PVP

PVP 1
molecular structure · PubChem CID 6917
AKA: N-VINYL-2-PYRROLIDONE, 88-12-0, 1-Vinyl-2-pyrrolidone, 1-Vinyl-2-pyrrolidinone, Vinylpyrrolidone, 1-ethenylpyrrolidin-2-one, 2-Pyrrolidinone, Vinylbutyrolactam, Vinylpyrrolidinone, 1-Vinylpyrrolidinone
Synthetic
Occlusive
Emulsifier
Not Clean
OriginPVP belongs to the synthetic polymer family, derived from petroleum-based vinyl pyrrolidone monomers. It is synthesized through free-radical polymerization of N-vinylpyrrolidone monomers in solution.
2-Pyrrolidinone, 1-ethenyl-, homopolymer
Solubility Soluble in water and many organic solvents
Formula
C6H9NO
Mol. Weight
111.14
CAS #
9003-39-8
State
NKRA; Liquid
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
Functions
Antistatic
Binding
Emulsion Stabilising
Forces oil and water to stay mixed instead of separating into layers. The unsung hero holding your lotion together.
Film Forming
Creates a physical seal on skin to lock moisture in and keep irritants out. The "slugging" ingredient — barrier protection.
Hair Fixing
Viscosity Controlling
Reduces Static
Holds Formula Together
Stabilizes Emulsion
Creates Protective Barrier
Fights Bacteria
Reduces Inflammation
Antioxidant Protection
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewed1 paper →
⚖️Regulatory1 listing →
🛡️Safety-assessed1 review →
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
EWG
4
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
Not Phototoxic
Human test and Product formulation test found no phototoxicity in the CIR safety assessment (CIR 54 and 764)
Not a Sensitizer
6 studies / 6 not sensitizing (CIR 54 and 764)
Mixed Skin Irritation Results
4 studies / 3 irritating / 1 not irritating / reactions minimal to slight (CIR 54)
Concentration Guide
Leave-on0.005–35%
Rinse-off0.000003–13.3%
0%50%100%
CIR reported use · 2017 survey
Regulatory Status
USA✔ permitted
EU⚠ restricted
JAPAN⚠ restricted
CANADA⚠ restricted
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR