Self-adapting polymers for water-resistant sunscreen films
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current sunscreen compositions face challenges in maintaining water resistance and achieving high SPF values without compromising sensory characteristics, as hydrophobic polymers do not change conformation upon water exposure and increasing sunscreen amounts or UV absorbers can be costly and uncomfortable to wear.
Innovation Solution
Self-adapting polymers that become hydrophobic upon contact with water, incorporating vinyl acetate and acrylate moieties, which rearrange to enhance water resistance and boost SPF values by forming a uniform film on the skin.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If hydrophobic polymers are added to make sunscreen water resistant, then water resistance is improved, but sensory characteristics and skin comfort deteriorate due to accumulation of hydrophobic polymer coats
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by using polymers that dynamically change their conformation and hydrophobicity in response to water exposure. The polymer transitions from a hydrophilic state during application to a hydrophobic state upon water contact, allowing the formulation to adapt its properties based on environmental conditions rather than maintaining fixed characteristics
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter changes by utilizing polymers that alter their physical and chemical parameters (hydrophobicity, conformation) in response to water exposure. This allows the same polymer to provide different functions at different stages: skin comfort during application and water resistance after water contact
2Reliability
If the amount of sunscreen and UV absorbers is increased to achieve higher SPF values, then SPF value is improved, but product cost and sensory characteristics worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses polymers as intermediaries that mediate between the sunscreen actives and the skin surface. These polymers form uniform films that enhance the distribution and effectiveness of sunscreen actives, providing SPF boosting without requiring proportional increases in active ingredient concentrations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies multi-functionality by using polymers that simultaneously perform multiple functions: they act as film formers, SPF boosters, and sensory modifiers. This allows a single ingredient to address multiple formulation challenges rather than requiring separate additives for each function
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 self-adapting polymers increase water resistance and SPF values by at least 50% compared to control compositions, providing a more aesthetically pleasing and effective sunscreen formulation that maintains performance in wet conditions.
Implementation Method 1
Self adapting polymers align themselves with the hydrophilic group pointing to the surface during application thus delivering an aesthetically pleasing surface to the consumers with a pleasant after feel. These polymers then rearrange upon contact with water so that the hydrophobic groups now point to the surface which then increases the water resistance of the sunscreen formulation.
Data Source
AI summary
Compositions comprising sun-care actives and self adapting polymers are disclosed. Self adapting polymers align themselves with the hydrophilic group pointing to the surface during application thus delivering an aesthetically pleasing surface to the consumers with a pleasant after feel. These polymers then rearrange upon contact with water so that the hydrophobic groups now point to the surface which then increases the water resistance of the formulation.