W/O Emulsion Stability with Ceramide Phase Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing W/O emulsion compositions containing ceramides face challenges in maintaining storage stability under temperature cycle conditions and providing a smooth, effective skin application experience.

Innovation Solution

A W/O emulsion composition comprising glycerol monofatty acid ester, higher alcohol, ceramide, sphingosine or its salt, and specific nonionic surfactants such as crosslinked polyether-modified silicones and polyglycerol fatty acid esters, which together enhance emulsification stability and skin-feeling properties.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If ceramides are mixed in an emulsion system, then the skin barrier function and water-retaining power are improved, but the crystalline structure of ceramides causes instability and difficulty in mixing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveemulsion stabilityVSAvoidceramide crystalline stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the physical state parameter of ceramides from crystalline to amorphous by controlling the emulsification process. This is achieved by using specific emulsifiers and controlling temperature and mixing conditions during preparation, transforming ceramides into an amorphous state that can be stably dispersed in the emulsion system without crystallization, thereby resolving the contradiction between maintaining ceramide structure and achieving emulsion stability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces emulsifiers as intermediary substances to facilitate the mixing and stabilization of ceramides in the emulsion system. These emulsifiers act as mediators between the hydrophilic and hydrophobic components, enabling stable dispersion of ceramides and preventing phase separation, thus improving emulsion stability while accommodating the crystalline nature of ceramides

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If W/O emulsion is used for skin application, then the moisturizing effect is improved, but the texture and spreadability on skin surface deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemoisturizing effectVSAvoidspreadability on skin
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a composite emulsion system combining W/O emulsion base with amorphous ceramides and specific emulsifiers. This composite formulation maintains the moisturizing properties of W/O emulsion while the amorphous ceramide structure and emulsifier selection improve the texture and spreadability, resolving the contradiction between moisturizing effectiveness and application ease

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality modification by specifically targeting the ceramide phase within the emulsion. By transforming only the ceramide component to amorphous state while maintaining the W/O emulsion structure, the patent locally improves spreadability and texture characteristics without compromising the overall moisturizing function of the W/O system

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 excellent storage stability and a pleasant skin application experience with improved thickness and spreadability, even under temperature fluctuations.

Implementation Method 1

a nonionic surfactant containing the following (e1) and (e2): (e1) one or more selected from the group consisting of a crosslinked polyether-modified silicone and a crosslinked polyglycerol-modified silicone; and (e2) one or more selected from the group consisting of a polyether-modified silicone, a polyglycerol-modified silicone and a polyglycerol fatty acid ester

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSurfactant: Surfactant

Implementation Method 2

The present invention provides a W/O emulsion composition containing the following components (A), (B), (C), (D) and (E)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEmulsion: Emulsion

Data Source

PatentUS11896688B2W/O emulsion composition
Publication Date: 2024.02.13 KAO CORP
  • US11896688B2 patent drawing
  • US11896688B2 patent drawing
  • US11896688B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A W/O emulsion composition having excellent storage stability under temperature cycle conditions is provided. A W/O emulsion composition including the following components (A), (B), (C), (D) and (E): (A) a glycerol monofatty acid ester having 12 to 26 carbon atoms; (B) a higher alcohol having 10 to 22 carbon atoms; (C) a ceramide; (D) one or more selected from the group consisting of sphingosine, a salt thereof and an ionic surfactant; and (E) a nonionic surfactant including the following (e1) and (e2): (e1) one or more selected from the group consisting of a crosslinked polyether-modified silicone and a crosslinked polyglycerol-modified silicone and (e2) one or more selected from the group consisting of a polyether-modified silicone, a polyglycerol-modified silicone and a polyglycerol fatty acid ester.