Polyvinylpyrrolidone(abbreviated as PVP) is a water-soluble high-molecular polymer. Its K value represents the molecular weight difference. Among them, PVP K90 represents the high-molecular level (with an average molecular weight of approximately 1,000,000-1,500,000). With its excellent film-forming property, adhesion and safety, it has become one of the key functional raw materials in the cosmetics industry. This article will analyze the industry value of PVP K90 from three aspects: technical characteristics, application scenarios and future trends.
Core Features and Security of PVP K90
PVP K90 is a white powder-like polymer with the following characteristics:
Strong film-forming property: Can form a transparent, flexible film on the surface of skin or hair, enhancing product durability;High viscosity and thickening ability: Effectively adjusts formulation texture and enhances product stability; Water solubility: Readily soluble in water and polar solvents, compatible with a variety of formulations; Biocompatibility: Non-allergenic, INCI certified, suitable for sensitive skin.
Diverse Applications of PVP K90 in Cosmetics
1.Hair care products: Styling and repairing together
PVP K90 is the core ingredient of styling products such as hair spray, mousse and hair wax. Its high-molecular chains form an elastic film on the surface of the hair, which can resist the influence of humidity, maintain the hairstyle for up to 24 hours, and is easier to clean than traditional styling agents. In addition, PVP K90 can also be compounded with ingredients such as silicone oil and keratin to repair damaged cuticles and enhance the luster of hair strands.

2.MAKEUP: Long-lasting makeup and texture improvement
Long-lasting makeup: Add PVP K90 to your foundation and setting spray to enhance your makeup ‘s sweat resistance and abrasion resistance;
Texture optimization: As a suspending agent to prevent powder from eye shadow, blush, etc. from clumping; Improve the extensibility of the paste in lipstick.
3.Skincare formula: Stabilizing active ingredient
PVP K90 combines with active substances such as vitamin C and polypeptides through hydrogen bonds, reducing oxidative degradation and extending the shelf life of products. Meanwhile, its film-forming property can enhance the “water-locking” effect of essence or facial masks and promote the penetration of ingredients.
4.Innovative dosage forms: Peelable mask and microcapsule technology
In the peel-off cleansing mask, PVP K90 offers rapid film-forming performance and can be easily peeled off after adsorbing dirt from the pores. In microcapsule encapsulation technology, it is used as a wall material to protect sensitive components such as essential oils and sunscreens.
PVP K90 (polyvinylpyrrolidone K90), with its high molecular weight and excellent film-forming properties, has become a core component in men ‘s hairspray styling spray formulations and is widely used in shaping, makeup holding and hair care function optimization fields.
High strength setting and moisture resistance
PVP K90 CAN form a transparent, flexible film on the surface of hair, strong setting through physical cross-linking between molecular chains can KEEP the hairstyle stable even in high temperature and high humidity. MKAK Styling Spray, for example, achieves 24-hour sweat and moisture resistance by adding PVP K90.
Natural texture and easy to clean
Compared with traditional styling agents such as acrylate, PVP K90 forms a thinner film that prevents stiff or “wig” hair and can be easily removed with water or regular shampoo with less residue.
Safety and formulation compatibility
PVP K90 is INCI certified, non-allergenic, and has good compatibility with alcohol, silicone oil, etc. It reduces the risk of scalp irritation caused by the addition of harmful substances such as organic solvents or benzene glycol.
Comparison with traditional harmful ingredients , PVP K90 is a safe alternative to inferior hair spray (containing organic solvents and benzene glycol) as it does not contain high-risk ingredients such as methanol and phthalates . Some alcohol-based styling sprays may cause dry scalp, but PVP K90 can alleviate this problem by reducing alcohol dependence (only with the help of quick drying) .
Unilong, engaged in PVP products. We can supply different grades of PVP products including Industrial, Pharmaceutical, cosmetic grade, etc. to meet your different applications with high quality, competitive price and superior service.


