Database/Antistatic/PVM/MA Copolymer
100% petroleum · ISO 16128

Is PVM/MA Copolymer natural?

No. Both monomers, methoxyethene and maleic anhydride, are petrochemical, giving a fully synthetic film-forming polymer.

INCI namePVM/MA Copolymer
CAS9011-16-9
FunctionAntistatic · Binding
FeedstockManufactured by free-radical copolymerisation of methyl vinyl ether…

How we scored it

Methyl vinyl ether (petrochemical) + maleic anhydride (petrochemical, from butane/benzene oxidation) copolymerised; no natural-origin fragment present → 0.0.
What counts. ISO 16128-2 scores the atoms that remain in the final ingredient. Reagents, solvents, catalysts and protecting groups used during manufacture leave no mass behind and are not counted.

Where it comes from

Manufactured by free-radical copolymerisation of methyl vinyl ether and maleic anhydride, both derived from petrochemical feedstocks (ethylene/methanol and butane/benzene respectively). No commercially significant natural-feedstock route exists.

In plain English

A synthetic film-forming polymer made from two lab-made building blocks (methyl vinyl ether and maleic anhydride). Used in hairsprays, lotions and patches to form a flexible film, stabilise emulsions and help products stick together. Not derived from plants or minerals.

CosIng definition: 2,5-Furandione, polymer with methoxyethene; copolymer of methyl vinyl ether and maleic anhydride

Natural alternatives with the same function

Acronychia Acidula Fruit Extract 100% natural origin

An extract of lemon aspen, an Australian native fruit, used to condition skin and hair and help hold…

 Alanine 100% natural origin

An amino acid used for skin and hair conditioning, part of skin's natural moisturising factor. Made by fermenting…

 Arginine 100% natural origin

An amino acid found in skin and hair proteins, used for conditioning and moisture-binding. Made by fermenting plant…

 Asparagine 100% natural origin

An amino acid made by fermenting plant sugars, similar to other food-fermentation processes. Helps condition hair and skin…

 Aspartic Acid 100% natural origin

An amino acid used for skin conditioning and moisture retention. Usually produced by fermentation or by an enzyme…

 Capryloyl Hydrolyzed Collagen 100% natural origin

Collagen broken into small protein fragments and attached to caprylic acid, an eight-carbon fatty acid from coconut or…

References

  1. 1ISO 16128-1:2016 and ISO 16128-2:2017 — Guidelines on technical definitions and criteria for natural and organic cosmetic ingredients and products. ISO, Geneva.
  2. 2PVM/MA COPOLYMER. CosIng — European Commission cosmetic ingredient database. ec.europa.eu/cosing ↗
  3. 3PVM/MA COPOLYMER. CosIng u2014 European Commission database for information on cosmetic substances and ingredients. https://ec.europa.eu/growth/tools-databases/cosing/search?search=PVM/MA%20COPOLYMER