Silicone Elastomer Powder Exfoliating Compositions

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cosmetic and personal care formulations with silicone elastomers face challenges in achieving high concentrations in aqueous systems without stability and efficacy issues, as well as in providing effective exfoliation without harsh abrasives or water rinsing.

Innovation Solution

Developing exfoliating compositions comprising 30-99% aqueous suspensions of silicone elastomer powder, which can be used without water and effectively removed from the skin, providing a stable and efficacious exfoliation experience.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If silicone elastomers are used in traditional emulsion systems, then good substantivity is achieved, but build-up on skin occurs and skin irritation increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesubstantivityVSAvoidskin irritation and build-up

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the physical state of silicone elastomers from liquid emulsion form to solid powder form, and formulates them as wash-off compositions rather than leave-on products. This parameter change allows the composition to provide temporary conditioning benefits without the cumulative build-up and irritation problems associated with traditional emulsion systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The composition is designed for periodic application and removal through washing. The silicone elastomers are applied to provide conditioning benefits during the treatment period, then systematically removed by washing, preventing build-up while maintaining substantivity during each application cycle.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

2Ease of operation

If silicone elastomers are made water-soluble, then ease of removal is improved, but substantivity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of removalVSAvoidsubstantivity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the physical state and formulation approach from liquid emulsions requiring surfactants to solid powder suspensions that are simply washed off with water. The solid powder form provides sufficient substantivity during application while allowing easy removal through simple rinsing without needing water-soluble modifications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of making silicones water-soluble to improve removal, the patent inverts the approach by using water-insoluble solid powders that are easily removed through mechanical washing action. The removal mechanism is inverted from chemical solubility to physical wash-off.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Stability of the object's composition

If emulsifiers and surfactants are added to aqueous silicone systems, then stability is improved, but skin irritation increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveformulation stabilityVSAvoidskin irritation

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and eliminates emulsifiers and surfactants from the formulation by using solid silicone elastomer powders suspended in aqueous vehicles. The solid powder form inherently provides stability without requiring additional surfactant-based emulsification agents.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The composition is designed as a wash-off product where the silicone elastomer powder provides temporary benefits during application and is then removed by washing. This disposable approach eliminates the need for long-term stability against build-up that would require surfactants.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

4Productivity

If harsh abrasives are used for exfoliation, then exfoliation effectiveness is improved, but skin damage increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveexfoliation effectivenessVSAvoidskin damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the mechanical properties of the exfoliating particles from hard abrasives to soft, flexible silicone elastomer powders. These soft particles provide effective exfoliation through gentle mechanical action without causing skin damage associated with harsh abrasives.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The composition combines silicone elastomer powders with aqueous vehicles to create a composite exfoliating system. The silicone elastomer particles provide both exfoliation through their particulate nature and conditioning benefits through their inherent lubricating and softening properties.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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 enable fast, convenient, and residue-free exfoliation, maintaining skin health and appearance while allowing for higher silicone elastomer concentrations than previously possible, enhancing the sensorial experience and convenience of use.

Implementation Method 1

The compositions are useful as skin exfoliants when mechanical agitation is supplied, for example by rubbing with a hand

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAbrasion: Abrasion

Implementation Method 2

washing the treated area is optional... effectively removed from the skin

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRinsing:

Data Source

PatentUS8357355B2Silicone elastomer exfoliating compositions

Publication Date: 2013.01.22 E L MANAGEMENT CORP

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.