preventing decomposition and maintaining consistent therapeutic effectiveness throughout the product shelf life.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If conventional chelating agents such as zinc salts are used to reduce malodour, then sulphur odour development is reduced, but additional ingredients increase formulation complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs zinc ions that perform multiple functions simultaneously: they chelate with N-acetylcysteine to control odour, stabilize the chemical composition, and enhance the therapeutic effectiveness. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate ingredients, thereby simplifying the overall formulation.
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 polyol system effectively reduces or eliminates unpleasant odours and increases the stability of N-acetylcysteine preparations, allowing for improved topical use without adverse effects, while maintaining compatibility with the skin.
Implementation Method 1
the use of cyclodextrines as odour absorbing compounds is known
Implementation Method 2
the use of conventional chelating agents such as zinc salts to reduce development of malodour arising from N-acetylcysteine and its thiol and hydrogen sulphide degradation products
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to odour improved dermatological or cosmetic preparations comprising N-acetylcysteine and a polyol system containing one or more polyols as masking odour agents. The emulsions of the present invention are useful in the treatment of dermatological disorders or cosmetic skin conditions.