Ingredients

What is BHT?

BHT is an antioxidant used in foods and cosmetics. Many ingredients would become rancid if they reacted with the oxygen in the environment. BHT protects these ingredients against oxidation and makes them last longer.

BHT: functions

Almost all living things need oxygen. Yet oxygen is also powerfully reactive and causes many other substances to oxidize. Rust, for example, is the result of iron oxidation. Oils and fats get rancid when they oxidize. This is where BHT comes in. Only a tiny amount of BHT (short for the rather unwieldy name butylated hydroxy-toluene) prevents oxidization. It is used in foods, medicine and cosmetics to help products keep fresh and last longer.

How NIVEA uses BHT

True to our belief we are using only the ingredients needed in a responsible and restrictive manner. NIVEA includes BHT in less than 10 percent of our products. When we use it, the concentrations are very low – lower than in many foods, actually! BHT makes some of our creams and lotions, lip care, shaving gels, and shower oils last longer. Without the antioxidant, the natural oils and other ingredients would get rancid, become less beneficial and smell funny. Very small traces of BHT may also be found in other perfumed products. This is because the perfume manufacturers who supply the perfumed oils use BHT to protect them against oxidation and therefore to keep the fragrance appeal.

Potential Issues

Some people claim that BHT can pass through the skin and interfere with the human hormone system. A substance that does this is called an “endocrine disruptor”. There are studies that have found BHT to have endocrine effects, but those studies bore little resemblance to reality. They exposed the test subjects to extremely high doses of BHT in a very short time. The concentration of BHT in NIVEA products, in contrast, is very, very low. Research so far does not indicate that cosmetic products or their ingredients have any harmful influence on the human body or our hormone balance. In fact, natural foods like soy have a much higher endocrine activity!

BHT has a long history of safe use, and not just in cosmetic products. The World Health Organization did an in-depth examination that found BHT to be suitable for use in food. So it’s even safe to eat! What’s more (or less, as it were): cosmetics contain a clearly lower concentration of BHT than foods. BHT has been used around the world in cosmetic products for decades and has proven safe and highly tolerable – there has been no indication that it may cause allergies, either.

But does BHT harm our planet? It doesn’t, according to a recent study of the Australian National Industrial Chemicals Notification and Assessment Scheme (NICNAS). The assessment concluded that BHT poses no significant risk to the environment.

What are fragrances?

One of the first things you notice about any cosmetics product is their unique smell. Fragrances give skincare and other products their pleasant and very characteristic odor.
Every fragrance is a characteristic blend of different substances and scents – the average fragrance contains 30-50 fragrance ingredients. Fragrance ingredients are natural or synthetic perfumes that can be used individually but are usually combined with others to form a specific fragrance. Natural scent compounds are derived from plants (e.g. essential oils) and/or other natural sources while synthetic ones are created in the lab. However, fragrances are usually mixtures of synthetic and natural ingredients.

Fragrances: functions 

Numerous studies show that fragrances increase our well-being and have a positive effect on our minds. Depending on the composition, they can have, for example, a calming or energizing effect. Fragrances make cosmetics (and many other products) smell good and distinctive: They impart pleasant odor, mask the smell of some effective but not nice smelling ingredients, enhance the experience of using the product and help us to express our individuality.

How NIVEA uses fragrances

NIVEA uses fragrances in most of our products. Our fragrances are carefully composed of natural and synthetic ingredients. In line with our principle not to put anything in our products that doesn’t have to be there, we use fragrances in a very controlled manner. To make sure that every fragrance we use is safe and stable, we have created a special list which defines maximum quantities for certain fragrance ingredients and which provides other binding requirements to ensure quality and safety of all our fragrances, going far beyond existing legal requirements. This so-called restriction list for fragrances applies to every one of our fragrance suppliers.

Potential Issues

As all other mixtures of substances, also fragrances may sensitize the skin as they contain many different ingredients. Whether these ingredients are natural, derived from natural sources, or synthetic makes little difference. However, this does not mean that persons with sensitive skin should not use NIVEA products containing fragrances! We only use perfumes that exhibit no relevant allergy potential and take great care to monitor the fragrances in our products. Every ingredient we use, including our fragrances has to meet our strict skin tolerability criteria. 
While fragrances are very tolerable for most people, it is estimated that 1- 2 percent of the population shows allergic responses to certain fragrance ingredients. This applies to both synthetic and natural ingredients. The European Cosmetics regulation lists 26 substances associated with allergic reactions. If a cosmetics product contains any of these substances above certain limits, they must be declared on the packaging. This disclosure helps you to avoid ingredients you may be sensitized to. If you ever experience allergy symptoms, you should ask your doctor to perform an allergy test. You can thus pinpoint the scent you are allergic to and need not avoid all products with fragrance.

How NIVEA protects your skin against sun damage

Sunshine is generally good for our wellbeing. The sun’s rays promote the production of the happiness hormone serotonin, so the sun makes us happy. Sun rays give us a beautiful glow and stimulate the skin’s vitamin D production, which is particularly important for bone stability and our health in general. But so called UVA and UVB rays in sunlight can also have negative effects on our skin. UVB rays penetrate the upper layer of the skin and are responsible for painful sunburn. Because of their high energy levels, UVB rays can directly damage DNA which in the worst case can lead to skin cancer. UVA rays penetrate the skin more deeply. Although we are usually not aware of them because they aren’t painful, they form free radicals which are able to damage cells and DNA which may lead to skin cancer. UVA-induced free radical stress can lead to allergies and skin ageing: about 80% of wrinkles are caused by UVA light!

That’s why we have to enjoy sun responsibly and with sufficient sun protection. One of the most common means of protection is to apply sunscreen products. Thanks to the innovative strength of the research and development departments, NIVEA took a pioneering role in sun protection products (first official NIVEA sun protection cream was launched in 1936!) and is today the world's no. 1 sun care brand*

Our NIVEA sunscreen products contain UV filters which are essential to help you protect your skin against the adverse effects of sunlight. In general, there are two types of UV filters: Organic (also called chemical) UV filters absorb the UV rays and transform energy into heat. Sunscreens containing organic UV filters can have benefits like easy application or transparent formulas. Besides organic filters, there are also mineral (or in other words - physical) UV filters. They consist of tiny particles that form kind of a shield when you apply the sunscreen. UV rays are reflected by this shield so they cannot harm your skin. However, products that contain only mineral UV filters are less easy to spread on the skin than products that contain organic UV filters only or in which combinations of organic and mineral UV filters are used. Sunscreens containing only mineral UV filters tend to leave behind a faint whitish film which will vary in thickness depending on the sun protection factor.

To ensure reliable sun protection and the most pleasant experience on each usage occasion, NIVEA offers sunscreen products with either organic UV filters only, or with a combination of mineral and organic UV filters.

*Source: Euromonitor International Limited; NIVEA in the category Sun Care, incl. Sun Protection, Aftersun and Self-Tanning; in retail value terms, 2018 data

Sun screens and the coral reefs

NIVEA is committed to reduce any negative impact on the environment, including coral reefs – one of the most diverse marine ecosystems. Approximately one quarter of all ocean species depend on reefs. It is well known that the survival of coral reefs around the world is under threat by various factors. The factors contributing to coral decline are complex and wide-ranging. Two primary causes are considered to be temperature anomalies and extreme weather conditions related to global climate change. Local factors such as land-based pollution caused by coastal development and agriculture, unsustainable fishing practices and an increasing number of invasive, coral-damaging species play a key role as well. 

According to recent studies that investigated on corals under laboratory conditions, specific UV-filters – primarily oxybenzone (benzophenone-3) and octinoxate (ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate) – are suspected to accelerate coral bleaching. As of 2021, sun protection products containing these chemical UV filters will be banned in Hawaii.

We have never used oxybenzone in our European NIVEA sunscreen products as this UV filter does not meet the high standards we set for our sunscreens. Octinoxate has been eliminated from all European NIVEA sun protection products as early as 2016. That means that all European NIVEA sunscreen products were already compliant with the Hawaiian Reef Bill even before its passage in 2018.

NIVEA only uses UV filters which have been considered safe for consumers and the environment by the appropriate regulatory agencies. We are assessing our portfolio of ingredients for their possible effects on the environment. New ingredients must meet our stringent standards and we would not implement ingredients if current scientific knowledge and subsequent environmental risk assessments in relation to our products show them to be harmful to the environment. 

Research into UV filters and their environmental impact is still in its early stages, however, and has so far mainly been conducted in laboratories. There is therefore no scientific clarity as yet on the extent to which UV filters impact coral reefs and the wider marine environment under real life conditions.

We want to be in tune with the times and work with the latest findings to successfully drive more sustainable innovations: Therefore we are intensively exchanging with scientists, sustainability experts and our suppliers to help us improve and ensure the environmental compatibility of our NIVEA sunscreen products.

What are titanium dioxide nanopigments?

Titanium dioxide is a mineral-based, white substance used as pigment in sunscreen, food coloring and other areas. Nanopigments of this substance are tiny particles – a million times smaller than a grain of sand. Titanium dioxide nanopigments are used in cosmetics as mineral (or physical) UV filter. Applied to the skin, they reflect and scatter UV rays and help to protect the skin against sunburn, premature aging, and skin cancer.

Titanium dioxide nanopigments: functions

Imagine a coat of armor around your body that keeps UV radiation away from your skin. Now imagine this coat of armor made of countless shields so tiny that they are individually invisible (while building in millions a smooth white coat on your skin). That’s how titanium dioxide nanopigments work. Like a shining armor, they reflect UV rays before they can damage the skin and the DNA of skin cells. They act as a mineral UV filter helping to protect you against immediate effects like sunburn as well as long-term hazards like skin cancer, helping to keep your skin healthy and naturally beautiful.

How NIVEA uses titanium dioxide 

NIVEA has selected a well-balanced combination of UV filters for each respective product addressing different usage situations and needs. Therefore, NIVEA uses titanium dioxide in combination with organic (or chemical) UV filters in some of its sunscreen products. This way, we can offer you the best of both worlds: reliable protection against UVA and UVB rays in sunscreen that is easier to apply than one which contains only mineral UV filters, that feels good on your skin and that is water resistant (nevertheless: Never forget to re-apply after taking a dip!).

Potential Issues

Some consumer protection organizations have repeatedly claimed that nanomaterials – of which nanopigments are a part – may pass through the skin into the body and cause damage. We believe that all health considerations and potential issues should be taken seriously. However, these claims do not apply to titanium dioxide, the only nanopigments we use in our sunscreen products. Many comprehensive studies come to the conclusion that these ingredients do not penetrate the skin barrier when you apply sunscreen. Independent official authorities like European Commission’s Scientific Committee for Consumer Safety (SCCS), the German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, and the EU NANODERM program have all concluded that nanopigments in cosmetics are harmless when applied to healthy skin. The NANODERM study also found that the tiny particles do not pass into the deeper skin layers. Thus, they do not enter the body and pose no threat to your health. On the contrary: they protect you against skin cell damage and skin cancer. That’s why you should take good care and use sunscreen when you’re exposed to the sun. 

What are parabens?

Parabens keep your cosmetic products fresh so you can safely use them. Even if you forgot to put the lid on your face cream in the bathroom or your sunscreen gets pretty warm on your beach towel. Without parabens, many cosmetic products - especially those containing water - would spoil soon after you’ve opened them. Parabens give you the security that your body lotion, face cream, or other favorite product stays fresh as on the day you first opened it.

Parabens: function and safety

Parabens are preservatives. They make sure that skin care products, especially those containing a lot of water, stay fresh over a long period of time by acting against germs and fungi. Parabens can be created artificially or found in natural ingredients such as carrots, cucumbers, olives and more. Both effective and highly tolerable, parabens have been used to preserve cosmetics, household products, medicine, and foods for more than 80 years. Over the decades, parabens have been intensely researched. In fact, they are the most researched preservatives of all. The results: both the European Commission and the independent U.S. evaluative commission (Cosmetic Ingredient Review / CIR) agree that parabens are safe.

How NIVEA uses parabens

At this point, parabens are the safest and gentlest preservatives we can use. However, we keep constantly researching to find the best, effective and healthiest ways to keep our products, our environment and you safe. NIVEA only uses parabens in about 20 percent of our products - up to 80 percent are paraben-free. Take our classic NIVEA cream: its oily formula keeps it fresh without preservatives. All of our baby products are also paraben-free. A few products which still contain parabens are some face creams, sunscreens and body lotions. We include preservatives in these products to make sure they remain safe for you to use. 

Potential Issues 

There are more studies on parabens than any other preservative. The conclusion is: parabens are versatile, effective and safe to use, causing little to no allergic reactions. Some people have raised concerns that parabens may accumulate in our bodies and affect our hormones or general wellbeing in the long run. However, additional studies have shown that parabens are quickly broken down in the body. This is why the European Commission and the American Cosmetic Ingredient Review have both concluded that parabens do not impact our health. 

Our own NIVEA expert team also confirms that parabens are safe for humans, which is why we still use them in some products. But we want our products to be safe and good for everybody, including people with paraben intolerance. This is why we keep looking into other, equally safe and gentle preservative options. We have found a number of alternative preservative systems and created products for those of you who may be sensitive to parabens - or simply wish to avoid parabens in their products.

What are PEG compounds?

PEG stands for polyethylene glycol. PEG compounds are the whizzes of the cosmetics world: they serve as emulsifiers, binding agents, stabilizers, and emollients

PEG compounds: functions

PEG compounds can perform several functions at once. As emulsifiers, they make sure that oil and water mix and form nice, smooth creams and lotions. They allow perfume oils to dissolve in water-based products. In shampoos and shower gels, they help create supple foam. As emollients, PEG compounds soften and moisturize the skin. Some of these multi-taskers also have a cleansing effect. Apart from the cosmetic industry, PEG compounds are used in pharmaceutical and medical fields.

How NIVEA uses PEG compounds

NIVEA uses PEG compounds in creams, lotions, shower gels, shampoos, and bath essences. Not only do they perform a wide range of functions, they are also very skin-friendly and not known to trigger allergies. 

Potential Issues

There have been claims that PEG compounds may pass through the skin into the body and carry other, potentially harmful ingredients with them. The truth is: there are many different PEG compounds and they do not all act the same way. Some compounds actually do make the skin more permeable – and they’re supposed to, because they are used in medicinal salves. Others don’t cross the skin barrier. Whether the PEG compounds affect skin permeability also depends on their concentration and the other ingredients used in the product formula. True to our commitment to use only safe and necessary ingredients, NIVEA selects the compounds in our products very carefully. We also keep the concentration levels low enough to ensure safe use. For each new formula, there is an extensive testing period during which we make sure that it does not irritate, cause allergies, or have any other undesired effects.

What are silicones?

Silicones are chemical compounds that are uniquely smooth and fluid. As silicone oils, they lend skincare products their pleasant texture and make them easy to apply.

Silicones: functions and safety

Silicones are the “smoothifiers” of the cosmetics world: without them, face creams and lotions would be tougher and less pleasant to the touch. Chemically speaking, silicones are a group of compounds containing chains made up of silicon atoms and oxygen atoms, combined with other elements. They can withstand very high temperatures, do not react easily with other substances, and are skinfriendly.

Silicones are safe to use with foods – maybe you own a silicone spatula or other cookware made of silicone. The silicones used in cosmetics are silicone oils: clear, odorless liquids that lend lotions, creams, and other products their smooth, silky texture.

How NIVEA uses silicones

NIVEA uses approximately 30 different silicones, and about 20 percent of our products globally – mainly leave-on products, like face creams and lotions or deodorants, contain silicones. Why so many different silicones? Because each and every one of them has a specific effect, and we take care to include only ingredients that have a noticeable benefit for your product experience. Silicone oils in lotions and creams make sure that the product is a delight to apply and give your skin a silky smooth touch. In haircare, silicones prevent static charge and frizz, making for soft and supple hair. In liquid deodorants, they ensure that the active antiperspirant ingredients are distributed evenly and nothing gets lumpy.

The great thing about silicones is that they are not only highly multi-talented, but also safe and skin-friendly. Even more so than some natural oils! When natural oils react with oxygen, the resulting products may irritate the skin or cause allergies. Silicone oils, on the other hand, rarely trigger allergies and do not oxidize easily. This - in addition to their great fluidity - makes them skin compatible and ideal for use in cosmetics. But doesn’t silicone in haircare products weigh down your hair? There are no systematic studies showing that silicones weigh down the hair. NIVEA haircare formulas wash out easily and let your hair shine in all its glory. We also offer silicone-free shampoos and conditioners to leave the choice up to you.

Potential Issues

There are claims that silicone oils from cosmetics products might damage the environment. The silicones in shampoos, conditioners or other products that get rinsed out go down the drain and end up in the waste water. Silicones are very stable and therefore do not degrade easily. As they are almost insoluble in water and non-toxic we can conclude that they do not pose a risk to the environment. Recently cyclic silicones have been regarded by the European Chemicals Agency as potentially harmful to the environment although other authorities e.g. in USA and Canada consider these cyclic silicones as safe. These cyclic silicones (namely D5 and D6) should not be confused with the majority of other silicones which do not fall in this group and are considered safe to the environment as they neither bioaccumulate nor are toxic to living things according to current knowledge.

We carefully monitor further regulatory developments as well as scientific research on cyclic silicones to review and prepare our measures to continuously evolve our products and provide the best possible performance for the consumer as well as for the environment.

What is aluminum chlorohydrate?

Aluminum chlorohydrate (ACH) is a substance within the group of aluminum salts. It is used as active ingredient in antiperspirants. Aluminum chlorohydrate occurs naturally and can also be produced industrially. 

Aluminum chlorohydrate: functions

Have you ever wondered about the difference between antiperspirants and deodorants? Deodorants merely prevent bad odors when you sweat while antiperspirants actually prevent sweating. They do it with the help of aluminum chlorohydrate, which causes the sweat glands under your arms to constrict. This way, you sweat less so there will be no wet spots on your clothes and no unpleasant body odor.

How NIVEA uses aluminum chlorohydrate

NIVEA uses aluminum chlorohydrate in antiperspirants as one of the most effective active ingredients against sweat production. It blocks the sweat flow in your underarm area and keeps you feeling fresh and confident. Our “pure” deodorants (i.e., without antiperspirant effect) do not contain aluminum chlorohydrate. Instead, they use antibacterial agents to stop the growth of bacteria that cause body odor. Aluminum-free deodorant or antiperspirant with aluminum chlorohydrate: the choice is yours.

Potential Issues

There have been concerns that aluminum may increase the risk of breast cancer and neurological diseases like Alzheimer’s. Elevated aluminum content has been found in the brains of persons with Alzheimer’s disease. However, it remains unclear whether this is a cause or an effect of the disease.

Aluminum is the third most common element in the earth’s crust. It occurs naturally in drinking water, fruit, vegetables, grains, and meat. We take up aluminum with our daily diet. Most of the aluminum we consume is eliminated through our kidneys. Still, many people are worried that aluminum in antiperspirants may be absorbed through the skin and elevate the aluminum levels in the body. Two studies conducted with human volunteers examined the ability of aluminum chlorohydrate to penetrate through the skin: both studies showed consistently, that only 0.01 percent of the aluminum quantity applied entered the body. Using an antiperspirant under normal conditions of use, can therefore be considered safe. What’s more: as soon as aluminum chlorohydrate comes in contact with sweat, it is turned into aluminum hydroxide, a solid and insoluble substance that cannot penetrate the skin barrier and enter the body. Even if you apply your antiperspirant directly after shaving your skin will not absorb higher levels of aluminum. It may burn a bit, however, as many antiperspirants also contain alcohol – so you better wait a while before applying!

ACTIVE INGREDIENTS

Several active ingredients are used in NIVEA SUN products. Panthenol, for example, is a B-Vitamin the body is not able to produce itself and is known to support the skin‘s regeneration and to improve its moisturization.

COLOR PIGMENTS

Selected NIVEA Sun Kids products include colorants to make the application of sunscreen more playful, so that children connect sun protection with fun from an early age on.

EMOLLIENTS

Emollients, e.g. Butylene Glycol Dicaprylate / Dicaprate or Dibutyl Adipate, are oils or oil de-rivatives used in order to maintain a soft and smooth skin feeling.

EMULSIFIERS

NIVEA Sun products use emulsifiers, e.g. Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, to disperse tiny oil droplets in water - just like your milk in the fridge - to provide a product which is pleasant to apply to the skin.

FILM FORMERS

Film formers, e.g. VP/Hexadecene Copolymer, are used to ensure that the sunscreen forms a continuous waterproof film on the skin, which is critical for products with extra-waterproof UVA and UVB protection.

FRAGRANCE

Fragrance is used to create NIVEA’s iconic and beloved scent to awaken the emotion of a beautiful sunny day at the beach.

MOISTURIZERS / SOLVENTS

Moisturizers, e.g. Glycerin, are ingredients used in cosmetic products to retard moisture loss. Solvents are liquids used to dissolve the solid components in the formula.

NEUTRALIZING AGENTS

Neutralizing agents, e.g. Sodium Hydroxide or Citric Acid, are used to adjust the pH value of our formulas.

POWDERS

Powders, e.g. Distarch Phosphate or Silica, help absorb oil on the skin, which leads to a pleasant skin feeling.

PRESERVATIVES

Preservatives prevent or retard microbial growth thus protect sun protection products from spoilage.

PROPELLANTS

Propellants, e.g. Butane, Isobutane or Propane, help the formula to be expelled from the packaging.

RHEOLOGICAL MODIFIERS

Rheological modifiers, e.g. Microcrystalline Cellulose or Xanthan Gum, are used to alter the viscosity of an emulsion and allow us to create different formula types like lotions and sprays.

STABILIZERS

Stabilizers help to maintain the function and activity of other ingredients in the sunscreen.

UV-FILTERS

Sunscreen protects skin against harmful UV radiation thanks to UV filters. Mineral UV filters, e.g. Titanium Dioxide, reflect the sun‘s rays while organic UV filters, e.g. Methoxydibenzoylmethane (organic UVA filter) and Phenylbenzimidazole Sulfonic Acid (organic UVB filter), absorb them.