PVM/MA Copolymer

PVM/MA Copolymer 1
AKA: Polyvinyl methyl ether/maleic anhydride copolymer
Synthetic
Occlusive
Emulsifier
Clean
2,5-Furandione, polymer with methoxyethene; copolymer of methyl vinyl ether and maleic anhydride
CAS #
9011-16-9
State
Solid
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.
Hair Fixing
Viscosity Controlling
Reduces Static
Holds Formula Together
Stabilizes Emulsion
Creates Protective Barrier
Brightens Skin
Traditional Use
Developed in the mid-20th century as a synthetic polymer for cosmetic formulations, used to improve texture, adherence, and film-forming properties in modern skincare and makeup products.
EWG
1
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
medical-approval
all-shades-safe
Regulatory Status
USA✔ permitted
EU⚠ restricted
JAPAN⚠ restricted
CANADA⚠ restricted
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewed1 paper →
⚖️Regulatory1 listing →
🛡️Safety-assessed1 review →
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
Verified Jun 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR