Polyvinyl Acetate
AKA “PVA, Poly(vinyl acetate), Vinylite
Ingredient
Ingredient Facts
Polyvinyl acetate
AKA: PVA, Poly(vinyl acetate), Vinylite
Ingredient · Emulsion Stabilising · EWG: 2
Synthetic
Occlusive
Emulsifier
Clean
Acetic acid ethenyl ester, homopolymer
CAS #
9003-20-7
Form
Powder
See origin →
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
EWG
2
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
medical-approval
all-shades-safe
Phototoxicity Concern
Regulatory Status
USApermitted
EUrestricted
JAPANrestricted
CANADArestricted
Verified Jun 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR