Polyvinyl Acetate

Polyvinyl Acetate 1
photograph
AKA: PVA, Poly(vinyl acetate), Vinylite
Synthetic
Occlusive
Emulsifier
Clean
OriginDerived from vinyl acetate monomer, a synthetic compound produced from ethylene and acetic acid. Synthesized through vinyl ester polymerization, creating long-chain polymer molecules with film-forming properties.
Acetic acid ethenyl ester, homopolymer
CAS #
9003-20-7
Form
Powder
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
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
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.
EWG
2
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Skin Irritant
2 studies / 2 not irritating (CIR 16)
Not a Sensitizer
1 study / 1 not sensitizing (CIR 16)
Regulatory Status
USA✔ permitted
EU⚠ restricted
JAPAN⚠ restricted
CANADA⚠ restricted
Verified Jun 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR