PEA Cosmetic Composition With Polyol Solvent for Skin Soothing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) is insoluble in water and medium-chain triglyceride oils, requiring heating processes that degrade production efficiency and can cause skin irritation when solvents like ethanol are used to dissolve it, leading to precipitation and skin irritation.

Innovation Solution

A combination of pentanediol, hexanediol, and butanediol is used to dissolve PEA, reducing solvent content and alleviating skin irritation, allowing for room-temperature application and improved solubility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If PEA is dissolved using organic solvents like ethanol, then solubility is improved, but skin irritation increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesolubility of PEAVSAvoidskin irritation

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical parameters of the solvent system by replacing traditional organic solvents (ethanol) with a specific combination of polyols (pentanediol, hexanediol, butanediol) in defined ratios. This parameter change maintains PEA solubility while eliminating skin irritation, as the polyol combination provides sufficient dissolving power without the harmful effects of organic solvents.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses a composite solvent system comprising multiple polyols (pentanediol, hexanediol, and butanediol) in specific weight ratios rather than a single solvent. This composite approach leverages the complementary properties of each polyol to achieve complete PEA dissolution while maintaining skin compatibility, resolving the contradiction between solubility and irritation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Quantity of substance

If heating process is used to dissolve PEA, then solubility is improved, but production efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesolubility of PEAVSAvoidproduction efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the thermal energy-based dissolution mechanism (heating) with a chemical-based dissolution mechanism using the polyol solvent system. The specific combination of pentanediol, hexanediol, and butanediol provides sufficient solvating power to dissolve PEA at room temperature, eliminating the need for heating equipment and thermal processing steps.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the temperature parameter of the dissolution process from elevated temperatures (heating required) to room temperature. The polyol solvent system is selected specifically because it can dissolve PEA effectively at ambient temperatures, thereby eliminating heating steps and improving production efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If PEA is added without heating process, then production efficiency is improved, but precipitation occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproduction efficiencyVSAvoidstability of PEA in formulation

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a composite polyol solvent system (pentanediol + hexanediol + butanediol) that provides sustained solvating power to keep PEA dissolved at room temperature without precipitation. The synergistic effect of the three polyols in specific ratios ensures both immediate dissolution and long-term stability of the formulation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent modifies the solvent composition parameters by selecting polyols with specific molecular structures and properties that can dissolve PEA effectively at room temperature. The combination of different polyol chain lengths and hydroxyl group configurations creates a solvent environment that prevents PEA precipitation while maintaining formulation stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

PEA is stably dissolved without precipitation, and skin irritation is minimized, enabling efficient production and effective skin soothing effects.

Implementation Method 1

The inventors of the present invention have found that the above problems are resolved by using a combination of specific solvents... pentanediol and a hexanediol as suitable solvents which are capable of dissolving palmitoylethanolamide

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSolvation: Solvation

Implementation Method 2

When PEA is directly added to water or a cosmetic formulation without a heating process, aggregation is promoted, and thus PEA precipitates at low temperature

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAggregation prevention:

Data Source

PatentUS12383479B2Cosmetic composition comprising palmitoylethanolamide for soothing effect on the skin

Publication Date: 2025.08.12 LG HOUSEHOLD & HEALTH CARE LTD

AI summary

The present invention relates to a cosmetic composition comprising: palmitoylethanolamide; one or more of a pentanediol and a hexanediol; and a butanediol, and the cosmetic composition can allow palmitoylethanolamide to be sufficiently dissolved with the combination of the butanediol and one or more of the pentanediol and hexanediol, alleviate skin irritation caused by the solvent, and exhibit a skin soothing effect due to palmitoylethanolamide.