Polyvinyl Acetate
AKA: PVA, Poly(vinyl acetate), Vinylite
Synthetic
Occlusive
Emulsifier
Clean
Acetic acid ethenyl ester, homopolymer
CAS #
9003-20-7
Form
Powder
Functions
Antistatic
Binding
Emulsion Stabilising
Forces oil and water to stay mixed instead of separating into layers. The unsung hero holding your lotion together.
Film Forming
Creates a physical seal on skin to lock moisture in and keep irritants out. The "slugging" ingredient — barrier protection.
Reduces Static
Holds Formula Together
Stabilizes Emulsion
Creates Protective Barrier
Locks In Moisture
Brightens Skin
Fights Bacteria
Creates protective layer
Reduces flyaways
Holds ingredients together
Keeps product blended
Traditional Use
First synthesized in the early 20th century. Adopted in cosmetics and personal care products in the mid-20th century as a film-forming agent, adhesive, and binder in products like nail polishes and hair styling products.
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewed1 paper →
⚖️Regulatory1 listing →
🛡️Safety-assessed2 reviews →
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
Verified Jun 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR