PVM/MA Copolymer
AKA “Polyvinyl methyl ether/maleic anhydride copolymer”
Synthetic
Ingredient Facts
Pvm/ma copolymer
AKA: Polyvinyl methyl ether/maleic anhydride copolymer
Synthetic · Emulsion Stabilising · EWG: 4
Synthetic
Occlusive
Emulsifier
Synthetic
Clean
A natural film-forming polymer that helps hold hairstyles in place, prevents frizz, and keeps product textures smooth and stable.
CAS #
9011-16-9
State
Solid
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.
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.
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
General
Melanin-Rich Skin
Suitable
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
Final Report of the Amended Safety Assessment of PVM/MA Copolymer and Its Related Salts and Esters as Used in Cosmetics
Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel
International Journal of Toxicology
Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Ethyl Ester of PVM/MA Copolymer and Butyl Ester of PVM/MA Copolymer
Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel
International Journal of Toxicology
Butyl Ester of PVM/MA Copolymer
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
Calcium/Sodium PVM/MA Copolymer
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
Ethyl Ester of PVM/MA Copolymer
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
Isopropyl Ester of PVM/MA Copolymer
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
Potassium Butyl Ester of PVM/MA Copolymer
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
Potassium Ethyl Ester of PVM/MA Copolymer
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
PVM/MA Copolymer
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
Butyl Ester of PVM/MA Copolymer
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
Ethyl Ester of PVM/MA Copolymer
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
Isopropyl Ester of PVM/MA Copolymer
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
PVM/MA Copolymer
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
In vitro and in vivo studies on salifluor/PVM/MA copolymer/NaF combination as an antiplaque agent.
Nabi N, Kashuba B, Lucchesi S, Afflitto J, Furuichi Y et al.
Journal of clinical periodontology, 1996
Verified Feb 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR