respecting-animals

RESPECTING ANIMALS

ONE SKIN. ONE PLANET. ONE CARE.

RESPECTING ANIMALS

NIVEA believes that part of caring for the planet also means respecting the animals we share it with. While many people hold this belief, there is still uncertainty around labels and what cruelty-free skincare or cruelty free cosmetics means.

At NIVEA, we want to be transparent about how we care for the well-being of animals: we have a clear position against animal testing, and we offer a large range of vegan skincare products, 100 percent free of animal-derived ingredients. We also aim to protect ecosystems with particularly high and unique biodiversity.

NIVEA’s position on animal testing

At NIVEA, we are convinced that animal testing is unnecessary in proving how effective and tolerable our cosmetic products are on your skin. With more than 35 years of experience, we are among the global leaders in the development and application of alternative test methods. Back in 1992, our skin researchers developed one of the world’s first officially approved tests without animal testing.

NIVEA aims to abolish animal testing for cosmetic products around the globe. That is why we support various international working groups, for example, by sharing our scientific insights. We are also working to convince authorities in China and other parts of the world who still require animal testing for specific cosmetic products that it is unnecessary, and are urging them to approve alternatives to animal testing officially.

Why does NIVEA not advertise with “free from animal testing” or “cruelty free skincare”?

Cosmetic testing on animals has been banned in the EU since 2004 – and all ingredients in these products since 2013. NIVEA welcomes and wholeheartedly complies with this milestone towards more ethical skincare products. In this respect, all cosmetic products available in the EU are “free from animal testing”. However, advertising a legal fact does not reflect NIVEA’s goal for honest and transparent communication.

What are vegan cosmetics?

The term “vegan cosmetics” refers to skincare products, make-up, and toiletries, such as body and face washes, that do not contain animal-derived ingredients. There are many ingredients, which are made from what animals produce, such as beeswax, honey or milk. When sourced responsibly, these ingredients are renewable solutions, which are not only gentle to your skin but also to the animals who made them.

At the same time, some ingredients can be made from by-products of livestock farming for food production. In this context, the treatment of animals concerns many consumers. There are environmental issues, for example, deforestation to clear up more grazing land. With large-scale livestock farming significantly driving climate change, NIVEA takes these concerns seriously.

For many people, animal-derived ingredients do not reflect the values of living in harmony with animals. That is why they look for alternatives, such as vegan and plant-based skincare products.

How does NIVEA contribute to protecting biodiversity?

NIVEA feels it is our responsibility to protect our beautiful planet because it is not only our home but also the home of millions of animal species, which rely on balanced ecosystems, such as forests, rivers, and savannahs.

In addition to making sure that we source our plant-based ingredients harmoniously with nature, NIVEA’s parent company, Beiersdorf, also aims to protect ecosystems with particularly high and unique biodiversity.

Our first ecosystem initiative is located on the island of Borneo in Malaysia. We are working with local partners to protect wildlife habitats in Tabin, since this region is home to many rare species. The aim over the next five years is to stabilize the populations of endangered species, such as the rare Borneo elephant and the orangutan.

To achieve this goal, we will continue promoting sustainable palm oil production and end deforestation. By 2025, all palm oil farmers and a total area of 20,000 hectares in this region will be certified according to the internationally recognized RSPO standard (Roundtable for Sustainable Palm Oil).

One Skin. One Planet. One Care.

We want to be 100 percent transparent and answer all your questions about sustainability at NIVEA. If you could not find all the answers you were looking for on this website, or are looking for more detailed information, please visit the sustainability website of NIVEA’s parent company, Beiersdorf.