"Polyvinyl" means vinyl polymers, a group of polymers based on vinyl monomers. Polyvinyl imidazolinium acetate is a substance used in cosmetic formulations. The substance acts as a combability aid (reduces or prevents tangling of the hair due to changes or damage to the hair surface, thus improving combability), antistatic agent (reduces static electricity by neutralizing the electrical charge on the surface, for example of hair) and film former (forms a film on skin, hair or nails when applied).