Abstract: A dry powder composition for treating hair or skin comprising crosslinked polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) having an average particle size of 15 to 120 ?m is disclosed. Also disclosed is the application of the dry powder composition in personal care, laundry care, home care, pet care and industrial care.

Abstract: A personal care composition comprising i) 0.1 wt. % to 10 wt. % of a terpolymer of vinyl pyrrolidone/acrylic acid/lauryl methacrylate having a relative viscosity of at least 3.3 cps; and at least one lamellar gel. Other embodiments of this application disclose specific sunscreen compositions, methods for providing enhanced care and sensory benefits to skin of humans or animals and applying such a composition to the skin.

Abstract: Compositions containing a relatively high concentration of electrolytes and a thickening agent, wherein the thickening agent comprises a strongly swellable, lightly to moderately crosslinked polyvinyl pyrrolidone. The polyvinyl pyrrolidone thickening agent is characterized by an aqueous gel volume of about 15 to 150 ml/g and a Brookfield viscosity of at least 10,000 cps for a 5% aqueous solution at 25° C.

Abstract: Topical compositions are provided that have 0.5% or more of at least one personal care or pharmaceutical acid, and lightly- to moderately-crosslinked PVP, which is an effective thickener in the low pH systems. In preferred embodiments, the acid is a hydroxy acid and the composition used for personal care, or prescriptive or non-prescriptive medication indications for use on the skin, hair, scalp, foot, or lips. Also provided is the use of the topical compositions to deliver the acid(s) to the skin, hair, scalp, foot, or lips. Especially preferred is a use to reduce irritation and stinging compared to an equivalent compositions not having lightly- to moderately-crosslinked PVP.