Polyvinylpyrrolidone K-30/K-90: Versatile Polymer for Cosmetics, Pharmaceuticals, and Industrial Applications
Discover the diverse applications and key benefits of Polyvinylpyrrolidone K-30 and K-90, essential ingredients for product innovation.
Get a Quote & SampleProduct Core Values

Polyvinylpyrrolidone
Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) is a water-soluble, non-ionic polymer renowned for its exceptional properties including outstanding solubility, film-forming capabilities, adhesive strength, and physiological inertness. Available in various grades, with K-30 and K-90 being the most popular, PVP serves as a crucial component across numerous industries.
- Utilizing PVP K-30 for its excellent solubility and versatility, formulators can create lightweight and breathable makeup, enhancing product longevity without compromising skin feel, a key aspect for cosmetic ingredient deep dives.
- Leveraging the superior film-forming properties of PVP K-90, products can achieve enhanced water resistance and durable hold, making it ideal for high-SPF sunscreens and high-hold hair styling products.
- As a pharmaceutical excipient, PVP K-90 acts as a highly effective binder, crucial for tablet and capsule production, ensuring the integrity and controlled release of active pharmaceutical ingredients.
- The wide K value range of PVP, from K-30 to K-90, allows for precise viscosity control and tailored performance in hair care formulations, from light mousses to firm-hold gels, as detailed in hair styling formulations.
Key Advantages
Enhanced Formulation Stability
PVP polymers stabilize emulsions, dispersions, and suspensions, ensuring product integrity and shelf-life, a critical benefit for cosmetic formulations.
Superior Film Properties
The film-forming capability of PVP is essential for creating clear, glossy, and protective films, utilized extensively in hair styling products and skincare for moisture retention.
Versatile Binder and Thickener
PVP's excellent adhesive and thickening properties make it invaluable in pharmaceutical tablet binding and in adjusting the viscosity of cosmetic and industrial products.
Key Applications
Cosmetics
PVP K-30 and K-90 are vital in hair care products like gels and mousses for hold and styling, and in skincare for their film-forming and moisturizing properties. Their use as dispersants for hair colorants is also significant.
Pharmaceuticals
As a pharmaceutical excipient, PVP functions as a binder, solubilizer, stabilizer, and dispersant for active ingredients in tablets, capsules, and liquid formulations, vital for drug efficacy.
Industrial Processes
PVP serves as an adhesive, coating additive, dispersant in inks and paints, and a crucial component in textiles, ceramics, and electronic applications, showcasing its broad industrial utility.
Oral Care
In oral care products like toothpastes and mouthwashes, PVP acts as a foam stabilizer and thickener, contributing to product texture and efficacy, aligning with the needs of cosmetic ingredient deep dives.