Database/Binding/VP/VA Copolymer
100% petroleum · ISO 16128

Is VP/VA Copolymer natural?

No. Vinyl acetate (from ethylene and acetic acid) and vinylpyrrolidone (from butyrolactone and ammonia) are both synthetic petrochemical monomers.

INCI nameVP/VA Copolymer
CAS25086-89-9
FunctionBinding · Film Forming
FeedstockMade by free-radical copolymerisation of petrochemical vinyl acetate…

How we scored it

Copolymer of vinyl acetate (86 Da) and vinylpyrrolidone (111 Da); both monomers fully petrochemical, no mineral fragment, result independent of ratio. 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

Made by free-radical copolymerisation of petrochemical vinyl acetate and N-vinylpyrrolidone. No natural or bio-based route to either monomer is used commercially.

In plain English

A synthetic film-forming polymer used in hairsprays and styling products to hold hair in place. Both of its building blocks are made from petrochemical feedstocks.

CosIng definition: Acetic acid ethenyl ester, polymer with 1-ethenyl-2-pyrrolidinone

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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. 2VP/VA COPOLYMER. CosIng — European Commission cosmetic ingredient database. ec.europa.eu/cosing ↗
  3. 3VP/VA COPOLYMER. CosIng u2014 European Commission database for information on cosmetic substances and ingredients. https://ec.europa.eu/growth/tools-databases/cosing/search?search=VP/VA%20COPOLYMER