Silicone Composition Reduces Rinsing Water in Cosmetic Foams

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Solution Overview

Problem

Cosmetic compositions face challenges in efficiently rinsing off lather without excessive water usage, leading to longer rinsing times and potential loss of constituents.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a silicone composition with a hydrophobic organopolysiloxane fluid having a surface tension of 18 to 40 mN/m and a finely divided solid hydrophobic filler, which reduces water required for rinsing and maintains lather texture in foamable compositions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If conventional cosmetic compositions are used, then lather can be formed, but excessive water is required for rinsing and rinsing time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewater usageVSAvoidrinsing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the surface tension of the cosmetic composition through the addition of silicone compounds with specific surface tension values (15-40 mN/m). This parameter change enables the lather to be rinsed off more easily with less water, directly resolving the contradiction between water usage and rinsing time

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses composite materials by combining silicone compounds (with specific surface tension properties) with surfactants and other cosmetic ingredients. This composite approach creates a formulation that maintains effective lather formation while significantly reducing the water required for rinsing, addressing both water usage and time concerns

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Quantity of substance

If silicone composition with surface tension of 18 to 40 mN/m is added, then water usage for rinsing is reduced, but composition complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewater usageVSAvoidcomposition complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The silicone composition serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a surfactant booster for lather formation, a rinse aid for easy water removal, and a conditioning agent for hair softness. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate additives, thereby limiting the increase in composition complexity while achieving significant water usage reduction

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

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

This approach significantly reduces water usage and rinsing time while preserving lather quality, enhancing the effectiveness of cosmetic products like shampoos and conditioners by facilitating easier combing and improved hair treatment outcomes.

Implementation Method 1

a hydrophobic organopolysiloxane fluid having a surface tension of from 18 to 40 mN/m

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSurface tension: Surface Tension

Implementation Method 2

a finely divided solid hydrophobic filler dispersed in the organopolysiloxane fluid

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDispersion: Dispersion (of waves)

Data Source

PatentUS9913795B2Cosmetic compositions containing silicones
Publication Date: 2018.03.13 DOW SILICONES CORP

AI summary

A cosmetic composition comprising a cosmetically active ingredient in a cosmetically acceptable medium, wherein the cosmetic composition contains a silicone composition comprising (A) a hydrophobic organopolysiloxane fluid having a surface tension of from 15 to 40 mN/m and (B) a finely divided solid hydrophobic filler dispersed in the organopolysiloxane fluid (A).