Home - About Us - Our History - Milestones MILESTONES The history of today’s Beiersdorf began in a small pharmacy near Hamburg’s famous St. Michael’s church, often referred to as “Michel”. This is where Paul C. Beiersdorf invented the coated pflaster, thus laying the groundwork for company success. In the decades that followed, Beiersdorf developed into a globally successful consumer goods company with brands such as NIVEA, Eucerin, Hansaplast, and Labello. Click your way through a timeline of milestones covering the company's history since 1882. 1880 1882 Born in Brandenburg in 1836, qualified pharmacist Paul C. Beiersdorf founded the company that now bears his name, having settled in Hamburg just two years earlier. 1890 1890 Pharmacist and businessman Dr. Oscar Troplowitz took over Paul C. Beiersdorf’s company based in Hamburg-Altona. Troplowitz modernized the production processes, established the initial international contacts, and significantly expanded the business. 1900 1900 A patent application was filed for Eucerit (“beautiful wax”), an emulsifying agent that’s extracted from the lanolin of sheep and forms the foundation for Eucerin and later on, NIVEA Creme. 1910 1911 The year NIVEA Creme was introduced. Working closely with chemist Dr. Isaac Lifschütz and dermatologist Prof. Dr. Paul Gerson Unna, Dr. Oscar Troplowitz developed a stable oil-and-water-based skin cream for the first time. 1920 1921 Beiersdorf founded its first North American affiliate on Hudson Street in New York. P. Beiersdorf & Co. Inc. had its products manufactured locally by licensed partners. 1930 1932 Beiersdorf celebrated its 50th anniversary. All of the Hamburg employees got together in the factory courtyard on March 24. The company had more than 1,400 employees around the world at that time. 1940 1943 The production facilities and administrative building were significantly damaged during the air strikes on Hamburg. While most of the Beiersdorf affiliates in the countries fighting against Germany were expropriated during the war, Beiersdorf also lost the NIVEA trademarks in these countries. After the war, Beiersdorf began repurchasing these trademarks. 1950 1950 Market launch of Eucerin Ph5. This innovative ointment focused on the importance of an intact natural acid mantle for the health of the skin, and formed the foundation of the consumer brand Eucerin. 1960 1963 NIVEA milk was introduced onto the market. As an oil-in-water emulsion for full-body care, the liquid NIVEA Creme was an international success from the very start. Numerous affiliates and licensees expanded international business throughout the 1960s. 1970 1972 For the first time, the number of Beiersdorf employees exceeded 10,000 due to international growth: nearly half of all employees were based at international affiliates. 1980 1982 In an effort to expand the range, NIVEA introduced special face care products onto the market. New product categories such as shower, men, and hair care rounded off the portfolio. 1990 1991 Beiersdorf acquired the La Prairie brand which stems from the renowned clinique of the same name in Montreux. The Swiss skin specialists were pioneers in cellular therapy developed to combat skin aging. 2000 2001 The original tesa division of the Beiersdorf Group took an important step towards independence and became tesa AG. The new affiliate was thus able to respond more flexibly to consumer and industry requirements. 2010 2010 Beiersdorf introduced Eucerin AQUAporin ACTIVE onto the market. The moisturizer is based on the discovery of aquaporins, for which two researchers were presented with the Nobel Prize. The new technology was gradually integrated into NIVEA products. PRESENT 2020 The natural cosmetics label STOP THE WATER WHILE USING ME! has been part of Beiersdorf’s global brand network since February. Together, the Hamburg-based partners want to expand the scope of sustainable skin care and drive forward their commitment to climate and resource protection. Related Links Founding history Personalities International development Back to top FACTS & FIGURES About Us Milestones Investors Financial Calendar 2022 OUR BRANDS NIVEA Eucerin La Prairie Hansaplast Brand History CONTACT & SERVICES FAQ Contact Cookie Settings Privacy Policy Conditions of Use Sitemap FOLLOW US BEIERSDORF GLOBAL With click on OK, we are using cross-website tools to provide you individual information for marketing purposes via partners, also beyond our website. These enable personalised online advertisements and extended analysis and evaluation options regarding the target group and user behaviour. You also agree that the data may also be transferred to third countries outside the European Economic Area without an adequate level of data protection (esp. USA). It is possible that authorities may access the data without any legal remedy. You can withdraw your consent at any time with future effect here. OK Adapt