PVP

Updated

2-Pyrrolidinone, 1-ethenyl-, homopolymer

Purpose

One of the primary ingredients used in hairstyling products.

Rating

GOOD

Category

Film-Forming Agent, Polymer

INCI Purpose

ANTISTATIC, BINDING, EMULSION STABILISING, FILM FORMING, HAIR FIXING, VISCOSITY CONTROLLING

Risks

Synthetic polymer — Lab-made polymer used to thicken or form a film — not a solid microplastic particle

Alternative Names

Hair Profile

Functions

Film Former

At a Glance

Article

PVP, short for polyvinylpyrrolidone, is one of the primary ingredients used in hairstyling products to hold hair in place. When present in minuscule amounts in skin-care products, it places an imperceptible film over the skin that is considered to be water-binding and that helps give the appearance of firmer skin. It can aggravate skin for some individuals.

See: Polyvinylpyrrolidone, PVP Copolymer

References