History

1882

Paul C Beiersdorf, a pharmacist based in Hamburg, takes out a patent for a new method of manufacturing medical adhesive dressings. This marks the development of Beiersdorf as a company whose reputation around the world would be built on innovative products and high quality standards.

1911

Professor Unna and Dr Troplowitz, along with Eucerit‟s creator Dr Issac Lifschutz, get together to develop and market NIVEA Creme. NIVEA Creme is born! The name comes from the Latin word „nix, nivis‟, meaning snow.

1922

NIVEA launches in the United Kingdom.

HANSAPLAST launches on the market and revolutionises wound care as it is the first plaster with a gauze pad so it can be used on open wounds.

After signing an agreement with Smith & Nephew, Beiersdorf gains the right to manufacture and distribute plasters in the UK. Beiersdorf UK is officially founded on 1st September.

In a bid to retain the UK company Beiersdorf changes its name to Herts Pharmaceuticals Ltd. Herts Pharmaceuticals is bought by Smith & Nephew Ltd.

Beiersdorf buys back the NIVEA and ATRIXO trademarks from Smith & Nephew in the UK and in some ex-commonwealth countries. NIVEA Visage is immediately launched in 1993 (UK) and many important launches follow.

1994

Beiersdorf succeeds in launching a new independent skincare cream, lighter than that of NIVEA Creme, called NIVEA Soft, targeted specifically at the younger generation. This is launched in the UK in 1997.

1998 - 1999

NIVEA Hand, NIVEA For Men and NIVEA Lip Care are launched in the UK.

2000

EUCERIN is integrated into the skincare business and ELASTOPLAST is acquired from Smith & Nephew, giving Beiersdorf the right to market and sell the brand in the UK and all commonwealth countries.

2002

NIVEA Deodorant launches in the UK.

2003

NIVEA becomes an active supporter of Cancer Research UK with sponsoring Race For Life.

2004

Beiersdorf celebrates grand opening of long-term, purpose-built office based in Birmingham.

2005

In a Reader’s Digest survey, NIVEA was voted Britain's most trusted skincare brand.

2010 Beiersdorf introduces EUCERIN AQUAporin. An active moisturiser developed using Nobel Prize inspired technology.

2011

NIVEA celebrates 100 years! NIVEA launches its first product range made from natural origin ingredients – Pure & Natural.

You can find more information about the History of Beiersdorf  on our global website.