Taurine Cleansing Bar Polymer Stabilization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Formulating solid cleansing bars with taurine is challenging due to the precipitation of taurine particles, resulting in an abrasive texture, which compromises the cosmetic benefits of taurine in non-solid compositions.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a polymer, such as polyethylene oxide-polypropylene oxide block copolymer, into the cleansing bar composition to stabilize taurine and prevent its crystallization on the surface, thereby maintaining a smooth texture and enhancing the cosmetic benefits.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If taurine is incorporated into a solid cleansing bar composition, then the beneficial cosmetic effects of taurine are delivered, but gritty solid particles or crystals of taurine precipitate out on the surface during aging

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecosmetic benefits of taurineVSAvoidabrasive feel from taurine crystals
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A polymer is introduced as an intermediary substance between taurine and the cleansing bar matrix. The polymer binds to taurine molecules, preventing their crystallization and precipitation on the bar surface while maintaining taurine's cosmetic benefits. This mediator approach resolves the contradiction by keeping taurine in a stabilized, non-crinkly state throughout the product's shelf life.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The physical state of taurine is changed from free crystalline form to a polymer-bound state. By altering the molecular environment of taurine through polymer interaction, the substance maintains its cosmetic functionality while preventing the phase transition to crystalline form that causes the abrasive texture problem.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Quantity of substance

If taurine is added to cleansing bar composition, then skin hydration and anti-inflammatory properties are enhanced, but taurine crystallization occurs on the surface

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetaurine contentVSAvoidtaurine stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The polymer acts as a stabilizing intermediary that complexes with taurine, maintaining it in solution within the cleansing bar matrix. This prevents taurine from separating out as crystals during storage while preserving the full quantity of active taurine for delivering skin hydration and anti-inflammatory benefits.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

A composite system is created combining taurine, polymer, and cleansing bar ingredients. The polymer-taurine complex forms a stable composite structure that maintains compositional homogeneity throughout the product, preventing phase separation and crystallization while retaining all functional properties of taurine.

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 polymer effectively stabilizes taurine within the cleansing bar, preventing precipitation and enhancing the skin hydration and anti-inflammatory properties while maintaining a smooth, non-abrasive texture.

Implementation Method 1

taurine can be stabilized in a solid cleansing bar composition by the inclusion of a polymer... preventing precipitation of taurine on the surface

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCrystallization inhibition: Crystallisation

Data Source

PatentUS11015152B2Cleansing bars with taurine
Publication Date: 2021.05.25 COLGATE PALMOLIVE CO

AI summary

Described herein, are cleansing bar compositions comprising at least one cleanser chosen from soap and surfactant; taurine, in free or salt form; and at least one polymer. Methods of making using the cleansing bar compositions are also described.