Water-in-Silicone Cosmetic Emulsion for Low-Friction Hydration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cosmetic compositions with high levels of glycerin often result in a tacky and sticky feel upon application, which is undesirable for consumers, and existing solutions fail to provide a smooth, low-friction application while maintaining skin hydration and compatibility with makeup.
Innovation Solution
A water-in-silicone cosmetic composition in the form of an emulsion, comprising an aqueous phase with a hydrating agent and a silicone phase containing silicone polymers, film formers, emulsifying crosslinked siloxane elastomers, and co-emulsifiers, which provides a unique occlusive texture with low friction and high glide.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If high levels of glycerin are incorporated in cosmetic compositions to provide skin hydration, then skin hydration is improved, but the composition becomes tacky and sticky upon application
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a silicone-based emulsion system as an intermediary carrier for glycerin. The silicone phase (containing dimethicone, dimethiconol, and other silicone polymers) acts as a mediator that allows high levels of glycerin (5-35%) to be incorporated while preventing the tacky feel. The emulsifying crosslinked siloxane elastomer and co-emulsifiers create a stable water-in-silicone emulsion where glycerin is dispersed in the aqueous phase, which is then dispersed in the silicone phase, isolating the glycerin's sticky properties from direct skin contact.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical and chemical parameters of the cosmetic composition by formulating a water-in-silicone emulsion with specific phase ratios (aqueous phase 40-80%, silicone phase 18-40%). This parameter change transforms the delivery system for glycerin, allowing high concentrations to be used without the adverse tactile effects. The emulsion structure fundamentally alters how glycerin interacts with the skin surface.
2Ease of operation
If light emollients or powders are used to reduce tackiness of high glycerin compositions, then application smoothness is improved, but sufficient consumer appeal is not achieved and residual tackiness remains
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite cosmetic composition combining multiple functional components: hydrating agents (glycerin), silicone polymers (dimethicone, dimethiconol), film formers, emulsifying crosslinked siloxane elastomers, and co-emulsifiers. This composite material system achieves synergistic effects where the silicone phase provides the smooth, non-tacky feel while the aqueous phase delivers hydration, and the emulsifiers maintain stability. The composite structure eliminates the need for additional light emollients or powders.
3Reliability
If a water-in-silicone emulsion structure is used with high glycerin levels, then skin hydration is maintained without tackiness, but the formulation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the cosmetic composition into distinct functional phases: an aqueous phase containing hydrating agents and water, and a silicone phase containing silicone polymers, film formers, and emulsifiers. This segmentation allows each phase to perform its specific function independently while working together as a unified system. The clear phase separation simplifies the formulation approach compared to trying to create a homogeneous mixture with all components.
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 offers a long-lasting, non-tacky, and easily spreadable texture that enhances skin hydration and compatibility with makeup, maintaining occlusivity without irritating the skin, even with high glycerin levels.
Implementation Method 1
A water-in-silicone cosmetic composition in the form of an emulsion
Implementation Method 2
at least one emulsifying crosslinked siloxane elastomer; at least one co-emulsifier
Data Source
AI summary
A water-in-silicone cosmetic composition in the form of an emulsion. The cosmetic composition comprises an aqueous phase and a silicone phase. The aqueous phase comprises a hydrating agent from about 1% to about 40% by weight based on the total weight of the composition. The silicone phase having about 18% to about 40% of silicone-containing compounds by weight based on the total weight of the composition, comprises at least one silicone polymer; a film former from about 0.01% to about 4% by weight based on the total weight of the composition; at least one emulsifying crosslinked siloxane elastomer; at least one co-emulsifier from about 0.1% to about 3% by weight based on the total weight of the composition; and wherein the cosmetic composition has a unique occlusive texture that provides low friction and high glide.