Common Name(s): Pvp,povidone,kollidon
CAS Number: 9003-39-8
DESCRIPTION
What It Does: Provides film formation and hair fixative activity from a water-soluble synthetic polymer.
Why It's Used: Standard hair fixative and film former in styling products โ pvp films provide hold, manageability, and styling definition in hair care.
How It Works: Amide carbonyl groups provide water solubility and hydrogen bonding to hair surface. film formation from polymer chain entanglement on water evaporation. variable molecular weight grades provide different film rigidity and humidity resistance.
Typically Found In: Hair sprays,styling gels,hair fixatives,film-forming products
TECHNICAL DETAILS
Primary Category: Functional ingredient โ synthetic film former/thickener
Secondary Functions: Skin conditioning
Application Areas:
Facial Skincare
Body Care
Hair Care
Beard Care
Color Cosmetics (Makeup)
Dietary/Oral Supplements
Typical Concentration Range: 0.5%โ10%
SOURCING & ETHICS
Vegan Status: Yes โ synthetic from petroleum (pvp chain) or n-vinylpyrrolidone
Halal Status: Yes
Source Notes: Commercially produced for cosmetic use. verify vegan/halal status with supplier.
SKIN COMPATIBILITY
Irritancy Rating: 1/5 โ very low
Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 โ non-comedogenic
Sensitivity Concerns: Well-tolerated by most skin types.
Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes
SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY
Safety Profile: Pvp films are humidity-sensitive (hygroscopic) โ absorb water in high humidity causing hair style collapse. pvp/va copolymers or other modifications improve humidity resistance.
Works Well With: Standard skincare actives
Avoid Combining With: No known significant incompatibilities
SCIENTIFIC NOTE
Pvp's hair fixative mechanism involves adsorption to and cross-linking between adjacent hair fibers on evaporation of the aqueous vehicle. pvp chains bridge between hair shafts via hydrogen bonding, creating an inter-fiber polymer network that holds hair in its applied configuration. higher mw pvp provides stronger hold from longer polymer chains bridging more fibers simultaneously.
Last Verified: Cosing database,cir safety assessment
Primary Sources: 2026-03-12