Enhanced Isotropic Concentrate and Wash Compositions for Improved User Experience
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
This inventive concept presents a series of direct improvements and enhancements to the original isotropic concentrate and wash compositions, focusing on sulfate-free and mild formulations that provide better skin compatibility, improved viscosity stability, and enhanced sensory benefits.
Background and Problem Solved
The original patent disclosed an isotropic concentrate composition that can be easily hydrated to form an end-use wash composition suitable for topical application and hand washing. However, the original composition had limitations in terms of viscosity stability, foam quality, and skin compatibility. The new inventive concept addresses these limitations by introducing pH-adjusting agents, optimized surfactant blends, and unique emollient and humectant combinations.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The new inventive concept comprises an isotropic concentrate composition with improved viscosity stability, achieved through the use of pH-adjusting agents and optimized ratios of anionic, amphoteric, and zwitterionic surfactants. The composition also features a blend of acyl isethionates and acyl taurates with specific C1-4 alkyl substituents on their head groups, resulting in improved foam quality and stability. Additionally, the inventive concept includes a unique blend of emollients and humectants to provide enhanced moisturizing properties and skin feel. The composition can be hydrated to form an end-use wash composition suitable for hand washing, and can be packaged in a refillable container designed for reduced waste and improved user experience.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new inventive concept introduces several novel features that distinguish it from the original patent, including the use of pH-adjusting agents, optimized surfactant blends, and unique emollient and humectant combinations. These features provide a non-obvious solution to the limitations of the original composition, resulting in improved viscosity stability, foam quality, and skin compatibility.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept could include the use of different pH-adjusting agents, varying ratios of surfactants, and different emollient and humectant combinations. Additionally, the composition could be formulated for use in different applications, such as body washing or shampooing.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The enhanced isotropic concentrate and wash compositions have significant commercial potential in the personal care industry, particularly in the hand wash and body wash markets. The inventive concept's focus on sulfate-free and mild formulations, improved viscosity stability, and enhanced sensory benefits aligns with consumer trends towards gentler and more sustainable products. The refillable packaging option also addresses growing concerns about waste and sustainability.
CPC Classifications
| Section | Class | Group |
|---|---|---|
| A | A61 | A61K8/466 |
| A | A61 | A61K8/345 |
| A | A61 | A61Q19/10 |
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Personal care and cosmetic chemistry, specifically surfactant-based wash compositions with a focus on mild, sulfate-free formulations for topical skin applications
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A chemist with expertise in formulation science, surfactant chemistry, and cosmetic product development, holding at least a bachelor's degree in chemistry or chemical engineering with 3-5 years of industry experience in personal care product formulation
Obviousness Rationale
A person having ordinary skill in the art would recognize that the PTD's variations represent predictable extensions of the source patent's core composition, utilizing standard formulation techniques to incrementally improve viscosity, stability, and sensory properties of surfactant-based wash compositions. The modifications involve routine optimization of known surfactant systems, pH adjustment, and emollient blending, which are well-established practices in personal care product development. The PTD's approach demonstrates typical incremental innovation common in cosmetic and personal care formulation research.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,508 |
|---|---|
| Title | Isotropic concentrate and wash compositions |
| Assignee(s) | Conopco, Inc. |