Respecting
ANIMALS
ONE SKIN. ONE PLANET. ONE CARE.
At NIVEA, we believe that caring for the planet also means respecting the animals we share it with. While a lot of people feel the same, there's still some uncertainty around labels and what cruelty-free skincare or cruelty-free cosmetics really mean for you.
We want to be open and honest with you about how we look after the well-being of animals: we have a clear position against animal testing, and we offer a wide range of vegan skincare products that are 100 percent free from animal-derived ingredients. We also aim to protect ecosystems with particularly high and unique levels of biodiversity.
At NIVEA, we're convinced that animal testing isn't necessary to prove how effective and skin-compatible our cosmetic products are for you. With more than 35 years of experience, we're among the global leaders in developing and applying 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 world. That's why we support various international working groups, for example by sharing our scientific insights. We're also working to convince authorities in China and other parts of the world, where animal testing is still required for specific cosmetic products, that it's unnecessary, and we're urging them to officially approve alternatives to animal testing.
Cosmetic testing on animals has been banned in the EU since 2004 – and all ingredients in these products since 2013. NIVEA welcomes and fully complies with this milestone on the way to more ethical skincare products for you. In this respect, all cosmetic products available in the EU are “free from animal testing”. However, simply advertising a legal fact doesn't reflect NIVEA's goal of honest and transparent communication with you.
The term “vegan cosmetics” refers to skincare products, make-up and toiletries, such as body and face washes, that don't contain any animal-derived ingredients. There are lots of ingredients that are made from what animals produce, such as beeswax, honey or milk. When these are sourced responsibly, they're renewable solutions that are not only gentle on your skin, but also on the animals that 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 is something many consumers, like you, really care about. There are environmental issues too, for example deforestation to clear more grazing land. With large-scale livestock farming significantly driving climate change, NIVEA takes these concerns seriously.
For many people, animal-derived ingredients don't reflect their values of living in harmony with animals. That's why they look for alternatives, such as vegan and plant-based skincare products.
At NIVEA, we feel it's our responsibility to help protect our beautiful planet, because it's not only our home, but also the home of millions of animal species that rely on balanced ecosystems, such as forests, rivers and savannahs.
In addition to making sure that we source our plant-based ingredients in harmony 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're working with local partners to protect wildlife habitats in Tabin, as this region is home to many rare species. Over the next five years, the aim is to stabilise the populations of endangered species such as the rare Borneo elephant and the orangutan.
To reach this goal, we'll carry on promoting sustainable palm oil production and ending deforestation. By 2025, all palm oil farmers in this region – and a total area of 20,000 hectares – will be certified according to the internationally recognised RSPO standard (Roundtable on 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 couldn't find all the answers you were looking for on this website, or you're after more detailed information, please visit the sustainability website of NIVEA's parent company, Beiersdorf.