Polyvinylpyrrolidone

Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) – (water-soluble polymer)

Synonyms: PVP, povidone, polyvidone, poly(1-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone), PVP K-12 / K-30 / K-90 (grades linked to molecular weight)
INCI / functions: film former, hair fixative, binder, suspension stabilizer, viscosity controlling (in specific systems), supports dispersibility of actives/powders

Definition

Polyvinylpyrrolidone is a synthetic, water-soluble polymer obtained from the monomer unit N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone, used as a functional ingredient in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and, in some contexts, food/technical applications. From a compositional standpoint, the ingredient consists mainly of PVP polymer chains (repeating pyrrolidone lactam units), with possible trace residual monomer and process-related impurities within the specification limits of the selected grade. In formulation, it forms transparent, adherent films, improves cohesion in solid or dispersed systems, and contributes to physical stability thanks to its strong affinity for water and its ability to interact with surfaces/powders.

In dietary supplements, polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) mainly serves a technological function. It is used as a binder to improve tablet cohesion and mechanical strength. It helps ensure a uniform distribution of active ingredients. It contributes to controlled dissolution of the product. It enhances manufacturing consistency and product quality.

Calories (energy value)

Identification data and specifications

Functional role and clarification “film former / fixative / binder”

Formulation compatibility

Use guidelines (indicative)

Typical applications

• Hair care: sprays, gels and mousses as hair fixative and film former.

• Make-up: mascara, primers and bases to improve adhesion and film uniformity.

• Skincare: products with a “film” effect or sensorial support (in synergy with other polymers).

• Powder/pigment systems: supports dispersion stability and cohesion (with appropriate rheology).

Quality, grades and specifications

Safety, regulation and environment

Formulation troubleshooting

Conclusion

Polyvinylpyrrolidone is a highly versatile water-soluble polymer, composed mainly of PVP chains (units derived from N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone). In cosmetics it is particularly valuable as a film former and hair fixative, as well as a binder and dispersions stability aid. Selecting the right grade (K-value) and managing hydration, solvents and electrolytes are the practical factors that drive performance, sensoriality and formula stability.

• Molecular Formula    C₆H₉NO        C₆H₁₃NOP₂
• Linear Formula    (C₆H₉NO)_n
• Molecular Weight  111.14
• Exact Mass     111.068413
• CAS     25249-54-1  1-Vinyl-2-pyrrolidinone homopolymer (9003-39-8)
• UNII     4LFS24GD0V
• EC Number   201-800-4  607-660-4
• DSSTox Substance ID 
• IUPAC  1-Ethenyl-2-pyrrolidinone homopolymer
• InChl=1S/C6H13NOP2/c8-5-2-1-3-7(5)6(10)4-9/h6H,1-4,9-10H2
• InChl Key      LQIAZOCLNBBZQK-UHFFFAOYSA-N
• SMILES   C1CC(=O)N(C1)C(CP)P
• MDL number  MFCD00149016
• PubChem Substance ID    
• ChEBI  185135
• RTECS  TR8370000
• NCI    C80893
• RXCUI        1310706

Synonyms: 

• Vinylpyrrolidone
• Polyvinylpyrrolidone
• PVP
• Povidone
• 1-Vinyl-2-pyrrolidinone
• polyvinylpolypyrrolidone

Polyplasdone ; bolinan; colidon; dulcilarmes; hemodyn; kollidon; kollidon 12; kollidon 15; kollidon 17; kollidon 25; kollidon 30; kollidon 40; kollidon 90; kollidon cl; kollidon k30; kollidon k60; kollidon k90; luviskol k30; periston; periston n; plasdone; plasdone 25; plasdone 26 28; plasdone k 29-32; plasdone k 90; plasmosan; poly(n vinyl 2 pyrrolidone); poly(n vinylpyrrolidone); polyvidone; polyvidonk25; polyvinyl polypyrrolidone; poly(vinylpyrrolidone); polyvinylpyrrolidone; polyvinylpyrrolidone; polyvinylpyrrolidone 10 000; polyvinylpyrrolidone 11000; polyvinylpyrrolidone 25000; polyvinylpyrrolidone40000; polyvinylpyrrolidone 44 000; polyvinylpyrrolidone 700 000; polyvinylpyrrolidone solution; poridone; povidone 40; pvp 40000; pvp macrose; rp 143; subtosan; vinisil; 1 vinyl 2 pyrrolidinone polymer; kollidon k 30; polyvidon k25; polyvinyl pyrrolidone; polyvinylpyrrolidone 40000

References__________________________________________________________________________

Porto G, Pitino A, Gori M, Pitea M, Alvaro ME, Tripepi GL, Policastro G, Martino F, Minniti RD, Germano' J, Loteta B, Utano G, Bilardi E, Cogliandro F, Alati C, Marafioti V, D'Arrigo G, Martino M. Efficacy of Polyvinylpyrrolidone-Zinc Gluconate and Taurine Gel in the Prophylaxis of Oral Mucositis in Adults Undergoing High-Dose Chemotherapy and Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation. Diseases. 2025 Dec 18;13(12):408. doi: 10.3390/diseases13120408.

Abstract. Background: Oral mucositis (OM) is a significant complication after allogeneic stem cell transplantation. Objectives: This prospective, observational cohort study assessed the effectiveness of a polyvinylpyrrolidone-zinc gluconate and taurine (PVP-ZG-TAU) oral gel in managing OM. The primary objective was to determine whether the gel reduced the incidence and grade of OM and accelerated its resolution. Methods: The study enrolled 82 patients; 39 received the PVP-ZG-TAU gel, and 43 represented a historical control group. To prevent oral mucositis, both groups maintained good oral hygiene. In the experimental group, patients received three sprays of PVP-ZG-TAU gel, three times a day, from the start of conditioning chemotherapy until day +15 after allo-SCT. Results: In the PVP-ZG-TAU group, 79.1% patients experienced grade 1-2 OM and 20.9% experienced grade 3-4 OM. In the control group, 74.4% had grade 1-2 OM, and 25.6% had grade 3-4 OM (p = ns). Resolution occurred significantly faster in the PVP-ZG-TAU group, with an 84% resolution rate per 100 person-weeks, compared with 62% in the control group. Cox regression analysis revealed that treatment was associated with a 68% greater likelihood of earlier resolution (adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 1.68; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.03-2.74; p = 0.036). Conclusions: These findings suggest that PVP-ZG-TAU can reduce OM duration and serve as a supportive intervention for allo-SCT patients.

Doan L, Tran K, Huynh KG, Nguyen TMD, Tang LVH. Surface Modifications of Zinc Oxide Particles with Chitosan, Polyethylene Glycol, Polyvinyl Alcohol, and Polyvinylpyrrolidone as Antibacterial Agents. Polymers (Basel). 2025 Dec 11;17(24):3283. doi: 10.3390/polym17243283.

Abstract. To investigate the effect of nanoparticle reinforcement, polymer blends (M8) comprising polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyethylene glycol, and chitosan were modified using zinc oxide particles (M8/ZnO). This study introduces an M8-modified ZnO composite that offers a non-antibiotic approach relevant to antimicrobial resistance. The average particle size of the ZnO particles was determined to be 181.8 nm using scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis. Based on the inhibition percentage, M8 has a minimum inhibition concentration (MIC) to have at least a 50% inhibition, or MIC50 value, against Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA) and Salmonella enterica (SE) at 12.5 and 25% of M8, respectively. The MIC with at least a 90% inhibition percentage, or MIC90, of M8 against SE and PA is 25% of M8. On the other hand, the MIC50 of M8/ZnO against SE, Staphylococcus aureus (SA), and PA is 25, 12.5, and 50% of M8/ZnO, respectively. The MIC90 of M8/ZnO against SE and SA is 50% and 25% of M8/ZnO, respectively. However, M8/ZnO does not inhibit a minimum of 90% of the PA bacteria. Hence, the ratio optimization between M8 and ZnO or the usage of other particles should be considered as a topic for future study.

Kreft K, Kozamernik B, Urleb U. Qualitative determination of polyvinylpyrrolidone type by near-infrared spectrometry. Int J Pharm. 1999 Jan 15;177(1):1-6. doi: 10.1016/s0378-5173(98)00265-8.

Abstract. Soluble polyvinylpyrrolidones are very useful and versatile pharmaceutical auxiliaries. The different types of povidone are characterised by their viscosity measured in water, expressed as a K-value. We have developed a rapid, accurate, reliable, and non-destructive near infrared (NIR) spectroscopy method for the determination of PVP type and consequently identification thereof. We have implemented chemometrics onto NIR spectra collected in diffuse reflectance mode using fibre optics to build a qualitative model that enables us to obtain useful analytical information. A principal component analysis and a modelling technique soft independent modelling of class analogy (SIMCA) were applied. An approach to validate the method was developed.