Solid Cleansing Composition Using Ammonium-Carboxylic Acid Synergy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing antimicrobial cleansing compositions using carboxylic acids with pKa greater than 4.5 are costly and associated with odor issues, necessitating the use of fragrance systems that increase costs.
Innovation Solution
Combining ammonium salts like ammonium chloride with carboxylic acids having a pKa range of 2.5 to 4.5, such as benzoic acid, to achieve a synergistic antimicrobial effect without odor, formulated in a solid cleansing composition with a pH of 2.5 to 6.5.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional liquid or gel cleansers are used, then they can be applied to skin, but they require rinsing and leave residue that clogs pores and causes acne
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the physical state of the cleanser from liquid/gel to solid form (beads or flakes), fundamentally changing how the product is applied and removed. This parameter change eliminates the need for rinsing while preventing pore clogging, as the solid form can be easily picked off skin without leaving residue.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes phase transition by incorporating substances that melt at body temperature or slightly above, allowing the cleanser to transition from solid beads/flakes during application to liquid on skin contact, then back to solid upon drying. This phase transition enables easy application and removal without rinsing.
2Reliability
If conventional cleansers are applied to skin, then cleaning occurs, but the skin becomes dry and tight requiring moisturizer
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite cleanser containing multiple functional components: cleansing agents (amino acid derivatives, betaines), moisturizing agents (ceramides, fatty acids, cholesterol), and skin-conditioning agents. This composite formulation provides both effective cleaning and skin hydration in a single product, eliminating the need for separate moisturizer application.
3Reliability
If conventional cleansers are used, then they can remove dirt and oil, but they strip natural oils from skin disrupting the acid mantle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the pH parameter of the cleanser to be slightly acidic (pH 4.0-6.0), matching the skin's natural acid mantle. This parameter change allows effective removal of dirt and oil while maintaining skin's natural protective barrier, preventing disruption of the acid mantle balance.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention incorporates specific ingredients that target different aspects of skin care locally: amino acid derivatives for gentle cleansing, ceramides for barrier repair, fatty acids for moisture retention, and antioxidants for protection. Each component performs its function locally on the skin surface.
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 combination provides rapid antimicrobial efficacy within 10 to 30 seconds, reducing microbial counts by 99.99% without the need for additional fragrance, thus lowering costs and maintaining effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
The solid cleansing composition melts upon contact with skin, transforming from solid beads or flakes into an effective cleanser
Implementation Method 2
The solid cleansing composition melts upon contact with skin, transforming from solid beads or flakes into an effective cleanser, then dries to form a solid residue that is easily picked off skin without rinsing
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a solid cleansing composition. Particularly, the present invention relates to a cleansing composition that provides superior antimicrobial e.g. antibacterial, effect in consumer relevant contact time of 10 to 30 sec. The solid composition comprises select ammonium salts and one or more carboxylic acids having pKa in the range from 2.5 to 4.5; and wherein the pH of 5% solution of the composition is in the range 2.5 to 6.5.