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Colgate

Last updated January 31, 2026
55
Innovation Areas
915
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Colgate Research Landscape: Recent R&D and Innovation Focus Areas

This landscape reveals what Colgate is actively researching on recently. It organizes signals from patents into clusters of real scientific and technical questions being explored, showing where Colgate is repeatedly investing effort, building knowledge, and reducing uncertainty. The result is a forward-looking view of strategic intent , often visible months or years before it appears in products, partnerships, or financial disclosures of Colgate.

What are Colgate's key R&D focus areas?

Multicomponent cosmetic formulation matrices

(2)problems

Inconsistent ingredient stability in complex mixtures leads to phase separation and reduced shelf life. These innovations engineer the chemical matrix to ensure uniform delivery of active ingredients.

Aminoacid skin penetration enhancers

(4)problems

Poor transdermal delivery of active ingredients limits the efficacy of topical formulations. These innovations engineer specific amino acid and enhancer ratios to modulate the skin barrier permeability.

Solidified surfactant matrix structuring

(4)problems

Instability in aqueous delivery systems leads to ingredient degradation and high shipping costs. Engineering the structural integrity of solid-phase formulations ensures shelf stability and controlled release of active skin care agents.

Vitamin e and b3 synergistic complex

(3)problems

Oxidative degradation and barrier dysfunction compromise topical efficacy, which is mitigated through the precise stoichiometric ratio of tocopherol and niacinamide. This stabilization prevents active ingredient loss and ensures consistent transdermal delivery.

Sulfate-free surfactant matrix

(3)problems

Topical delivery of actives for inflammatory skin conditions is often inconsistent due to poor skin penetration and stability. This lever utilizes specific polysaccharide structures to stabilize formulations and control the release rate of therapeutic agents.

Multiphase whitening agent delivery architecture

(2)problems

Volatile aromatic compounds degrade rapidly in aqueous environments, leading to inconsistent sensory profiles. This lever stabilizes the chemical interaction between flavorants and the base carrier to ensure shelf-life stability.

Ultrasonic biofilm detection circuitry

(2)problems

Standardized mechanical interfaces in personal care hardware often suffer from compatibility failures and high manufacturing overhead. This engineering approach utilizes modular component integration to streamline device assembly and kit customization.

Alkyl glucoside surfactant ternary system

(2)problems

Inconsistent foaming and skin irritation in cleansing formulations drive up consumer dissatisfaction and reformulation costs. This specific ratio of anionic, amphoteric, and non-ionic surfactants stabilizes the micellar structure to ensure mildness and performance consistency.

Multi-modal intraoral imaging architecture

(4)problems

Inaccurate manual probing of gingival tissue leads to diagnostic errors and inconsistent treatment plans. This technology automates depth measurement and tissue evaluation to standardize clinical remediation.

Phenoxyethanol depositional surfactant matrix

(2)problems

Traditional soap bar processing suffers from high brittleness and poor solubility which increases manufacturing waste. These innovations utilize specific synthetic detergent and binder ratios to control structural integrity and dissolution rates.

Inertial motion tracking module

(2)problems

Uncertainty in moving asset coordinates leads to operational collisions and system latency. Real-time feedback loops stabilize positional accuracy to ensure safety and throughput.

Surfactant eacn phase behavior

(4)problems

Trace 1,4-dioxane impurities in ethoxylated surfactants pose regulatory and safety risks that necessitate precise chemical purification. Controlling the synthesis and stripping process ensures compliance while maintaining the cleaning efficacy of sodium laureth sulfate.

Expandable secondary packaging architecture

(2)problems

Standard rigid packaging limits supply chain density and post-consumer recovery efficiency. Variable volume secondary structures enable higher transport density and facilitate integration into closed-loop reclamation systems.

Intraoral delivery device architecture

(2)problems

Manual application of oral therapeutic agents results in inconsistent dosage and poor contact time. These devices automate fluid distribution to ensure uniform coverage across the dental arch.

Intraoral fluid delivery architecture

(2)problems

Inconsistent contact with irregular dental surfaces leads to uneven treatment delivery. Precise control of the device architecture ensures uniform distribution of active agents across the oral mucosa.

Acidic preservative synergistic network

(3)problems

Formulation instability at low pH leads to phase separation and reduced shelf life. These innovations utilize specific buffering agents to maintain chemical integrity in acidic environments.

Integrated oral biofilm sensors

(4)problems

Inconsistent manual brushing leads to periodontal disease and high dental treatment costs. This system automates mechanical action to ensure uniform plaque removal across all tooth surfaces.

Fused bristle filament anchoring

(2)problems

Standard bristles lack the surface texture required for effective plaque mechanical debridement. Engineering the spiral cross-section increases abrasive contact area to improve cleaning efficiency without increasing filament stiffness.

Oxidative whitening formulation chemistry

(2)problems

Standard peroxide whitening agents suffer from rapid degradation and limited shelf stability in aqueous oral environments. These formulations utilize peroxymonosulfate salts to provide a more stable and controlled oxidative pathway for tooth enamel decolorization.

Optical spectral reference templates

(2)problems

Inconsistent focal distances and lighting angles during manual dental imaging lead to diagnostic errors and retakes. These innovations utilize physical positioning templates to standardize the spatial relationship between the lens, light source, and tooth surface.

Polymeric curl retention networks

(3)problems

Unstable ingredient suspension leads to phase separation and reduced shelf life. Precise control of the structural network ensures uniform active delivery and tactile consistency.

Bioactive oral formulation matrix

(2)problems

Chemical instability in aqueous oral formulations leads to the rapid oxidation of stannous ions and loss of therapeutic efficacy. This specific polyphosphate-pyrophosphate ratio stabilizes the metal ions to ensure long-term bioavailability and product shelf-life.

Hydroxyapatite crystal lattice stabilization

(2)problems

Enamel demineralization and tooth sensitivity create consumer dissatisfaction and product instability. Precise control of hydroxyapatite concentration and particle integration restores mineral density to mitigate these structural defects.

Gingival tissue barrier integrity agents

(2)problems

Oral microbiome dysbiosis leads to systemic inflammation and tooth decay, which is mitigated through the integration of specific herbal extracts and prebiotic substrates. This approach stabilizes the oral ecosystem to prevent pathogen overgrowth without the use of broad-spectrum biocides.

Multilayered holographic barrier laminates

(3)problems

Standard plastic packaging lacks the structural integrity for recycling without losing optical clarity or dimensional stability. These innovations engineer specific polymer blend ratios and laminate structures to maintain performance across multiple lifecycle stages.

Fluoride-releasing resinous varnish matrices

(2)problems

Moisture interference in the oral cavity causes bond failure and varnish delamination, which is mitigated through moisture-activated adhesive chemistries. These formulations ensure structural integrity in high-humidity environments to prevent premature treatment loss.

Zinc arginine serine synergistic complex

(2)problems

Zinc salts often cause astringency and instability in oral formulations, which is mitigated by engineering an alginate-calcium structural network to control ion release. This stabilization prevents ingredient degradation and improves the sensory profile of the dentifrice.

Neutrophil deregulation biomarker assays

(2)problems

Subclinical tissue degradation in the oral cavity leads to irreversible periodontal damage if undetected. Engineering specific biomarker detection thresholds allows for early diagnostic intervention and precise treatment monitoring.

Sorbitan polyoxyethylene ester surfactant system

(3)problems

Poor mucosal adhesion and rapid wash-out of active ingredients reduce the efficacy of oral rinses. Controlling the concentration and chain length of hyaluronic acid ensures optimal bioadhesion and tissue hydration.

Amine fluoride surfactant systems

(2)problems

Poor systemic absorption of active ingredients limits therapeutic efficacy and increases dosage costs. These innovations engineer the chemical matrix to stabilize compounds and enhance mucosal transport.

Biofilm detachment kinetics assay

(2)problems

Inconsistent biological sample testing increases R&D cycle times and costs. This system standardizes the oral microenvironment to enable rapid, reproducible screening of hygiene formulations.

Bioactive remineralization formulation chemistry

(2)problems

Enamel erosion and bacterial biofilm formation lead to costly dental procedures and chronic decay. These innovations engineer specific chemical delivery systems to stabilize tooth structure and prevent microbial adhesion.

Modular handle coupling interface

(2)problems

Mechanical wear and hygiene requirements necessitate frequent component replacement, which is managed through standardized interlocking geometries. This architecture ensures structural integrity during high-frequency use while enabling a proprietary refill ecosystem.

Arginine gelling agent matrix

(2)problems

Unstable active delivery in oral environments leads to poor bioavailability and short contact times. Engineering the specific interaction between arginine and gelling polymers ensures sustained therapeutic release and structural stability.

Multivalent metal ion stabilization

(3)problems

Bacterial acid production degrades tooth enamel and increases sensitivity risks. These innovations engineer specific chemical delivery vehicles to stabilize mineral deposition on dental surfaces.

Extruded aluminum salt matrix

(2)problems

Standard aluminum salts often fail to provide sustained sweat blockage, leading to poor product performance. These innovations engineer specific zirconium molecular architectures to enhance sweat duct occlusion and efficacy.

Cationic surfactant softening systems

(2)problems

Fabric fiber friction and static buildup lead to premature textile wear and poor tactile quality. These formulations engineer specific surfactant ratios to restore fiber lubricity and extend garment life.

Sacrificial electrochemical electrode architecture

(2)problems

Electrochemical corrosion during fluid exposure degrades internal device components and shortens product lifespan. Integrating sacrificial anodes diverts oxidative damage to protect critical conductive pathways.

Bioactive oral delivery matrices

(2)problems

Inconsistent lathering performance in oral care leads to poor consumer perception and reduced active ingredient distribution. Precise surfactant ratios and stabilization agents are engineered to modulate gas-liquid interface dynamics for rapid foam expansion.

Sarcosinate betaine surfactant system

(2)problems

Enamel erosion and bacterial biofilm formation lead to costly restorative procedures. Precise modulation of bioactive chemical ratios stabilizes the tooth surface to prevent mineral loss.

Magnolol analog solubilization system

(1)problems

Microbial instability in aqueous oral formulations leads to product spoilage and safety risks. This lever engineers specific chemical combinations to maintain antimicrobial efficacy while ensuring biocompatibility.

Flanged cavity blister packaging

(2)problems

Contamination and mechanical damage during distribution increase product waste and safety risks. These innovations engineer the physical interface between the oral instrument and its protective enclosure to ensure sterile integrity.

Modular handle coupling interface

(2)problems

Battery dependency in portable electronics creates waste and limits operational lifespan. These innovations integrate micro-generator architectures to convert mechanical motion into electrical power for autonomous device operation.

Calcium pyrophosphate abrasive system

(1)problems

Inconsistent bioavailability of active agents in the oral cavity leads to poor therapeutic efficacy. These innovations engineer the chemical matrix to ensure controlled release and prolonged mucosal retention.

Peroxide booster delivery system

(2)problems

Slow oxidation kinetics limit whitening efficacy and increase treatment time. These innovations utilize electrochemical boosting to accelerate bleaching agent reactivity for faster results.

Zinc amino acid functionalized silica

(1)problems

Inconsistent bioavailability and poor rheological stability in oral formulations lead to reduced therapeutic efficacy. These innovations utilize specific metal-ligand coordination to stabilize active ions within complex fluid networks.

Automated continuous flow synthesis

(2)problems

Manual batch processing introduces variability and scaling bottlenecks that increase unit costs. Standardized hardware-software integration ensures reproducible chemical yields and reduces human error during complex product formulation.

Integrated fluid delivery manifold

(2)problems

Manual application of personal care products leads to inconsistent dosing and material waste. Precision delivery systems integrate fluid channels directly into the applicator head to ensure uniform distribution and reduced consumption.

Phosphate acrylate copolymer zinc complex

(2)problems

Thermodynamic instability in single-phase mixtures leads to ingredient degradation and reduced shelf life. Maintaining distinct aqueous phases prevents premature reaction of incompatible actives to ensure maximum therapeutic delivery.

Naringin zinc phosphate complexes

(3)problems

Corrosion and poor paint adhesion lead to premature coating failure and high warranty costs. Precise control of the zinc phosphate complex chemistry ensures a stable crystalline interface that prevents delamination.

Rheological structuring agent network

(1)problems

Standard liquid oral care formulations suffer from ingredient instability and bulky packaging requirements. Engineering active ingredients into solid-state hydrogel structures ensures chemical stability and precise dosage delivery.

Cellulosic particulate film matrix

(1)problems

Visual degradation and pigment bleeding during extrusion compromise product aesthetics and consumer perception. This technology stabilizes discrete colorant phases within the carrier to maintain distinct visual boundaries.