Rhamnolipid Esters for Long-Lasting Soft Skin Feel
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing formulations do not provide a long-lasting soft skin feeling after shaving, and they often leave the skin greasy and can have undesirable odors.
Innovation Solution
The use of Rhamnolipid esters, specifically mono- and di-Rhamnolipide esters, which are produced through a process involving fermentation and esterification with natural fat alcohols, are incorporated into cosmetic formulations to enhance skin feel and reduce greasiness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If conventional surfactants are used in shaving formulations, then the skin feels smooth immediately after shaving, but the soft skin feeling does not last long and the skin becomes greasy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the chemical structure of rhamnolipids by esterifying the fatty acid moieties with various alcohols (methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl esters). This parameter change in molecular structure alters the surfactant properties, providing long-lasting soft skin feeling without greasiness. The esterified derivatives maintain surfactant functionality while reducing the greasy sensation on skin.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates composite surfactant molecules combining the rhamnose sugar head group with esterified fatty acid tails. This composite structure integrates the mildness and biodegradability of natural rhamnolipids with the improved skin feel and longevity of esterified derivatives, achieving both immediate smoothness and prolonged effect without greasiness.
2Productivity
If strong esterification conditions are used to produce rhamnolipid esters, then esterification efficiency increases, but the sugar structure of rhamnolipids is destroyed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs mild esterification conditions with specific pH ranges (6-8) and temperature control (0-25°C) to achieve effective esterification while preserving the labile sugar structure. By optimizing these parameters, the process maintains both productivity and structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses gentle coupling reagents and catalysts as intermediaries to facilitate esterification without requiring harsh conditions. These intermediaries enable the reaction to proceed efficiently under mild conditions that protect the sugar moiety from degradation.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional surfactants are used, then formulations have good cleaning ability, but they leave unwanted odors and reduce mildness
Solution Approach 1:
The esterification of rhamnolipid fatty acid moieties changes the volatile profile and odor characteristics of the surfactant. The resulting esters have more pleasant, less unwanted odors while maintaining cleaning efficacy and enhancing mildness for cosmetic applications.
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 Rhamnolipid esters significantly prolong the smooth, silky soft skin feeling after shaving, reduce skin greasiness, enhance the mildness of formulations, and improve skin elasticity, while also eliminating undesirable skin odors.
Implementation Method 1
Rhamnolipid esters as non-ionic surfactants for cosmetic use
Implementation Method 2
Rhamnolipids are surfactants that can be produced by fermentation
Implementation Method 3
Miao et al., Journal of Surfactants and Detergents, 17 (6), 2014; 1069-1080, describes the synthesis of di-rhamnolipid ethyl ester by esterification with ethanol
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to ester derivatives of rhamnolipids of formula (I) as nonionic surfactants, formulations containing same, and the use thereof.