Screening Mild Skin Cleansers via Ceramide Level Measurement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing skin cleansers often dry out the skin or exacerbate dryness, making it difficult to identify mild formulations that enhance ceramide levels for improved skin barrier function and hydration, especially with seasonal fluctuations in ceramide levels.

Innovation Solution

A method involving measuring ceramide levels before and after applying a skin cleanser, which includes sodium trideceth-2 sulfate, cocamidopropyl betaine, guar hydroxypropyltrimonium chloride, and a C10-C30 acrylate crosspolymer, applied and rinsed for at least 7 days to assess mildness and enhance long chain ceramide levels.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If conventional soaps and body washes are used to clean skin, then skin is cleaned effectively, but skin becomes dry and barrier function is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveskin cleaning effectivenessVSAvoidskin dryness and barrier damage
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical parameters of cleansers by specifying pH ranges (5.5-7.0) and ceramide content requirements (at least 10% increase), transforming the selection criteria from traditional cleansing effectiveness to include barrier-preserving properties. This resolves the contradiction by defining new performance parameters that balance cleaning with skin health maintenance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism by measuring ceramide levels before and after cleanser application, using this data to evaluate and select mild cleansers. This closed-loop approach allows continuous optimization of cleanser selection based on actual skin barrier impact, resolving the contradiction through evidence-based product selection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Quantity of substance

If skin cleansers with strong cleansing power are used, then skin is cleaned thoroughly, but ceramide levels decrease and skin barrier function is impaired

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecleansing powerVSAvoidskin barrier function
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms the selection parameters from focusing solely on cleansing power to including ceramide preservation metrics. By requiring at least 10% ceramide level maintenance and specifying pH ranges, the patent redefines what constitutes an effective cleanser, resolving the contradiction between strong cleansing and barrier protection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies composite evaluation by combining multiple assessment criteria: pH measurement, ceramide level analysis, and clinical skin assessment. This multi-parameter composite approach allows selection of cleansers that achieve both thorough cleaning and barrier protection, resolving the contradiction through integrated evaluation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Ease of operation

If traditional skin cleanser selection methods are used, then product selection is simple, but it is difficult to identify mild formulations that enhance ceramide levels

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduct selection simplicityVSAvoidmildness assessment accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces subjective visual assessment with objective instrumental measurement using pH meters and ceramide analysis techniques. This substitution of mechanical/chemical measurement systems for traditional sensory evaluation resolves the contradiction by providing precise, quantifiable data on cleanser mildness while maintaining a systematic selection process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a standardized selection framework that can be replicated and applied to different cleansers. By establishing consistent measurement protocols and evaluation criteria, the patent enables systematic screening of multiple products, resolving the contradiction between selection simplicity and assessment precision through methodological standardization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Data Source

PatentEP3565524A1Method of selecting mild skin cleansers
Publication Date: 2019.11.13 PROCTER & GAMBLE CO

AI summary

A method of selecting a skin cleanser can include measuring the levels of particular ceramides on the skin both before and after product application and testing for a change in ceramide levels.