Re-wettable Mascara via Modified Wax and Copolymer Film

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional mascaras form a rigid, liquid-impervious coating on eyelashes that cannot be re-wetted, making it difficult to apply additional coats without removing the initial coating, leading to discomfort and clumping.

Innovation Solution

A mascara composition combining a chemically modified wax with hydrophilic functional groups and a specific polymeric film former, such as vinylpyrrolidone/dimethylaminopropyl methacrylamide copolymer, to create a soft, flexible coating that allows re-wettability and re-application over existing mascara.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of stationary object

If a rigid, liquid-impervious coating is formed to achieve long wear effect, then the mascara adheres securely and lasts extended period, but the coating cannot be re-wetted making re-application difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewear durationVSAvoidre-application ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies the chemical parameters of the wax by introducing hydrophilic functional groups (ethylene oxide units) to create chemically modified wax. This chemical modification changes the coating properties from rigid and liquid-impervious to soft and re-wettable, while maintaining adhesion and wear duration. The specific parameter changed is the chemical structure of the wax (adding hydrophilic groups), which resolves the contradiction between long wear and re-application ease.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses a composite material system combining chemically modified wax (with hydrophilic functional groups) and polymeric film-formers. This composite coating material provides both the adhesion/long-wear properties of traditional mascaras and the re-wettability needed for easy re-application. The composite nature allows simultaneous achievement of durability and re-applicability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Quantity of substance

If additional coatings are applied over initial coating to boost lash volume, then more dramatic effect is achieved, but clumping and flaking occur due to inability to re-wet

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemascara volumeVSAvoidapplication comfort

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The chemical modification of wax with hydrophilic functional groups enables the coating to accept additional layers of mascara without clumping. The modified coating surface allows proper wetting and integration of subsequent coats, enabling volume building through multiple applications without the flaking and clumping issues of traditional mascaras.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Duration of action of stationary object

If traditional mascara composition is used, then the coating provides long wear effect, but complete removal is required before re-application causing loss of time

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewear durationVSAvoidtime for removal and re-application

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The chemically modified wax creates a coating that maintains long-wear adhesion while being re-wettable. This allows users to apply additional coats directly over existing mascara to refresh or enhance the look without needing to completely remove the initial coating, thereby saving time while maintaining wear duration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Duration of action of stationary object

If rigid coating is formed to prevent smudging, then long wear is achieved, but the coating becomes uncomfortable and difficult to re-apply

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewear durationVSAvoidcomfort

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The composite material system of chemically modified wax and polymeric film-formers creates a coating that is both durable and comfortable. The modified wax provides flexibility and comfort while the polymeric film-former ensures adhesion and long wear, eliminating the need to choose between comfort and durability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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

Enables comfortable re-application of mascara over previously coated eyelashes, allowing for continuous build-up of lash volume without clumping, and maintains a low smudge or zero smudge effect.

Implementation Method 1

a chemically modified wax with one or more hydrophilic functional groups

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydrophilic functional groups: Hydrophile

Implementation Method 2

a polymeric film former comprising monomers having the formula and monomers having the formula

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFilm formation: Coatings

Data Source

PatentEP2313080B1Re-applicable mascara composition

Publication Date: 2016.05.25 ELC MANAGEMENT LLC

AI summary

The present invention relates to a re-applicable mascara composition containing a unique combination of a chemically modified wax and a polymeric film former including a copolymer of vinylpyrrolidone and aminoacrylates. The mascara composition of the present invention can be readily re-applied to eyelashes hours after the initial application to increase the lash volume, without the discomfort and clumping commonly caused by attempts to re-apply mascara to already-coated eyelashes.