Silicone Elastomer Exfoliating Compositions
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cosmetic and personal care formulations with silicone elastomers face challenges in achieving high concentrations in aqueous systems without stability issues and residue buildup, limiting their effectiveness and convenience in exfoliation treatments.
Innovation Solution
Developing stable and efficacious aqueous-based compositions with high concentrations of silicone elastomer suspensions, up to 90% by weight, which can be easily removed from the skin without water, utilizing a 63% silicone elastomer suspension in water, such as Dow Corning 9509, combined with a cosmetically acceptable vehicle for mechanical exfoliation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If silicone elastomers are used in conventional concentrations in aqueous systems, then stability is maintained, but exfoliation effectiveness is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the concentration parameter of silicone elastomer from conventional low levels to high levels (50-90% by weight), fundamentally altering the system's properties to achieve both stability and enhanced exfoliation effectiveness simultaneously
2Productivity
If high concentrations of silicone elastomer are used, then exfoliation effectiveness is improved, but stability issues and residue buildup occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the concentration parameter to a specific high range (50-90% by weight) and combines it with controlled particle size parameters (1-100 micrometers) to achieve effective exfoliation while preventing the stability issues and residue buildup that occur with conventional high concentrations
3Duration of action of stationary object
If silicone elastomers with good substantivity are used, then they remain intact on skin for extended periods, but build-up becomes detrimental to skin
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the particle size parameter of silicone elastomer to specific ranges (1-100 micrometers, preferably 1-10 micrometers) which modifies the substantivity characteristic, allowing the material to remain on skin long enough for exfoliation but preventing detrimental build-up
4Adaptability or versatility
If emulsion techniques are used to incorporate silicone elastomers into aqueous systems, then water-based formulation is achieved, but additional complexity and skin irritants are introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the emulsifier component from the formulation, achieving stable aqueous silicone elastomer suspensions through direct suspension of controlled particle size without requiring additional emulsifying agents, thereby reducing formulation complexity and removing potential skin irritants
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 compositions provide effective skin exfoliation with reduced residue and drying time, allowing for quick and convenient use anywhere, while maintaining skin health benefits and stability, contrary to prior art limitations.
Implementation Method 1
useful as skin exfoliants when mechanical agitation is supplied
Implementation Method 2
Silicones belong to a class of cosmetic ingredients that exhibit good substantivity because they are insoluble in water
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
Compositions of the present invention comprise from about 40 - 99% of an aqueous suspension of silicone elastomer powder in a cosmetically acceptable vehicle. The compositions are useful as skin exfoliants when mechanical agitation is supplied, for example by rubbing with a hand. After exfoliation, little or no film or residue remains on the skin and washing the treated area is optional. The cosmetically acceptable vehicle may comprise a wide range of beneficial ingredients, cosmetic or dermatological actives and additives. The present invention also encompasses a method of exfoliating skin in need of such treatment.