Ingredient dictionary

PVP

Also listed as: Polyvinylpyrrolidone, Povidone

PVP is a synthetic polymer that dissolves in water and many solvents. Its main job is forming a flexible, invisible film that helps hold a formula together. It is on the label of 31 products in our library. Checked against our library November 6, 2026.

The catch: none for most people; check the full product list if your skin reacts easily.

What PVP does

Forms a thin, flexible film on skin or lashes
Helps hold moisture in a formula
Binds pigments and other ingredients together
Helps hairstyles and makeup stay in place

PVP is a synthetic polymer, a long chain of repeating small units. It is made by linking vinylpyrrolidone molecules together, and the result is a powder that dissolves easily in water and in many alcohols. Because it is water-soluble and clear, it fits well into many water-based formulas.

Formulators use PVP mainly as a film former and binder. As the water or solvent evaporates, it leaves a thin, flexible film that helps hold pigments, lashes or hairstyles in place. It also helps hold moisture in the formula. On the skin it usually feels light and smooth.

Good for

Suits most skin types. It turns up often in mascara, setting sprays, deodorants, moisturizers and serums.

Be careful if

Nothing in particular for most skin types.

Frequently asked questions

Is PVP safe to use on skin?

PVP is widely used in cosmetics and is generally well tolerated. As with any ingredient, a person with sensitive skin may react, so trying a small patch of a new product first is a sensible step.

Is PVP the same as povidone?

Yes. Povidone is another name for the same polymer, and you will see it in both drug and cosmetic products. PVP is the name most often printed on cosmetic labels.