Quaternary Amine Preservatives for Low-pH Cosmetic Formulations
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for novel, economically-viable preservative products that avoid the use of restricted or banned chemicals, such as formaldehyde donors and isothiazolinones, while effectively preventing microbial growth in topical cosmetic and toiletry products, and household formulations, ensuring stability and safety.
Innovation Solution
A preservative composition comprising a quaternary amine compound, such as cetyl pyridinium chloride, an antifungal agent like benzoic acid, and a solvent, in specific ratios, to inhibit microbial growth in cosmetic and toiletry formulations, and household products with pH below 7.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional preservatives such as formaldehyde donors and isothiazolinones are used, then microbial growth is effectively inhibited, but skin irritation and regulatory restrictions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters by using quaternary amine compounds (such as benzalkonium chloride, cetylpyridinium chloride) and antifungal agents (such as benzoic acid, sorbic acid) instead of traditional formaldehyde donors and isothiazolinones. This parameter substitution maintains preservative effectiveness while reducing skin irritation and regulatory restrictions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite preservative systems combining quaternary amine compounds with antifungal agents and/or antibacterial agents. This composite approach provides broad-spectrum microbial protection while using individually milder components that reduce skin irritation compared to single strong preservatives
2Reliability
If parabens are used as preservatives, then microbial protection is effective, but carcinogenic concerns and regulatory restrictions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes parabens with quaternary amine compounds and organic acid-based antifungal agents. This parameter change replaces the controversial paraben chemical class with alternatives that provide equivalent microbial protection without the associated carcinogenic concerns and regulatory restrictions
3Reliability
If water-soluble preservatives are used, then preservation effectiveness is improved, but formulation complexity and potential irritation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes quaternary amine compounds that are naturally water-soluble, eliminating the need for complex solubilization systems. This parameter advantage simplifies formulation while maintaining preservation effectiveness in water-based cosmetic and toiletry products
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 effectively inhibits microbial growth, maintaining product stability and safety, meeting regulatory requirements and avoiding skin irritation, with a pH range that minimizes bacterial and fungal proliferation.
Implementation Method 1
a preservative composition comprising a quaternary amine compound, an antifungal agent and a solvent... to inhibit microbial growth in cosmetic and toiletry formulations
Implementation Method 2
an effective amount of an antifungal agent... to inhibit microbial growth
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to preservative compositions for and methods of preserving household formulations, such as detergents, or preserving topical cosmetic or toiletry formulations against microbiological contamination or growth. Specifically, the disclosure relates to preservative compositions comprising an effective amount of a quaternary amine compound, an effective amount of an antifungal, and a solvent. Further, the disclosure relates to cosmetic or toiletry formulations comprising such preservative compositions. The disclosure further relates to method of making and using such preservative compositions and such cosmetic or toiletry formulations comprising the same.