Surfactant System for Cleansing Compositions

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current cosmetic cleansing compositions with high surfactant content provide good washing power but are aggressive, causing skin and hair damage due to poor compatibility, leading to skin imbalance and fluctuating health and appearance.

Innovation Solution

A cosmetic composition comprising a surfactant system of anionic, amphoteric, and non-ionic surfactants in specific weight percentages, balancing cleansing efficacy with mildness to maintain skin and hair health.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If high surfactant content is used in cosmetic cleansing compositions, then washing power is improved, but skin and hair compatibility deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewashing powerVSAvoidskin and hair damage

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies composite materials by formulating a surfactant system that combines multiple types of surfactants (anionic, amphoteric, and non-ionic) in specific proportions. This composite surfactant system provides effective cleansing power while reducing the harshness and damage to skin and hair that would result from using a single type of surfactant at high concentrations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing the concentration ratios of different surfactant types within the surfactant system. By adjusting these parameters (specifically maintaining anionic surfactant at 10-50%, amphoteric at 20-70%, and non-ionic at 10-50% of total surfactant weight), the formulation achieves the optimal balance between cleansing efficacy and mildness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If strong washing power cleansers are used, then cleansing efficacy is improved, but skin balance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleansing efficacyVSAvoidskin balance

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by carefully controlling the concentration ranges of each surfactant type in the system. The specific parameter optimization (anionic: 10-50%, amphoteric: 20-70%, non-ionic: 10-50% of total surfactant) enables the formulation to deliver strong cleansing efficacy while maintaining skin balance and preventing the dryness and tightness associated with harsh cleansers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses composite materials by creating a multi-component surfactant system where different surfactant types work synergistically. The combination of anionic, amphoteric, and non-ionic surfactants in optimized proportions provides both effective pollutant removal and skin balance maintenance, eliminating the need for users to switch between strong and mild cleansers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Object-affected harmful factors

If weak washing power cleansers are used, then skin mildness is improved, but pore clearance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveskin mildnessVSAvoidpore clearance

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies composite materials by formulating a surfactant system that combines multiple surfactant types in specific proportions. This composite approach ensures that the formulation has sufficient cleansing power to clear pores and remove pollutants while maintaining skin mildness, thereby eliminating the trade-off between mildness and effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing the concentration ratios of surfactant components. The specific formulation parameters (total surfactant system at 1-30% of composition weight, with specific ratios of anionic, amphoteric, and non-ionic surfactants) enable the product to achieve both pore clearance and skin mildness simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 effectively cleanses while preventing harshness and irritation, allowing consistent use without damaging the skin or hair, effectively removing pollutants and promoting skin repair.

Implementation Method 1

cosmetic compositions which effectively cleanse the skin and/or hair while maintaining mildness... the presence of a specific surfactant system makes it possible to achieve an optimal balance between cleansing efficacy and mildness

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSurfactant: Surfactant

Data Source

PatentUS11484486B2Cosmetic cleansing compositions

Publication Date: 2022.11.01 THE BOOTS CO PLC

AI summary

According to the present invention there is provided a cosmetic composition comprising a cosmetically acceptable carrier and a surfactant system consisting of: (i) an anionic surfactant; (ii) an amphoteric surfactant; and (iii) a non-ionic surfactant, wherein the anionic surfactant is present in an amount of from about 0.5% to about 25% by weight of the surfactant system, wherein the amphoteric surfactant is present in an amount of from about 0.5% to about 50% by weight of the surfactant system, wherein the non-ionic surfactant is present in an amount of from about 0.5% to about 45% (e.g. 43%) by weight of the surfactant system, and wherein the total amount of the surfactant system present in the cosmetic composition is from about 1.5% to about 25% by weight of the composition.