Polyvinyl Alcohol
Synthetic water-soluble polymer that forms a film on the skin. The base of peel-off masks: dries in 15–20 minutes and peels off as a single sheet, pulling away dead corneocytes and surface sebum. In creams used less often – usually as a thickener or stabilizer at trace concentrations. Safe, does not penetrate the epidermis.
Supporting ingredient
It gives a product its texture, stability or shelf life. It has no claimed effect on the skin, so an efficacy tier does not apply. What is known about its safety is below
Tolerability and safety
- Irritation potential
- Low
- Allergen risk
- Low
- Pregnancy
- Safe
- Suitable for
- Normal, Dry, Combination, Oily, Sensitive
About this ingredient
Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA) is a synthetic water-soluble polymer that forms a film on drying. Where applied. Peel-off masks – the formula base, up to 20-30% of composition. Dries on skin in 15-20 minutes, peels off as a single sheet, pulling away surface flakes, sebum, and dirt particles. In creams and serums – rarely, as a thickener and stabiliser (0.1-1%). Safety. CIR confirmed PVA safety. FDA approved as a food additive and component of artificial-tear eye drops. Does not penetrate epidermis. Allergic reactions extremely rare. Peel-off mask controversy. Peel-off masks are debated among dermatologists: peeling tears not only dead corneocytes but also vellus hairs (downy), can traumatise superficial epidermis – especially in patients with couperose, rosacea, sensitive skin. The "smoothness" effect is superficial and not lasting. Not suitable in active acne, eczema, damaged skin. Pregnancy and lactation – safe.
Frequently asked questions
Is Polyvinyl Alcohol safe during pregnancy?
Polyvinyl Alcohol is considered safe during pregnancy at typical cosmetic concentrations. Systemic absorption through the skin is minimal.
What skin types is Polyvinyl Alcohol for?
Polyvinyl Alcohol suits: normal, dry, combination, oily, sensitive.
What is Polyvinyl Alcohol and what does it do in cosmetics?
Synthetic water-soluble polymer that forms a film on the skin.
What's the INCI name for Polyvinyl Alcohol?
The INCI name is Polyvinyl Alcohol. It may also appear as: PVA.
See Polyvinyl Alcohol in a product composition right on the store page
The Evigrade extension adds an evidence panel to iHerb, Sephora, Druni and 12 more stores. This ingredient and every other one in the product show evidence-tier, allergen risk and pregnancy/lactation flags at a glance.
Similar role in the formula
Other functional ingredients
Polyvinyl Laurate, Potassium Benzoate, Potassium Bitartrate, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Sucrose Dilaurate, Calcium Citrate, Ethyl Tosylamide, Oleth-20
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