Pudendum Odor Control With Sustained Alpha-Hydroxy Acid pH
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing personal care products fail to effectively address fishy odors from the pudendum due to an inadequate understanding of the source, which is often from anaerobic bacteria on the external skin rather than the vagina, and lack of sustained pH control, leading to ineffective and irritating solutions.
Innovation Solution
The use of alpha-hydroxy acids like mandelic and lactic acid in a viscous, lipophilic carrier to maintain a pH of 3 to 5.5 on the pudendum, providing prolonged odor control without skin irritation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If antibiotics or standard treatments are used to address fishy odor, then bacterial infection may be treated, but the underlying cause (anaerobic bacteria on external skin) is not addressed and skin irritation occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the pH parameter of the external skin environment from neutral/alkaline to acidic (pH 3-5.5) using alpha-hydroxy acids. This parameter change creates an environment hostile to anaerobic bacteria that cause fishy odor, while the acidic pH itself has antimicrobial properties. The viscous carrier ensures sustained pH control without the need for irritating antibiotics.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention converts the harmful alkaline environment that promotes bacterial growth into a beneficial acidic environment. By applying alpha-hydroxy acids, the neutral/alkaline pH that allows anaerobic bacteria to thrive is transformed into an acidic pH that inhibits bacterial growth and reduces odor, turning the pH parameter from a problem into a solution.
2Duration of action of moving object
If short-term pH control products are used, then odor may be temporarily reduced, but the effect is not sustained and requires frequent reapplication
Solution Approach 1:
The invention achieves continuous odor control by combining alpha-hydroxy acids with a viscous carrier system. The viscous carrier ( containing polymers like carbomer, hydroxyethylcellulose, or natural oils) maintains prolonged contact with the skin, ensuring sustained acidification of the external skin environment. This continuous action prevents odor recurrence without requiring frequent reapplication, providing protection for extended periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a higher concentration of alpha-hydroxy acids (0.5-10%) combined with the viscous carrier to achieve extended duration of action. The excessive acidification (pH 3-5.5, which is more acidic than normal skin pH) ensures that the antimicrobial effect is maintained throughout the extended contact period of the viscous carrier, providing prolonged odor control.
3Reliability
If strong acids are used to control pH, then odor reduction is effective, but skin irritation and damage occur
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the type of acid used from strong mineral acids to weak organic alpha-hydroxy acids. These acids have pKa values that allow them to effectively lower skin pH to the 3-5.5 range while being gentler on the skin. The alpha-hydroxy acid group provides both the acidification needed for odor control and inherent skin compatibility that prevents irritation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention converts potentially harmful strong acids into beneficial weak alpha-hydroxy acids. The alpha-hydroxy acid functional group provides the necessary acidity for odor control while the organic structure and hydroxyl group contribute to skin compatibility and reduced irritation. The viscous carrier further protects the skin by controlling the release and contact of the acid.
4Ease of operation
If water-based carriers are used for acid application, then the product is easy to apply, but the acid is not retained on the skin and pH control is not sustained
Solution Approach 1:
The invention creates a composite carrier system combining water-soluble components (for ease of application) with lipophilic viscous components (for skin retention). The composite contains polymers, natural oils, and emollients that work together to provide both easy spreading and prolonged adhesion to the skin surface, ensuring the alpha-hydroxy acid remains in contact with the skin for sustained pH control.
Solution Approach 2:
The viscous carrier acts as an intermediary between the alpha-hydroxy acid and the skin. It facilitates easy application like water-based products but provides prolonged retention through its viscous, adhesive properties. The carrier system (containing polymers, natural oils, and emollients) mediates between the need for ease of application and the need for sustained acid contact with the skin.
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 effectively reduces fishy odors by maintaining a suitable acidic pH, substantially decreasing unpleasant odors for extended periods without causing skin irritation.
Implementation Method 1
maintain a pH of 3 to 5.5 on the pudendum
Implementation Method 2
maintaining a suitable acidic pH... substantially decreasing unpleasant odors
Data Source
AI summary
Products and methods are disclosed for reducing the production of unwanted odors from the pudendum.