VP/VA Copolymer

VP/VA copolymer is a synthetic polymer, or large molecule, used in skin care and hair care preparations primarily as a film-forming agent. This category of ingredients creates a coating over the area of application which helps reduce transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and creates a smooth feeling.

VP/VA copolymer is created through the combining of two smaller molecules, vinyl acetate and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP). Hair care products commonly use this multi-industry ingredient to help fix hair into place, which is why it’s commonly incorporated into hair sprays.

Skin care and cosmetic products also use this ingredient, tapping into VP/VA copolymer’s ability to hinder TEWL and assist in the suspending and dispersing of ingredients (such as UV filters) in formulas.

Suppliers can provide this ingredient as both a powder (in 100% concentration) or as an alcohol-based solution (in 50% concentration).

In rinse off products, this copolymer is used in percentages between 0.07-44%, whereas in leave on preparations, it’s utilized in percentages ranging from 0.001-10%.

The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel reviewed VP/VA copolymer and concluded that it’s safe for use in cosmetics at current usage percentages.

VP/VA copolymer is a synthetic polymer, or large molecule, used in skincare and hair care preparations primarily as a film-forming agent. This category of ingredients creates a coating over the area of application which helps reduce transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and creates a smooth feeling. VP/VA copolymer is created through the combining of two smaller molecules, vinyl acetate and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP). Hair care products commonly use this multi-industry ingredient to help fix hair into place, which is why it’s commonly incorporated into hair sprays. Skin care and cosmetic products also use this ingredient, tapping into VP/VA copolymer’s ability to hinder TEWL and assist in the suspending and dispersing of ingredients (such as UV filters) in formulas. Suppliers can provide this ingredient as both a powder (in 100% concentration) or as an alcohol-based solution (in 50% concentration). In rinse off products, this copolymer is used in percentages between 0.07-44%, whereas in leave on preparations, it’s utilized in percentages ranging from 0.001-10%. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel reviewed VP/VA copolymer and concluded that it’s safe for use in cosmetics at current usage percentages.