Emulsion Composition Using Polyphenol and Low HLB Surfactant

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current cosmetic products, particularly long-lasting foundations and makeup, rely on synthetic coating polymers with organic solvents, which do not meet consumer demands for natural, environmentally friendly, and comfortable ingredients that provide extended wear and resistance to water, sweat, and mechanical friction.

Innovation Solution

A composition comprising at least one polyphenol with two phenol groups, such as tannic acid, and a polyoxyalkylenated or glycerolated nonionic compound with an HLB less than 8, combined with water and a C2-C5 monoalcohol, forming an emulsion that offers improved stability, rheological properties, and long-lasting makeup effects.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of moving object

If synthetic coating polymers with organic solvents are used, then long-lasting makeup effect and resistance to water/sweat/friction are achieved, but the composition becomes less natural and less environmentally friendly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelong-lasting makeup effectVSAvoidsynthetic ingredients and organic solvents
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical parameters of the composition by replacing synthetic polymers with natural polyphenols (tannic acid, gallic acid, ellagic acid) and using specific nonionic surfactants with controlled HLB values (less than 8). This parameter change maintains the film-forming capability and long-lasting effect while eliminating harmful synthetic ingredients and organic solvents, thus resolving the contradiction between durability and environmental friendliness

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite system combining polyphenols (which provide film-forming and adhesive properties) with nonionic surfactants (which provide emulsification and stability). This composite material approach replaces synthetic polymers while maintaining the desired long-lasting makeup effect and resistance to water and friction, without compromising environmental compatibility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Object-generated harmful factors

If polyphenols are used to provide natural ingredients, then environmental friendliness and skin compatibility are improved, but composition stability and rheological properties deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenatural and environmentally friendly ingredientsVSAvoidcomposition stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces nonionic surfactants with HLB less than 8 as intermediary substances that mediate between polyphenols and water. These surfactants form stable micelles and emulsions, preventing polyphenol precipitation and oxidation, thus maintaining composition stability while preserving the natural and environmentally friendly characteristics of polyphenols

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Object-generated harmful factors

If polyphenols are used in compositions, then natural and skin-friendly properties are improved, but application comfort and ease of composition application deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenatural ingredientsVSAvoidcomfort of application
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes the molecular weight and HLB parameters of nonionic surfactants to achieve the desired balance. By selecting surfactants with specific properties (HLB less than 8, appropriate molecular weight), the composition achieves both natural ingredient benefits and improved application comfort through better spreadability and skin feel

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 achieves enhanced stability and comfort, providing long-lasting makeup that resists water, sweat, and mechanical friction, while being gentle on the skin and environmentally friendly.

Implementation Method 1

at least one polyoxyalkylenated and/or glycerolated nonionic compound Y having an HLB less than about 8

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSurfactant: Surfactant

Implementation Method 2

excellent staying power of the expected cosmetic effects, notably the color of the makeup on keratin materials... which is resistant to mechanical friction, water, sweat and perspiration

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentUS20230346653A1Emulsion compositions comprising a polyphenol and low HLB nonionic compound
Publication Date: 2023.11.02 LOREAL SA

AI summary

Emulsion composition comprising: an exterior fatty phase; an interior aqueous phase comprising water in an amount of at least about 5% by weight with respect to the total weight of the composition; optionally at least one C2-C5 monoalcohol in an amount of from about up to about 50% by weight with respect to the total weight of the composition; at least one polyphenol; at least one glycerolated and/or polyoxyalkenated compound Y having an HLB below about 8; and at least one pigment. Methods of making emulsion compositions are also provided.