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Ethical brand ratings and accreditation since 2001

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Nivea

Is Nivea an ethical brand of skincare?

Nivea, a skincare and sun protection brand owned by Beiersdorf AG and Maxingvest AG, is one of the brands independently researched by The Good Shopping Guide. The brand receives a Good Shopping Guide score in our Ethical Skincare Ratings Table and therefore does not meet our ethical benchmark.

We encourage other companies in the Skincare sector to push for change and consider the welfare, and the sustainable and ethical treatment of the Environment, Animals, and People.

Is Nivea Cruelty-Free?

The Animal Testing Policy from Beiersdorf attests to the fact that the business does indeed conduct animal testing when allowed by law. (Such as in mainland China.)

Though “[i]t is […Beiersdorf’s] goal to convince the Chinese authorities that animal testing for cosmetic products is unnecessary”, we encourage all brands to consider whether trading in China or other countries where animal testing is required is really the most ethical option.

Is Nivea vegan?

Nivea is not a vegan brand, nor is Nivea a Cruelty-Free brand. Nivea’s Vegan Skincare range is not certified by an independent body, and so buying vegan products from this brand is down to consumer discretion. The Good Shopping Guide recommends that all brands seek Vegan-certification from external, independent bodies, so as to be above any accusations of bias.

Is Nivea a sustainable brand?

On the ‘Our Commitments‘ section of its website, Beiersdorf lists numerous goals for the future along with some indications of progress. These goals include “climate neutral production sites by 2030” and “100% […] packaging is refillable, reusable and recyclable by 2025.”

Is Nivea organic?

No, Nivea’s Naturally Good line is not certified-Organic and is only advertised as “natural”, which is a term often used to greenwash other unethical business activity.

How could Nivea become Ethically Accredited with The Good Shopping Guide?

Nivea has some way to go before it could apply for Ethical Accreditation with The Good Shopping Guide. In order to achieve this, Nivea could stop its (or its third-party) animal testing for products sold in China. The brand should also seek accreditation from an independent Vegan body.

Ethical performance in category

0

GSG score

43
67

GSG category benchmark

100

Ethical Rating

Environment

  • Environmental Report

    Good

  • Genetic Modification

    Good

  • Organic

    Poor

  • Nuclear Power

    Good

  • Fossil Fuels

    Good

Animal

  • Animal Welfare

    Poor

  • Vegetarian/Vegan Verified

    Poor

People

  • Armaments

    Good

  • Irresponsible Marketing

    Poor

  • Political Donations

    Good

Other

  • Ethical Accreditation

    Poor

  • Public Record Criticisms

    Poor

= GSG Top Rating = GSG Middle Rating = GSG Bottom Rating