ECOBEAUTY
SCORE

YOUR GUIDE TO
SUSTAINABLE SKINCARE

Feeling overwhelmed by sustainability claims in the beauty and skincare aisle?

As the No.1 global skincare brand*, we want to help you make more informed sustainable choices. That is why we have joined the EcoBeautyScore Association, a global breakthrough initiative bringing over 70 cosmetics companies & associations together to develop an environmental impact assessment and scoring system for cosmetic products- that is science-based and independently verified.

EcoBeautyScore brings clarity to the beauty and skincare industry, offering you trustworthy information.
It simplifies understanding the environmental impact of the products you love.

Decoding EcoBeautyScore
WHAT DOES IT MEAN?

Products that score “A” rank amongst the best in class of their category for having a lower environmental impact. Products that score “E” have a higher impact and are therefore key products to focus our efforts to improve their environmental performance. Product scores can only be compared against other products within the same category (e.g. face care), making it easy for you to compare like for like and make informed, sustainable decisions.

Our priority remains to deliver products that work with your skin, providing you with the care, efficacy, and safety you expect, no matter their score.

You will find environmental impact scores online for selected product categories, e.g. Face Care. Scores for other categories and products will be added gradually.

Decoding EcoBeautyScore
HOW IS IT CALCULATED?

LIFECYCLE STAGES IN ECOBEAUTYSCORE EVALUATION

The score has been calculated measuring the full impact of a product over its lifetime, from sourcing the ingredients and the packaging, to manufacturing, transport, consumer usage and even after use when it becomes waste.

KEY PLANETARY IMPACTS IN ECOBEAUTYSCORE CALCULATION

The different planetary impacts – such as climate, water, and land biodiversity (e.g. deforestation) are calculated for each stage of the product’s life and combined. This is the approach most commonly used by scientists to measure the environmental impact of a product.

The methodology has been co-designed by scientists and reviewed externally by a panel of independent experts**. Score usage is regularly audited by a third party.

To find out more about the methodology:

CLICK HERE

EXPLORE SOME OF OUR TOP-SCORING PRODUCTS

99% of our face care products score A or B***

(1286)

LUMINOUS630® ANTISPOT Dark Spot Advanced Serum

(442)

NIVEA MEN Sensitive Face Moisturiser

Join our movement towards
ECO-CONSCIOUS SKINCARE & BEAUTY

In today's world, the climate crisis feels overwhelming, and it can seem impossible to make a difference. Every choice we make impacts the environment, and the beauty industry is no exception. NIVEA believes in the power of collective action for a sustainable future. Our commitment is clear: when we care for ourselves, others, and our planet, we create real change. You are not alone in this journey; we are in this together.

We recognize the beauty industry’s role in environmental challenges, such as plastic use and carbon emissions during production. Reflecting the growing demand for more sustainable and eco-friendly beauty & skincare innovations, we consciously choose our ingredients for our formula and reduce our emissions where possible along the entire product lifecycle.

We prioritize transparency, helping you understand the total environmental impact of your products to make informed purchasing decisions. By opting for the verified science based EcoBeautyScore you can contribute to a more sustainable beauty routine.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the EcoBeauty Association?

The EcoBeautyScore Association is a not-for-profit organization whose primary goal is to develop a common environmental impact scoring system for cosmetic products, thus enabling consumers to make more informed purchasing decisions. In addition, the Association aims to enable the industry to anticipate upcoming regulation, as well as foster a culture of eco-design among the members and beyond.

Which companies are part of the EcoBeautyScore Association?

The EcoBeautyScore Association features a variety of esteemed companies dedicated to environmentally friendly beauty. Members as of May 2025 include e.g. Beiersdorf, Chanel, Colgate-Palmolive, Coty, Henkel, Kenvue, Kneipp, L’Occitane, L’Oréal, Nuxe, Walgreens, Boots and many more. The number of members joining keep rising rapidly.

How is the data for the EcoBeautyScore verified?

The EcoBeautyScore data is thoroughly checked to give you clear and reliable information. Quantis, a top sustainability consultancy, uses European Union's Product Environmental Footprint (PEF) method to assess impacts across a product’s lifecycle. This includes a shared database for ingredient impacts and an easy-to-use tool for product evaluation. The whole methodology and label are certified by an independent certifier, ensuring you have trustworthy insights for making eco-friendly beauty choices.

How does the EcoBeautyScore benefit consumers?

The EcoBeautyScore is here to empower you with clear, reliable insights into the environmental impact of your beauty products. By using a trusted, science-based method, it helps you make informed, eco-friendly choices that align with your values. With transparent scoring, you can easily compare products across brands and choose those that are better for the planet, ensuring your sustainable skincare products cares for you and the environment.

Why do some products have lower scores than others?

Some indispensable ingredients lead to a higher environmental footprint over the product’s lifecycle. As a result, products containing these ingredients may not achieve the highest sustainability score ("A").

For example, some of our face care products contain UV filters to protect your skin from UV rays, reducing the risk of premature aging and skin cancer. NIVEA uses only state-of-the-art UV filters, with the lowest possible impact on the environment. We strive to be free of homosalate, oxybenzone, and octocrylene by the end of 2025.

Certain state of the art ingredients for shower gels are specifically chosen for their stability, which ensures optimal performance on the skin. Regardless of the score, the safety and efficacy of our products are always our highest priorities. We never compromise when it comes to the quality and effectiveness of our products.

What is the difference between the EcoBeautyScore and the EU Ecolabel?

The EU Ecolabel is an EU initiative that is only applicable to a few personal care products, such as those for body cleansing. It is more widely used for household cleaners. The information behind the methodology is not easy to find and understand, it is not based on the entire product lifecycle but rather on ingredients only.

*Source: Euromonitor International Limited; NIVEA by umbrella brand name in the categories Body Care, Face Care and Hand Care; in retail value terms, 2024.)

**The EcoBeautyScore methodology and platform have been reviewed and verified by E&H, the consulting branch of the Ecocert group, to ensure compliance with the principles of the European Commission’s PEF methodology and ISO norms 14020/14025. EcoBeautyScore methodology and platform reviewed & verified on 26th May 2025 by: