Polyvinylpyrrolidone
molecular structure · PubChem
AKA: Povidone, Poly(N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone)
Synthetic
Skin Conditioner
Not Clean
Polyvinylpyrrolidone is a cosmetic ingredient. Assessed as safe by the CIR.
CAS #
9003-39-8
Form
Powder
Functions
Skin Conditioning
A catch-all term for ingredients that improve how skin looks and feels — softer, smoother, more supple. The workhorse behind most moisturizers.
Fights Bacteria
Reduces Inflammation
Antioxidant Protection
Protects skin from damage
Supports wound healing
Maintains skin elasticity
Traditional Use
Developed in Germany in the 1930s as a plasma substitute for medical use. Adopted in cosmetics starting in the 1950s as a film-forming agent, binder, and stabilizer in products like hairsprays, lotions, and color cosmetics.
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewed1 paper →
⚖️Regulatory0 listings
🛡️Safety-assessed1 review →
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
Verified Jun 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR