Potassium Butyl Ester of PVM/MA Copolymer
molecular structure · PubChem
AKA: Potassium Butylparaben, BUTYLPARABEN, POTASSIUM SALT, P-HYDROXYBENZOATE POTASSIUM SALT, BENZOIC ACID
Synthetic
Occlusive
Not Clean
Potassium salt of butyl ester of PVM/MA copolymer
Formula
C11H13KO3
Mol. Weight
232.32
CAS #
38566-94-8
Form
Liquid
State
Liquid
Functions
Binding
Film Forming
Creates a physical seal on skin to lock moisture in and keep irritants out. The "slugging" ingredient — barrier protection.
Holds Formula Together
Creates Protective Barrier
Creates protective layer
Holds ingredients together
Traditional Use
A synthetic polymer developed in the late 20th century for cosmetic use. Created as a film-forming and conditioning agent with no traditional predecessor.
EWG
4
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
Restricted By
CIR Safety Findings
medical-approval
all-shades-safe
Phototoxicity Concern
Concentration Guide
0.062%
14.0%
0%20%
Industry max
Reg. Limit
EU regulatory limit: 14.0%. - 0,14% (as acid) for the sum of the individual concentrations - 0,8% (as acid) for mixtures of substances mentioned in entry 12 and 12a, here the sum of the individual concentrations of butyl and propylparaben and their salts does not exceed 0,14%. For leave -on products designed for children under three years of age: Do not use on the nappy area Source: EU Cosmetics Regulation (EC) 1223/2009, Annex V (Preservatives), Entry 12 bis. Dermal absorption: 0.1%. Source: CIR Safety Assessment (CIR Seq 746).
Regulatory Agencies
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewednone on file
⚖️Regulatory1 listing →
🛡️Safety-assessed0 reviews
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR