Beiersdorf to launch Nivea Men Climate Care Moisturizer, formulated with ethanol made from recycled CO2 obtained via carbon capture; clean formula 99% biodegradable, climate-neutralized, manufactured using renewable electricity, with recyclable packaging

• A milestone for the cosmetics industry: ultramodern CO₂-recycling technology sets new standards
• Artificial photosynthesis drives climate protection at a product level
• NIVEA MEN Climate Care Moisturizer to launch as a limited edition in Germany in early June 2022

Beiersdorf is utilizing new opportunities to reduce the emission of harmful carbon dioxide into our atmosphere and contribute to a climate-positive future. NIVEA MEN is the first skin-care manufacturer to use an ingredient obtained from recycled carbon dioxide and is putting it in its new moisturizer.

This is made possible by the carbon capture and utilization (CCU) process, which is an ultramodern method for making use of carbon. The CO₂-recycling technology comprises multiple steps. First, the carbon dioxide is collected at locations such as e.g. industrial chimneys and diverted to a bioreactor, where it is then fermented and processed into a cosmetic ethanol. Ethanol is used in numerous cosmetic products. The formula of the new NIVEA MEN Climate Care Moisturizer has a soothing effect on the skin and adds a refreshing moisture boost.

Climate Care – Beiersdorf’s Mission for Climate Protection

“Our ambition is to offer consumers the highest product quality possible at all times. To make that happen, we combine our deep scientific expertise with the latest technologies such as this type of artificial photosynthesis,” says Dr. Gitta Neufang, Corporate Senior Vice President Global R&D at Beiersdorf. “I am delighted that our product developers have initiated this innovative men’s skin care concept together with our partners and that they were the first in our industry to bring it to market. It is an impressive step that is bound to be followed by more developments in this direction.” 

The moisturizer contains a total of 14 percent ethanol that has been obtained through alternative methods. Moreover, the formula is 100 percent free of microplastics, silicones, mineral oils, and PEG/PEG derivatives. This men’s skin-care product is climate-neutralized* and manufactured using electricity from 100 percent renewable sources. The formula is 99 percent biodegradable, with fully recyclable packaging. The NIVEA MEN Climate Care Moisturizer will be launched on the German market in early June 2022, starting as a limited edition at drugstores and online retailers. 

“This new men’s skin care product with the innovative CO₂-recycling technology represents an important milestone for us,” says Jean-Francois Pascal, Vice President Sustainability at Beiersdorf. He adds, “The ‘Climate Care’ name hits the mark very well, as our sustainability engagement goes far beyond the scope of our skin care products and puts climate action at the center of our approach.” Beiersdorf has set itself one of the most ambitious carbon-reduction targets in the industry. The company wants to achieve an absolute reduction of 30 percent of its scope 1 and 2 carbon emissions and 10 percent of its scope 3 emissions group-wide by 2025 (using 2018 as a basis). These targets have been recognized by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) and align with the demands of scientists to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius.

Detailed information about Beiersdorf’s progress on sustainability can be found in its current Sustainability Highlight Report 2021.

^{* Compensation of remaining CO₂ emissions through certified climate projects. More information here.}