Underarm Rinse Targets Odor Bacteria Without Microbiome Disruption

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional body washes are ineffective in targeting and eliminating Staphylococcus hominis, Staphylococcus epidermidis, and Cutibacterium avidum for prolonged periods without disrupting the natural skin microbiome, leading to recurring body odor issues and skin health problems.

Innovation Solution

An underarm rinse solution comprising water, Hydroxyethyl cellulose, Propanediol, Sodium Hydroxide, Soyethyl Morpholinium Ethosulfate, Cocamidopropyl PG-Dimonium Chloride Phosphate, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, and citric acid, which targets and minimizes the growth of these bacteria while maintaining skin hydration and pH balance, ensuring effective odor control without disrupting the skin microbiome.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional body washes are used to eliminate bacteria, then body odor is reduced temporarily, but the natural skin microbiome is disrupted and bacteria return quickly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveodor control effectivenessVSAvoidduration of odor control
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical parameters of the body wash formulation by incorporating specific ingredients (oils, alcohols, acids) at controlled concentrations that create an unfavorable environment for odor-causing bacteria while preserving beneficial microbiome functions. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining effective odor control through targeted chemical action that doesn't rely on complete microbiome disruption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses a composite formulation combining multiple ingredients (surfactants, oils, alcohols, acids) that work synergistically to achieve prolonged odor control. The composite nature allows different components to target different aspects of bacterial activity while being gentler on the overall microbiome, thus extending the duration of effectiveness without severe disruption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If strong antibacterial agents are used to eliminate odor-causing bacteria, then body odor is controlled effectively, but the skin microbiome is significantly disrupted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveodor control effectivenessVSAvoidmicrobiome disruption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by using ingredients that specifically target odor-causing bacteria through mechanisms like fatty acid disruption and pH modification, while the overall formulation maintains conditions that allow beneficial microbiome functions to persist. This selective action reduces harmful effects on the broader microbiome while maintaining odor control effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The formulation modifies local chemical parameters (pH, fatty acid composition, alcohol content) at the skin surface to create an environment unfavorable for odor-causing bacteria but tolerable for beneficial microbiome members. This parameter-based approach achieves discrimination between harmful and beneficial bacteria, reducing overall microbiome disruption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Duration of action of stationary object

If multiple products are used to maintain odor control, then odor management is sustained, but skin health deteriorates due to cumulative disruption

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveodor control durationVSAvoidskin health impact
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of stationary objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a multi-functional body wash that simultaneously cleanses, provides mild antibacterial action, maintains skin hydration through oils and humectants, and regulates pH. This universal formulation reduces the need for multiple separate products, allowing sustained odor control while the skin-friendly ingredients prevent cumulative health deterioration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The formulation includes ingredients that support skin health and microbiome balance as part of their primary function, rather than requiring separate restorative products. The oils, alcohols, and acids in the formulation work to maintain skin barrier function and microbial balance while controlling odor, enabling the product to serve both odor control and skin health maintenance functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS20240216245A1Body wash to target and eliminate key bacteria for prolonged control of body odor
Publication Date: 2024.07.04 COOK BRADLEY

AI summary

An underarm rinse solution composed of water, Hydroxyethyl cellulose, Propanediol, a Sodium Hydroxide and water mixture, Soyethyl Morpholinium Ethosulfate, Cocamidopropyl PG-Dimonium Chloride Phosphate, a Sodium Benzoate and Potassium Sorbate mixture, and a citric acid and water mixture. The solution targets, eliminates, and minimizes growth of Staphylococcus hominis, Staphylococcus epidermidis, and Cutibacterium avidum. The water acts as a carrier and diluent, Hydroxyethylcellulose increases viscosity, Propanediol retains moisture, Sodium Hydroxide adjusts pH, Soyethyl Morpholinium Ethosulfate neutralizes odor, Cocamidopropyl PG-Dimonium Chloride Phosphate conditions skin, Sodium Benzoate and Potassium Sorbate preserve the product, and Citric Acid maintains pH stability. Prolonged use results in reduction of the targeted bacteria and body odor, while maintaining a natural, healthy microbiome.