A cryoprotectant, also useful in plant cell culture research Polyvinylpyrrolidone is used as a cryoprotectant. It is used as a binder for tablets in pharmaceuticals. It is added to iodine and forms a complex povidone-iodine, which is having disinfectant properties, used in various products like solutions, ointment and pessaries. It is used as an adhesive in glue stick, emulsifier, additive for batteries, ceramics, fiberglass, inks, and inkjet paper, thickening agent in tooth whitening gels and to increase resolution in photoresists for cathode ray tubes. Further, it is used in personal care products such as shampoos, toothpastes, hair sprays and hair gels. In addition to this, it finds application in contact lens solutions, disintegrant for solution polymerization and in steel-quenching solutions.

This Thermo Scientific Chemicals brand product was originally part of the Alfa Aesar product portfolio. Some documentation and label information may refer to the legacy brand. The original Alfa Aesar product / item code or SKU reference has not changed as a part of the brand transition to Thermo Scientific Chemicals.