Roll-On Sunscreen Composition Without Traditional Emulsifiers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing personal care compositions, particularly sunscreen compositions in roll-on form, face challenges related to performance, aesthetics, and cost due to the need for primary emulsifiers or co-emulsifiers, which increase formulation complexity and cost.

Innovation Solution

A personal care composition comprising water in 40.0 wt.% to 90.0 wt.%, a dispensing agent with glycerin at ≥ 7.5 wt.%, and optional active agents like sunscreen filters, antioxidants, or anti-aging agents, without traditional emulsifiers, packaged in a roll-on applicator with a ball dispenser, enhancing stability and dispensing efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If traditional emulsifiers are used to stabilize the emulsion, then the emulsion stability is improved, but the formulation cost and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveemulsion stabilityVSAvoidformulation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes traditional emulsifiers from the formulation entirely, extracting the problematic component that causes complexity and cost issues while maintaining emulsion stability through alternative means (specific ingredient combinations and ratios that provide natural stabilization without requiring conventional emulsifying agents)

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs ingredients that serve multiple functions simultaneously - certain components provide both emollient properties and emulsion stabilization, while also contributing to the overall skin conditioning effects, thereby eliminating the need for dedicated emulsifier ingredients and reducing formulation complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Stability of the object's composition

If traditional emulsifiers are used to stabilize the emulsion, then the emulsion stability is improved, but the formulation cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveemulsion stabilityVSAvoidformulation cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent eliminates traditional emulsifiers from the formulation, removing the cost burden associated with these ingredients while maintaining stability through alternative ingredient combinations that are either more cost-effective or provide additional functional benefits

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Ease of operation

If the composition is designed for roll-on dispensing, then the application convenience is improved, but the formulation requirements become more stringent

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveapplication convenienceVSAvoidformulation requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent carefully adjusts key formulation parameters including viscosity, density, and composition ratios to optimize the product for roll-on dispensing. The viscosity is tuned to allow smooth application through the roll-on mechanism while maintaining stability, and the ingredient ratios are optimized to ensure proper flow characteristics without requiring complex formulation approaches

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 composition provides improved stability and dispensing performance with reduced complexity and cost, offering effective UV protection and skin benefits through a roll-on applicator.

Implementation Method 1

A dispensing agent includes a polyol. The polyol includes glycerin in an amount of ≥ 7.5 wt. %, based on a total weight of the personal care composition

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectViscosity modification:

Implementation Method 2

personal care compositions may include sunscreen filters to provide photoprotection by absorbing or scattering ultraviolet (UV) radiation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectUV radiation absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 3

personal care compositions may include sunscreen filters to provide photoprotection by absorbing or scattering ultraviolet (UV) radiation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectUV radiation scattering: Scattering

Data Source

PatentEP4412580B1Personal care composition and personal care product
Publication Date: 2025.11.05 EDGEWELL PERSONAL CARE BRANDS LLC
  • EP4412580B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP4412580B1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP4412580B1 patent drawingFigure 2A

AI summary

Embodiments relate to personal care compositions including an active agent, such as a sunscreen filter, and a dispensing agent including a polyol, such as glycerin. In one example, glycerin may be present at relatively high levels such as in an amount from 7.5 wt. % to 30.0 wt. %. Embodiments further relate to a consumer-packaged product in the form of a roll-on applicator including a body which forms a reservoir that houses the personal care composition and a ball dispenser that dispenses the personal care composition.