PVP
Safety Information
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reviewed the safety of PVP and approved its use as a clarifying agent in beer, wine, and vinegar, and as an adjuvant in coatings on fresh citrus fruits. The safety of PVP has been assessed by the Expert Panel on Ingredient Safety. The Expert Panel evaluated the scientific data and concluded that PVP (polyvinyl pyrrolidone) was safe as used in cosmetics and personal care products.
The Expert Panel, in reviewing the available data, on PVP decided to include studies on the PVP-iodine complex. The Expert Panel acknowledged that although the complex is a separate entity from the polymer, the majority of studies conducted on the complex demonstrated its safety. Because fewer adverse effects would be expected from PVP compared to the PVP-iodine complex, the Expert Panel was confident that studies conducted on the PVP-iodine complex supported the safety of PVP. Furthermore, toxicity studies conducted on PVP alone were negative for dermal irritation, developmental effects and genotoxicity supporting its safety and the Expert Panel concluded that PVP was safe for use in cosmetics and personal care products.
FDA: Link to Code of Federal Regulations for Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP)
PVP may be used in cosmetics and personal care products marketed in Europe according to the general provisions of the Cosmetics Regulation of the European Union.
The Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives has established an Acceptable Daily Intake for PVP of 0-50 mg/kg body weight.
http://www.inchem.org/documents/jecfa/jeceval/jec_1957.htm
Resources
PVP
Scientific Facts
PVP is a polymer. The molecular weight of PVP varies (from 10,000 to 700,000) depending on the length of the polymer chain. PVP with an average molecular weight of 40,000 is typically used in cosmetics and personal care products. Many noncosmetic uses of PVP have been reported, including its use as a food additive and as an antiseptic when it is combined with iodine.