Polyvinylpyrrolidone (Povidone) K90
Product Name: Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP)
INCI Name: PVP
CAS Number: 9003-39-8
Monomer Molecular Weight: 111.14 g/mol
Polymer Type: Nonionic water-soluble polymer
Appearance：White to creamy white free-flowing powder
Storage Conditions: Cool, dry place <30°C, tightly sealed, protect from moisture
Shelf Life: 36 months
Polyvinylpyrrolidone, PVP K30, PVP K90, Povidone, CAS 9003-39-8,film former, hair styling polymer, cosmetic grade PVP
Polyvinylpyrrolidone (Povidone) K90-CAS 9003-39-8
Polyvinylpyrrolidone, universally known as PVP or Povidone, is one of the most versatile and widely used water-soluble polymers in the world. Discovered by BASF in the 1930s and originally used as a blood plasma substitute during WWII, PVP has evolved into an indispensable ingredient across pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, food, and countless industrial applications.
What makes PVP truly exceptional is its unique combination of properties: it dissolves instantly in both water and many organic solvents (a rarity among polymers), forms crystal-clear glossy films, binds strongly to both polar and nonpolar surfaces, and is physiologically inert and non-toxic. The K-value system grades PVP by molecular weight — K30 (medium molecular weight) is the workhorse grade for tablet binding and general use, while K90 (high molecular weight) delivers superior viscosity and film strength for gels, hair styling, and sustained-release applications. With over 80 years of safe use and global regulatory acceptance, PVP remains the gold standard multifunctional polymer.
Key Benefits
✅ Soluble in BOTH water AND many organic solvents✅ Instant dissolution in cold water - no heating needed
✅ Forms crystal-clear, glossy, flexible films
✅ Excellent adhesive / binding properties
✅ Nonionic - compatible with all ionic systems
Applications
Cosmetics & Personal Care (30%):
• Hair Sprays & Styling Gels (K30/K90): 2-8% - hold, film former
• Hair Mousses & Foams (K30): 1-4% - volume, hold
• Shampoos & Conditioners (K30): 0.5-2% - foam stabilizer, antistatic
• Mascara & Eye Makeup (K30): 1-5% - film former, pigment binder
• Skin Creams & Lotions (K30): 0.5-3% - stabilizer, humectant
• Toothpaste (K30/K90): 1-3% - binder, texture modifier
• Lip Products (K30): 1-3% - film former, transfer resistance
• Face Masks (K90): 3-8% - peel-off mask film former
Food & Beverage (15%):
• Beer Clarifier (K30): 5-50 g/hL - removes polyphenols, extends shelf life
• Wine Stabilizer (K30): Prevents haze formation
• Juice & Tea Clarifier: Removes tannins and proteins
• Tableted Sweeteners: Binder for compressed tablets
• Food Packaging: Adhesive and coating applications
Industrial & Other (20%):
• Adhesives & Glues: Water-based adhesive formulations
• Detergents & Cleaners: Soil anti-redeposition agent
• Paints & Coatings: Pigment dispersant, film modifier
• Textile: Dye dispersant, sizing agent
• Agriculture: Seed coating, pesticide dispersant
• Paper & Printing: Coating binder, ink additive
• Batteries & Electronics: Conductive polymer binder
• Photography: Film coating additive
Certificate Of Analysis (COA)
Test Item | Specification | Test Result | Test Method |
Product Identification | |||
Product Name | Povidone K30 | PVP K30 Pharma Grade | —— |
CAS Number | 9003-39-8 | 9003-39-8 | —— |
Grade | Pharmaceutical USP/EP | USP/EP/BP/CP Compliant | —— |
Physical Properties | |||
Appearance | White to off-white powder | White free-flowing powder | Visual |
Odor | Odorless or slight | Odorless | Olfactory |
K-Value | |||
K-Value (1% aq. soln) | 27.0 - 32.4 | 29.8 | Fikentscher / Ph. Eur. |
Chemical Properties | |||
Loss on Drying | ≤5.0% | 2.1% | USP <731> |
Residue on Ignition | ≤0.1% | 0.04% | USP <281> |
pH (5% solution) | 3.0 - 7.0 | 5.2 | USP <791> |
Nitrogen Content | 11.5 - 12.8% | 12.3% | Kjeldahl |
Purity & Impurities | |||
Vinylpyrrolidone (monomer) | ≤10 ppm | <2 ppm | HPLC |
Heavy Metals (as Pb) | ≤10 ppm | <5 ppm | ICP-MS |
Arsenic (As) | ≤2 ppm | <0.5 ppm | ICP-MS |
Lead (Pb) | ≤2 ppm | <0.3 ppm | ICP-MS |
Cadmium (Cd) | ≤1 ppm | <0.1 ppm | ICP-MS |
Mercury (Hg) | ≤1 ppm | <0.1 ppm | ICP-MS |
Formic Acid | ≤0.5% | <0.1% | HPLC |
Microbiological | |||
Total Aerobic Count | ≤100 CFU/g | <10 CFU/g | USP <61> |
Yeast & Mold | ≤10 CFU/g | <5 CFU/g | USP <61> |
E. coli | Negative | Negative | USP <62> |
Salmonella | Negative | Negative | USP <62> |
Staphylococcus aureus | Negative | Negative | USP <62> |
Pseudomonas aeruginosa | Negative | Negative | USP <62> |
Bile-tolerant Gram-negative | ≤10 CFU/g | <1 CFU/g | USP <62> |
Performance Test | |||
Viscosity (10% aq., 25°C) | 5.5 - 8.5 mPa·s | 7.2 mPa·s | Brookfield |
Final Conclusion | —— | PASSED - MEETS USP/EP REQUIREMENTS | —— |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) & Document Request Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) & Document Request
Q: Can PVP be used in hair styling products? How does it compare to other fixatives?
A: PVP is the classic hair styling polymer - and it's still widely used for good reason.
PVP in Hair Styling:
• Hold level: Medium to very strong (depends on grade and usage level)
• K30: Lighter hold, more natural feel, less flaking
• K90: Stronger hold, more stiffness, more flaking potential
• Typical usage: 2-8% in gels, 3-10% in hairsprays
Pros of PVP for Hair:
• ✅ Excellent hold at low cost
• ✅ Very easy to use - water soluble
• ✅ Clear, transparent formulations
• ✅ Good compatibility with other ingredients
• ✅ Shiny finish (not matte)
• ✅ Easy to wash out with water
Contact Us
💌 Contact us today for technical data, formulation guidance, and competitive pricing! E-mail:
You Might Also Like
1.ur Products A full range of high-quality cosmetic raw materials, including plant extracts, natural active ingredients, skin care actives and formulation additives. Stable supply & strict quality control.
