New NIVEA Biodegradable Cleansing Wipes

For millions of women around the world NIVEA Face Cleansing Wipes will become synonymous to the effective and convenient make-up removal that is kind to the planet. Here is why:

• Microplastic-free formulation
• 100% plant-based tissue
• Packaging foil made of 45% repurposed material
• Superior cleansing & make-up removal

NIVEA Biodegradable Cleansing Wipes are extremely practical beauty helpers at any time. For mornings, evenings or on the road – with moist cleansing wipes you are prepared for every situation:

• Every-day beauty routine to clean your face and remove make-up
• On the go: in the car, on a train or plane, on vacation, on the way to the beach and more
• After your workout routine or the visit to the gym
• To refresh your face in the summer on hot days
• To correct beauty fails during the day
• Forgot to remove your make-up in the evening or didn’t have  time? Put a package of Face Wipes on your night table – so you can remove the make-up while in bed.

Magalie Siekro answers the most important questions about the refreshing facial wipes.

Why did NIVEA decide to use natural origin fibers to make their cleansing wipes biodegradable?

As we are committed to providing high-quality, trustworthy products and to continuously reducing our environmental impact, we are striving to use renewable resources as much as possible in our products. Nature matters to us, and caring for it is the commitment behind sustainability. Therefore, for the tissue of our NIVEA biodegradable Face Wipes we use viscose, which is made of renewable material.

How are the NIVEA Facial Cleansing Wipes delivering biodegradability?

The wipes are made from biodegradable fibers of natural origin. The material is biodegradable since it can decompose physically and biologically until it becomes carbon dioxide, biomass and water.

Does biodegradability mean the new wipes are compostable?

No, we want to emphasize not to dispose of the wipes in the compost. As the wipes are mostly dirty after usage and we can’t be sure if any microplastic or other raw materials which are not biodegradable are on the wipes, they should be disposed in the household bin.

Why is the packaging still made of plastic?

To ensure that wipes are kept moist and bacteria free, packaging them in a plastic foil is still the best solution. As a first step, the packing foil is improved and now made of 45% repurposed material. However, we are looking closely at more environmentally friendly alternatives.

Why can’t I recycle this product even though it is “natural”?

The product itself is not natural. The plant-based tissue and the microplastic free formula are naturally derived. The natural origin of the wipes is to differentiate them from the ones with fossil-based fibers. There is no recycling stream in the waste disposal infrastructure yet, neither in Germany nor in other European countries. That`s why these wipes have to be disposed of in incinerator plants with energy recovery.

But is the packaging recyclable?

No, there is no dedicated recycling system for foils yet, consumers should dispose the wipe packaging in the packaging waste collection.

Why do you still produce these environmentally bad wipes?

With the launch of entirely biodegradable / 100% plant-based tissue Facial Wipes, we are completely exchanging our current Wipes with the PET tissue and delisting them globally. NIVEA is working hard to offer the most sustainable packaging and formula with a goal to gradually switch to the most sustainable offer possible.

Why don’t you use sustainable packaging/content in all your products?

Immediate exchange of all products is not feasible due to the availability of materials (e.g. amount of post-consumer recycled content that is not available on the market) or because there is no more sustainable material available yet that keep product properties in terms of performance, preservation and hygiene.

Why can‘t the wipes be flushed down the toilet?

The wipes do not disintegrate immediately. That is why they should not be disposed of in the toilet, but in the household waste. Disposal via the toilet can lead to blockages in the sewage pipes.

Isn’t there another alternative for wipes?

In our NIVEA Face Cleansing portfolio we offer a variety of highly effective make-up removals:

• MicellAIR® Water and Eye Make-up removal
• MicellAIR® EXPERT for waterproof make-up and heavy make-up users
• Cleansing Oils with transformative oil to milk texture that leave the skin clean, smooth and radiant

Do these wipes contain Parabens?

No, the entire assortment is free from parabens.

How do you prevent the cloths from drying out?

To prevent drying out, you should close the moisture seal of the packaging well after each use.

Is it necessary to clean the skin after applying the wipes?

After using the wipes it is not necessary to wash your face with water or otherwise clean your skin.

We at NIVEA are determined to make a positive impact on the world. This is why we have set ourselves ambitious sustainability goals. Our research departments are constantly developing our product formulas and packaging to make our skin care products as good as possible while reducing their environmental impact.

In addition, we work closely with green initiatives and other partners to find new ways to positively impact our planet. Our goal is to develop skincare that is as gentle to the planet as it is to our skin. And we are happy to take up this challenge.