Brand

NIVEA

NIVEA was created in 1911 by pharmacist Oscar Troplowitz and chemist Isaac Lifschutz in Hamburg, Germany, who developed the first stable oil-in-water emulsion cream using Eucerit, a water-in-oil emulsifier derived from wool wax. The name NIVEA comes from the Latin 'niveus' meaning snow-white. The iconic blue tin of NIVEA Creme has been a household staple for over 110 years and is sold in over 200 countries. Owned by Beiersdorf, NIVEA is one of the most recognized skincare brands globally with massive market share in body care and moisturizing. With 9 products across 2 categories averaging 68/100 in our database, NIVEA's scores reflect that while the brand excels at basic moisturization, many formulations contain fragrance and older ingredient technology that limit performance for specific skin conditions compared to more modern formulations.

Drugstore Dermatologist Recommended Est. 1911 Hamburg, Germany Beiersdorf

9 Products

77 Evaluations

68 Avg Score

2 Categories

Best NIVEA product by condition:

Dry 90 Oily 82 Combo 81 Acne 72 Sensitive 87 Aging 85

Brand Philosophy

NIVEA believes in reliable, accessible skincare for everyone. The brand's philosophy centers on providing trusted, effective moisturization at prices anyone can afford. While not chasing cutting-edge actives, NIVEA delivers consistent, well-researched basic skincare that has served billions of consumers for over a century.

Who It's For

Budget-conscious consumers seeking basic, reliable moisturization. The classic NIVEA Creme remains effective for simple moisture needs, though those with specific skin conditions may find better-targeted options elsewhere.

Known For

NIVEA Creme (iconic blue tin)
110+ year heritage
Global mass-market dominance
Eucerit emulsification technology
Body and hand care staples

Signature Ingredients

Eucerit (emulsifier)
Glycerin
Mineral Oil
Shea Butter
Panthenol

NIVEA at a Glance

Strongest Categories

NIVEA performs best in: Body Care (7 products, avg 69/100); Moisturizer (2 products, avg 64/100).

Best Conditions Served

Across all products, NIVEA scores highest for: Dry/Dehydrated Skin (avg 79/100); Aging/Mature Skin (avg 78/100); Dull/Uneven Texture (avg 76/100). If your primary concern is one of these conditions, NIVEA products are particularly worth considering.

Certifications

Common certifications include Dermatologically Tested, Paraben-Free, Phthalate-Free.

Best NIVEA by Skin Condition

The highest-scoring NIVEA product for each condition we evaluate.

Dry/Dehydrated

All NIVEA Products (9)

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Body Lotion High

Body Care

NIVEA Intense Healing Body Lotion

Face, Body and Hand Moisturizing Cream High

Moisturizer

NIVEA Creme

NIVEA Essentially Enriched Body Lotion

NIVEA Moisture Lip Care

NIVEA Shea Nourish Body Lotion

NIVEA Fresh Aloe and Lily Body Wash with Nourishing Serum

Firming Body Lotion High

Body Care

NIVEA Nourishing Hydration Skin Firming Body Lotion

All-Purpose Moisturizing Cream High

Moisturizer

NIVEA Soft Moisturizing Creme

Firming Body Gel Cream High

Body Care

NIVEA Skin Firming & Toning Body Gel Cream

Frequently Asked Questions about NIVEA

What is the best NIVEA product?

Based on our scoring, NIVEA Intense Healing Body Lotion is the highest-rated NIVEA product with a score of 90/100 for dry/dehydrated skin. Excellent 72-hour body lotion. Rich glycerin formula deeply hydrates very dry skin without greasy feel.

Is NIVEA worth the price?

NIVEA products are positioned at the drugstore tier with an average score of 68/100 across 9 evaluated products. Check individual product scores to determine whether specific products justify the investment for your skin concern.

What skin type is NIVEA best for?

NIVEA scores highest for dry/dehydrated skin, with an average score of 79/100 across relevant products. They also perform well for aging/mature skin and dull/uneven texture. Check condition-specific scores for the product you are considering.

Every NIVEA product above has been scored individually for each relevant skin condition. Click any product to see its full evaluation, ingredient analysis, and usage guidance for your specific concern.