FINDING THE PERFECT FORMULA

More than 2,000 formula prototypes, over 9,000 product testers and some four years of in-depth research: “Numerous colleagues from different departments worked closely together to find the perfect formula for NIVEA Soft,” says Dr. Silke Garmatz, Manager Body, Creme and Hand at Beiersdorf. “Our common goal: A NIVEA Soft that is made with as many ingredients from a natural origin as possible. As a rule, natural ingredients reduce a product’s carbon footprint through lower CO₂ emissions – and that’s the whole reason behind our transformation and realization of our ambitious climate goal.”

Thousands of product tests

But it’s not that easy to switch ingredients. The first task is to find alternatives that are not only more sustainable, but also just as safe, effective and useful as the previous ones. “They also have to be compatible with the other formula ingredients and meet the sensory experience consumers expect and appreciate,” says Wei Tang, R&D Engineer at Beiersdorf.

This is why the experienced product developer and her colleagues have changed the formula prototypes again and again over the years, and tested the properties and sensory experience with the help of thousands of product tests. But that’s not all: There were also many production challenges to consider with the update of the NIVEA Soft formula: Are the potential new ingredients even available in sufficient quantities? Which patent issues need to be clarified? How do the new ingredients and new supply sources affect logistics and manufacturing processes? And can the necessary adjustments be made at all production centers?

40% less CO₂ emissions

Once all of these questions were clarified, the time had come: In June 2022, the newly enhanced NIVEA Soft was launched in several European countries. Its more climate-friendly formula results in 40% lower CO₂ emissions. It contains 100% natural jojoba oil and is 98% biodegradable.

The new formula also provides an improved moisturizing effect: With oils derived from natural sources, NIVEA Soft penetrates even deeper into the skin and strengthens the skin barrier. This means that skin is now hydrated for 48 hours – twice as long as before – thereby creating added value for both the environment and for consumers.”

Additional formulas on the horizon

“To so extensively update the formula of such a successful product, that has used and loved by millions of consumers worldwide for decades, is an immense undertaking,” explains Dr. Garmatz. “But precisely because NIVEA Soft is one of our best-selling products, we can achieve a significant sustainability impact with the lower CO₂ formula.”

While the enhanced NIVEA Soft is now being gradually rolled out in all markets, Dr. Garmatz and her team are already working on updating other product formulas. “We have clearly defined which ingredients we want to replace with more sustainable alternatives in the future. We will work consistently in the coming years to carry this out. Because it is paramount to us to balance excellent skin care with care for the environment and climate protection. Of course, those of us that work in research and development take pride in being able to play a key role in such a large and important topic.”