Reflective Particle Microcapsules for Stable Cosmetic Compositions

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Solution Overview

Problem

Cosmetic compositions containing reflective particles face issues with homogeneous distribution, migration at interfaces, and undesirable thickening, which affect appearance and comfort of use.

Innovation Solution

The preparation of microcapsules containing reflective particles, which encapsulate the particles during storage and release upon application, ensuring uniform distribution and stability, allowing for higher particle content without altering composition stability or aesthetics.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If reflective particles are introduced into cosmetic compositions, then visual effects (sparkle, glitter, pearly effect) are improved, but homogeneous distribution is worsened due to particle migration at interfaces

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevisual effectVSAvoidhomogeneous distribution
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The reflective particles are segmented into microcapsules with a core-shell structure. The core contains the reflective particles while the shell provides stability and prevents migration. This segmentation allows the particles to be uniformly distributed throughout the composition without migrating to interfaces, resolving the contradiction between visual effect and homogeneous distribution.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The reflective particles are nested within the microcapsule core, which is further enclosed by a shell layer. This nested structure protects the reflective particles from direct contact with the composition matrix, preventing migration while maintaining their visual effects. The particles remain trapped inside the microcapsules, ensuring homogeneous distribution throughout the cosmetic composition.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Illumination intensity

If reflective particles are introduced into cosmetic compositions, then visual effects are improved, but composition appearance is worsened due to inhomogeneous dispersion

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevisual effectVSAvoidcomposition appearance
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting reflective particles into microcapsules of uniform size and structure, the composition achieves homogeneous appearance without compromising visual effects. The standardized microcapsule format ensures consistent dispersion and eliminates the inhomogeneity issues associated with free reflective particles.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The microcapsule shell acts as a flexible barrier that allows uniform distribution of encapsulated particles throughout the composition. The shell structure prevents particle aggregation and ensures even dispersion, improving composition appearance while maintaining the visual effects of the reflective particles.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Illumination intensity

If reflective particles are introduced into cosmetic compositions, then visual effects are improved, but composition stability is worsened due to thickening

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevisual effectVSAvoidcomposition stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

Segmenting reflective particles into microcapsules reduces their direct interaction with the composition matrix, thereby minimizing thickening effects. The encapsulated particles contribute less to viscosity increase compared to free particles, allowing higher particle content to be incorporated while maintaining composition stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The microcapsulation process changes the physical parameters of reflective particles by enclosing them in a shell structure. This parameter change reduces the surface area available for interaction with the composition matrix, thereby reducing thickening effects and improving overall composition stability while preserving visual effects.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 microcapsules maintain visual homogeneity and aesthetic appeal by uniformly distributing reflective particles, preventing migration and thickening, and providing a smooth, comfortable application experience.

Implementation Method 1

The microcapsules are prepared by a process comprising: preparing an aqueous solution containing water and a first hydrophilic polymer; dispersing reflective particles in the aqueous solution; forming an inner layer on a core with the aqueous solution in which the reflective particles are dispersed; forming an intermediate layer on the inner layer with an intermediate layer solution containing water, a second hydrophilic polymer, and a pigment; and forming an outer layer on the intermediate layer with an outer layer solution containing water and a third hydrophilic polymer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEncapsulation: Physical Containment

Data Source

PatentEP3288522B1Methods for making compositions for cosmetic raw material
Publication Date: 2025.12.03 KPT
  • EP3288522B1 patent drawingFigure 1

AI summary

The instant invention relates to a composition for cosmetic raw material containing microcapsule containing at least one encapsulated material comprising at least one core and at least one layered coating surrounding said core, and the encapsulated material being at least one reflective particle. The invention further relates to a process for preparing the composition for cosmetic raw material containing microcapsule containing at least one encapsulated material comprising at least one core and at least one layered coating surrounding said core, and the encapsulated material being at least one reflective particle.