Alien walking in a residential background turning around to greet a girl

 

young girl and elders looking happy, blowing bubbles

 

WE ARE NOT ALONE
in feeling alone

Our research shows that right now, someone you care about is feeling lonely.
 
Did you know 1 in 5 people feel lonely?*
 
Loneliness is a growing issue in the world, and many people see its effects rising in modern society. 56% of people don’t feel comfortable asking for support* and put together, these issues have potential health risks that can influence a person’s lifespan**.
 
Like links to dementia, heart disease, and other serious health concerns. We wanted to gain a better understanding of loneliness and social isolation so we could help to create a lasting change in these statistics. We are committed to taking action because we believe everyone deserves the social connections they need to thrive. Through our social mission, NIVEA CONNECT, we will fight social isolation and the stigma of loneliness.

Together, We Care.
TOGETHER, WE CHANGE

Loneliness comes in many forms, and so does connection.

When we experience loneliness, we can feel out of place, as if from another world. But with 1 in 5 people suffering from loneliness, we are not alone in feeling alone.*

NIVEA CONNECT believes that togetherness and meaningful connections are key to overcome loneliness. It starts with one gesture, one conversation, one person. Help us bring care and connection to every corner of our community.

We gathered people who have experienced social isolation to help us design the face of loneliness—an alien that embodies this feeling. We listened to their thoughts and emotions, and with the help of an illustrator, we sketched the look of what would become the main character of NIVEA CONNECT’s campaign, “We Are Not Alone.”
Do you want to learn more about loneliness?

 

“Togetherness is in our DNA. By raising awareness about the issue & sharing insights, educating, and creating ways to connect, we fight social isolation.”

 

Grita Loebsack
President NIVEA

Information
INSPIRES ACTION


Togetherness is in our DNA, and so we set out to do something about this issue. To achieve our pledge we need to raise awareness, educate communities, and create opportunities for connection. By 2026, we commit to set up local NIVEA CONNECT projects in 40 countries, support a global network of experts, and use our brand’s voice to engage and connect communities worldwide, while raising awareness of social isolation.

 

“Loneliness can’t be solved if it stays hidden. By making it visible, we open the door to empathy and action.”

Tobias Collee
Vice President NIVEA Brand

Social isolation​
IN NUMBERS

1 in 5 feel lonely 

 
A 86% full circle enclosing the text "86%"

Loneliness peaks in quiet moments like evenings

A 40% full circle enclosing the text "40%"

Young people (16 -24) feel lonelier than any other age group

A 54% full circle enclosing the text "54%"

56% struggle to ask for support

63% feel happier with meaningful connections*

We fight​
TOGETHER

With accredited partners spanning various fields ranging from mental health professionals to social activists, we are committed to taking a holistic and impactful approach.
 
Our goal is to set up local NIVEA CONNECT projects in 40 countries by 2026, ensuring that our efforts reach communities in need, regardless of geography. By leveraging local insights and global expertise, we aim to create meaningful connections and lasting change on a worldwide scale.
 
The Thanda Community Centre in South Africa serves as an inspiring example. It provides a safe space where early childhood learners can attend school daily, youth can connect and build social skills through after-school programs, and the elderly can engage with other primary caregivers, to share skills and fostering positive relationships. These initiatives are vital in fighting social isolation by ensuring inclusive interactions and meaningful engagement for all members of the Thanda community, regardless of age.
 
While in Czechia, our partner Nevypusť Duši focuses on mental health prevention among children and adolescents. Their program, ‘The Background for the Soul’, equips young people with the tools to recognise early signs of mental health issues, learn healthy coping strategies, and practice self-care. By promoting well-being within school communities, they’re helping to prevent the isolation that can lead to more serious mental health challenges.

Get to know​
OUR PARTNERS

NSPCC
NSPCC

United Kingdom


The Building Connections Programme empowers young people to overcome loneliness with the help of a befriender who will guide them through a 12-week programme.

a young baby looking down
Thanda Community Centre

South Africa


A safe place where children and young people in rural Hibberdene can learn to communicate and connect with each other.

Partnership with SOS Kinderdorf and NIVEA
SOS Kinderdorf​

Austria


This project has created a toolbox for teachers to help their students build social skills within their classroom, community, and beyond.

Woman speaking at UNICEF PIA which partners with NIVEA
UNICEF

Brazil


PIA provides education about the impact of racism in communities, through seminars and educational materials to caregivers in different public services.

Man and Woman Working on a laptop with the Unmute project offering digital counsel to Young people
Krisenchat

Germany


The project 'Unmute' provides digital counseling to young people for managing stress, loneliness, and social isolation when they need it most.


This is just the start.

 

By 2026, our goal is to set up NIVEA CONNECT projects in 40 countries, supporting communities worldwide. We're excited to expand our efforts, with many new projects launching throughout the coming year. 

A young and old man smiling and talking to each other

Resources and​
UPDATES

NIVEA Study on Loneliness and Social Isolation

Explore the NIVEA CONNECT Report, revealing in-depth research on loneliness and social isolation, its impact, and how NIVEA is committed to making a difference.
Download the study

References and Research

*Based on the data obtained from a NIVEA study on loneliness and social isolation with more than 30,000 respondents in 13 countries across 5 continents, Q4 2024.

**Office of the U.S. Surgeon General. (2023). Our epidemic of loneliness and isolation: The Surgeon General’s advisory on the healing effects of social connection and community. Lead Science Editor: Julianne Holt-Lunstad.

Frequently asked​
QUESTIONS

Why is NIVEA focusing on fighting loneliness and social isolation?

NIVEA is a brand that is deeply rooted in values of togetherness and inclusivity. And it is our commitment to contribute to a world where everyone has the social connections they need to thrive. Social isolation and loneliness are affecting the health and well-being of people of all ages, socio-economic backgrounds and cultures - and with NIVEA CONNECT we are committed to fighting it by fostering meaningful social connections.
 

What is NIVEA doing to fight loneliness and social isolation?

NIVEA will raise awareness to help reduce the stigma of social isolation, educate, and enable meaningful social connections through three main levers. We will utilise our brand voice and channels to communicate and engage with communities. We will set up local NIVEA CONNECT projects, with partners, in 40 countries by 2026 and we will be supporting and amplifying a global community of scientists, experts and organizations fighting against loneliness and social isolation.

Which projects is NIVEA partnering with, and how are they selected?

We are partnering with selected local social projects around the world, which all contribute to our fight against loneliness and social isolation. They are selected based on a set of defined selection criteria, that have been developed in collaboration with experts, to ensure their fit for NIVEA CONNECT. You can learn more about some of these projects in the „Get to know our partners“ section.