The Nivea story
Pharmacist Paul Beiersdorf founded his company in Hamburg in 1882. In 1911, under the leadership of Oscar Troplowitz, it launched Nivea Creme, built on a new emulsifier that held oil and water together in a stable cream. The name comes from the Latin "nivis", meaning snow. The famous blue tin was introduced in 1925.
What makes Nivea powerful
Nivea's blue tin is one of the most trusted skincare icons in the world. The brand stands for gentle, effective care at a fair price and is used across generations of families. It has grown into face care, body care, sun protection and deodorants, while the original creme remains its symbol.
Nivea today
Nivea is owned by Beiersdorf AG, listed in Frankfurt and majority owned by the Herz family's holding company, maxingvest. Beiersdorf also owns Eucerin and La Prairie. The company has invested in skin research and has set targets for reducing emissions and plastic.
What comes next for Nivea
The road ahead for Nivea is to defend its value position in mass skincare while adding more science-led products to compete in a fast-moving market.
Why Nivea ranks #30
Nivea ranks #99 in WCRC's World's Most Powerful 100 Brands 2026 with a Power Score of 73.66.
Europe's ranking carries the same score, which places Nivea at #30 among brands of core European origin.
Pillar profile
Nivea was assessed on all five pillars and 50 parameters in the World's Most Powerful 100 Brands 2026. See its full global profile.
Versus its nearest rivals
5 Beauty & Personal Care brands are in the Europe 100. Nivea is #3 in its sector.
Questions people ask
What rank is Nivea in WCRC's Europe's Most Powerful 100 Brands 2026?
Nivea ranks #30 of 100 in Europe's Most Powerful 100 Brands 2026, with a WCRC Power Score of 73.66 out of 100. It also ranks #99 in WCRC's World's Most Powerful 100 Brands 2026.
When was Nivea founded and who founded it?
Nivea was founded in 1911. Founder(s): Oscar Troplowitz.
Who leads Nivea today?
Vincent Warnery, CEO, Beiersdorf. The brand is owned by Beiersdorf AG.
Where is Nivea headquartered?
Nivea is based in Hamburg, Germany. Its country of origin is Germany.
What is Nivea's revenue?
NIVEA €5.53bn; Beiersdorf group €9.85bn (FY2025), according to the company's published results.
What is a signature fact about Nivea?
Nivea Creme was launched in 1911 as one of the first stable oil-and-water skin creams.
Key facts
| Brand | Nivea |
|---|---|
| Company / owner | Beiersdorf AG |
| Headquarters | Hamburg, Germany |
| Founded | 1911 |
| Founder(s) | Oscar Troplowitz |
| Leadership | Vincent Warnery, CEO, Beiersdorf |
| Latest revenue | NIVEA €5.53bn; Beiersdorf group €9.85bn (FY2025) Source |
| Sector | Beauty & Personal Care |
| Country of origin | Germany |
| Signature fact | Nivea Creme was launched in 1911 as one of the first stable oil-and-water skin creams. |
| Official website | nivea.com |
Nivea is ranked #30 in WCRC's Europe's Most Powerful 100 Brands 2026 (Power Score 73.66).