Spray-Pumpable Skin Composition Using Hydrophilic Silica
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current topical skin compositions, especially those with high concentrations of active ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, are not optimally spray-pumpable, leading to uneven application, discomfort, and potential long-term health concerns due to nano-scale particle penetration.
Innovation Solution
A spray-pumpable composition using unbound hydrophilic silicon dioxide particles in an oil-in-water emulsion with 5-15% zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, maintaining viscosity without viscosity-modifying agents, allowing for even distribution and reduced skin irritation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If high concentrations of active ingredients (zinc oxide, titanium dioxide) are added to topical compositions, then the therapeutic effectiveness is improved, but the composition becomes too thick to be spray-pumpable and requires manual application
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical-chemical parameters of the composition by using micron-scale particles (5-15 µm) instead of conventional smaller particles, and by formulating an anhydrous composition with specific viscosity range (50-500 cP). These parameter changes enable the composition to maintain spray-pumpability while incorporating high concentrations (10-50%) of active ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide.
2Quantity of substance
If conventional topical compositions are applied to the skin, then the active ingredients are delivered, but the application process causes discomfort by touching sore or adversely affected skin
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical application method (manual rubbing with fingertips) with a spray-pump delivery system. This substitution eliminates direct contact between the applicator and the affected skin, thereby reducing discomfort for patients with sore or irritated skin while maintaining effective delivery of active ingredients.
3Area of stationary object
If conventional compositions are spread over the skin, then coverage is achieved, but the distribution is uneven and patch-like rather than uniform
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the hydraulic and pneumatic principles of spray-pump technology to deliver the composition as a fine mist or spray. This method of application ensures uniform distribution of the composition across the skin surface through aerosolization, eliminating the patch-like distribution patterns associated with manual rubbing application.
4Quantity of substance
If a thick composition is dispensed onto the skin, then a sufficient amount of active ingredient is delivered, but considerable rubbing is still required which causes additional discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the rubbing mechanism with a spray-pump delivery system that atomizes the composition and deposits it evenly on the skin. This eliminates the need for manual rubbing while maintaining sufficient delivery of active ingredients, thereby reducing application effort and associated discomfort.
5Quantity of substance
If nano-scale zinc oxide or titanium dioxide particles are used in topical compositions, then the active ingredient concentration can be increased, but there are concerns about skin barrier penetration and long-term health effects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the size parameter of the active ingredient particles from nano-scale to micron-scale (5-15 µm). This parameter change prevents skin barrier penetration while still allowing high concentrations (10-50%) of zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to be incorporated into the spray-pumpable composition, thereby eliminating long-term health concerns.
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 is liquid under ambient conditions, easily spreadable, reduces residue, and minimizes skin discomfort, while avoiding long-term adverse health effects by using micron-scale particles, ensuring effective and hygienic topical application.
Implementation Method 1
a spray-pumpable composition for topical use... which is sprayable onto the skin
Implementation Method 2
an emulsion, preferably an oil-in-water emulsion
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a spray-pumpable composition for topical use on the skin comprising hydrophilic silicon dioxide, an emulsifier, at least one active ingredient and optionally one or more additives. The present invention further relates to a method for the preparation of a spray-pumpable composition for topical use on the skin and the use of hydrophilic silicon dioxide for the preparation of suspensions in emulsions, in particular oil-in-water emulsions.