Polyvinyl Alcohol

Functions
Film-forming agent
Liposome forming agent
Thickener
Viscosity controlling agent
CAS Number(s)
9002-89-5
25213-24-5
FDA UNII
532B59J990

Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA) is a general name for polymers (polyols with formula -[CH2CH(OH)]n-) with a wide range of functional properties, including water solubility, adherence, chemical stability, and film-forming properties. It is a range of raw materials whose characteristics are primarily determined by the degree of polymerization and saponification (hydrolysis).

Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA) is widely used in various fields. Its excellent characteristics are used for packaging chemicals, foodstuffs, soaps, agricultural chemicals, and dyes or as a release film for molding unsaturated polyesters. Depending on the ingredient's function, two types of PVA, water-soluble and hardly water-soluble, are used in personal care products.

Polyvinyl alcohol is used as a chief raw material for cosmetic packs like face masks. It is often added to cosmetic soaps and creams as a thickening agent.

In pharmaceuticals, Polyvinyl alcohol has been employed as an excipient for capsules and ointments. Thanks to this property, it is used as an excipient agent in modern delivery systems (like X50 Cosmetic Drone™), stabilizing liposome-like structures and protecting active ingredients from degradation.
Synonyms
Gohsenol
Polyvinyl Alcohol, Unspecified
Polyvinyl Alcohol

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