Cosmetic Sunscreen Composition Stabilization via Surfactant Systems

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Solution Overview

Problem

Cosmetic sunscreen compositions face challenges in achieving high SPF values while maintaining stability and providing a smooth, non-greasy feel, as well as an illuminating and glowing effect, due to the instability caused by the combination of high UV-filter and skin tone color systems.

Innovation Solution

A cosmetic sunscreen composition incorporating a UV-filter system, a skin tone color system, and a surfactant system with anionic and non-ionic chains in an oil-in-water emulsion, which stabilizes the pearl agents coated with titanium dioxide and iron oxide, ensuring high SPF performance and a smooth, glowing skin effect.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If high amounts of UV-filters are used to achieve high SPF values, then UV protection is improved, but the product becomes greasy and sticky with long drying time

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveUV protectionVSAvoidskin feel
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the physical-chemical parameters of the UV filters by using micronized particles (reducing particle size) and coating them with specific substances (silicones, polymers, fatty acids) to alter their interaction with skin. This allows maintaining high UV protection while improving skin feel and reducing greasiness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates composite materials by combining UV filters with coating substances (silicones, polymers, fatty acids, waxes) and fillers. This composite approach allows the UV filters to maintain their protective function while the coating and filler components provide improved skin feel, reduced greasiness, and enhanced stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If high amounts of UV-filters and fillers are used to ensure good sensoriality, then UV protection and skin feel are improved, but the composition becomes unstable

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveUV protectionVSAvoidcomposition stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces coating substances (silicones, polymers, fatty acids, waxes) as intermediary components between the UV filters and the formulation matrix. These intermediaries act as stabilizing agents that prevent aggregation of UV filter particles and improve overall composition stability while maintaining UV protection and sensoriality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent optimizes particle size parameters of UV filters (micronization) and adjusts the chemical parameters of coating substances to achieve optimal stability. By controlling particle size and coating characteristics, the composition remains stable over time while maintaining high UV protection and good skin feel.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Illumination intensity

If pearl agents coated with interference pigments are used to provide illuminating effect, then skin appearance is improved, but the composition becomes unstable over time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveilluminating effectVSAvoidcomposition stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses coating substances (silicones, polymers, fatty acids, waxes) as intermediaries to stabilize the pearl agents and interference pigments. These coating materials prevent aggregation and degradation of the optical components, maintaining the illuminating effect while ensuring long-term composition stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates composite materials combining pearl agents, interference pigments, and stabilizing coatings. This composite structure allows the optical components to provide the desired illuminating effect while the coating and filler components ensure stability over time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

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 effective UV protection, a stable and smooth application, and a natural-looking glow, maintaining desired viscosity, appearance, color, and pH levels, making it suitable for daily use.

Implementation Method 1

a surfactant system comprising anionic and non-ionic chains in an oil-in-water emulsion

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSurfactant: Surfactant

Implementation Method 2

an UV-filter system... to protect from sun-damage, sunburn, photo-aging... caused by exposure to ultraviolet ('UV') radiation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectUV filtration: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 3

pearl agents that are coated with interference pigments... internal pearl agents are responsible for the glowing effect

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight scattering and reflection: Scattering

Data Source

PatentUS20230270645A1Cosmetic sunscreen composition, process for manufacturing a cosmetic sunscreen composition and use of a cosmetic sunscreen composition
Publication Date: 2023.08.31 LOREAL SA

AI summary

The present disclosure is directed to a cosmetic sunscreen composition comprising (a) an UV-filter system; (b) a skin tone color system; and (c) a surfactant system. The present disclosure is also directed to the use of a cosmetic sunscreen composition and to a process of manufacturing a cosmetic sunscreen composition.