PVM/MA Copolymer God Film-Forming Agent No known benefits PVM/MA Copolymer at a glance Synthetic ingredient that plays a variety of roles in skin care & other beauty products Works as a binder and dispersing agent Helps stabilize emulsions Popular in hairsprays and other hair care as a film forming agent and shine enhancer Comes in two forms: a free-flowing powder or slightly hazy, viscous liquid PVM/MA Copolymer description PVM/MA copolymer is a synthetic ingredient that plays a variety of behind-the-scenes roles in cosmetic formulations, including binding agent, dispersing agent, emulsion stabilizer, and film former. PVM/MA copolymer is a synthetic ingredient that plays a variety of behind-the-scenes roles in cosmetic formulations, including binding agent, dispersing agent, emulsion stabilizer, and film former. PVM/MA copolymer is particularly popular in the hair care realm where it helps impart glossy shine to tresses. It is also used in dental care products such as toothpaste. This ingredient comes in two forms: a free-flowing powder or slightly hazy, viscous liquid depending on how it’s processed. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel deemed PVM/MA copolymer safe in the practices of use and concentration as described in their 2011 assessment. That report looked at 80 personal care products containing PVM/MA copolymer in concentrations ranging from 0.0006-13%.