Water-Based Cosmetic Composition with Low-Concentration Effect Pigments

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cosmetic compositions that provide immediate visual effects are often heavy and unappealing, particularly for younger consumers, as they contain high amounts of effect pigments, oils, and emulsifiers, which are not desirable for a light, non-weighty, and long-lasting skin benefit.

Innovation Solution

A water-based liquid cosmetic composition with effect pigments at extremely low concentrations (up to 0.02% by weight) combined with an emulsion of oil and surfactants, along with active ingredients for skin benefits like brightening, hydration, and anti-aging, in a solvent comprising water, to achieve a lasting glowing or brightening iridescent effect without the appearance of traditional makeup.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If high amounts of effect pigments (0.5-10% by weight) are used to provide immediate visual effect, then the aesthetic effect is enhanced, but the composition becomes heavy and unappealing on the skin

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevisual effect intensityVSAvoidweight on skin
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the concentration parameter of effect pigments from traditional high levels (0.5-10%) to extremely low levels (0.001-0.02%), fundamentally altering the formulation parameters to achieve a water-based lightweight composition while maintaining visual effect through optimized low-level pigment dispersion

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies effect pigments locally at extremely low concentrations (0.001-0.02% by weight) rather than uniformly distributing high concentrations throughout the composition, creating a localized optical effect that provides visual enhancement without the heaviness of traditional high-pigment formulations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Quantity of substance

If high amounts of oils and emulsifiers are used in water in oil emulsions to provide cosmetic benefits, then skin hydration is improved, but the composition becomes heavy and confers an obvious makeup effect

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveamount of oils and emulsifiersVSAvoidweight on skin
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and removes the heavy oil and emulsion base from traditional cosmetic formulations, creating a water-based toner composition that eliminates the need for large quantities of oils and emulsifiers while retaining essential cosmetic benefits through alternative lightweight ingredients

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent inverts the traditional water-in-oil emulsion structure to create a water-based composition, reversing the conventional approach where oils form the continuous phase, thereby achieving lightweight formulation without sacrificing skin benefits

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Illumination intensity

If traditional makeup products with high effect pigment content are used to provide immediate visual effect, then the aesthetic effect is achieved, but the effect does not last long and requires frequent reapplication

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevisual effectVSAvoidduration of effect
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent ensures continuous useful action by formulating a water-based toner that provides sustained skin benefits and visual effect throughout the day, with the composition designed to maintain its efficacy and glowing effect continuously without requiring frequent reapplication like traditional makeup products

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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 provides a unique optical effect that lasts for several hours to a full day, offering skin benefits such as brightening, hydration, and anti-aging without the weight or intense appearance of traditional makeup products.

Implementation Method 1

comprising one or more effect pigments... to provide an instant 'glowing' or 'brightening' effect on keratinous tissue

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOptical effect: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS10765611B2Water-based cosmetic composition comprising an effect pigment and a cosmetic active
Publication Date: 2020.09.08 LOREAL SA

AI summary

The disclosure relates to an aqueous cosmetic composition that includes at least one effect pigment is present up to about 0.02 wt %, an emulsion of at least one oil and at least one surfactant, and at least one active selected to provide one or more benefits, including, but not limited to brightening/whitening, improvement of skin tone, blemish control or reduction, reduction of redness, anti-aging, and hydration, in an aqueous solvent. The composition may include a thickener and a preservative. Methods include forming the composition and applying the composition to the skin to provide an instant “glowing” or “brightening” effect.