What Is Polyvinyl chloride?

Learn about the film-forming characteristics of Polyvinyl chloride and its usage in personal care products.

What Is Polyvinyl chloride? Brandon Jones / IngredientReviewer

Last Updated: October 2, 2024

Written by Brandon Jones

What Is Polyvinyl chloride?

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Vinyl Chloride is a substance that is used to make plastics, adhesives, and other chemicals. It can exist as a gas or liquid, with a sweet odor. It is dangerous because it can easily catch fire and cause frostbite if it comes into contact with skin. It has been linked to cancer and can also displace air, making it hard to breathe. Vinyl Chloride is also known as chloroethene or chloroethylene and is not found naturally but made in factories.

What is the purpose of Polyvinyl chloride in personal care products? It is used for its film-forming characteristics. Polyvinyl chloride creates a thin layer on the skin/nails/hair.

Names and identifiers that we found for this substance include: Polyvinyl Chloride, Vinyl Chloride, and Polyvinylchloride (latex).

What Are Film-Forming Ingredients?

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Polyvinyl chloride has film-forming characteristics.

Film-forming ingredients are used in many cosmetic products, including skincare, haircare, and makeup. These ingredients can have different chemical compositions and functions, but they all share the goal of creating a film on the surface they are applied on.

In skincare products, film-forming ingredients are often used to create a barrier on the skin's surface that helps to lock in moisture. This can benefit people with dry or sensitive skin, as it can help to prevent the skin from becoming dehydrated and irritated. Some film-forming ingredients can also provide a temporary tightening or lifting effect, which can help reduce the visibility of lines and wrinkles on your skin.

In haircare products, film-forming ingredients can help smooth and protect the hair cuticle, making hair look shinier and feel smoother. Film-forming ingredients can also help to protect hair from environmental stressors like heat styling and pollution.

In makeup products, film-forming ingredients can help create a smooth, even base for additional products like foundation or powder. They can also help to improve the wear time of makeup products by creating a barrier that helps to keep them in place.

Safety

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Remember, always read and follow the instructions provided on product labels carefully. If you have any questions or concerns about using a product containing various ingredients, consult with your doctor or healthcare provider before use.