ETHYLENE/VA COPOLYMER ●
TL;DR. This ingredient is a synthetic film-forming polymer used to create flexible, water-resistant films, improve adhesion, control payoff, and add structure in color cosmetics, hair products, waxes, and long-wear formats.
What does ETHYLENE/VA COPOLYMER do in a cosmetic formula?
This ingredient is a synthetic film-forming polymer used to create flexible, water-resistant films, improve adhesion, control payoff, and add structure in color cosmetics, hair products, waxes, and long-wear formats.
Is ETHYLENE/VA COPOLYMER clean?
From a clean-beauty perspective, it is generally low-irritation because high-molecular-weight polymers tend to be skin-inert. The main friction is standards-based: it is a persistent synthetic plastic polymer and may be captured by microplastic policies when used as small insoluble solid particles.
Is ETHYLENE/VA COPOLYMER sustainable?
It is typically petroleum-derived and not readily biodegradable. Environmental concern centers on persistence and end-of-life release of small insoluble polymer particles, while larger wax or resin formats have a different release profile than rinse-off dispersible powders.
Is ETHYLENE/VA COPOLYMER COSMOS-approved?
It is not permitted under COSMOS-natural or COSMOS-organic standards as a conventional synthetic petrochemical polymer. Its Green Chemistry alignment is limited because it relies on nonrenewable feedstocks and has poor biodegradability, even though it can provide durable performance at low use levels.
How does ETHYLENE/VA COPOLYMER work chemically?
The molecule is a high-molecular-weight, nonionic thermoplastic copolymer with a saturated carbon backbone and pendant ester groups, which makes it hydrophobic, flexible, and film-forming rather than water-soluble. It is stable across typical cosmetic pH ranges and is formulated as a resin, wax, or dispersion with oils, waxes, pigments, or other polymers to tune hardness, tack, and film flexibility.
Last updated 2026-05-13