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PVP

What PVP is & what it does

A film-forming polymer that improves the wear and transfer resistance of formulas by leaving a thin, holding film. It also helps stabilize and thicken.

Is PVP safe?

PVP (polyvinylpyrrolidone) is a synthetic polymer that is widely used in cosmetics and is generally considered safe for use in skincare, sunscreen, and hair products at the levels typically found in these formulas. It has a long history of use as a film former and is not known to penetrate the skin.

What does PVP do in skincare?

PVP acts primarily as a film former and binder, creating a thin, even layer on the skin or hair. In sunscreens and makeup it can help products spread smoothly and stay in place, and it is also used to stabilize and thicken formulas.

Is PVP natural or synthetic?

PVP is a synthetic polymer made from a monomer called vinylpyrrolidone. It is not derived from plants or animals, so it is suitable for vegan formulations.

Sunscreens with PVP

We rate 79 sunscreens that contain it, showing the top 10 by overall score:

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