Polyvinyl Alcohol

Updated

Ethenol, homopolymer

Purpose

A synthetic polymer of vinyl alcohol that functions in cosmetics as a gel-based thickener, film-forming, and binding agent.

Rating

BAD

Category

Film-Forming Agent, Texture Enhancer

INCI Purpose

FILM FORMING, VISCOSITY CONTROLLING

Risks

Synthetic polymer — Lab-made polymer used to thicken or form a film — not a solid microplastic particle

Alternative Names

At a Glance

Article

A synthetic polymer of vinyl alcohol that functions in cosmetics as a gel-based thickener, film-forming, and binding agent. Used quite a bit in peel-off facial masks, this type of alcohol may pose a risk of aggravating skin unless combined with other ingredients that offset this potential, such as glycerin, emollients, or other skin-repairing ingredients.

References