PVP
Polymer of vinylpyrrolidone – a film-former and fixative. Used in hair sprays, mascaras and styling products. Pregnancy-safe.
Supporting ingredient
It gives a product its texture, stability or shelf life. It has no claimed effect on the skin, so an efficacy tier does not apply. What is known about its safety is below
Tolerability and safety
- Irritation potential
- Low
- Allergen risk
- Low
- Pregnancy
- Safe
- Suitable for
- Normal, Dry, Combination, Oily, Sensitive
About this ingredient
PVP (polyvinylpyrrolidone, povidone) is a synthetic water-soluble polymer. INCI: PVP. In pharmacology it is used as an enterosorbent and a drug carrier; in cosmetics it works as a film-former and shape fixative. In cosmetics it forms a thin, transparent film on the skin and hair that fixes the hairstyle, holds pigments and UV filters in place. It is used in hair sprays, styling gels, mascaras and water-resistant sunscreens. Use levels run from 0.5 to 5%. Pregnancy safety. The molecule is too large to penetrate the skin. Oral PVP (povidone) is approved during pregnancy as a tablet excipient. Skin profile. Low irritation and allergen potential. Non-comedogenic. Suitable for all skin types. No active cosmetic effects – a purely functional component.
Frequently asked questions
Is PVP safe during pregnancy?
PVP is considered safe during pregnancy at typical cosmetic concentrations. Systemic absorption through the skin is minimal.
What skin types is PVP for?
PVP suits: normal, dry, combination, oily, sensitive.
What is PVP and what does it do in cosmetics?
Polymer of vinylpyrrolidone – a film-former and fixative.
Is PVP comedogenic?
On the Fulton scale 0/5 – non-comedogenic. For acne-prone skin, a rating of 3 or higher suggests choosing an alternative.
What's the INCI name for PVP?
The INCI name is PVP. It may also appear as: Polyvinylpyrrolidone, Povidone.
See PVP in a product composition right on the store page
The Evigrade extension adds an evidence panel to iHerb, Sephora, Druni and 12 more stores. This ingredient and every other one in the product show evidence-tier, allergen risk and pregnancy/lactation flags at a glance.
Similar role in the formula
Other functional ingredients
Pyridoxine HCl, Pyruvic Acid, Raspberry Ketone, Rhus Verniciflua Peel Cera, Tributyl Citrate, Ceratonia Siliqua (Carob) Gum, Hectorite, PEG-20 Castor Oil
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