Polyvinyl Alcohol
molecular structure · PubChem
AKA: PVA, Poly(vinyl alcohol), PVOH
Synthetic
Occlusive
Clean
Ethenol, homopolymer
CAS #
9002-89-5, 25213-24-5
Form
Liquid
State
Liquid
Functions
Film Forming
Creates a physical seal on skin to lock moisture in and keep irritants out. The "slugging" ingredient — barrier protection.
Viscosity Controlling
Creates Protective Barrier
Controls Viscosity
Anti-Aging Benefits
Antioxidant Protection
Reduces Inflammation
Creates protective layer
Controls product thickness
Traditional Use
First synthesized in 1924 by Hermann Leuchs. Introduced to cosmetics in the latter half of the 20th century as a film-forming, thickening, and emulsifying agent in skincare masks and formulations.
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