Topical Plant-Extract Composition for Stretch Mark Remodeling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current products on the market fail to effectively treat, prevent, and/or address the appearance of stretch marks, often causing unwanted side effects such as malformations and skin irritation, and do not target underlying factors like collagen network orientation and density.

Innovation Solution

A combination of aqueous extracts of navy bean, Myrciaria dubia fruit pulp, and Peucedanum graveolens, along with tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate, is used to create topical compositions that inhibit COX-1, MMP1, MMP3, MMP9, and tyrosinase activity, induce collagen production, and provide antioxidants, thereby reducing stretch mark visibility and improving skin appearance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If current products are used to treat stretch marks, then some visible improvement may be achieved, but unwanted side effects such as malformations and skin irritation occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestretch mark treatment effectivenessVSAvoidskin irritation and malformations
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical parameters of the treatment composition by using plant-derived ingredients (phaseolus vulgaris extract, myrciaria dubia extract, peucedanum graveolens extract) instead of synthetic retinoids, thereby maintaining treatment effectiveness while eliminating harmful side effects. The specific parameter changes include using natural antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that do not cause skin irritation or birth defects.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs temporary, naturally-decomposing plant extracts rather than persistent synthetic compounds. These natural ingredients break down safely in the body, avoiding accumulation and long-term harmful effects, thus providing a safe alternative to retinoids that cause malformations and irritation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Manufacturing precision

If current products are used to address stretch mark appearance, then some cosmetic improvement may be achieved, but underlying factors such as collagen network orientation and density are not effectively targeted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecosmetic appearance improvementVSAvoidaddressing underlying structural factors
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies plant extracts that proactively work on the underlying collagen structure before cosmetic appearance deteriorates further. The phaseolus vulgaris and peucedanum graveolens extracts specifically target collagen network reorganization and fibrillin-1 expression, preventing further structural degradation while improving appearance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the mechanism of action from superficial cosmetic masking to deep structural modification by using plant compounds that alter collagen density, network orientation, and fibrillin-1 expression. This addresses the root structural causes of stretch marks rather than merely improving surface appearance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If rapid stretching of skin occurs during pregnancy or growth, then normal physiological development is achieved, but collagen fibers become damaged and stretch marks form

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvephysiological development rateVSAvoidcollagen fiber integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies plant extracts that provide protective cushioning to collagen fibers during periods of rapid skin stretching. The antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds in phaseolus vulgaris and peucedanum graveolens extracts protect collagen from damage during physiological expansion, preventing stretch mark formation while allowing normal growth and pregnancy development.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the mechanical properties of the dermal matrix by enhancing collagen fiber strength and elasticity through plant-derived compounds. This allows the skin to accommodate rapid stretching during pregnancy and growth without collagen fiber damage, maintaining both developmental productivity and structural integrity.

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

The composition decreases collagen network orientation, increases collagen density and fibrillin-1 expression, reducing stretch mark visibility, redness, and improving skin smoothness, tone, elasticity, firmness, and texture, while being safe for use.

Implementation Method 1

the combination can inhibit COX-1, MMP1, MMP3, MMP9, and/or tyrosinase activity, that induce collagen production, and/or that provide an antioxidant capacity

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAntioxidant: Oxidation

Implementation Method 2

this combination has been shown to decrease visibility of stretch marks, beneficially increase overall appearance of stretch marks... increase collagen density of stretch marks

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCollagen synthesis: Chemical Bonding

Data Source

PatentUS12496323B2Methods and compositions for treating striae distensae
Publication Date: 2025.12.16 MARY KAY INC

AI summary

A method of treating fine lines or wrinkles in a person's skin or treating a person's sagging or loose skin is disclosed. The method can include topically applying to the fine line or wrinkle or to sagging or loose skin an effective amount of a topical composition comprising a Myrciaria dubia fruit extract, a Peucedanum graveolens extract, and tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate, wherein the combination reduces the appearance of the fine line or wrinkle, increases skin elasticity, or increases skin firmness.