POLYVINYL ALCOHOL

CAS Number	9002-89-5 / 25213-24-5
Chem/IUPAC Name:	Butan-2-ol
COSING REF No:	79330

Polyvinyl alcohol is a widely accepted ingredient in the cosmetic industry due to the various functions it serves. It is primarily a film-forming agent that works best with products requiring a barrier function. Polyvinyl alcohol is also water-soluble and has thickening properties, which improves the texture and feel of formulations. It is commonly found in shampoos, conditioners, and moisturizers. Further, Polyvinyl alcohol works as an emulsifier. Due to its film-forming properties, it prevents moisture loss from the surface of the skin. The chemical formula of Polyvinyl alcohol is (C₂H₄O)_x.

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What is POLYVINYL ALCOHOL used for?

Polyvinyl alcohol has many different functions in both skin care and cosmetics. It is particularly well known for its film-forming and texture-enhancing capabilities.

Skin care: It forms a barrier on the skin to lock in moisture and keep the surface hydrated, soft, and smooth. It also protects the skin against harmful UV radiation and pollution. In skin care, Polyvinyl alcohol is found in facial masks, eye creams, and moisturizers
Cosmetic products: It is commonly used as a thickening agent and emulsifier. It enhances the texture and spreadability of products like mascaras and eyeliners to create a smooth, even application and prevent smudging. Polyvinyl alcohol is also a great binding agent

Origin

Polyvinyl alcohol is a synthetic polymer that is made via the hydrolysis of polyvinyl acetate wherein it is reacted with an alkaline hydrolyzing agent such as sodium hydroxide or ammonium hydroxide. During this reaction, the acetate groups on the polymer chains are replaced by hydroxyl groups, resulting in the formation of polyvinyl alcohol.

What does POLYVINYL ALCOHOL do in a formulation?

Film forming
Viscosity controlling

Safety profile

Polyvinyl alcohol is a safe ingredient and has no significant side effects to report. It is also non-comedogenic, so it does not cause acne. However, a patch test must be performed before applying this product to a larger area. Since Polyvinyl alcohol is generally made from synthetic sources, it is considered vegan and halal.