Nivea to launch world's first cosmetic product with recycled CO2

Nivea Men has become the first skin-care manufacturer to use an ingredient obtained from recycled carbon dioxide in its latest product.

The Beiersdorf-owned brand said its new Climate Care Moisturiser contains 14% ethanol that has been obtained through "alternative methods", made possible by the carbon capture and utilisation (CCU) process, an ultramodern method for making use of carbon.

The CO2-recycling technology comprises multiple steps, with carbon dioxide collected at locations such as industrial chimneys and diverted to a bioreactor, where it is then fermented and processed into a cosmetic ethanol, to be used in numerous cosmetic products.

The skin-care product is also 100% free of microplastics, silicones, mineral oils, and PEG/PEG derivatives, and manufactured using electricity from 100% renewable sources. The formula is 99% biodegradable, with fully recyclable packaging.

The moisturiser will be launched on the German market in early June 2022, initially as a limited edition at drugstores and various online retailers.

Jean-Francois Pascal, Vice President Sustainability at Beiersdorf said: "This new men’s skin care product with the innovative CO2-recycling technology represents an important milestone for us. 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 centre of our approach."