NIVEA is one of the world’s best-known skincare brands, specializing in personal care products such as moisturizers, body lotions, face creams, lip care, sunscreens, deodorants, body washes, and men’s grooming products. Founded in 1911 in Hamburg, Germany, NIVEA has grown into a global brand available in more than 160 countries and is owned by the German skincare company Beiersdorf AG. The brand is widely recognized for its iconic blue packaging and its flagship product, NIVEA Creme, one of the world’s most recognizable moisturizing creams. [1]

The story of NIVEA began in 1911, when Dr. Oscar Troplowitz, owner of Beiersdorf, collaborated with dermatologist Professor Paul Gerson Unna and chemist Dr. Isaac Lifschütz. Lifschütz had invented Eucerit, a revolutionary emulsifier that could permanently combine oil and water into a stable cream.

Using this breakthrough, Beiersdorf created the first long-lasting moisturizing cream, which became NIVEA Creme. The name “NIVEA” comes from the Latin words “nix, nivis,” meaning “snow,” referring to the cream’s pure white color. [2]

Initially packaged in a yellow decorative tin, the product adopted its now-famous blue tin in 1925, becoming one of the most recognizable pieces of packaging in consumer goods history. [2]

Throughout the 20th century, NIVEA expanded from a single moisturizing cream into a complete skincare brand. Major milestones include:

• 1911 – Launch of NIVEA Creme

• 1925 – Introduction of the iconic blue tin

• 1963 – Launch of NIVEA Milk body lotion

• 1991 – Entry into the deodorant market

• Late 1990s – Introduction of Q10 anti-aging skincare

• 2000s onward – Expansion into sun care, men’s grooming, lip care, and advanced facial skincare

• 2011 – Celebration of NIVEA’s 100th anniversary [1]

Today, NIVEA offers a broad portfolio of skincare products, including:

Face Care

• Moisturizers

• Cleansers

• Anti-aging creams

• Serums

• Acne care

• Eye creams

Body Care

• Body lotions

• Body milk

• Body creams

• Hand creams

Sun Care

• Sunscreens

• After-sun lotions

• Sun protection sprays

Lip Care

• Lip balms

• Lip treatments

Men’s Care

• Shaving cream

• Aftershave balm

• Face wash

• Moisturizers

Deodorants

• Roll-ons

• Sprays

• Stick deodorants

Shower & Bath

• Shower gels

• Body wash

• Cream cleansers

NIVEA invests heavily in skincare research and product development. Some of its notable innovations include:

• Eucerit – the original emulsifier behind NIVEA Creme

• Q10 – an ingredient used in anti-aging products since the late 1990s

• Thiamidol® – developed to reduce dark spots and hyperpigmentation

• EPICELLINE® – a newer ingredient used in selected anti-aging formulations

NIVEA is known for its positioning around:

• Gentle skincare

• Everyday moisturizing

• Family-friendly products

• Dermatological research

• Affordable premium quality

• Trust and reliability

Its signature blue-and-white branding has remained one of the company’s strongest visual identities for nearly a century.

NIVEA products are sold across Europe, Asia, Africa, North America, South America, and Oceania. The company adapts many formulations and product lines to suit regional climates, skin types, and consumer preferences, supported by research centers that study diverse skin needs worldwide. [2]

NIVEA is owned by Beiersdorf AG, a German multinational founded in 1882 and headquartered in Hamburg. Besides NIVEA, Beiersdorf owns several other skincare brands, including:

• Eucerin

• Aquaphor

• Labello (Liposan in some markets)

• La Prairie

• Chantecaille [1]

NIVEA and Beiersdorf have introduced initiatives focused on:

• Reducing plastic use in packaging

• Increasing recycled materials

• Developing more environmentally friendly formulations

• Lowering greenhouse gas emissions

• Promoting responsible sourcing of ingredients [2]

With more than 110 years of history, NIVEA remains one of the world’s most recognized skincare brands. Its original NIVEA Creme continues to be a flagship product, while the brand has expanded into a comprehensive range of skincare and personal care solutions trusted by millions of consumers worldwide. [1]

1. NIVEA | Our Brands – Beiersdorf

2. NIVEA-history