JIAOZUO ZHONGWEI SPECIAL PRODUCTS PHARMACEUTICAL CO.,LTD
Views: 0 Author: Site Editor Publish Time: 2026-01-30 Origin: Site
Polyvinylpyrrolidone is one of the most versatile excipients used across pharmaceutical, personal care, and industrial fields. A frequent question raised by purchasing managers, formulators, and quality assurance teams is whether this polymer contains iodine. The short answer is no—pure polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) does not contain iodine. Confusion often arises because PVP can be complexed with iodine to form povidone-iodine (PVP-I), which is widely recognized as an antiseptic. At Jiaozuo Zhongwei Special Products Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., we specialize in manufacturing high-quality PVP K-series products, and this article aims to clarify the difference so customers can make the right procurement decisions.
Understanding the distinction between polyvinylpyrrolidone and povidone-iodine is essential. PVP is a synthetic polymer created from N-vinylpyrrolidone. It is stable, inert, and valued for its solubility, binding capacity, and film-forming properties. In contrast, PVP-I is a chemical complex in which iodine molecules are bound to PVP. This complex allows iodine to be released gradually, providing antiseptic activity.
In short: PVP is an excipient; PVP-I is an antiseptic. They serve entirely different purposes, and mixing them up during procurement can cause formulation problems or regulatory issues.
Polyvinylpyrrolidone is produced in several grades, known as the K-series, such as K25, K30, and K90. These grades represent polymers with different molecular weights, offering flexibility to formulators. For example, lower K-value products may be used in injectable solutions due to lower viscosity, while higher K-value grades are preferred as binders in solid dosage forms.
In pharmaceutical development, PVP is widely used as a tablet binder, film former, dispersant, and stabilizer. It is also employed in food, cosmetics, and industrial coatings because of its excellent solubility and compatibility with a wide range of substances. Importantly, pure PVP contains no iodine, making it suitable for applications where iodine would be undesirable.
Povidone-iodine is created by combining polyvinylpyrrolidone with iodine, typically resulting in an iodine content of around 9–12%. This unique complex stabilizes iodine and allows it to release free iodine slowly, which provides antimicrobial effects. For this reason, PVP-I is widely used in wound dressings, preoperative skin preparation, and disinfectant solutions.
Unlike PVP, povidone-iodine is classified and regulated as an active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) rather than as an excipient. When purchasing materials, recognizing this distinction is crucial because the product functions, labeling, and testing requirements differ significantly.
One of the primary sources of confusion is labeling. On some product sheets, customers may see the abbreviation “PVP” used loosely, even when referring to povidone-iodine. However, the correct International Nomenclature (INCI) and CAS numbers are different. Polyvinylpyrrolidone (CAS 9003-39-8) is the pure polymer, while povidone-iodine (CAS 25655-41-8) is its iodine complex. Mislabeling can lead to errors in formulation and quality control.
Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and Certificates of Analysis (CoA) are essential documents for distinguishing the two products. A proper CoA for PVP will not list iodine content, whereas a CoA for PVP-I will specify iodine assay results. For procurement teams and quality control departments, carefully reviewing these documents ensures that the purchased product matches the intended application.
In pharmaceuticals, polyvinylpyrrolidone is indispensable. It is used as a binder in tablets, a solubilizer for poorly soluble drugs, a film-forming agent in coatings, and a stabilizer for oral and injectable formulations. Its compatibility with active pharmaceutical ingredients makes it a trusted excipient. Beyond pharma, PVP is also applied in cosmetics as a hair fixative and in food as a clarifying agent. In industrial applications, PVP can act as a dispersant in adhesives and paints, extending its relevance beyond healthcare.
When antimicrobial activity is required, povidone-iodine is the material of choice. Hospitals, clinics, and personal care products rely on PVP-I for its broad-spectrum antiseptic action. Its ability to deliver iodine in a controlled manner makes it safer and more effective than using free iodine directly. However, povidone-iodine should never be substituted where pure PVP is required, as its properties and functions are entirely different.
To avoid costly mistakes, buyers should clearly specify product requirements. When ordering PVP, always state the exact K-value (such as PVP K30) and confirm the CAS number. For povidone-iodine, iodine content should be requested explicitly. This ensures that suppliers deliver the correct product with no risk of substitution.
Quality control teams should verify all incoming materials with supporting documents. For PVP, testing may focus on viscosity, solubility, and molecular weight distribution. For PVP-I, iodine assay and microbial testing are crucial. Spectral checks such as IR or NMR can confirm identity, while certificates should be retained for regulatory compliance. Buyers who adopt a structured checklist for procurement and testing minimize risks and ensure smooth production runs.
Does polyvinylpyrrolidone contain iodine?
No. Pure PVP does not contain iodine. Only when complexed to form povidone-iodine does the polymer deliver iodine.
Can PVP be substituted for PVP-I in formulations?
No. PVP serves as an excipient with binding and stabilizing functions, while PVP-I is an antiseptic. They are not interchangeable.
What should I do if I receive mislabeled material?
Immediately request clarification from the supplier and review the SDS and CoA. Testing should be performed to confirm product identity before use.
How can I ensure I am buying the right grade?
Request the product by its specific name, CAS number, and K-value (for PVP) or iodine content (for PVP-I). Reliable suppliers will provide full documentation.
Jiaozuo Zhongwei Special Products Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. is a dedicated manufacturer of polyvinylpyrrolidone series products. As a national high-tech enterprise, we combine advanced production equipment, strict quality management, and innovative R&D capabilities to deliver excipients that meet international standards. Our PVP K-series products are widely used by pharmaceutical companies, personal care brands, and food producers worldwide. With a focus on consistency, safety, and performance, Zhongwei supports customers in achieving success across industries.
Our PVP excipients are engineered to provide reliable performance in diverse formulations, whether you are developing oral solid dosage forms, injectables, or coatings. With a broad portfolio of K-series grades, we can help customers optimize production efficiency and achieve stable results in both research and commercial-scale manufacturing. Zhongwei continues to invest in product innovation, ensuring our PVP line remains competitive and trusted on a global scale.
Polyvinylpyrrolidone does not contain iodine. The distinction between PVP and povidone-iodine is crucial: one is a multifunctional excipient, the other a powerful antiseptic. At Jiaozuo Zhongwei Special Products Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., we provide reliable PVP K-series products tailored to diverse formulation needs, supported by full documentation and technical expertise. If you need a trusted supplier of polyvinylpyrrolidone, please contact us today to learn how we can support your projects.
