P&G patent includes separate cosmetic and applicator
Writing in its U.S. patent, P&G stated its designers have created a combination topical solution and applicator that will fill the “need for cosmetic products which provide prolonged adequate cooling sensation during and after application, while providing moisturized feel.”
The invention is two-fold, as detailed in the patent, which explains that the combination of a specialized serum and ceramic or metal roller-ball style applicator allows for targeted application on skin surfaces prone to oxidative stress, like around the eyes. “By the use of the specific endothermic material together with the specific application surface,” P&G researchers explain, the topical component of the product provides extended refreshing and cooling sensation while applying and for a period afterwards while also moisturizing the skin.
It is also noteworthy that the invention does not rely on menthol-based ingredients to provide the desired cooling effect, which can irritate or dry sensitive areas like the face or décolleté skin. Instead, “the cosmetic product of the present invention provides such prolonged adequate cooling sensation at ambient temperatures, without the need for refrigeration or outside cooling” due to its endothermic formulation combined with a specific application surface.
The development of a breakthrough
The patent breaks down, in detail, the invention’s components, how the design works, and its potential impact on the development of future cosmetic cooling products. The cosmetic portion “comprises a cosmetic composition contained in an applicator, wherein the cosmetic composition comprises from about 2% to about 20% of an endothermic material selected from the group consisting of a sugar alcohol, a disaccharide, and mixtures thereof.”
In the current composition, “the specific endothermic material is solidified at least partially during application due to evaporation of aqueous carrier in the composition, then, the solidified endothermic material dissolves in skin moisture, sweat, and/or remaining aqueous carrier from the composition on skin surface.”
Future cosmetic compositions can be built out of this basic formulation and provided in various forms, including but not limited to lotions, gels, toners, film-forming products, or emulsions. The patent also notes that oil-in-water emulsions are preferred for optimum dispersion and absorption.
The suspension works in tandem with the specialized applicator, which comprises an application surface made of “ceramic and/or metal; and a reservoir having an opening which fluidly connects the application surface to the reservoir.”
The design of the applicator and reservoir are of particular importance to the invention’s efficacy because the rolling ball “enhances the evaporation of aqueous carrier of the composition, thus, can provide cooling sensation at earlier timing of the application.”
Cooling beauty tech in 2023 and beyond
Self-cooling beauty products are already an established niche for cosmetics consumers, but P&G’s latest patent filing offers something potentially different.
Last summer’s popular options focused heavily on stick balms like Milk Makeup’s Cooling Water balm stick or TULA Skincare’s Glow & Get It Cooling eye balm. By combining and delivering two cooling elements for a longer-lasting, deeper sensation, it will be interesting to see if other brands follow suit with similar skincare technology in the coming months.
US Patent No. US20220378679
Published on: January 12, 2022 Application Date: May 24, 2022
Title: "Cosmetic Product Comprising a Cosmetic Composition Contained in an Applicator"
Inventors: The Procter & Gamble Company - S. Tanaka
