Technical Information

Valid since 02.10.2020

Luviskol® VA 37 E Revision 2.0

PRD 30035021 Page 1 of 5

® = registered trademark of BASF in many countries ™ = Trademark of BASF Care Chemicals

Polymeric film-forming agent that isused as hair fixatives particularly in aerosol sprays,
pump sprays, liquid products

INCI name(s)
VP/VA Copolymer (and) Alcohol denat.

Physical form:
Clear, colorless to slightly yellowish liquid with faint characteristic odor

Structural Formula

CASR-No. Ingredient
25086-89-9 VP/VA Copolymer
64-17-5 Ethanol

Ingredient information:
Composition VP:VA = 30:70

Characteristic values
The specifications stated in the paragraphs 'Quality control data' and 'Additional product descriptive data' finally
and conclusively describe the properties of the product.

Quality control data

(Data which is used for quality release and is certified for each batch.)

Test property Specification Test method

Solids content (60 min.; 140 °C; 48.0 - 52.0 g/100 g PM/01161
vacuum)
K-value (1 % in ethanol) 28 - 36 PM/00748
Vinylpyrrolidone (HPLC) max. 25 mg/kg PM/00727
Vinylacetate (HPLC) max. 75 mg/kg PM/00727
Technical Information
Valid since 02.10.2020
Luviskol® VA 37 E Revision 2.0

PRD 30035021 Page 2 of 5

® = registered trademark of BASF in many countries ™ = Trademark of BASF Care Chemicals

Storage information

Shelf life
24 months

Storage temperature
Room temperature

Storage conditions
In original sealed containers and protected from moisture

Additional information
Aqueous solutions of the VA grades with a pH value below 7 can tend to develop mould. This can be prevented
by adding one of the preservatives commonly used in cosmetics, e.g. a hydroxybenzoate.

Stabilising additives / Auxiliaries

Preservatives
not present

Antioxidants
not present

Solvents
Ethanol

Others
not present

General information
Raw material basis
Synthetic: (mineral oil / natural gas)
Technical Information
Valid since 02.10.2020
Luviskol® VA 37 E Revision 2.0

PRD 30035021 Page 3 of 5

® = registered trademark of BASF in many countries ™ = Trademark of BASF Care Chemicals

Composition hints for finished product label

INCI Components
INCI Name (US/EU/CN) Content
VP/VA Copolymer 48 - 52 %
Alcohol denat. 48 - 52 %

Water Content Content

max. 0.5 %

Product properties
Solubility

The solubility of the Luviskol® VA grades in water depends on the VP:VA ratio. Products with a high proportion
of vinylpyrrolidone (Luviskol® VA 64 and Luviskol® VA 73) form clear solutions in water. The other grades
can be dispersed in water. The solutions are slightly acidic. The polymers are nonionic and thus do not need
to be neutralized. All the Luviskol grades are soluble in ethanol, isopropanol, n-propanol, glycerin, methylene
chloride, esters and ketones. Any precipitates that occur in solutions in ethanol or isopropanol in the cold
disappear again on heating. Luviskol® VA 37 forms clear solutions in ethanol abs., ethanol 96 % and ethanol/
water (VOC 80 % and VOC 55 %). Solutions in isopropanol are clear, sometimes with a bluish tint.
Without a solubilizer, the products are not soluble in ether or aliphatic hydrocarbons.
Technical Information
Valid since 02.10.2020
Luviskol® VA 37 E Revision 2.0

PRD 30035021 Page 4 of 5

® = registered trademark of BASF in many countries ™ = Trademark of BASF Care Chemicals

Miscellaneous information
Water absorption
Water absorption by films of Luviskol® VA compared with Luviskol® K 30 as a function of relative humidity at
20 °C.

Fig. 1

Cloud point
The moderate hydrocarbon compatibility of Luviskol® VA 37 can be greatly improved by adding small
quantities of water. This makes it possible to achieve cloud points below 0 °C (Fig. 2).

Fig. 2: Reduction in cloud point by adding water to ethanolic solutions containing 3 % solid polymer

Suitability for hair sprays

The Luviskol® VA grades are used as film-forming agents and fixatives in hair care. They possess
excellent properties both for aerosol sprays and for non-aerosol products. The higher the proportion of
vinylpyrrolidone, the more hygroscopic the Luviskol® VA grade is. The adhesion of Luviskol® VA films to
Technical Information
Valid since 02.10.2020
Luviskol® VA 37 E Revision 2.0

PRD 30035021 Page 5 of 5

® = registered trademark of BASF in many countries ™ = Trademark of BASF Care Chemicals

the hair also increases with the proportion of vinylpyrrolidone, without adversely affecting their excellent
combing-out and washing-out properties, thanks to the nonionic nature of the polymer.

Luviskol® VA 37 grades are particularly suitable for hair sprays whose films it must be possible to remove
from the hair by brushing. The hair is even degreased on brushing, as the grease is effectively removed
together with the Luviskol film.

Hair sprays for dry and brittle hair should include a small quantity of plasticizer (0.1 - 0.2 %), such as a
polyethylene glycol like Pluracare® E 400, Luvitol® EHO, silicone oils or other plasticizers frequently used in
cosmetics.

Propellant compatibility
Solutions of the Luviskol® VA grades are readily compatible with dimethyl ether (DME). Propane, butane,
isobutane, pentane DME/pentane and DME/butane mixtures can be used together with solvents such as
ethanol and methylene chloride.

Suitability for hair-setting solutions, gels and mousses

All the Luviskol VA grades can be completely removed from the hair by straightforward washing. The
moderate hydrocarbon compatibility of Luviskol® VA 37 can be greatly improved by adding small quantities
of water. This makes it possible to achieve cloud points below 0 °C.

Example of use
Hair fixatives particularly in aerosol sprays, pump sprays, liquid products.

Intended for use as cosmetic ingredient

Disclaimer
This document, or any answers or information provided herein by BASF, does not constitute a legally binding obligation of BASF. While the descriptions,
designs, data and information contained herein are presented in good faith and believed to be accurate, it is provided for your guidance only. Because many
factors may affect processing or application/use, we recommend that you make tests to determine the suitability of a product for your particular purpose prior to
use. It does not relieve our customers from the obligation to perform a full inspection of the products upon delivery or any other obligation.NO WARRANTIES
OF ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE,
ARE MADE REGARDING PRODUCTS DESCRIBED OR DESIGNS, DATA OR INFORMATION SET FORTH, OR THAT THE PRODUCTS, DESIGNS,
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