PVP K90 - USP Grade

PVP K90

High molecular weight polyvinylpyrrolidone for strong film formation and adhesion.

INCI Name: PVP

Appearance: White to off-white free-flowing powder

Molecular Weight: ~1,300,000 (K-Value ≈ 90)

Solubility: Water, alcohols

Typical Usage: 0.5–10%

Function: Film-former, binder, thickener, stabilizer

PVP K90 is a high molecular weight polyvinylpyrrolidone used where strong, durable film formation and adhesion are required. Compared to lower K-value grades, K90 delivers superior holding power, viscosity build, and long-wear performance across hair styling, skincare, and color cosmetic applications.

Why Use PVP K90?

The high molecular weight of PVP K90 provides exceptional film strength and adhesion, making it ideal for formulations that demand durability, humidity resistance, and long-lasting performance. It is widely used in hair styling products for strong hold and in cosmetic formulations to improve pigment adhesion and wear time.

Key Benefits

• Strong film-forming and holding capability
• Improves adhesion to hair, skin, and pigments
• Builds viscosity and structural integrity in gels
• Enhances durability and humidity resistance
• Improves wear time in color cosmetics

Common Applications

• Hair styling gels, sprays, and mousses
• Pomades and waxes
• BB creams, foundations, and primers
• Liquid lipsticks and brow gels
• Peel-off masks

Usage Guidelines

• Use at 0.5–10% depending on desired hold and viscosity
• Dissolve fully in water or hydroalcoholic systems with gentle heating
• Ensure complete dissolution for clear gels before adding other components
• Compatible with carbomers, acrylates copolymers, and many cationic surfactants

Formulation Notes

• Combine with plasticizers (e.g. glycerin, propylene glycol) for flexible films
• Use higher levels for strong-hold and humidity-resistant systems
• May be blended with lower K-value PVP grades to balance processing ease and performance

Documents

• Certificate of Analysis (COA) – Lot CF0123RM161
• Safety Data Sheet (SDS)

Disclaimer

Supplied as a cosmetic raw material only. Not intended for direct application to the skin without proper formulation. Not a drug or medicinal ingredient.