Spherical Terpene Polymer Particles for Biodegradable Soft-Focus Cosmetics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing personal care formulations using polysaccharides, polyesters, acrylates, and polyethylenes suffer from undesirable effects due to moisture and oil absorption, and acrylates are microplastics that are being phased out in favor of environmentally friendly alternatives, while terpene polymers are not spherical and lack desirable optical and sensory properties.
Innovation Solution
Development of spherical terpene polymer particles with a sphericity of at least 0.95 and Dv50 particle size from 0.5 μm to 100 μm, produced by polymerizing terpene monomers such as myrcene, ocimene, alloocimene, L-limonene, α-pinene, and β-pinene, with optional hydrogenation and copolymerization, to provide improved optical and sensory benefits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If polysaccharides or polyesters are used as particles in personal care formulations, then they provide plant-based biodegradable benefits, but they absorb moisture and oils which changes their size and refractive index leading to undesirable effects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite materials by combining terpene polymer with silane crosslinking agents to create a hybrid particle structure that maintains plant-based biodegradability while adding dimensional stability through the silane network that resists moisture and oil absorption
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the particle material by using terpene polymers with specific molecular weight ranges and incorporating silane groups that can be crosslinked, transforming the material properties to resist moisture absorption while maintaining environmental friendliness
2Manufacturing precision
If acrylates and polyethylenes are used as particles in personal care formulations, then they provide desirable optical effects and texture, but they are microplastics that are being phased out in favor of environmentally friendly alternatives
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material composition parameters by using terpene-based polymers with controlled molecular weights and silane crosslinking to achieve particle properties that can deliver desirable optical effects while being environmentally compatible and biodegradable
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adopts biodegradable terpene polymer particles that can be safely disposed of and will decompose in the environment, replacing persistent microplastics with short-lived biodegradable alternatives that still provide the desired cosmetic performance
3Adaptability or versatility
If terpene polymers are used in personal care formulations, then they are environmentally friendly and biodegradable, but they are not spherical and lack desirable optical and sensory properties
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies spheroidality by using emulsion polymerization techniques that naturally form spherical particles, and by incorporating silane crosslinking that maintains the spherical shape while adding structural stability, achieving both environmental friendliness and desirable optical properties
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the terpene polymer by controlling particle size distribution and achieving high sphericity through emulsion polymerization, while also modifying chemical parameters through silane crosslinking to enhance both shape stability and optical performance
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 spherical terpene polymer particles enhance sensory feel and provide optical benefits like line-blurring and soft focus effects, blending well with other personal care composition components, while being environmentally friendly and avoiding microplastic issues.
Implementation Method 1
polymerizing terpene monomers such as myrcene, ocimene, alloocimene, L-limonene, α-pinene, and β-pinene
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a composition comprising polymer particles, wherein the polymer particles comprise at least one terpene polymer, as well as methods of preparing the particles. The present disclosure also relates to personal care compositions comprising said particles and methods of using such compositions of polymer particles for treating hair, skin, and nails.