Triacontanyl PVP or Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) Triacontane is a chemical compound, synthetic polymer with Vinylpyrrolidone obtained by radical polymerisation in aqueous solution using hydrogen peroxide as initiator. 

The name defines the structure of the molecule:

• Triacontanyl refers to the presence of a triacontanyl group in the compound. Triacontane is a compound of hydrocarbons with 30 carbon atoms, and the term "triacontanyl" indicates the attachment of this group of hydrocarbons to the compound.
• PVP stands for polyvinylpyrrolidone, which is a synthetic polymer composed of repetitive units of the vinyl pyrrolidone monomer. PVP is known for its film-forming and adhesive properties and is commonly used in cosmetics and personal care products as a binder, emulsion stabilizer and viscosity enhancer.

The synthesis process takes place in several stages:

• Preparation. Triacontane is a long-chain alkane that can be synthesized from oil or derived from natural sources such as beeswax.
• Polymerization. Triacontane is polymerized with polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), a water-soluble polymer. This process connects the triacontane to the PVP, forming Triacontanyl PVP.

It occurs as a fine white powder or as a biodegradable crystalline granule or as a white liquid. Soluble in oil.

What it is used for and where

Cosmetics and pharmaceuticals

Viscosity control agent used in the formulation of creams and personal care products, also as a film-forming agent, i.e. able to create a protective, anti-wear and waterproof film.

Viscosity control agent. It controls and adapts viscosity to the required level for optimal chemical and physical stability of the product and dosage in gels, suspensions, emulsions, solutions. 

Film-forming agent. It produces a continuous ultra-thin film with an optimal balance of cohesion, adhesion and stickiness on the skin or hair to counteract or limit damage from external phenomena such as chemicals, UV rays and pollution.

Humectant. Hygroscopic compound used to minimise water loss in the skin and to prevent it from drying out by facilitating faster and greater absorption of water into the stratum corneum of the epidermis.  The epidermis is the most superficial of the three layers that make up human skin (epidermis, dermis and hypodermis) and is the layer that maintains hydration in all three layers. In turn, the epidermis is composed of five layers: horny, the most superficial, granular, spinous, shiny, and basal. Humectants have the ability to retain the water they attract from the air in the stratum corneum and have the function of moisturising the skin. They are best used before emollients, which are oil-based.

Applications

Hair care products - Acts as a conditioner, providing softness and shine to hair.

Skin care products - Can be used in lotions and creams for its ability to form a film on the skin, providing a smooth feel.

UNII    ZO483T0C5C

CAS  136445-69-7    157148-07-7 

Typical commercial product characteristics Triacontanyl PVP

Appearance	White Powder
Actives	≥30.0% (Liquid)  ≥95.0% (Solid)
Lead	≤20.0 mg/Kg
Arsenic	≤3.0 mg/Kg
Safety

The most relevant studies on the subject have been selected with a summary of their contents:

Polyvinylpyrrolidone studies

Synonyms:

• Poly(1-vinylpyrrolidone)-graft-(1-triacontene)
• Alkenes, C>10 alpha-, polymers with vinylpyrrolidone
• 2-Pyrrolidinone, 1-ethenyl-, polymer with 1-triacontene
• UNIDANYL PVP
• Agrimer WP 660