Is Nivea Vegan & Cruelty-Free In 2024?

By Anett Rannamets. Updated: January 2024.
We may receive a commission for purchases made through the links in this post. Learn more.

Nivea, a well-known skincare and personal care brand, was founded by Dr. Oscar Troplowitz, Paul Gerson Unna, and Dr. Isaac Lifschütz. The company was established in Hamburg, Germany, in 1911. The name comes from the Latin word “niveus” meaning “snow-white.” 

Dr. Oscar Troplowitz was a German pharmacist and entrepreneur who recognized the potential of a stable and reliable skin cream. He collaborated with dermatologist Paul Gerson Unna and chemist Dr. Isaac Lifschütz to create a water-in-oil emulsion cream, which was groundbreaking at the time.

Nivea’s parent company today is Beiersdorf AG. It is a German multinational company specializing in skincare, personal care, and adhesive technologies. Nivea’s website is https://www.nivea-me.com/. 

Nivea has grown into a global brand and has expanded its product range to include various skin care products such as lotions, lip balms, shower gels, and sunscreens. Nivea remains a well-respected and widely recognized brand in the personal care industry. But is Nivea also vegan?

Is Nivea Vegan?

No, Nivea is not vegan. Nivea uses animal-derived ingredients in its products. In addition, Nivea is not cruelty-free as it permits animal testing for its products in situations where it is mandated by law.

Nivea Vegan Overview

Is a vegan brand: no
Uses non-vegan ingredients: yes
Has a vegan selection: no
Tests on animals: yes
Sold where animal testing is mandatory: yes
Has a parent company that tests on animals: yes (Beiersdorf AG)

Does Nivea Have Official Vegan Certifications?

No. Nivea does not have any vegan certifications. Nivea is not a vegan brand as it uses animal-based ingredients and allows animal tests.

Has Nivea Indicated Going Vegan?

No. Nivea has not indicated going fully vegan. 

Does Nivea Test on Animals?

Yes. Nivea tests on animals since Nivea allows animal testing for its products in situations where it is mandated by law. 

Is Nivea Certified Cruelty-Free?

No. Nivea is not certified cruelty-free. Nivea may test on animals, either themselves, through their suppliers, or a third party.

Who Owns Nivea?

Nivea is owned by its parent company Beiersdorf AG. Beiersdorf AG is a German multinational company specializing in skincare, personal care, and adhesive technologies. Nivea is one of the well-known brands under Beiersdorf’s portfolio. 

Beiersdorf AG is not a cruelty-free firm as it allows animal tests in instances where it is mandated by law.

Which Nivea Products Are Vegan?

None of Nivea’s products are considered to be vegan as Nivea allows animal tests on its products. 

Summary

Nivea, a popular skincare and personal care brand, was founded in Hamburg, Germany, in 1911. Nivea is not a vegan brand. It uses animal-derived ingredients in its products and permits animal testing when required by law, making it non-cruelty-free. 

We hope that Nivea will take on the goal of going cruelty-free and fully vegan one day. Until then keep checking in on Vegan Avenue for an updated vegan product list.

See also: Best Vegan Skincare Brands

Anett is a passionate journalist, writer, and magazine editor with almost 7 years of experience. Through engaging articles, she brings kinder and more environmentally-friendly choices closer to everybody.