Polyvinyl Alcohol
Also known as PVA, Polyvinol, Elvanol, Vinol
“CIR Expert Panel says: safe as used in cosmetics.”
Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA; CAS 9002-89-5) is a synthetic water-soluble polymer widely used in cosmetics as a film-former and thickener, most prominently as the primary structural agent in peel-off face masks. The CIR Expert Panel assessed PVA and concluded it is safe for use in cosmetics (IJT 17(S5):67-94, 1998), with no concentration limits or qualifying conditions in the QRT row. A comprehensive oral toxicity review (DeMerlis and Schoneker, 2003; PMID 12504164) found acute oral LD50 values of 15–20 g/kg, very poor gastrointestinal absorption, no bioaccumulation, no mutagenicity, and NOAELs of 5000 mg/kg/day in 90-day and two-generation studies — supporting a strong systemic safety profile. An NTP 2-year intravaginal carcinogenesis study (PMID 12571676) found no evidence of carcinogenic activity in female B6C3F1 mice, with no treatment-related neoplasms or lesions. PVA is considered non-irritating to skin and eyes at cosmetic use concentrations (typically up to 10–15% in peel-off masks).
Primary film-forming polymer in peel-off masks; creates the characteristic peelable film at concentrations typically 10–15%
CIR Expert Panel assessed as safe with no concentration limits:67-94, 1998)
Very low oral and systemic toxicity (LD50 15–20 g/kg orally; NOAEL 5000 mg/kg/day); poorly absorbed dermally
No evidence of carcinogenicity in 2-year NTP intravaginal study
Not mutagenic or clastogenic
Water-soluble and biodegradable under appropriate conditions; no bioaccumulation
- · Peel-off masks at high PVA concentrations may cause mechanical irritation on removal in sensitized or compromised skin — not a toxicological concern but a formulation consideration
CIR Quick Reference Table (12/2017, revised 07/2018) — POLYVINYL ALCOHOL row: Finding=S, Citation=IJT 17(S5):67-94, 1998
“Polyvinyl Alcohol | S | | IJT 17(S5):67-94, 1998”— QRT-122017revised072018.pdf, p. 109