Two-Phase Personal Care Composition for Resorcinol Discoloration

Solution Overview

Problem

Resorcinol derivatives in personal care compositions tend to cause aesthetically displeasing discoloration due to oxidation, which is a persistent issue that existing solutions have not effectively addressed.

Innovation Solution

A multi-phase personal care composition is developed with a resorcinol derivative in the oil phase, where the aqueous and oil phases are visually distinct and separated, and fatty ester is incorporated into the oil phase to mitigate discoloration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If resorcinol derivative is incorporated into personal care composition, then skin lightening benefit is achieved, but discoloration occurs due to oxidation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveskin lightening benefitVSAvoiddiscoloration

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The composition is divided into two visually distinct phases: an aqueous phase containing resorcinol derivative and a separate oil phase containing fatty ester. This segmentation prevents direct contact between oxidizing agents in the aqueous phase and the resorcinol derivative, thereby preventing discoloration while maintaining skin lightening benefits.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The oil phase acting as an intermediary barrier between the aqueous phase (containing resorcinol derivative) and external oxidizing agents. The fatty ester in the oil phase serves as a protective intermediary that prevents oxidation of the resorcinol derivative while allowing the composition to remain effective for skin lightening.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If resorcinol derivative is incorporated into personal care composition, then cosmetic benefit is achieved, but aesthetically displeasing discoloration occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecosmetic benefitVSAvoidaesthetically displeasing discoloration

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The composition is divided into two visually distinct phases: an aqueous phase containing resorcinol derivative and a separate oil phase containing fatty ester. This segmentation prevents direct contact between oxidizing agents in the aqueous phase and the resorcinol derivative, thereby preventing discoloration while maintaining skin lightening benefits.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention utilizes the visual distinction between the aqueous phase (containing resorcinol derivative) and the oil phase (containing fatty ester) to maintain aesthetic appeal. The two phases are designed to be visually distinct, preventing the discoloration that would occur if the resorcinol derivative were exposed to oxidizing conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

3Device complexity

If single-phase composition is used, then simplicity is maintained, but discoloration problem persists

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomposition simplicityVSAvoiddiscoloration

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The composition is divided into two visually distinct phases: an aqueous phase containing resorcinol derivative and a separate oil phase containing fatty ester. This segmentation prevents direct contact between oxidizing agents in the aqueous phase and the resorcinol derivative, thereby preventing discoloration while maintaining skin lightening benefits.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention transitions from a single-phase composition to a two-phase system (aqueous and oil phases). This phase transition allows the resorcinol derivative to be protected from oxidation by separating it from the aqueous environment where oxidizing agents are present, thereby preventing discoloration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #36Phase transitions

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 incorporation of fatty ester significantly improves the stability of the composition, reducing or preventing discoloration and maintaining a visually appealing appearance.

Implementation Method 1

the color of the composition tend to change due to many factors. Without being bound by theory, one hypothesis for the cause of discoloration is due to oxidation.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOxidation: Oxidation

Data Source

PatentUS12576014B2Personal care composition with visually distinct aqueous and oil phase

Publication Date: 2026.03.17 CONOPCO INC

AI summary

Disclosed is a multi-phase personal care composition comprising an aqueous phase, and an oil phase comprising fatty ester and resorcinol derivative, wherein the weight ratio of the fatty ester to the resorcinol derivative is from 10:1 to 1000:1 and the aqueous phase is visually distinct from and in physical contact with the oil phase.