Synergistic Preserving Agent for Cosmetic Compositions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing chemical preserving agents in cosmetic compositions cause skin irritation, modify texture or odor, and are environmentally harmful, while high concentrations are necessary for effective microbial protection.
Innovation Solution
A combination of 4-(3-ethoxy-4-hydroxyphenyl)-2-butanone and salicylic acid or its derivatives provides a synergistic preserving effect, allowing lower agent usage without compromising efficacy, maintaining composition quality and reducing environmental impact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If high concentrations of single preserving agent (e.g., 4-(3-ethoxy-4-hydroxyphenyl)-2-butanone) are used to achieve effective microbial protection, then preserving efficacy is improved, but cost increases and consumer sensitization risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines 4-(3-ethoxy-4-hydroxyphenyl)-2-butanone with salicylic acid or its derivatives to create a synergistic preserving system. This combination allows achieving effective microbial protection at lower concentrations of each individual agent, thereby reducing consumer sensitization risk while maintaining preserving efficacy.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a composite preserving agent system comprising multiple compounds (4-(3-ethoxy-4-hydroxyphenyl)-2-butanone combined with salicylic acid or its derivatives). This composite approach provides enhanced preserving performance at reduced concentrations compared to single agents, addressing both efficacy and safety concerns.
2Reliability
If conventional preserving agents (parabens, organic acids, formaldehyde-releasing compounds) are used to ensure microbial protection, then preserving efficacy is improved, but skin irritation occurs and environmental harm increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs 4-(3-ethoxy-4-hydroxyphenyl)-2-butanone and salicylic acid derivatives as alternative preserving agents that change the chemical parameters of conventional preservatives. These agents provide effective microbial protection without the skin irritation and environmental harm associated with traditional parabens, organic acids, and formaldehyde-releasing compounds.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention proposes environmentally friendly preserving agents that are biodegradable and less harmful to the environment, replacing persistent conventional preservatives. The use of 4-(3-ethoxy-4-hydroxyphenyl)-2-butanone combined with salicylic acid derivatives aligns with consumer demand for eco-friendly cosmetic formulations.
3Reliability
If preserving agents are used to protect against microbial contamination, then microbial protection is improved, but texture, color or odor of the composition may be modified
Solution Approach 1:
The patent selects preserving agents (4-(3-ethoxy-4-hydroxyphenyl)-2-butanone and salicylic acid derivatives) that have specific local properties - they provide effective microbial protection while being chemically compatible with the cosmetic composition's texture, color, and odor characteristics, thus avoiding unwanted modifications.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a preserving agent for a cosmetic composition, comprising 4-(3-ethoxy-4-hydroxyphenyl)-2-butanone and a second compound chosen from salicylic acid, the compounds of formula (II), salts thereof, esters thereof with an alcohol containing from 1 to 4 carbon atoms, and a mixture of these compounds. The present invention also relates to the use of the preserving agent for preserving cosmetic compositions. The present invention also relates to a cosmetic composition comprising the above preserving agent. Finally, the present invention relates to the use of the cosmetic composition for treating keratin fibres, preferably human keratin fibres such as the hair.