Sprayable Sunscreen Emulsion Using Alpha-Cyclodextrin
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current sun protection compositions with high SPF are often viscous and difficult to apply, requiring long application times and typically containing xanthan gum and conventional emulsifiers, which can limit their stability and ease of use as sprays.
Innovation Solution
A sprayable sun protection composition comprising UV filters, emollients, alpha-cyclodextrin as an emulsion stabilizing and viscosity controlling agent, and a surfactant, without xanthan gum or conventional emulsifiers, formulated as a stable oil-in-water emulsion for efficient skin coverage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If conventional emulsifiers and xanthan gum are used in high SPF sun protection compositions, then stability is improved, but application speed and ease of use deteriorate due to high viscosity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the emulsion system by replacing conventional emulsifiers (like Tween 80) and xanthan gum with a specific combination of surfactants (Lauryl Glucoside and/or Decyl Glucoside) at optimized concentrations (0.01-0.15% and 0.5-5.0% respectively). This parameter change maintains emulsion stability while achieving sprayable viscosity, resolving the contradiction between stability and application ease.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a composite surfactant system combining Lauryl Glucoside and/or Decyl Glucoside with alpha-cyclodextrin and specific UV filters. This composite material approach creates a synergistic effect where the glucoside surfactants provide both emulsification and viscosity control, eliminating the need for xanthan gum while maintaining stability.
2Device complexity
If xanthan gum is used as a gelling agent in sun protection compositions, then viscosity control is improved, but sprayability and application speed worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates xanthan gum from the formulation, removing the problematic gelling agent that caused high viscosity. Instead, it relies on the natural viscosity-modulating properties of glucoside surfactants and the interaction between alpha-cyclodextrin and UV filter molecules, achieving sprayability without sacrificing viscosity control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the expensive and problematic xanthan gum with cheaper, naturally-derived glucoside surfactants that provide both emulsification and appropriate viscosity for spray application, improving both cost-effectiveness and application performance.
3Stability of the object's composition
If conventional emulsifiers are used to maintain emulsion stability, then stability is improved, but the need for additional ingredients increases formulation complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the glucoside surfactants multi-functional, having them perform both emulsification and viscosity control simultaneously. This eliminates the need for separate xanthan gum and conventional emulsifier ingredients, reducing formulation complexity while maintaining stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of emulsification, viscosity control, and UV filtration into a unified system where Lauryl Glucoside and/or Decyl Glucoside work synergistically with alpha-cyclodextrin and UV filters, eliminating the need for separate conventional emulsifier and gelling agent components.
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 fast and stable application of high SPF sun protection, facilitating broad skin coverage without the need for xanthan gum or conventional emulsifiers, maintaining stability and effectiveness over time.
Implementation Method 1
alpha-cyclodextrin (Cavamax W6 Food)
Implementation Method 2
emulsion stabilizing and viscosity controlling agent
Implementation Method 3
a surfactant
Implementation Method 4
formulated as a stable oil-in-water emulsion
Implementation Method 5
at least one UV filter... protecting the skin from both UV-A radiation and from UV-B radiation
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a sprayable sun protection composition comprising, in a physiologically acceptable medium, at least one UV filter and at least one emollient. The invention is characterised in that it further comprises an emulsion stabilizing and viscosity agent, a chelating agent, a surfactant and in that it does not comprise xanthan gum or any conventional emulsifier.