Common Name(s): Pvp/vinyl polymer,film-forming fixative,hair styling polymer
CAS Number: N/a
DESCRIPTION
What It Does: Forms a film on hair providing styling hold and definition, maintains mascara and eyeliner form, stabilises pigment suspensions in colour cosmetics, and provides spf formulation thickening.
Why It's Used: Pvp and its copolymers are the reference hair styling polymers โ the only film-formers combining water solubility (for shampoo washout), humidity resistance (for hold durability), and hold strength tuneable from flexible to rigid grades by molecular weight selection.
How It Works: Pvp chains above tg (~150ยฐc for pvp k-90) form a glassy film on hair on drying from hโo loss โ the pyrrolidone carbonyl's strong h-bonding with hair keratins (and with water in humid conditions) provides both initial hold and humidity-resistance compromise from water uptake swelling the glassy film.
Typically Found In: Hair styling,mascara,fixatives
TECHNICAL DETAILS
Primary Category: Active ingredient โ cosmetic active
Secondary Functions: Skin conditioning
Application Areas:
Facial Skincare
Body Care
Hair Care
Beard Care
Color Cosmetics (Makeup)
Dietary/Oral Supplements
Typical Concentration Range: 0.5%โ10%
SOURCING & ETHICS
Vegan Status: Yes
Halal Status: Yes
Source Notes: Commercially produced for cosmetic use. verify vegan/halal status with supplier.
SKIN COMPATIBILITY
Irritancy Rating: 1/5 โ very low
Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 โ non-comedogenic
Sensitivity Concerns: Well-tolerated by most skin types.
Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes
SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY
Safety Profile: Good safety profile at recommended concentrations. ewg score: 1โ2.
Works Well With: Standard skincare actives
Avoid Combining With: No known significant incompatibilities
SCIENTIFIC NOTE
Pvp k-value (k-15 to k-90) indicates molecular weight and film hardness: k-15/k-30 โ flexible, soft-hold; k-60/k-90 โ rigid, strong-hold. copolymers (pvp/va) provide intermediate properties. film hardness selection determines formulation positioning from condition to firm hold.
Last Verified: Cosing database,pvp vinyl polymer hair styling film review
Primary Sources: 2026-03-12