E1201 · Polyvinylpyrrolidone
- WHO
- Safe
- FDA
- Safe
- EFSA
- Safe
- FSANZ
- Safe
- Japan
- Safe
- UK FSA
- Safe
- Health Canada
- Safe
What is E1201?
Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), also called povidone, is a synthetic, water-soluble polymer used in food as a stabilizer, clarifying agent, and coating for supplement tablets. It is also widely used in pharmaceuticals as a tablet binder and in cosmetics such as hair gels and hairsprays. It is not absorbed by the body and passes through the digestive tract unchanged, and is considered safe at approved levels.
Also appears on labels as: Polyvinylpyrrolidone, Povidone, PVP, INS 1201, E1201, E 1201, E-1201, Polyvinyl pyrrolidone, PVP polymer, Povidonum, 1-Ethenyl-2-pyrrolidone polymer, Vinylpyrrolidone polymer.
What the evidence says
- Generally recognized as safe at typical food and pharmaceutical use levels.
- Very rare cases of allergic reaction or granuloma formation have been reported with injectable/high-dose medical use, not relevant to food-level exposure.
Frequently asked questions
Is E1201 safe?
Our overall verdict for E1201 (Polyvinylpyrrolidone) is “Safe”, based on the most cautious of the major regulators’ positions — FDA: safe; WHO: safe; EFSA: safe; FSANZ: safe; Japan: safe; UK FSA: safe; Health Canada: safe.
Is E1201 vegan, halal or gluten-free?
According to our ingredient data for Polyvinylpyrrolidone — vegan: yes, vegetarian: yes, halal: yes, kosher: yes, gluten-free: yes, dairy-free: yes. Manufacturing sources can vary between products; check the label if it matters to you.
What is E1201 and why is it used?
Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), also called povidone, is a synthetic, water-soluble polymer used in food as a stabilizer, clarifying agent, and coating for supplement tablets. It is also widely used in pharmaceuticals as a tablet binder and in cosmetics such as hair gels and hairsprays. It is not absorbed by the body and passes through the digestive tract unchanged, and is considered safe at approved levels.
Does E1201 contain allergens?
No known allergens are recorded for Polyvinylpyrrolidone.
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This page summarises publicly available regulatory assessments and research. It is general information, not medical advice. Sources: EFSA, FDA, WHO and the studies linked above.