Polyvinyl Pyrrolidone (PVP)

Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) K-90 | CAS 9003-39-8 | Premium Film-Forming Polymer & Thickening Agent

Hersoncare PVP K-90 (CAS 9003-39-8) is a high-purity, high-molecular-weight synthetic polymer engineered for demanding performance in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and industrial applications. As a premier Cosmetic Raw Material and versatile Thickening Agent, it delivers exceptional film-forming, stabilizing, and rheology-modifying properties in clear, water-based formulations.

This non-ionic polymer is renowned for creating hard, flexible, and transparent films with excellent moisture-binding capacity. It provides reliable suspension of pigments and particles, stabilizes emulsions, and imparts high viscosity without tackiness. As a trusted supplier of performance ingredients like Sodium Hyaluronate and Natural Antioxidants, Hersoncare ensures our PVP K-90 meets the stringent purity, consistency, and efficacy standards required by global brands for hair care, skin care, and color cosmetics.

HERSONCARE PVP K-90: High-purity, free-flowing powder for consistent formulation results.

Technical Specifications & Quality Parameters

Manufactured under strict quality controls, Hersoncare PVP K-90 guarantees the batch-to-batch consistency and performance that industrial buyers demand.

Identity & Physical Properties

• INCI Name: Polyvinylpyrrolidone
• Brand: Hersoncare
• CAS Number: 9003-39-8
• Appearance: White to off-white, free-flowing powder.
• K-value (Molecular Weight): 88.0 - 96.0
• Solubility: Freely soluble in water and other polar solvents.

Key Performance & Purity Specifications

• Assay (PVP Content): ≥ 95.0%
• pH (5% Solution): 5.0 - 9.0
• Viscosity (20% Solution): 10,000 - 30,000 mPa.s
• Loss on Drying: ≤ 5.0%
• Residue on Ignition: ≤ 0.05%
• Residual Monomer (VP): ≤ 0.01%
• Heavy Metals (as Pb): ≤ 10 ppm

Note: Full Certificate of Analysis (CoA) provided with each shipment. Complies with major pharmacopoeial standards (USP, Ph. Eur.).

Fine particle size ensures rapid and lump-free dissolution.

Core Functional Features & Competitive Advantages

1. Superior Film-Forming & Hold Performance

PVP K-90 forms hard, clear, flexible, and non-tacky films upon drying. This provides exceptional hold in hair styling products (sprays, gels) and creates a transfer-resistant, long-wearing film in makeup (mascara, foundations), outperforming many natural polymers in durability and humidity resistance.

2. Excellent Rheology Modification & Stabilization

Acts as an efficient thickener with shear-thinning properties, creating luxurious textures that are easy to apply. Its non-ionic nature provides outstanding stabilization for suspensions (pigments, Freeze Dried Fruit Powder exfoliants) and oil-in-water emulsions, preventing separation.

3. High Purity for Sensitive Formulations

Extremely low residual monomer (≤0.01%) and heavy metal content make it safe for use in eye-area cosmetics, sensitive skin formulations, and pharmaceutical applications, meeting the stringent safety requirements of global regulatory bodies.

4. Broad Compatibility & Formulation Flexibility

Compatible with a wide range of surfactants, electrolytes, and other active ingredients, including various Plant Extracts and Vitamins and Minerals. It can be synergistically combined with Oral Sodium Hyaluronate in serums for multi-level hydration and film-forming benefits.

How to Process PVP K-90: Step-by-Step Dispersion Guide

For optimal clarity and viscosity, correct dispersion is crucial to avoid insoluble gel particles ("fish eyes").

1. Step 1: Setup

   Begin with cold or room temperature water in your main mixing vessel. Using a high-shear mixer (e.g., Silverson), create a strong vortex.

2. Step 2: Controlled Addition

   Slowly sift the PVP K-90 powder into the vortex. Avoid dumping the powder all at once, as this will cause lumping.

3. Step 3: Complete Hydration

   Continue mixing until all powder is fully wetted and a clear, viscous solution is formed. This may take 30-60 minutes. Mild heat (up to 50°C) can speed dissolution but is not mandatory.

4. Step 4: Final Formulation

   Once fully dissolved, incorporate the PVP solution into your main batch. Add salts, adjust pH, or incorporate sensitive actives like some Antioxidants Raw Materials after PVP is fully hydrated to avoid viscosity loss.

Typical Use Levels: 0.5-2% for stabilization/binding; 2-5% for film-forming/thickening.

Application Scenarios Across Industries

Hair Care & Styling

• Hair Sprays & Fixing Gels: Industry-standard polymer for high-hold, flexible, non-flaking films that resist humidity.
• Styling Mousses & Creams: Provides body and definition without stickiness.

Skin Care & Color Cosmetics

• Gel Cleansers & Serums: Creates clear, elegant gel textures and suspends active ingredients uniformly.
• Mascara & Liquid Eyeliner: Stabilizes pigment, prevents hard settling, and forms a smudge-resistant film.
• Face Masks & Peels: Thickens and helps evenly suspend abrasive particles or actives.

Enabling performance in hairsprays, mascaras, and smooth-feeling gels.

Pharmaceuticals & Technical Uses

• Tablet Binding: Effective binder in wet granulation or direct compression.
• Topical Gels: Provides viscosity and bioadhesion for drug delivery systems.
• Adhesives & Coatings: Used as a thickener and adhesion promoter in water-based systems.

Strategic Benefits for Your Business

• Product Performance Leader: Create superior products with excellent hold, long wear, and elegant textures that justify a premium market position.
• Formulation Efficiency & Reliability: Reduce R&D time with a predictable, broadly compatible polymer. Achieve consistent results batch after batch.
• Supply Chain Confidence: Partner with a reliable, vertically-integrated manufacturer. Our portfolio also includes key ingredients like L-carnitine USP Standard and Food Grade Trehalose for your diverse needs.
• Global Market Access: Supported by comprehensive documentation (CoA, MSDS, regulatory statements) to ease compliance in your target markets.
• Cost-Effective Performance: High efficacy at relatively low use levels provides excellent cost-in-use value for your formulations.

Certifications & Regulatory Compliance

Produced in facilities adhering to international quality and safety standards, ensuring global acceptability.

• Quality Management: ISO9001:2015 Certified
• Cosmetic Manufacturing: GMPC (ISO 22716) Compliance
• Food Safety System: FSSC 22000 Certification (for relevant grades)
• Religious Compliance: Kosher and Halal certificates available upon request.
• Safety Standards: Complies with USP, Ph. Eur., JP. Meets cosmetic regulations in EU, USA, China, ASEAN, etc.

Customization & Packaging Solutions

We offer flexibility to meet your specific production and logistics requirements.

Customization Services

• Full PVP Series: We supply all K-values (K-15, K-30, K-60, K-90) for different viscosity and film strength needs.
• Pre-Mixed Blends: Explore custom pre-blends with other functional powders for simplified processing.
• Particle Size Adjustment: Custom milling available to optimize dissolution rate and flow properties.

Packaging & Logistics

• Standard Packaging: 25 kg in sealed, polyethylene-lined fiber drums.
• Alternatives: 20 kg bags, 500 kg super sacks, or customer-specific packaging.
• Storage: Store in a cool, dry place (<25°C/65% RH) in original, unopened containers.
• Shelf Life: 24 months from date of manufacture.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)