Solidified Gel Cleanser for Single-Application Makeup Removal

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing makeup-removing and cleansing products are often ineffective in a single application, require excessive scrubbing, and can irritate or damage the delicate skin around the eyes, particularly due to harsh surfactants and multiple applications.

Innovation Solution

A cosmetic composition in the form of a solidified gel, containing gellan gum, polyols, and surfactants, which forms a transparent micellar solution that easily removes makeup and hydrates the skin without irritation, using a pleasant texture that glides over the skin and dissolves contaminants.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If traditional makeup-removing products are used, then makeup can be removed, but multiple applications and excessive scrubbing are required, causing skin irritation and damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemakeup removal efficiencyVSAvoidskin irritation and damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the physical state of the cleansing composition from liquid to solidified gel form, which allows the product to remain on the skin longer without running or dripping. This parameter change enables effective makeup removal in a single application while reducing the need for excessive scrubbing and multiple applications that cause skin irritation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses a composite formulation combining gellan gum (as a thickening and gelling agent), polyols (for hydration and skin conditioning), and surfactants (for makeup dissolution). This composite material structure provides both effective cleansing and skin protection, removing makeup without causing irritation or damage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Productivity

If harsh surfactants are used in cleansing products, then makeup removal effectiveness is improved, but skin irritation and damage increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemakeup removal effectivenessVSAvoidskin irritation

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies the surfactant concentration and type parameters within the solidified gel matrix, creating a formulation that maintains effective makeup removal capability while using milder surfactants that are less irritating to the skin. The gellan gum matrix also allows for optimized surfactant distribution that enhances cleansing efficiency without compromising skin health

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If multiple applications of cleansing product are used, then complete makeup removal is achieved, but time consumption and skin damage from excessive scrubbing increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomplete makeup removalVSAvoidcleansing time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The solidified gel form change allows the cleansing composition to remain on the skin longer without dripping or running, providing sufficient contact time for effective makeup dissolution in a single application. This eliminates the need for multiple applications and reduces total cleansing time while maintaining complete makeup removal

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Stability of the object's composition

If thickening agents are used to create solidified gel, then product stability and application control are improved, but transparency and aesthetic appearance may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesolidified gel stabilityVSAvoidtransparency

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes the gellan gum concentration and molecular structure parameters to create a solidified gel that maintains transparency. By carefully controlling the gelling conditions and using purified gellan gum, the formulation achieves both structural stability and optical clarity, allowing the product to appear transparent while maintaining its solidified gel form

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention creates local heterogeneity in the gel matrix through the incorporation of polyols and surfactants, which enhances transparency and aesthetic appearance in the bulk formulation while maintaining the stabilizing function of gellan gum in the network structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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

Effectively removes makeup from the face and around the eyes with a single application, hydrates the skin, and is gentle enough to avoid irritation, maintaining skin health and appearance.

Implementation Method 1

A cosmetic composition in the form of a solidified gel, containing gellan gum, polyols, and surfactants, which forms a transparent micellar solution

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGel formation: Gel

Implementation Method 2

The solidified gel has a pleasant texture that is not sticky. It glides easily over the skin while depositing a pleasant layer of the composition onto the skin. The deposited layer penetrates, dislodges, and dissolves contaminants (e.g., unwanted oils, sebum, makeup, and build up)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMicellar solution formation: Microwave Radiation

Implementation Method 3

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydration: Absorption (physical)

Data Source

PatentUS20250367103A1Solidified gel and methods for cleansing skin

Publication Date: 2025.12.04 LOREAL SA

AI summary

A cosmetic composition in the form of a solidified gel is disclosed comprising: (a) about 0.5 wt. % or more of gellan gum; (b) one or more polyols having from 2 to 10 carbon atoms; (c) one or more surfactants; and (d) water. The cosmetic composition is useful in methods for topically treating and cleansing the body, for example, the skin. The cosmetic composition and methods are particularly effective for removing makeup.