Multi-layer peelable nail polish with water-washable basecoat

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current peel-off nail polishes either have slower drying speeds and stability issues when incorporating pearlescent or glitter, or they cause damage to the nail plate due to strong adhesion, while traditional nail enamels require solvents for removal that can damage the nail.

Innovation Solution

A water-washable, non-UV curable nail basecoat composition containing a hydrophilic poly(N-vinyl)lactam polymer, alcohol, and plasticizer, paired with a colored non-UV curable nail colorcoat composition, allowing for rapid drying and easy removal without solvent damage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If water-based nail polish is used, then solvent-free safety and ease of removal are improved, but drying speed and wear characteristics deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesolvent damage to nailVSAvoiddrying speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a composite resin system combining two different resins (e.g., nitrocellulose or cellulose acetate butyrate with acrylic or vinyl acrylic copolymer) to achieve both water-washability and fast-drying properties. This composite approach allows the formulation to maintain rapid drying characteristics while being removable with water or mild soap, resolving the contradiction between safety and drying speed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Speed

If UV-curable nail polish is used, then drying speed and durability are improved, but nail plate damage during peeling occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedrying speedVSAvoidnail plate damage
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the fundamental parameter of the curing mechanism from UV-curing to air-drying/water-washable chemistry. By using a resin system that dries through evaporation and coalescence rather than photopolymerization, the formulation achieves rapid drying without creating the strong cross-linked adhesion that causes nail damage during removal. The water-washable chemistry allows gentle removal without defatting or damaging the nail plate.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Duration of action of stationary object

If traditional nail enamel is used, then durability and shine are improved, but solvent removal is required which damages the nail

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewear durabilityVSAvoidnail damage from solvent removal
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of stationary objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a composite resin formulation combining natural resin (nitrocellulose or cellulose acetate butyrate) with synthetic polymer (acrylic or vinyl acrylic copolymer) to achieve both high durability and water-washable removal. This composite system provides the wear resistance and shine of traditional enamels while eliminating the need for harsh solvent removers, allowing gentle removal with water or mild soap.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

4Illumination intensity

If pearlescent or glitter is incorporated, then appearance is improved, but stability issues occur in water-based formulations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveappearance enhancementVSAvoidformulation stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses the composite resin system to provide a stable matrix for incorporating pearlescent and glitter effects. The combination of natural and synthetic resins creates a formulation that maintains suspension stability and prevents settling or degradation of appearance-enhancing particles, resolving the stability issues that plague water-based systems while preserving the cosmetic benefits.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

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 solution provides a fast-drying, durable, and solvent-free nail polish system that can be easily peeled off without damaging the nail, offering comparable benefits to traditional nail enamels while being safer and more environmentally friendly.

Implementation Method 1

The composition includes a hydrophilic poly(N-vinyl)lactam polymer, at least one alcohol, and at least one plasticizer. The composition may include water, although if present, it is preferably in a total amount of less than 10% by weight.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEvaporation: Evaporation

Implementation Method 2

The composition includes a hydrophilic poly(N-vinyl)lactam polymer, at least one alcohol, and at least one plasticizer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPlasticization:

Data Source

PatentUS11213475B2Multi-layer peelable nail polish
Publication Date: 2022.01.04 LOREAL SA

AI summary

A method and system for a multi-layer peelable nail cosmetic compositions are disclosed. The multi-layer system includes a water-washable, non-UV curable nail basecoat composition in a hand-held, non-pressurized container. The basecoat composition includes a hydrophilic poly(N-vinyl)lactam polymer, at least one alcohol, and at least one plasticizer. The multi-layer system also includes a colored non-UV curable nail colorcoat composition that includes a primary film former, a secondary film former, a plasticizer, and a colorant.