Solid Anhydrous Cosmetic Composition Using Microcrystalline Cellulose

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cosmetic compositions, such as creams and gels, face issues with leakage during transport due to their liquid or semi-liquid texture, while solid soap bars are cumbersome after use. There is a need for a composition that is easy to apply, transport, lightweight, and minimizes water usage without leaking.

Innovation Solution

A solid anhydrous cosmetic composition comprising at least 70% microcrystalline cellulose, isethionate surfactants, and acyl glutamic acid surfactants, optionally with a lubricant, formulated into a tablet form that dissolves rapidly in water to form a foam, ensuring ease of use and transport without leakage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If liquid or semi-liquid cosmetic compositions are used, then ease of application is improved, but leakage during transport occurs and packaging volume increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of applicationVSAvoidleakage prevention
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the physical state parameter of the cosmetic composition from liquid/semi-liquid to solid anhydrous form. This parameter change eliminates leakage during transport while maintaining ease of application through rapid dissolution in water during use, directly resolving the contradiction between ease of application and leakage prevention

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If solid soap bars are used, then leakage prevention is improved, but ease of transport deteriorates due to wetness after use

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveleakage preventionVSAvoidease of transport
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the moisture content parameter from wet (traditional soap bars) to anhydrous (less than 5% water). This parameter change maintains the solid form for leak-proof transport while eliminating the wetness problem after use, allowing the product to remain dry and easy to handle throughout its lifecycle

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If traditional liquid compositions are used, then ease of application is improved, but packaging volume and weight increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of applicationVSAvoidpackaging volume
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the physical state from liquid to solid and reduces water content to anhydrous levels. This parameter change achieves significant volume reduction and weight reduction while maintaining ease of application through rapid dissolution in water during use, directly addressing the contradiction between ease of application and packaging compactness

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 composition provides a practical, lightweight, and leak-proof cosmetic product that is easy to transport and measure, effectively cleaning keratin materials like skin and hair with minimal water usage, while maintaining a small volume and preventing effervescence.

Implementation Method 1

The composition according to the invention is anhydrous. 'Anhydrous' means that the composition contains less than 5% by weight of water relative to the total weight of the composition... During use, the anhydrous solution according to the invention typically dissolves rapidly in contact with water.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAbsorption: Absorption (physical)

Data Source

PatentEP3644949B1Solid cleaning cosmetic composition
Publication Date: 2021.10.20 LOREAL SA

AI summary

Solid cleaning cosmetic composition This invention relates to a solid anhydrous cosmetic composition, including: - at least 70% by weight of microcrystalline cellulose as a proportion of the total weight of the composition; - at least one surfactant chosen from among isethionic derivatives and their cosmetically acceptable salts; - at least one surfactant chosen from among acyl glutamic acids and their cosmetically acceptable salts; and - possibly, at least one lubricant. This invention also relates to a method of preparing such a composition, and its use in cosmetics.