Discover our Win with Care Stories!

Innovation

Epicelline® – The anti-aging revolution

Our skin is aged by external factors such as diet, stress, and UV radiation, as well as by genetic predisposition. This process silences the skin’s youth genes.

After 15 years of intensive research, Beiersdorf has found a way of reactivating these youth genes. The innovative epigenetic active ingredient Epicelline^® rejuvenates skin cells and stimulates the skin’s youth genes, thus effectively fighting the ten signs of skin aging. After just four weeks, the skin can appear up to five years younger.

Epicelline^® is based on Beiersdorf’s patented skin-specific age clock technology and has been used for the first time in Eucerin^® Hyaluron-Filler Epigenetic Serum. Scientific findings show that the new active ingredient represents an anti-aging revolution, heralding a new era in skin care.

Sustainability

Net Zero – Climate-neutral production in Europe from 2025

To reach Net Zero by 2045, Beiersdorf has developed an ambitious climate transition plan that describes the individual transformation measures. One key milestone in this plan is that all Beiersdorf production centers worldwide are to be climate neutral by 2030.

This target was already achieved in Germany and Switzerland in 2024. By switching from natural gas to biogas, production at the company’s plants in Poland and Spain will also be climate neutral from 2025. This means that the target of climate neutral production in Europe will already be achieved by 2025.

Beiersdorf is implementing a range of measures worldwide to reduce the Group’s environmental footprint. In 2024, for example, heat pumps were installed at the production sites in Hamburg, Germany, and Argentona, Spain. Electric steam generators are currently being installed in Bangkok, Thailand, and Malang, Indonesia. Eight of Beiersdorf’s 14 production centers are already equipped with photovoltaic systems. In addition a 4,600 kW photovoltaic system is currently being installed in Leipzig, Germany – the Group’s fourth megawatt-class photovoltaic system.

White Spaces

Indien – Rapid market development

India is one of the most exciting growth regions for Beiersdorf, driven by the fact that demand from the country’s consumers for skin care solutions with proven effectiveness is increasing significantly from year to year.

That is why Beiersdorf added several products to its portfolio in India in 2024. The Eucerin dermocosmetic skin care brand was introduced to the market in October, with both the Anti-Pigment and Sun Protection ranges soon attracting a pleasingly high level of demand. The launch of NIVEA SUN was similarly successful, quickly achieving strong recognition in the Indian market thanks to online campaigns and collaborations with influencers.

The portfolio will be expanded in 2025 with the addition of the NIVEA Luminous Even Glow range. At the same time, the company is stepping up marketing activities targeting GenZ, which is displaying a growing interest in effective skin care products.

“India harbors unprecedented potential for Beiersdorf,” says Geetika Mehta, Managing Director of NIVEA India. “Our innovative, science-based portfolio is designed to deliver visible and lasting results that resonate with the modern Indian population.”

Innovation

tesa – The future of bonding is debonding

A game changer in structural bonding: the Debonding on Demand solutions from tesa adhere permanently if necessary, but can be removed again at any time (on demand) – either mechanically or using mechanisms such as electricity, laser, electromagnetic induction, or heat.

These innovative adhesive solutions open up completely new dimensions in the areas of product design, repair, and recycling. It is also possible to correct errors that occur during the actual bonding process. This enables companies to save resources, cut waste, extend the product life cycle, and reduce the need for replacement parts.

“With our Debonding on Demand solutions, we are helping our customers to make their products easier to repair and thus more sustainable,” says Dr. Ingrid Sebald, Member of the Executive Board Technology, at tesa. “We are currently working closely with our partners and customers, especially in the electronics and automotive industries, to develop customized adhesive solutions with different release mechanisms.”

Innovation

Microbiome research – New active ingredients for the skin

Our skin is protected by a layer of microorganisms – bacteria, viruses, and fungi – that is known as the skin microbiome or skin flora. If this protective layer is out of balance, it can trigger skin conditions such as neurodermatitis, psoriasis, acne, and rosacea.

That is why, for more than 25 years, Beiersdorf has been researching the function and structure of bacteria on the skin. The aim is to develop new active ingredients that help balance the skin microbiome. Skin conditions not only leave physical traces, but often affect a person’s self-esteem as well.

Various studies have shown that 68.3% of all people with acne suffer from anxiety and 18.5% have a higher risk of developing severe depression – and 86.8% of people with severe acne avoid taking selfies.

In response, Beiersdorf is expanding its microbiome research activities. Acne sufferers make up 9.4% of the world’s population – that’s 730 million people, 80% of whom are teenagers. Dermatological skin care therefore not only ensures a balanced microbiome, but also has the power to change lives.

White Spaces

China – Chantecaille strengthens its presence

Chantecaille achieved a significant milestone in September 2024 with its wide-scale entry into the Chinese market. However, the brand is not unknown to Chinese consumers. Chantecaille products have already been available for some years on Tmall, the largest cross-border e-commerce platform in China.

The expansion was celebrated with the opening of the “Maison de Chantecaille” pop-up experience in Shanghai, where fans of the brand could gain an insight into the world of Chantecaille and its “Beauty With Impact” ethos.

Chantecaille was established in 1998 by Sylvie Chantecaille, a pioneer in beauty care who focused on skin care and make-up products containing high concentrations of effective plant-based ingredients. Since its establishment, Chantecaille has held a reputation for its innovative natural ingredients and commitment to environmental conservation.

White Spaces

Skin of Color – Care for every skin type

A person’s skin is influenced by their ethnic origin. This is particularly true for skin color, which is largely determined by the density and distribution of melanin.

Different skin types therefore require specific care products tailored to, for example, their differing degree of dryness, UV protection, and other characteristics. Skin type also determines the intensity and frequency of pigmentation disorders, hyperpigmentation, irritation, and inflammation, as well as skin diseases.

“For many years, our cross-functional Skin of Color team has been researching the specific characteristics of different skin types – worldwide,” says Koushik Sreedhar, Director R&D Hub India at Beiersdorf. “The unique knowledge we have acquired through our research activities greatly helps us to meet the needs of people in different regions of the world and provide them with the most effective products for their skin type and preferences. Our Skin of Color approach is a key lever in accessing new markets and exciting consumers about our products.”

Sustainability

CARE BEYOND SKIN – Award-winning climate protection

‘Leading in Climate Care’ is the goal that Beiersdorf has set for itself in its corporate strategy “Win with Care”. By 2045, the Group aims to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 90% and expand its leadership position in climate protection.

A comprehensive Climate Transition Plan has been developed to achieve this goal. It sets out in detail how the sustainable transformation of the entire Group can be achieved. The company’s Net Zero target was validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) at the start of 2024.

Various awards from independent organizations show that Beiersdorf has taken the right path. The non-profit organization CDP, for example, honored Beiersdorf in 2022 and 2023 as a leader in terms of its targets, progress, and transparency in the areas of climate, forests, and water. In 2024, Beiersdorf also received the German Sustainability Award for particularly impactful contributions to the sustainable transformation.

White Spaces

USA – Eucerin on a growth path

Eucerin is one of Beiersdorf’s fastest-growing brands – and offers many opportunities for the future. For example, Eucerin Face products are currently only available in around a third of the world’s markets.

In 2024, Beiersdorf launched Eucerin Face in the USA, the world’s largest skincare market. In 2025, the portfolio will expand to include an assortment of Eucerin products formulated with Thiamidol. The market response to the launch so far has been very promising.

Eucerin Sun made its debut in the U.S. market in 2022, quickly establishing itself as a strong contender despite the competitive landscape. In just three years, Eucerin Sun has risen to become the No. 4 therapeutic sunscreen brand. The 2024 launch of Eucerin Tinted Age Defense became one of the best-selling items in the Eucerin Sun portfolio and has strengthened Eucerin Sun’s position within the Face Sun market.

Innovation

Hansaplast – Innovative wound care

Studies show clearly that wounds heal faster in a moist environment. This is because cells grow, divide, and migrate faster in moist conditions, thus speeding up the healing process.

“Moist wound healing is already a well-established method in professional treatment, particularly for chronic, hard-to-heal wounds. However, it is also superior to dry wound healing for everyday injuries like abrasions because it promotes the growth of new tissue, reduces the risk of scarring, and helps alleviate pain,” says Dr. Maike Kuhlmann, Head of Medical & Clinical Affairs Health Care.

Beiersdorf’s Health Care unit is therefore working hard to develop solutions based on the principles of moist wound healing. “We will soon be launching a product that brings hospital-level care to our consumers’ homes. This fantastic innovation will make professional wound treatment more accessible than ever before,” says Kuhlmann.

Sustainability

Sustainable packaging – Pioneering solutions

All the packaging used by Beiersdorf’s Consumer division is required to be fully recyclable and made entirely from recycled or renewable materials by 2032.

To achieve this goal, the company is relying on the 4R approach – reduce, reuse, recycle, replace. This means reducing packaging materials to a minimum and increasing the proportion of reusable and refillable packaging used. The packaging design is also being modified to increase the proportion of recycled material used and deploy more resource-efficient packaging solutions.

The recent relaunch of the NIVEA Body range demonstrates how this approach can be implemented successfully. The new bottle design uses a greater proportion of recycled plastic, helping to save several tons of virgin plastic and greenhouse gas emissions every year.

Sustainability

NIVEA CONNECT – Together we fight social isolation

Social isolation is one of the most pressing threats to our physical and mental health. According to a global survey of 8,000 participants initiated by NIVEA, isolation and loneliness are associated with an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, depression, and other serious health issues.

With the launch of NIVEA CONNECT, the brand has created an initiative aimed at reducing the stigma of social isolation and promoting meaningful human connections. To this end, NIVEA CONNECT projects will be set up in 40 countries by 2026, which – taking into account local conditions and with the support of experts – will help combat social isolation and will create bridges of belonging and trust to foster social connection.

NIVEA CONNECT partners include the Thanda Community Centre in South Africa, the SOS Children’s Villages organization in Austria, the Aseema Charitable Trust in India and the NSPCC in the United Kingdom. Existing projects are being expanded and new initiatives launched to support people, communities, and organizations around the world. NIVEA will also use its global presence to engage with different communities on this issue and collaborate with scientists, experts, and organizations in the fight against social isolation.