PEG-Free Low Viscosity Oil-in-Water Emulsion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing low viscosity oil-in-water emulsions require high amounts of emulsifiers for stability, making them commercially unviable for high oil concentrations and posing safety concerns due to the use of ethoxylated emulsifiers, which are also less preferred in natural cosmetics.
Innovation Solution
A stable low viscosity oil-in-water emulsion is achieved using a combination of PEG-free primary emulsifiers such as alkyl polyglucosides and long chained polyglycerol esters, along with a secondary emulsifier like short chained polyglycerol esters or sorbitan esters, at specific ratios, which reduces the overall emulsifier-to-oil ratio and eliminates the need for ethoxylated components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If high amounts of ethoxylated emulsifiers are used to achieve stability in low viscosity oil-in-water emulsions, then the emulsion stability is improved, but the safety concerns and manufacturing complexity increase due to the hazardous nature of ethylene oxide
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes ethoxylated emulsifiers (derived from hazardous ethylene oxide) from the formulation and replaces them with alternative emulsifying agents that provide comparable or superior stability without the associated safety risks and manufacturing complexities
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the chemical composition parameters by substituting ethoxylated emulsifiers with non-ethoxylated alternatives, fundamentally altering the formulation approach while maintaining emulsion stability through different emulsifying mechanisms
2Reliability
If ethoxylated emulsifiers are used in cosmetic emulsions, then emulsion stability is achieved, but the natural ingredient preference and market acceptance decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates ethoxylated emulsifiers from the formulation, replacing them with emulsifying agents that align with consumer preference for natural ingredients while maintaining the required emulsion stability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs composite emulsifying systems combining multiple non-ethoxylated emulsifiers that work synergistically to achieve stability comparable to ethoxylated systems, while meeting natural ingredient preferences
3Ease of manufacture
If the emulsifier-to-oil ratio is reduced to lower costs and improve commercial viability, then manufacturing cost decreases, but emulsion stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the emulsifier-to-oil ratio parameters and adjusts emulsifier selection to achieve effective stabilization at lower emulsifier concentrations, improving commercial viability while maintaining stability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses composite emulsifying systems where multiple emulsifiers work synergistically to provide adequate stability at reduced total emulsifier levels, making the formulation more commercially viable
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 emulsion maintains stability and low viscosity, allowing for effective use in cosmetic applications with improved sprayability and reduced emulsifier content, suitable for high oil concentrations without phase separation or significant viscosity changes during storage or use.
Implementation Method 1
a stable low viscosity oil-in-water emulsion
Implementation Method 2
a primary emulsifier selected from A1) alkyl polyglucosides... A2) long chained polyglycerol esters
Implementation Method 3
a secondary emulsifier selected from B1) short chained polyglycerol esters... B2) short chained sorbitan esters
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a PEG free, stable, low viscosity classic oil-in-water emulsion and the use and preparation thereof. The oil-in-water emulsion comprises, A) a primary emulsifier selected from alkyl polyglucosides and long chained polyglycerol esters, B) a secondary emulsifier selected from short chained polyglycerol esters and short chained sorbitan esters, and optionally a thickener if the amount of secondary emulsifier is below 2.5 wt. %. The emulsion is a classic emulsion and can be sprayable. The emulsion is suitable to prepare spray or foam emulsion products with good application effect.