Povidone-Iodine (CAS 25655-41-8): Specifications, Uses, and Sourcing Guide
Povidone-iodine, identified by CAS 25655-41-8, is a complex of iodine and povidone used as an iodine source in antiseptic products and other suitable formulations. For buyers, the key specification is usually available iodine: a commonly referenced range for povidone-iodine substance is 9.0–12.0% available iodine, subject to the applicable standard and agreed product grade. The right material depends on the intended formulation, regulatory market, and required documentation—not simply the CAS number.
In this guide, we explain how to review specifications, match grades to applications, compare suppliers, and prepare a sourcing inquiry. NKY Group works with B2B buyers to discuss product requirements, documentation, packaging, and export arrangements. Final specifications and availability should always be confirmed for the specific order.
Who This Guide Is For
This guide is for procurement teams, formulators, distributors, and manufacturers evaluating povidone-iodine as a raw material. It is intended to support supplier qualification and purchasing discussions, not to provide medical advice or replace product labeling. Buyers developing products for regulated markets should confirm applicable requirements with their quality and regulatory teams.
What Povidone-Iodine Is
Basic composition and function
Povidone-iodine is an iodine–povidone complex. The povidone component helps carry iodine in a form used in product formulations, while available iodine is a key measure buyers use to assess the iodine content of the material. Product performance in a finished formulation also depends on concentration, formulation design, packaging, and use conditions.
CAS 25655-41-8 identifies povidone-iodine, but a CAS number alone does not define every commercial grade or confirm that a material meets a particular pharmacopoeia or regulatory requirement. Buyers should review the full specification and the batch-specific certificate of analysis (COA). Where a product is intended for a defined market or use, state that requirement in the inquiry.
Specifications and Material Options
Key specifications to review
Available iodine is often the first comparison point. A commonly referenced specification range is 9.0–12.0% available iodine, but the applicable acceptance limits depend on the product standard and supplier specification. Do not assume that a stated range applies to every grade; request the current specification sheet and confirm the release criteria before placing an order.
Other parameters may include appearance, identification, assay, moisture or loss on drying, pH where applicable, and microbiological or impurity requirements. Which tests are relevant depends on the intended application and the agreed grade. Ask whether results are provided as release limits, typical values, or batch-specific results, and avoid treating a typical value as a guaranteed specification.
| Item to confirm | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Available iodine | Helps assess the iodine content against the agreed specification. |
| Applicable grade or standard | Clarifies the intended quality framework; confirm the exact standard and edition with the supplier. |
| COA and test methods | Shows batch results and how the supplier reports specification compliance. |
| Packaging and storage instructions | Supports handling and logistics planning for the specific product. |
Raw material versus finished formulation
Buyers should distinguish the povidone-iodine raw material from a ready-to-use solution or other finished product. For example, a product described as a 10% povidone-iodine solution is a formulation concentration, not a statement that it contains 10% available iodine. A conventional 10% povidone-iodine topical solution is commonly associated with approximately 1% available iodine, but buyers should verify the actual finished-product label and specification rather than infer it from the name.
Uses and Application Matching
Povidone-iodine is used in antiseptic product categories, including topical preparations and certain healthcare-related formulations. Suitability depends on the product design, local rules, and the intended route and conditions of use. The raw material itself does not establish that a finished product is approved, safe, or suitable for a particular medical application.
For product development, align the grade with the formulation brief before requesting samples or commercial quantities. A topical product developer may prioritize available iodine, compatibility with the intended formulation, and relevant quality documentation. A distributor may focus more on consistent specifications, packaging, traceability, and export documentation. In both cases, confirm that the supplier can meet the requirements of the target market.
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Buyer Selection Framework
1. Define the use and market
Describe the intended product category, destination market, and whether you are purchasing a raw material or finished formulation. If a specific pharmacopoeial or internal standard applies, name it and identify any required edition or test method. This prevents suppliers from quoting materials that share a CAS number but do not match your quality needs.
2. Compare specifications and documentation
Request a current specification sheet, a representative or batch-specific COA, and a safety data sheet (SDS). Ask which tests are performed, which results appear on the COA, and whether the proposed grade meets your stated requirements. For regulated applications, have your quality or regulatory team assess the documents before approval.
3. Confirm commercial terms
Price depends on factors such as grade, order quantity, packaging, documentation, destination, and market conditions. Minimum order quantity (MOQ) and lead time can also vary with stock status and production planning, so there is no universal figure that can be responsibly applied to every inquiry. Request a written quotation specifying the product, quantity, packaging, delivery terms, validity period, and any document fees.
4. Assess supply and logistics fit
Confirm how the product will be packed, labeled, stored, and shipped, using the supplier’s product-specific instructions and the rules that apply to the shipment. Ask about batch identification, traceability, and the documents provided for export. If your purchasing plan requires repeat orders, discuss forecast volumes and acceptable specification ranges early.
Supplier Evaluation Checklist
- Does the supplier confirm CAS 25655-41-8 and identify the exact grade being offered?
- Are the available-iodine limits and other key acceptance criteria clearly stated?
- Can the supplier provide a current specification sheet, COA, and SDS for review?
- Are MOQ, lead time, packaging, and delivery terms stated in the quotation?
- Can the supplier explain how batch documentation and export arrangements are handled?
- Does the supplier respond clearly to questions about the intended application and destination market?
A supplier’s answers should be specific enough for your team to evaluate the material before purchase. Be cautious of quotations that provide only a CAS number and price without defining grade, specification, or supporting documents. If a requirement cannot be confirmed, request clarification in writing rather than relying on an assumption.
Working with NKY Group
At NKY Group, we support B2B sourcing discussions for povidone-iodine by reviewing the buyer’s target specification, intended application, quantity, and destination. We can discuss available documentation, packaging options, and export requirements for the proposed supply. Product details, order terms, and lead time are confirmed against the specific inquiry and current availability.
To request a quotation, share CAS 25655-41-8, your required available-iodine range or applicable standard, target quantity, preferred packaging, destination country, and any documentation requirements. If your team has a specification sheet, include it so we can assess the request against the material offered. This gives both sides a clearer basis for confirming suitability and commercial terms.
Key Takeaways and Next Steps
Povidone-iodine is an iodine–povidone complex, and available iodine is a central specification for comparing raw materials. A commonly referenced range is 9.0–12.0% available iodine, but buyers must verify the limits for the exact grade and standard they need. Also distinguish raw material from finished formulations: a 10% povidone-iodine solution is not the same as a material containing 10% available iodine.
The practical next step is to define your application and target market, request the specification sheet and COA, and compare suppliers on documentation as well as price. Contact NKY Group with your quantity, destination, specification, and packaging requirements to discuss a suitable supply option. Confirm all technical and commercial details in writing before placing an order.
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