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Ingredient deep-dive

Ethylene/VA Copolymer: Is It a Microplastic?

Medium concernMicroplastic polymer

EVA, the flexible plastic in trainer soles, used in cosmetics as a wax-like structurant and film-former. A synthetic polymer, though usually present as a soft matrix rather than a hard bead.

Where it appears

  • Lipstick and balm structure
  • Mascara film
  • Stick foundations
  • Hair waxes

Regulatory status (2026)

European Union

Permitted as a film-former; particle forms fall under the microplastics restriction.

United States

No federal restriction.

Cleaner alternatives

  • Candelilla wax
  • Carnauba wax
  • Beeswax

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Ethylene/VA Copolymer, common questions

Is Ethylene/VA Copolymer a microplastic?

Yes: it is classified as a synthetic polymer. EVA, the flexible plastic in trainer soles, used in cosmetics as a wax-like structurant and film-former. A synthetic polymer, though usually present as a soft matrix rather than a hard bead.

Is Ethylene/VA Copolymer banned?

EU: Permitted as a film-former; particle forms fall under the microplastics restriction. US: No federal restriction.

What can I use instead of Ethylene/VA Copolymer?

Cleaner alternatives include: Candelilla wax; Carnauba wax; Beeswax.

What products contain Ethylene/VA Copolymer?

Commonly found in: Lipstick and balm structure; Mascara film; Stick foundations; Hair waxes.

Related ingredients

Polyethylene

Microplastic polymer · High concern

Solid plastic polymer. The EU restricted intentionally added microplastics in rinse-off cosmetics from October 2023, including polyethylene microbeads.

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Polypropylene

Microplastic polymer · High concern

Solid plastic polymer, often used in scrubs, mascara fibers, and exfoliants.

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Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET)

Microplastic polymer · High concern

The same plastic used in bottles, here as glitter or shimmer in cosmetics.

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Polymethyl Methacrylate (PMMA)

Microplastic polymer · High concern

Solid acrylic plastic used as a microbead filler. Banned in EU rinse-off products since 2023.

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