Concentrated Powder Surfactant System for Rapid Reconstitution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 'powder-to-liquid' personal care cleansing compositions face challenges such as long reconstitution times, non-uniformity, instability, and the inability to incorporate emollients due to the use of natural or synthetic polymers, which result in slimy textures and compromised aesthetics, along with environmental concerns from harsh surfactants and preservatives.
Innovation Solution
A reconstitutable concentrated powder composition comprising 50-70% O-acyl methyl isethionate and N-acyl amino acid surfactants, 25-40% alkylamidopropyl betaine, and 2-6% antimicrobial preservatives, which forms a transparent, viscous solution upon dilution with water at skin pH without the need for gelling agents, preserving mild surfactant performance and biodegradability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If natural or synthetic polymers are used as gelling agents in powder-to-liquid compositions, then the composition can be reconstituted, but the reconstitution takes a long time and the final product is non-uniform and unstable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes gelling agents and thickening agents from the composition entirely. Instead of using polymers to provide viscosity, the invention relies on the surfactant system itself (specifically the interaction between anionic and amphoteric surfactants) to provide the necessary rheological properties in the reconstituted liquid, thereby eliminating the time-consuming hydration issue associated with polymer gels.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters by selecting specific surfactant types and ratios (anionic surfactants combined with amphoteric surfactants in particular proportions) that can self-associate to form viscous structures without requiring polymeric gelling agents, thus achieving both quick reconstitution and stability.
2Shape
If gelling agents are included in the composition, then viscosity can be achieved, but the final product develops a slimy texture and compromised aesthetics
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and removes gelling agents from the formulation, achieving viscosity through the surfactant system alone. The specific combination of anionic and amphoteric surfactants forms viscoelastic structures that provide the desired thickness without the slimy texture associated with polymeric thickeners.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite surfactant system where anionic surfactants and amphoteric surfactants work synergistically. This composite approach allows the formation of complex micellar structures and liquid crystalline phases that provide natural, appealing viscosity and texture without compromising aesthetics.
3Loss of substance
If concentrated surfactant mixtures are used in powder form, then plastic consumption is reduced, but the reconstitution process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The surfactant mixture in the patent is designed to be self-reconstituting. When water is added to the powder, the specific surfactant combination automatically forms the desired viscous liquid structure through self-association, without requiring complex mixing procedures, activation steps, or extended waiting periods. The system serves itself by utilizing the inherent properties of the surfactant blend.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the concentration ratios and chemical structures of the surfactants to ensure rapid solubility and self-organization in water. The selected surfactants have molecular characteristics that facilitate quick dissolution and spontaneous formation of viscous structures, making the reconstitution process simple and fast.
4Reliability
If harsh surfactants and preservatives are used in the composition, then cleansing performance is improved, but environmental impact increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent selects surfactants with specific molecular parameters that balance cleansing efficacy with environmental compatibility. The anionic and amphoteric surfactants chosen have hydrophobic and hydrophilic balance (HLB) values optimized for effective cleansing while being biodegradable and less toxic to aquatic life, thus reducing environmental harm.
Solution Approach 2:
The combination of anionic and amphoteric surfactants creates a synergistic system where the amphoteric component can moderate the harshness of the anionic surfactant, providing effective cleansing with reduced irritation and improved environmental profile. This composite approach allows maintaining performance while reducing harmful effects.
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 enables quick reconstitution, stability, transparency, and gentle skin interaction while reducing environmental impact by eliminating harsh surfactants and polymers, offering superior aesthetics and performance with minimal formulation aids, achieving a 'squeaky clean' feel without excessive water usage.
Implementation Method 1
a reconstitutable concentrated powder composition comprising 50-70% O-acyl methyl isethionate and N-acyl amino acid surfactants... which forms a transparent, viscous solution upon dilution with water
Implementation Method 2
O-acyl methyl isethionate and N-acyl amino acid surfactants in a particular ratio and alkylamidopropyl betaines as zwitterionic surfactants, that upon dissolution with water followed by gentle shaking transform unexpectedly into transparent viscous solutions
Data Source
AI summary
The invention discloses ‘powder-to-liquid’ hydratable concentrated solid surfactant compositions and a process of making thereof. The compositions are ‘easy-to-transfer’ and ‘easy-to-hydrate’ and upon dilution with water give ‘ready-to-use’ personal cleansing compositions such as hand-wash, body-wash or shampoo. The ‘powder-to-liquid’ compositions are suitable for classical DIY (do-it-yourself) concept enabling the user to create personal cleansing compositions in the same container as and when needed and significantly reducing plastic consumption by the every-day cleansers. The powder compositions of the present invention are free of thickeners (natural gums or synthetic polymers) and the slimy feel. The compositions are biodegradable and are free from toxic antimicrobial preservatives.