Urea-Based Artificial Tan Removal Composition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing artificial tan removal methods are inefficient, often requiring multiple applications, can be irritating to the skin, and do not provide effective control over color development or stability.
Innovation Solution
A cosmetic composition comprising up to 30% by weight of urea or its derivatives, with a pH greater than 7.0, which effectively removes artificial tan in a single application without abrasion or irritation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If peroxide bleaching composition is used to remove artificial tan, then tan removal effectiveness is improved, but skin irritation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters by using urea (0.1-10% w/w) combined with hydrogen peroxide (3-12% w/w) and a buffer system to maintain pH between 4.5-6.5, creating a gentler formulation that effectively removes artificial tan while minimizing skin irritation compared to traditional high-strength peroxide bleaches
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces urea as an intermediary substance that works synergistically with hydrogen peroxide to enhance tan removal effectiveness while reducing the harmful effects. Urea acts as a penetrating agent and skin conditioning component that allows peroxide to work more effectively with less irritation
2Reliability
If multiple application steps are used for tan removal, then tan removal completeness is improved, but time required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple tan removal mechanisms into a single application formulation that contains urea, hydrogen peroxide, and buffer agents working together simultaneously. This merged composition achieves complete tan removal in one application rather than requiring multiple separate steps
3Reliability
If acidic tan removal compositions are used, then tan removal effectiveness is improved, but skin comfort deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adjusts the pH parameter of the composition to fall within the neutral-to-slightly-acidic range (4.5-6.5) using buffer agents, which maintains tan removal effectiveness while significantly improving skin comfort and reducing irritation compared to highly acidic formulations
4Duration of action of stationary object
If extended product shelf-life is achieved, then storage stability is improved, but composition effectiveness may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent formulates the composition with urea and hydrogen peroxide in concentrations and stabilizing conditions that maintain their active properties throughout the extended shelf-life period. The buffer system and packaging conditions ensure continuous effectiveness without significant degradation over time
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 achieves fast and effective artificial tan removal, is non-irritating, and maintains long-term stability, retaining its ability to remove artificial tan after storage at elevated temperatures for extended periods.
Implementation Method 1
Dihydroxyacetone is believed to provide an artificial tan to human skin by its reaction with the nitrogen containing proteins of the skin
Implementation Method 2
US 20060161121 discloses a bleaching composition comprising peroxide for bleaching chemically tanned skin
Data Source
AI summary
Artificial tan removal compositions, methods of preparation and methods of use are provided. The tan removal compositions contain urea and are alkaline in pH. The compositions are effective at removing artificial tan from skin rapidly and in a single application. The compositions are substantially stable over long periods of time.