Introduction
Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), CAS 9003-39-8, is a versatile, water-soluble polymer used across pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, food processing, adhesives, coatings, and industrial formulations. One of the most important features of PVP is that it is available in different molecular weights, commonly represented by K-values—including PVP K12, K15, K17, K25, K30, K60, and K90. Each grade exhibits unique viscosity, solubility, film-forming ability, and binding properties, making PVP suitable for a wide range of specialized applications.
Low-molecular-weight PVP acts as an efficient solubilizer and dispersant, mid-range grades work exceptionally well as binders and film formers, while high-molecular-weight grades are preferred for thickening, stabilizing, and enhancing adhesion in industrial systems.
In this blog, we explore what PVP is, how K-values determine its performance, the uses of each PVP grade, and important safety considerations—helping you identify the most suitable PVP for your product or production needs.
What Is Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP)?
Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), CAS 9003-39-8, is a water-soluble polymer derived from the monomer N-vinylpyrrolidone. It is widely used across pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, food, and industrial processing due to its versatile properties, such as binding, film-forming, adhesion, and stabilization.
PVP is available in a range of molecular weights, which are commonly expressed through the K-value (K-Value) system, and this classification helps users select the appropriate grade for their specific application. PVP acts as a flexible excipient and additive that can improve solubility, stability, viscosity, and drug delivery profiles in a variety of formulations.
Understanding PVP Grades by K-Value
The K value of PVP is an empirical value calculated based on its relative viscosity in aqueous solution, which is directly related to the average molecular weight of PVP. Therefore, the K value is actually a convenient indicator used to distinguish PVP products with different degrees of aggregation.
The K-value indicates molecular weight; lower K-values mean smaller molecules and lower viscosity, facilitating easier mixing and dispersion, while higher K-values indicate larger molecules with stronger film-forming and binding properties.
Low K values are suitable for coatings or suspension systems that require high fluidity and easy dispersion; Medium to high K values are suitable for pharmaceutical formulations, cosmetic matrices, and certain industrial coatings that require strong adhesion, film-forming properties, and stability. The significant increase in viscosity due to high K values also means that the processing conditions need to be adjusted accordingly.
| K-Value Grade | Approximate Molecular Weight | Solution Viscosity | Polymer Properties |
| Low K-Value(K12-K17) | Lower | Low | Good Flowability, easy to disperse and penetrate in solution. |
| Medium K-Value(K25-K30) | Medium | Medium | Balanced Adhesiveness, Binding Strength, and film-forming ability. |
| High K-Value(K60-K90) | Higher | High | Strong Film-Forming, High Adhesion, and greater cohesion. |
Characteristics of Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP)
Physicochemical properties
- High Water Solubility: PVP exhibits excellent solubility in water, allowing it to form transparent and stable solutions. This makes it extremely easy to operate and use in the formula.
- Excellent Film-Forming Ability: Regardless of the K value, the PVP solution forms a transparent, glossy, and tough film after drying. The high K-value PVP has particularly strong film-forming properties and is widely used in coating and shaping products.
- Good Biocompatibility: PVP has extremely low toxicity, is not easily irritating, and has good biocompatibility. Therefore, it has been approved by the FDA in the United States as a safe excipient in various drugs and cosmetics.
- High Stability: PVP exhibits good stability under heat, light, and pH changes, ensuring the shelf life and reliability of the final product containing PVP.
Advantages of non-ionic polymers
The unique non-ionic chemical structure of PVP endows it with excellent formula compatibility. Due to the uncharged molecular structure, key properties such as solubility and viscosity of PVP can maintain excellent stability over a wide pH range, from strong acidity to strong alkalinity. This pH tolerance makes it difficult to hydrolyze or precipitate in complex chemical environments.
In addition, PVP is also compatible with water and various polar organic solvents such as ethanol and isopropanol, providing great flexibility for drug delivery systems, coatings, and cosmetic formula designers due to its extensive solvent compatibility.
Advantages of core functional applications
The core value of PVP in applications lies in its diverse functionality: firstly, its adhesion and viscosity control ability. It can serve as an efficient adhesive or thickener, precisely controlling the rheological properties of solutions or formulations. Secondly, it has strong dispersibility and suspension properties. As a protective colloid, PVP can effectively prevent small particles (such as drugs or pigments) from aggregating and settling.
More importantly, its solubility and chelating ability, PVP can significantly improve the solubility and bioavailability of water-insoluble substances (such as PVP iodine) by forming stable molecular complexes, greatly expanding the application range of active ingredients in various media.
Polyvinylpyrrolidone K12(PVP K12)
PVP K12 is a low molecular weight grade of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) that dissolves readily in both water and common organic solvents. Its low viscosity and high flow make it especially suitable for formulations that require fast dispersion and easy processing.
Typical uses include solvent dispersants, stabilizers, pharmaceutical excipients (such as lyophilized injectables and other parenteral formulations), and solubility enhancers in various dosage forms. Because of its comparatively low molecular weight, K12 enables efficient hydration and rapid dissolution, which is advantageous for processes that demand quick solubility uptake or rapid onset of action in certain drug delivery systems.
In addition, K12 can be plasticized with water and the most common organic plasticizers, allowing flexibility in film formation and coating applications. This combination of solubility, low viscosity, and versatile processing makes PVP K12 a widely adopted choice in pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and food-related formulations where rapid dissolution and ease of handling are prioritized.
Polyvinylpyrrolidone K15(PVP K15)
PVP K15 is a low molecular weight grade of polyvinylpyrrolidone designed for applications that require a balance of flowability and film-forming capability. Its lower molecular weight translates to relatively low solution viscosity, which facilitates easier processing, faster dissolution, and improved dispersion in water-based and organic solvent systems.
This makes K15 a versatile choice for cosmetic formulations, certain pharmaceutical excipients, and coatings where smooth handling and rapid processing are valued. The K-value typically places K15 between the ultra-low and mid-range grades, providing a practical compromise between ease of processing and functional performance such as binding, stabilization, and controlled viscosity.
Polyvinylpyrrolidone K17(PVP K17)
PVP K17 is a mid-range molecular weight grade of polyvinylpyrrolidone designed to balance flowability, viscosity, and film-forming capability. With a molecular weight higher than the ultra-low K-values but lower than the high-K grades, K17 offers improved viscosity and binding relative to K12 and K15, while still maintaining good solubility in water and common organic solvents.
This makes K17 a versatile choice for pharmaceutical suspensions, cosmetic formulations, and certain oral or topical dosage forms where both processing ease and functional performance are important. In practical terms, K17 can act as a solubility enhancer, binder, stabilizer, and film-forming agent, providing a middle ground between ease of handling and mechanical strength.
Polyvinylpyrrolidone K25(PVP K25)
PVP K25 is a widely used mid-to-high molecular weight grade of polyvinylpyrrolidone, favored in pharmaceutical and cosmetic formulations for its balanced combination of solubility, viscosity, and film-forming strength. The higher molecular weight compared with ultra-low K-values provides stronger binding, better suspension stability, and more robust film formation, while still maintaining water and organic solvent solubility.
This makes K25 an attractive choice for tablet binders, coating matrices, viscosity modifiers, and as a stabilizer in oral suspensions and topical products. In practice, PVP K25 helps achieve reliable tablet integrity, clear gels, and smooth coatings, contributing to product quality and process efficiency across pharmaceutical, personal care, and consumer health segments.
Polyvinylpyrrolidone K30(PVP K30)
PVP K30 is a mid-to-high molecular weight grade of polyvinylpyrrolidone that balances viscosity, film-forming strength, and processing ease. With a higher molecular weight than the ultra-low and mid-range grades, K30 provides more robust binding, improved coherence in coatings, and better suspension stability, while remaining soluble in both water and common organic solvents.
This makes K30 a popular choice in cosmetics as a thickener and stabilizer, for hair styling products, skin care emulsions, and clear gels, as well as in pharmaceutical coatings and controlled-release matrices where dependable film formation and dimensional stability are important. In practice, K30 helps deliver durable films, stable suspensions, and a smooth consumer experience in formulations requiring moderate-to-strong film formation without extreme processing limitations.
Polyvinylpyrrolidone K60(PVP K60)
PVP K60 is a high molecular weight grade of polyvinylpyrrolidone designed for demanding, high-viscosity formulations and long-lasting adhesion needs. With a significantly larger molecular weight than lower-K grades, K60 delivers excellent thickening, strong film-forming capabilities, and robust suspension stability, while still retaining solubility in water and many organic solvents.
This makes K60 a favored choice for high-performance coatings, thick gels, protective colloids, moisture retention systems, and long-term binder applications in cosmetics, pharmaceutical excipients, and industrial products. In practice, K60 provides durable rheology control, enhanced process tolerance, and reliable performance in systems that require persistent viscosity and cohesive films.
Polyvinylpyrrolidone K90(PVP K90)
PVP K90 is a very high molecular weight grade of polyvinylpyrrolidone designed for demanding, high-viscosity formulations and strong binding/adhesion requirements. Its substantial molecular weight yields exceptional film-forming capabilities, pronounced thickening effects, and robust suspension stability, making it suitable for applications that require persistent rheology and durable coatings.
PVP K90 remains soluble in water and many organic solvents, enabling versatile formulation options for industrial coatings, thickened gels, and specialized adhesives, as well as advanced pharmaceutical and cosmetic matrices. In practice, K90 provides high-viscosity rheology control, excellent cohesion, and reliable performance in systems where stringent viscosity and film integrity are essential.
Safety and Regulatory Information of PVP
Regulatory recognition and low toxicity
Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) is a widely recognized low-toxicity polymer, and its safety has been widely validated worldwide. As a safe excipient, it has been officially included in major pharmacopoeias around the world, such as the United States Pharmacopeia (USP) and the European Pharmacopoeia (EP), and has been approved in food and cosmetics regulations. This widespread regulatory recognition makes it the preferred additive in applications such as pharmaceuticals, personal care products, and food that require high safety standards.
Excellent biocompatibility and stability
The core safety advantage of PVP lies in its excellent biocompatibility and chemical stability. It is considered a biologically inert substance with extremely low irritation to human tissues and mucous membranes, and is mainly excreted in its original form in the body, making it less likely to accumulate in the body. At the same time, PVP has strong chemical stability and is not easily decomposed by heat, light, or pH changes under normal use and storage conditions, ensuring the safety and long-term effectiveness of the final product containing PVP.
Safe Operation and MSDS Guidelines
Although PVP has high safety, strict chemical handling procedures must still be followed during operation. Users should carefully read the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) provided by the product to understand all necessary storage, handling, and disposal requirements. When handling PVP powder, it is recommended to wear dust masks and safety goggles to prevent inhalation of dust, and store it in a closed, cool, and dry environment to ensure the stability of PVP and the safety of operators.
Why Choose Autech Industry as Your Polyvinylpyrrolidone(PVP) Supplier
Autech Industry offers a comprehensive portfolio of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), CAS 9003-39-8, grades spanning K12 through K90, addressing pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and industrial requirements. Our product includes multiple specifications and purity levels (pharmaceutical grade, cosmetic grade, and industrial grade), ensuring a suitable option for every formulation and processing need.
- Broad product range: PVP grades from K12 to K90 to cover low to very high molecular weights and a wide spectrum of rheological profiles.
- Precision packaging and documentation: Consistent packaging options with complete lot-specific certificates and test reports to aid QA/audits.
- Global reach and reliability: Worldwide distribution capabilities with reliable lead times and proactive inventory management.
- Regulatory alignment: Compliance-ready documentation (COAs/COAs, MSDS/SDS) to support audits and regulatory submissions.
Conclusion
Different molecular weights of PVP offer distinct performance advantages, from excellent solubility and dispersibility in low K-value grades to strong film-forming, thickening, and adhesive properties in higher K-value polymers. Understanding the relationship between PVP K-value and application performance is essential for selecting the most suitable grade for pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, food processing, coating formulations, and industrial manufacturing.
Autech Industry supplies a complete range of PVP polymers, CAS 9003-39-8, from K12 to K90, ensuring consistent quality, reliable documentation, and technical support. Whether you need a solubilizer, binder, thickener, or film former, our team can recommend the ideal PVP grade for your formulation. Contact us today for specifications, samples, or bulk quotations.
