PVP K30

INCI: PVP (Polyvinylpyrrolidone)
Grade: K30 (medium molecular weight)
Appearance: White powder or flakes
Function: Film former, fixative, binder, viscosity enhancer, stabilizer

PVP K30 is a film-forming polymer widely used in hair styling products, skin care, makeup, and pharmaceuticals. Because it forms a clear, flexible film, it is especially valued in hair gels, edge controls, mascaras, eyebrow gels, and peel-off masks.

Key Benefits

1. Strong Film Formation
   Creates a thin, invisible coating on hair, skin, brows, and lashes.
   Helps provide hold, structure, and shine.

2. Excellent Hair Styling Fixative
   Provides medium hold, a non-greasy finish, and moderate humidity resistance.

3. Binder and Adhesive
   Used in pressed powders, compact makeup, and peel-off masks.

4. Improves Product Texture
   Adds slip, prevents flaking, and slightly stabilizes emulsions.

5. Water-Soluble
   Dissolves easily in water, making it suitable for water-based formulas.

Cosmetic Applications

Hair Care
Hair gel
Edge gel
Hair setting sprays
Curl definers
Styling mousse

Skin Care
Peel-off masks
Hydrogels
Underarm and skin-firming gels

Makeup
Mascaras
Eyebrow gels
Eyeliners
Setting sprays
Pressed powders

Usage Rates

Hair gel (medium hold): 3–10%
Hair spray: 1–4%
Edge control: 5–10%
Eyebrow gel: 2–5%
Mascara: 2–6%
Peel-off mask: 10–20%
Binder in powders: 1–3%
Gel serums: 1–5%

Solubility and Processing

Completely water-soluble
Dissolve in warm water (30–50°C)
Stir gently to avoid clumping
pH stable between 3 and 7
Compatible with alcohol, commonly used in hair sprays

Note
High humidity environments may reduce hold unless combined with other polymers such as PVP/VA or carbomers.

Formulation Tips

1. Combine with other polymers for stronger hold or humidity resistance: PVP/VA copolymer, VP/methacrylamide copolymer, carbomer, xanthan gum.

2. To prevent flaking, add glycerin (1–3%), PEG-40 hydrogenated castor oil, or panthenol to create a more flexible film.

3. Enhances clarity, ideal for clear gels and transparent serums.

4. Works well with alcohol for quick-drying formulas.

Example Formulation
Clear Hair Styling Gel (Medium Hold)

Phase A
Water – 83%
Glycerin – 3%
PVP K30 – 6%
Panthenol – 2%

Phase B
Carbomer – 0.7%
Neutralizer (TEA or NaOH) – q.s.
Preservative – 1%
Fragrance or color – 0.3%

Result: Smooth, non-flaky, medium-hold gel.

Safety
Generally non-irritating
Avoid use in very high humidity without humidity-resistant polymers
Completely rinseable