Research and Development

The success of our products is based on many years of experience in research and development. In this key area of our company we develop pioneering product innovations offering outstanding quality and excellent tolerability. As a result Beiersdorf consistently sets new trends in the skin and beauty care market around the world. With tesa, too, we are setting global standards in the area of modern, self-adhesive system and product solutions.

In the year under review, we invested a total of €149 million in research and development and employed 926 people worldwide in this area.  see Chart 25

Consumer: Innovative Skin and Beauty Care

By researching skin, discovering the active ingredients that occur naturally in it, and closely observing active ingredients' effect on skin, we are able to develop innovative and highly effective product formulations that are successful globally. Most of our research takes place at our Skin Research Center in Hamburg which, with more than 450 scientists, is one of the largest and most advanced research centers in Germany, and one of the most important in the world. Our fields of activity include both basic dermatological research and the development of new products on the basis of an in-depth understanding of our consumers’ wishes and needs.

Our research uses a comprehensive range of state-of-the-art biotechnology methods to meet consumers’ wishes for effective cosmetic solutions as optimally as possible. In face care, this allowed us to develop a new, effective face-lifting effect using biotechnologically produced plant peptides in the year under review, and to launch it on the market as the NIVEA VISAGE Expert Lift face care range for women over the age of 50. The product range achieved remarkable results in anti-aging studies. In addition to our traditionally strong position in skin research, we achieved excellent results in the hair care segment. Our cell metabolism research, which has been ongoing for many years, demonstrated that a combination of creatine and carnitine stimulates hair growth. The men’s product which is based on this, NIVEA FOR MEN Hair Recharge, has been on the shelves since the fall of 2008. We were also able to launch a series of other key innovations. Our high innovation rate was reflected in 100 newly developed products in 2008, and our innovation quality in 87 patent applications. Some of the most successful new developments were:

NIVEA Hair Care Diamond Gloss range: The innovative care range for long hair is enriched with diamond particles and calla extract, giving hair a diamond gloss and making it feel smoother.

NIVEA DEODORANT Double Effect: The deodorant offers a combination of antiperspirant protection and beauty care. The high proportion of avocado extract leaves skin and hair softer and thus supports a close shave – underarms stay smooth for longer.

Watch the TV commercial of NIVEA DEODORANT Double Effect.

NIVEA body My Silhouette: The figure care gel tightens and smoothes the skin, improving its elasticity. The formula with the highly effective ingredients white tea and anise extract produces visible and measurable results in only four weeks.

NIVEA FOR MEN Extreme Comfort After Shave Balsam and Shaving Gel: Both care products were developed for men who want the best possible skin care without skin irritations. They are anti-inflammatory and alleviate skin microlesions.

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