Stable Self-Tanning Composition with Polymer and Humectant
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cosmetic compositions containing self-tanning agents are unstable, leading to poor shelf life and uneven skin tanning, often resulting in orange discoloration and blotchy patches due to dry skin areas.
Innovation Solution
A cosmetic composition comprising a self-tanning agent, a cross-linked anionic polyelectrolyte polymer, and a polyhydric alcohol humectant, with a pH of 3.5 to 4.5, which stabilizes the formulation and enhances skin tone without orange discoloration by improving skin hydration and barrier function.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If self-tanning agents are used to enhance skin pigmentation, then skin tone improvement is achieved, but formulation stability deteriorates leading to poor shelf life
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a cross-linked anionic polyelectrolyte polymer as an intermediary substance that mediates between the self-tanning agent and the formulation components. This polymer stabilizes the self-tanning agent through electrostatic interactions and forms a protective network structure, preventing degradation while maintaining skin pigmentation enhancement effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a composite formulation combining self-tanning agents with cross-linked anionic polyelectrolyte polymers and polyhydric alcohol humectants. This composite material approach integrates multiple functional components that work synergistically to provide both stability and skin care benefits, resolving the contradiction between formulation stability and skin tone improvement.
2Reliability
If self-tanning agents are used to create artificial tan, then skin pigmentation increases, but orange discoloration occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the chemical environment parameters by adjusting pH to acidic conditions (3.5-4.5) and incorporating cross-linked anionic polyelectrolyte polymers. These parameter changes alter the reaction pathway of the self-tanning agent with skin proteins, producing natural skin tone enhancement while preventing the formation of orange discoloration byproducts.
3Reliability
If self-tanning compositions are applied to dry skin areas, then pigmentation is achieved, but blotchy or patchy results occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates polyhydric alcohol humectants that perform preliminary hydration of the skin before self-tanning agent application. This preliminary action ensures even distribution and uptake of the self-tanning agent across all skin areas, including previously dry or compromised areas, resulting in uniform pigmentation without blotches or patches.
4Stability of the object's composition
If conventional stabilizing agents are used in self-tanning formulations, then shelf life is extended, but skin feel deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The cross-linked anionic polyelectrolyte polymer serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a stabilizing agent extending shelf life, provides skin conditioning properties, and maintains formulation homogeneity. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate skin feel modifiers, resolving the contradiction between stability and skin feel while avoiding the need for additional ingredients that might compromise formulation stability.
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 stable, immediate skin tone enhancement with natural-looking tanning, reducing the risk of orange discoloration and blotchiness, while maintaining skin health through chronic hydration and improved skin barrier function.
Implementation Method 1
a cross-linked anionic polyelectrolyte polymer, said polyelectrolyte polymer comprising; i) from 58.7% to 89.9999% by weight of the polyelectrolyte polymer of a monomer comprising a strongly acidic function
Implementation Method 2
c) a polyhydric alcohol humectant; said composition further having a pH of from 3.5 to 4.5
Implementation Method 3
a self-tanning agent conforming to the general formula; wherein R1 is H, CH2OH, CHOHCH2OH, CH(OH)CH(═O), CH(OCH3)CH(═O), CH(NH2)CH(═O), or CH(NH-Phenyl)CH(═O); and R2 is H or CH2OH
Data Source
AI summary
Stable topical compositions having a pH of from 3.5 to 4.5 comprising a self-tanning agent, a polymer and a polyhydric alcohol humectant. The compositions of the present invention are highly stable, and deliver high levels of active self-tanning agent to the skin upon topical application.