Recycling CO2 into skincare: Beiersdorf introduces limited edition Nivea Men Climate Care Moisturizer

15 Apr 2022 --- German personal care giant Beiersdorf is addressing the ubiquitous demand for planet-conscious skincare products in its latest skincare launch, which harnesses carbon dioxide (CO2) recycling technology to power its operations. The resulting brand is the Nivea Men Climate Care Moisturizer.

Transforming harmful CO2 emissions in the atmosphere provides new opportunities for industry to ensure the reduction of carbon footprints, the company asserts. The new moisturizer reportedly contains 14% ethanol, which is obtained by carbon capture and utilization (CCU), a method of recycling CO2.

The moisturizer formula is noted to be “100% free of microplastics, silicones, mineral oils and PEG/PEG derivatives.” It is said to have a soothing effect on the skin, adding a “refreshing moisture boost.” 

Nivea Men Climate Care Moisturizer limited edition will be launched on the German market this coming June, in selected drugstores and online platforms. 

 Renewable and recyclable tech   
Beiersdorf says that the Climate Care Moisturizer is manufactured using electricity from 100% renewable sources with a formula that is 99% biodegradable. Climate Care Moisturizer is manufactured using electricity from 100% renewable sources.

The first step of recycling CO2 is to collect it from, for instance, industrial chimneys. It is then diverted to a bioreactor, where it is fermented and processed into cosmetic ethanol. Ethanol is utilized in various cosmetics products.

“The ‘Climate Care’ name hits the mark very well, as our sustainability engagement goes far beyond the scope of our skincare products and puts climate action at the center of our approach,” says Jean-Francois Pascal, vice president of sustainability at Beiersdorf. 

Additionally, the packaging is also fully recyclable. 

“This new men’s skincare product with its innovative CO2-recycling technology represents an important milestone for us,” says  Pascal. 

This new launch comes at the heels of the European Council’s announcement of plans to create a European CCU market. In the near future, companies may be offered greater economic or regulatory incentive to use captured carbon in manufacturing personal care ingredients.

Ambitious carbon-reduction targets
The company claims to have set “one of the most ambitious” carbon-reduction targets in industry – willing to achieve an absolute reduction of 30% of its scope one and two carbon emissions and 10% of its scope three emissions group-wide by 2025.

Transforming harmful CO2 emissions in the atmosphere provides potential and new opportunities for industry to ensure the reduction of carbon footprints for a more climate-positive future.

“Our ambition is to offer consumers the highest product quality possible. To make that happen, we combine our deep scientific expertise with the latest technologies, such as this type of artificial photosynthesis,” says Dr. Gitta Neufang, corporate SVP global R&D at Beiersdorf.

The company previously partnered with Evonik for a joint research project to turn CO2 into personal care products. This was where artificial photosynthesis was researched to generate renewable energy, CO2, and water. 

“By using carbon dioxide as the starting material for the production of valuable raw materials, we can close the carbon cycle – exactly as demonstrated by nature with photosynthesis,” says Thomas Haas, responsible for artificial photosynthesis at Evonik. 

Additionally, the goals are reported to be in alignment with the demand by scientists to limit global warming to 1.5°Celsius. The targets have also been recognized by the Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi). 

“I am delighted that our product developers have initiated this innovative men’s skincare concept with our partners. They were the first in our industry to bring it to market,” continues Neufang. 

“It is an impressive step that is bound to be followed by more developments in this direction.” 

In other recent eco-centric moves, Beiersdorf recently partnered with World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Germany to bolster its approach to climate sustainability and supply chain solutions.

Edited by Venya Patel