Aqueous Polyurethane Mask Substrate for Deep Skin Absorption

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional facial masks fail to fit the face completely and have limited absorption of active substances due to the skin barrier, leading to inefficient delivery of skin care ingredients.

Innovation Solution

Aqueous polyurethane functional mask substrate composition comprising specific ratios of aqueous polyurethane dispersions with varying molecular weights and functional groups, promoting deep skin absorption and fit.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional facial masks are used, then they provide basic skin care coverage, but they cannot fit the face completely and have limited absorption of active substances

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveface fitVSAvoidabsorption effectiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the material parameters by using aqueous polyurethane dispersion with specific molecular weight (1000-3000) and composition ratios (polyester polyol 60-80 wt%, polyisocyanate 15-25 wt%, chain extenders 0.1-3 wt%). This parameter optimization enables the mask substrate to achieve both complete face coverage and effective skin penetration by adjusting the polymer's physical and chemical properties to match skin characteristics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite mask substrate by combining aqueous polyurethane dispersion with specific functional ingredients and formulating it with controlled viscosity and film-forming properties. The composite structure integrates the adhesive and film-forming characteristics of polyurethane with skin-penetrating active substances, achieving both good face fit and effective absorption simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Quantity of substance

If conventional facial masks are used, then they provide basic coverage, but only a very small part of active substances can be absorbed deeply through the epidermis

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveactive substance absorptionVSAvoidskin barrier resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The aqueous polyurethane dispersion acts as an intermediary carrier that facilitates the penetration of active substances through the skin barrier. The polymer matrix with controlled molecular weight (1000-3000) serves as a mediator that can interact with skin proteins and lipids, creating pathways for active ingredients to penetrate deeper into the epidermis while maintaining skin barrier integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent optimizes the molecular weight parameter of the polyurethane to 1000-3000, which is specifically designed to balance skin penetration capability with safety. This parameter change enables the mask substrate to penetrate the stratum corneum effectively while avoiding excessive irritation, allowing significant amounts of active substances to be absorbed deeply into the skin.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If polyurethane polymer is used to form mask substrate, then deep absorption of active ingredients is promoted, but the mask may cause skin irritation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveabsorption promotionVSAvoidskin irritation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent carefully controls the molecular weight parameter of the polyurethane at 1000-3000, which is optimized to promote skin penetration while minimizing irritation. Additionally, the composition ratios are precisely controlled (polyester polyol 60-80 wt%, polyisocyanate 15-25 wt%, chain extenders 0.1-3 wt%) to ensure the mask substrate maintains good absorption promotion capability while passing skin safety evaluations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by using aqueous polyurethane dispersion with specific functional groups and molecular characteristics that are locally optimized for skin interaction. The controlled composition and molecular weight create a mask substrate that provides enhanced absorption where needed while maintaining skin compatibility and minimizing irritation at the application site.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 mask substrate effectively promotes deep absorption of active ingredients while fitting the face perfectly, allowing for pain-free removal without tearing pores and enhancing skin benefits.

Implementation Method 1

the mask substrate can effectively promote deep absorption of the active ingredients by the skin during the drying process

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAbsorption: Absorption (physical)

Implementation Method 2

the mask substrate can promote the penetration and absorption of active substances

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPenetration: Permeation

Implementation Method 3

left for drying and film-forming and then peeled-off after wetting

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFilm forming:

Implementation Method 4

the mask substrate can be conveniently and evenly applied on the face, so it fits perfectly on the face

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Implementation Method 5

prevents transepidermal water loss and moisturises skin

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHumectant action:

Data Source

PatentEP3878882B1Aqueous polyurethane functional mask substrate and application thereof
Publication Date: 2026.03.18 WANHUA CHEM GRP CO LTD

AI summary

Disclosed by the present invention are an aqueous polyurethane functional mask substrate and an application thereof. Two kinds of water-based polyurethane dispersions are used as the main components of the mask substrate. The transdermal penetration and absorption of functional ingredients such as whitening, moisturizing and anti-aging ingredients in facial mask products are promoted by means of the special cross-linked structures of polyurethane films. During use, a mask is evenly applied to the face; and after the mask dries, the entire mask may be removed directly or removed after being moistened using water. The mask substrate according to the present invention is also applicable to body masks such as a hand mask, a neck mask and a back mask.