AccessFIX K90, L20

High-Performance Hair Fixative Polymer for Strong, Lasting Hold

INCI Name: PVP (Polyvinylpyrrolidone)

AccessFIX K90 is a high-purity film-forming polymer that delivers exceptional hold and stiffness for hair styling products. As the key ingredient, PVP (Polyvinylpyrrolidone), it creates a clear, non-tacky film on the hair shaft, locking styles in place with excellent resistance to humidity. This versatile powder is the industry standard for creating high-performance hair gels, mousses, and hairsprays that require strong, long-lasting fixation.

Perfect For These Applications

Other cosmetic uses possible—contact us for formulation guidance.

Strong-Hold Hair Gels

Provides the primary structure and stiff hold for sculpting, spiking, and defining hairstyles, creating a crystal-clear, non-flaking gel.
Hairsprays (Aerosol & Non-Aerosol)

Creates a fine mist that dries into a strong-holding film, offering superior style retention and frizz control even in high humidity.
Styling Mousses & Foams

Stabilizes the foam structure and delivers powerful hold and volume to the hair without weighing it down, enabling long-lasting lift and body.
Root Lift Sprays & Volumizers

Delivers targeted hold directly at the root, providing the structural support needed for significant and lasting hair volume.
Edge Control & Wax Pomades

Contributes strong, reworkable hold in styling waxes and edge control products for taming flyaways and creating defined textures.
Mascara & Eyebrow Gels

Acts as a film former to coat lashes and brow hairs, providing smudge-proof wear and helping to hold them in place all day.

How to Use AccessFIX K90 & L20 in Your Formulations

Understanding AccessFIX Polymers

AccessFIX K90 is a fixative polymer—the ingredient that makes styling products actually hold a look in place. Think of it as a lightweight, invisible net for your hair. As your gel, mousse, or spray dries, the polymer forms a clear film around each hair strand, locking the style and reducing movement throughout the day.

For the technical formulator, AccessFIX K90 is a high molecular weight Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP). The K-90 grade indicates higher molecular weight for stronger, stiffer hold and superior humidity resistance. It forms transparent, glossy films with excellent style retention. AccessFIX is available as a water-soluble powder (K90) or as a pre-dissolved liquid solution (L20) for simplified processing and cold-process systems.

Formulation Tips

Use 1–4% for light to medium hold, 5–8% for strong, sculpting hold, and up to 10% for ultra-stiff, maximum fixation.

To disperse K90 powder: create a vortex in the water phase and slowly sprinkle the powder into the vortex under strong agitation to avoid clumping (fish eyes). Warm water can speed dissolution. Add L20 directly to the water phase with simple mixing—ideal for cold processing. AccessFIX polymers are compatible with common styling co-ingredients (e.g., carbomer thickeners, silicones, PVP/VA) and can be combined to tune flexibility. Target a finished pH of 4–7 for optimal film formation and stability.

Key Performance Benefits:

Powerful, Stiff Hold: High molecular weight (K-90) delivers robust style retention for sculpted looks and spikes.
Excellent Humidity Resistance: Clear film helps block environmental moisture to reduce frizz and prevent droop.
Crystal-Clear, Non-Tacky Finish: Forms transparent, glossy films without clouding or sticky residue when properly formulated.
Versatile Application: A go-to polymer for gels, hairsprays (aerosol and pump), mousses, foams, and volumizers.
Easy to Use: Water-soluble as K90 powder or ready-to-use L20 liquid for simplified processing and cold formulas.
Multi-Functional: Contributes viscosity, aids emulsion stability, and enhances glide during application.

Heading #1
Benefits	Frizz Control, Hair Care Benefits, Hold & Style Retention, Long-Lasting Effect, Performance Enhancement
INCI Name	PVP (Polyvinylpyrrolidone)
Usage Rate	1%-10%
Functional Type	Film Formers & Fixatives, Hair Fixative Polymers, Sensory Modifiers, Texture Enhancers, Thickeners & Rheology Modifiers
Phase Compatibility	Water Phase
Application Area	Eye, Hair, Scalp
Product Type Suitability	Color Cosmetics, Gels, Hair Styling
Certifications	Cruelty-Free, Vegan
Physical Form

Frequently Asked Questions About AccessFIX K90, L20

A film former like AccessFIX K90 creates a thin, invisible coating on each hair strand. As it dries, the film connects hair fibers where they touch, locking the style in place and delivering the hold you expect from gels and sprays.

Start at 5–7% for strong hold. For ultra-stiff, maximum hold, increase up to 10%. For flexible, medium hold gels, 2–4% is typically sufficient.

Add the powder slowly to a well-formed vortex in the water phase under vigorous mixing to avoid clumps (“fish eyes”). Allow time for full hydration; gentle heat can speed dissolution.

K90 is a 100% active powder for full concentration control and cost efficiency. L20 is a pre-dissolved liquid solution that simplifies processing—just add to the water phase—making it ideal for cold-process manufacturing.

At higher levels, PVP can feel stiff or “crunchy,” which is often desired for maximum hold. To increase flexibility and reduce crunch, include plasticizers or conditioning agents (e.g., glycerin, panthenol) or blend with flexible polymers like PVP/VA.

Yes. PVP’s film-forming properties are also useful in color cosmetics such as mascara, eyeliner, and brow gels to improve wear, reduce smudging, and help hold hairs in place.

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