Nivea Sun

How ethical and sustainable is Nivea sun? 

Nivea sun is included in The Good Shopping Guide‘s Sun Protection Ethical Ratings Table. Although Nivea Sun hasn’t yet lived up to our ethical criteria, we think that eventually the company will adapt in order to operate in a more ethical manner.

By requesting Ethical Accreditation, which would entail a more thorough investigation and recommendations for ethical development, Nivea Sun may boost consumer trust.

What does Nivea sun do?

Nivea began in 1890 started by Dr Troplowitz. Nivea sells a range of skincare products such as deodorant, skincare, lip care and sun cream. Nivea has a page on its history and one on Sustainability. Beiersdorf AG is the company brand behind Nivea sun that is 50.4% owned by Maxingvest AG.

For which criteria does Nivea sun perform poorly? 

Nivea sun received a low rating for Organic products, Animal Welfare, Vegan products and Irresponsible marketing. The brand’s parent company has an ATP confirming that the company tests on animals when this is required. Nivea Sun was criticised for pushing a lighter skin agenda in one of its moisturising lotion advertisements as the model stated that her ‘visibly fairer skin’ made her feel younger. Read more on this story here.

Past Criticisms of Nivea sun’s ethical record

Nivea sun faced criticism as its parent company Beiersdorf received a low score of 3.8/100 in the Corporate Transparency Index which evaluates a company’s supply chain practices. You can read more about this here.

In what areas does Nivea sun score well for its ethics?

Nivea sun receives a high score for Political Donations, Armaments, Nuclear issues, Genetic Modification and Environmental Report. The brand’s parent company has an ‘our commitments’ page detailing future targets as well as some evidence of progress. The brand has no GM statement but also no criticisms.

How can Nivea Sun improve its ethical rating?

The Ethical rating of a brand is divided into three categories by The Good Shopping Guide: the Environment, People and Animals. Find out more about how we rate.

Nivea Sun might apply for Ethical Accreditation for more detailed guidance on how to improve. Nivea Sun may improve its rating and fulfil our fundamental ethical requirements by introducing an Organic range and ceasing all animal testing.

Why not check out The Good Shopping Guide‘s Ethical Accreditation if you work for or with a sun protection company that places ethics high on its priority list? This ethical accreditation has already benefited brands such as Tropic Skincare, Green People and Incognito.

Contact us to learn more, or complete our short form for a Free Initial Assessment.