Polyvinylalcohol Crosspolymer Middel Texture enhancer No known benefits Polyvinylalcohol Crosspolymer at a glance Polymer of vinyl alcohol and glyoxal Bulking and film-forming agent Can be drying in high amounts Used in amounts up to 15% in peel-off products Polyvinylalcohol Crosspolymer description Polyvinylalcohol crosspolymer, also known as polyvinyl alcohol crosspolymer, is a synthetic polymer of vinyl alcohol (AKA ethenol) and glyoxal, an organic compound categorized as a dialdehyde. In cosmetics, polyvinylalcohol crosspolymer serves much the same function as its related ingredient, as a bulking and film-forming agent. In high amounts – such as the 15% concentration often found in peel-off skin care products – it can be drying and irritating. Related ingredients: Polyvinyl Alcohol