Table of contents
1. Introduction: The dual demand of the foundation market for covering power and adhesion
2. Characteristics of NVP homopolymer and its application potential in cosmetics
3. Experimental study: Analysis of the impact of NVP homopolymer on foundation performance
4. Industry application case: The practice of NVP homopolymer in high-end foundation
5. Future trend: Combination of NVP homopolymer and sustainable beauty
1. Introduction: The dual demand of the foundation market for covering power and adhesion
As consumers pay more attention to the safety and efficacy of cosmetics, foundation products are developing in the direction of "light coverage" and "long-lasting fit". According to the 2025 Global Cosmetics Market Report, sales of foundations containing high-covering and strong adhesion raw materials increased by 23% year-on-year, of which the Asian market accounted for 45%. However, traditional film formers (such as acrylic acid) have problems such as tight film formation and easy makeup removal, while NVP (N-vinyl pyrrolidone) homopolymer has become a key raw material to break through this bottleneck due to its unique molecular structure.
2. Characteristics of NVP homopolymer and its application potential in cosmetics
Vinylpyrrolidone Homopolymer (polyvinyl pyrrolidone, PVP) is a water-soluble polymer with the following properties:
Film-forming property: Forms a uniform, flexible film to enhance the bonding between the powder and the skin.
Adhesion: Interacts with the powder particles through hydrogen bonds to enhance the covering power.
Safety: Meets food and medical grade standards, non-toxic and non-irritating.
In cosmetics, PVP is often used as a setting agent, film former and dispersant, especially in foundation to optimize skin feel and durability.
3. Experimental study: Analysis of the impact of NVP homopolymer on foundation performance
3.1 Experimental design and methods
Sample preparation: A commercially available foundation brand was used as the base, and 0.5%, 1.0%, and 1.5% of NVP homopolymer (PVP K30) were added.
Test standard:
Hiding power: The hiding rate was measured using a spectrophotometer.
Adhesion: The hundred-grid test method was used (0-5 levels, 5 levels are the best).
Skin feel evaluation: 10-person sensory test (1-10 points).
3.2 Hiding power test data
| NVP Addition | Coverage rate (%) | Compared with traditional film-forming agents (%) |
| 0.50% | 82.3 | 12.1 |
| 1.00% | 88.7 | 18.5 |
| 1.50% | 91.2 | 21.3 |
Conclusion: NVP homopolymer significantly improves hiding power, and 1.0% addition achieves the best balance
3.3 Adhesion test data
| NVP Addition | 100-grid test level | Makeup removal time (hours) |
| 0.50% | 4 | 6.5 |
| 1.00% | 5 | 8.2 |
| 1.50% | 5 | 7.8 |
Conclusion: The adhesion is optimal when the amount added is 1.0%, and the makeup removal time is extended by 30%.
4. Industry application case: The practice of NVP homopolymer in high-end foundation
Case 1: GIRLLOVEKNIGHT Water Cushion
Formula highlights: Using 1.0% PVP K30, combined with silicone elastomer, to achieve a "creamy skin" effect.
Market feedback: Sales in Q1 2025 exceeded 200 million yuan, and the repurchase rate increased to 40%.
Case 2: An international brand anti-pollution foundation
Technical path: NVP homopolymer and nano zinc oxide are compounded to enhance pollutant blocking power.
Test results: After 24 hours of pollution exposure, the coverage retention rate is 92%.
5. Future trend: Combination of NVP homopolymer and sustainable beauty
Environmentally friendly production: Use bio-based NVP monomers to reduce dependence on fossil raw materials.
Functional expansion: Develop antibacterial PVP homopolymers to meet the needs of the post-epidemic era.
Market forecast: From 2025 to 2030, the market size of foundation containing NVP homopolymers is expected to increase by 15% annually.
NVP homopolymer has successfully solved the industry pain point of "covering power and adhesion cannot be achieved at the same time" by optimizing the film-forming and bonding properties of foundation. With the iteration of technology and the upgrading of consumer demand, its application prospects in the field of high-end beauty are broad.




