Nanoemulsion Thickening via Volatile Linear Alkanes
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Cosmetic nanoemulsions struggle to achieve a thickened consistency while maintaining satisfactory conditioning properties such as softness, shine, and lightness, as volatile solvents like liquid fatty esters and silicone oils do not provide sufficient thickening.
Innovation Solution
A cosmetic composition in the form of an oil-in-water nanoemulsion comprising volatile linear alkanes, oils, and non-ionic amphiphilic lipids, with a specific ratio and size range of oily globules, stabilized by amphiphilic lipids to create a gel-like consistency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If volatile solvents like liquid fatty esters and silicone oils are used in nanoemulsions, then sensory rendering is improved and texture is lightened, but thickening effect is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines volatile linear alkanes with non-volatile oils and amphiphilic lipids to create a composite nanoemulsion system. This composite approach allows the volatile component to provide sensory benefits while the non-volatile oils and lipids provide the necessary thickening and stabilizing effects, resolving the contradiction between sensory rendering and thickening.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical and chemical parameters of the emulsion system by controlling globule size (1-350 nm), composition ratios (oil/lanolin 1:4 to 1:10, volatile alkane 5-20%), and amphiphilic lipid structure. These parameter changes enable the system to achieve both light texture from volatile components and adequate thickening from the optimized non-volatile phase.
2Stability of the object's composition
If oil-in-water nanoemulsions are stabilized without degradation, then stability is improved, but conditioning properties may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses amphiphilic lipids as intermediary substances that stabilize the oil-water interface without compromising conditioning properties. These lipids form a protective interface around the oil globules, providing steric and electrostatic stabilization while maintaining the release of conditioning agents to the hair.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes specific parameters including globule size (1-350 nm), oil-to-lipid ratio (1:4 to 1:10), and volatile alkane content (5-20%) to achieve a balance between stability and conditioning performance. The narrow globule size distribution and controlled composition ensure both physical stability and effective hair conditioning.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If volatile linear alkanes are used in nanoemulsions, then thickened consistency is achieved, but formulation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs volatile linear alkanes that serve multiple functions: they act as thickening agents, co-solvents, and sensory modifiers simultaneously. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate additives and simplifies the overall formulation while achieving the desired thickened consistency.
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 achieves a thickened consistency with enhanced conditioning properties, including improved softness, shine, and lightness, while maintaining the benefits of volatile solvents like evaporation and sensory modification.
Implementation Method 1
volatile solvents, such as liquid fatty esters, hydrocarbon oils of the isododecane or isohexadecane type... make it possible to modify the sensory rendering of a hair product by lightening its texture
Implementation Method 2
nanoemulsion means an oil-in-water emulsion characterized by a size of oily globules less than 350 nm, the oily globules being stabilized by a crown of amphiphilic lipids which can possibly form a liquid crystal phase of the type lamellar, located at the oil/aqueous phase interface
Implementation Method 3
the transparency of these emulsions comes from the small size of the oily globules, a small size obtained through the use of mechanical energy and in particular a high pressure homogenizer
Data Source
AI summary
Cosmetic composition in the form of oil-in-water nanoemulsion, comprises, in a medium, one or more nonionic amphiphilic lipids, one or more volatile linear alkanes and one or more oils different from the volatile linear alkanes.