Poly vinyl pyrrolidone is a polymer that is used widely in the pharmaceutical, cosmetics and food industries. It is a water-soluble polymer that acts as a binder, stabiliser and thickener. Synonyms for poly vinyl pyrrolidone include Povidone, PVP and Polyvidone. Povidone is commonly used in medical products, such as wound dressings and tablets, while PVP is found in hair sprays, shampoos and cosmetics to add hold and texture. Polyvidone has been shown to effectively bind and stabilise proteins, making it a useful additive in food and beverage processing. These synonyms are important to the industry as various grades of poly vinyl pyrrolidone have different characteristics which make them suitable for various applications.