Photochromic Cosmetic Ingredient for Transparent UV Color Change
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cosmetic formulations lack the ability to provide a transparent colored product that can dynamically change color in response to UV light, while maintaining the integrity of the cosmetic properties.
Innovation Solution
A cosmetic ingredient with a polymer structure, such as polyurethane or polysiloxane, incorporating a photochromic molecule like spiropyrans, is synthesized through transesterification with bis-hydroxyethoxypropyl dimethicone, ensuring rapid and reversible color change under UV light, while maintaining emollient or film-forming functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If photochromic molecules are introduced into cosmetic formulations, then the product can dynamically change color in response to UV light, but the transparency and stability of the cosmetic product may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining photochromic molecules with polymer structures (polyurethane or polysiloxane) to create a stable cosmetic ingredient. The polymer matrix provides structural stability and transparency while encapsulating the photochromic molecules, allowing color change functionality to be maintained without compromising product reliability. The composite structure ensures that the photochromic effect is preserved while the polymer provides cosmetic stability and skin compatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by incorporating photochromic molecules specifically within the polymer structure at controlled locations. The chromophore molecules are integrated into the polymer chains or cross-linked within the polymer matrix, creating localized photochromic centers within an otherwise stable cosmetic medium. This allows the color change property to be confined to specific molecular regions while the overall product maintains its transparency and stability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If photochromic molecules are directly incorporated into cosmetic formulations, then color change functionality is achieved, but solubility and compatibility with cosmetic matrices may be poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite material where photochromic molecules are chemically integrated into polymer structures. The polymer acts as a carrier matrix that provides solubility and compatibility with cosmetic formulations. The photochromic molecules are not merely mixed but are covalently bonded or cross-linked within the polymer chains, ensuring homogeneous distribution and stable incorporation into cosmetic products without aggregation or precipitation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses polymer structures as an intermediary between the photochromic molecules and the cosmetic matrix. The polymer serves as a mediator that facilitates the incorporation of photochromic molecules into cosmetic formulations by providing a compatible molecular environment. The polymer chains act as a bridge, allowing the photochromic molecules to be integrated into the cosmetic system while maintaining their photochromic properties and ensuring solubility.
3Speed
If small molecular weight photochromic substances are used, then rapid color switching is achieved, but skin absorption and safety concerns increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines small molecular weight photochromic substances with polymer structures to create a composite material. The polymer matrix provides a larger molecular structure that reduces skin penetration while maintaining the rapid photochromic response of the embedded small molecules. The photochromic molecules remain accessible to UV light for rapid color switching but are physically constrained within the polymer network, preventing excessive skin absorption and improving safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent effectively creates a molecular-scale shell by incorporating photochromic molecules within the polymer structure. The polymer chains form a flexible matrix that encapsulates the small photochromic molecules, allowing them to respond rapidly to UV light while providing a protective barrier that limits direct contact with skin. This molecular encapsulation maintains the speed advantage of small molecules while mitigating their penetration risk.
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 cosmetic ingredient allows for transparent colored products that can change color under UV light, preserving the cosmetic properties like emolliency and texture, without altering the formulation's sensory experience.
Implementation Method 1
Photochromism is a physical phenomenon based on a reversible reaction which transforms a molecule from a state A to a state B following the absorption of an electromagnetic radiation. The initial stable state A absorbs in the ultraviolet spectral region and for such a reason it is generally colorless, while the higher-energy state B absorbs in the visible region and is intensely colored.
Data Source
AI summary
A cosmetic ingredient for cosmetic products has a polymer structure which includes an emollient or film-forming cosmetic polymer which is transparent to light. An organic chromophore molecule is inserted and chemically linked into the polymer, which can be a fixed color molecule or a photochromic molecule capable of rapidly switching from one color to another. The colored or photochromic molecule is inserted and chemically linked by transesterification into a cosmetic oil provided with functionalities which are suitable for the chemical anchoring of the molecule and chemically linked to said oil. The cosmetic oil may be a silicone macrodiol functionalized with a photochromic derivative designed so as to ensure the transition between a colorless state and a colored state following irradiation with ultraviolet light.