Film-Forming Agent

Polyvinyl Butyral

INCI: POLYVINYL BUTYRAL

Reviewed by Emma · Last updated 18 Aug 2026

What Is Polyvinyl Butyral?

Polyvinyl Butyral (INCI: POLYVINYL BUTYRAL) is a cosmetic ingredient listed in the EU CosIng inventory. Condensation of polyvinyl alcohol and butyraldehyd.

Its declared cosmetic functions are binding, film forming and viscosity controlling.

Source: European Commission CosIng inventory.

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