Few cosmetics are as recognizable as Nivea cream. It is such a popular cream that both adults and young people know it, and not only because of its legendary blue can packaging, but its aroma and texture are unmistakable. In many homes, Nivea is a basic, one of those cosmetics that can never be missing and that is given a thousand and one uses.
On social networks, the uses are the most varied and few cosmetics achieve the interest that Nivea generates. The problem with this is that Nivea cream is used for everything: for wrinkles, as an aftersun when experts have already indicated that it was not designed for that, as a facial mask and even to hydrate dry hair. Of course, its uses are very varied, but to find out more about what we can expect from this iconic cream, we wanted to speak with pharmacist Marta Masi (@martamasi5), an expert in skin and well-being, who has her own brand of products to take care of yourself both inside and out.
It is not a cream for all skin types.
One of the questions that generates the most doubts is whether the Nivea in the blue can is suitable for all skin types. From generation to generation we have seen how this cream has been used interchangeably on all types of skin and here the pharmacist highlights that: “Although the brand presents it for all skin types, due to its rich and occlusive texture it is especially suitable for dry or very dry skin, with tightness or peeling, and for areas such as hands, elbows, knees or heels. In oily or acne-prone skin it can be too dense. It would not be my first choice for very sensitive or reactive skin, because contains perfume and fragrance allergens,” explains Masi.
Furthermore, one of the most recognizable characteristics of the Nivea cream is its creaminess, which is why we asked Marta if she would recommend it for the face. “Yes, it can be used on the face if the skin is dry and tolerates it well, especially at night or in specific areas that need more protection. However, it is not the ideal facial cream for everyone. In combination, oily or acne-prone skin it can be heavy, and for reactive skin I would prefer a fragrance-free formula specifically adapted to their needs. In addition, it does not contain sun protection,” says the pharmacist.
Nivea cream and its petroleum derivatives
One of the points that generates the most controversy about the Nivea cream is regarding some of its ingredients. “In the current INCI marketed in Spain, mineral oil—Paraffinum Liquidum—, microcrystalline wax and paraffin appear, but Petrolatum, which is Vaseline, does not appear,” the expert clarifies.
According to the skin expert, we should not demonize an ingredient simply because of its origin. “The mineral derivatives used in European cosmetics are highly purified and subject to safety controls. They remain mainly on the surface of the skin and help reduce water loss. There is no scientific reason to avoid them if they are correctly formulated and the skin tolerates them,” says Marta.
The same opinion is held by chemist Vladimir Sánchez, who considers that liquid paraffin is not dangerous because it is a petroleum derivative. In fact, the one used in cosmetics is highly purified so that it does not have any kind of impurities that could cause problems,” he explains.
It is not an anti-aging cream
Many women highlight the use of the classic Nivea cream to combat wrinkles, although as we have already mentioned, this cream has been designed to hydrate and protect the skin. In this sense, the pharmacist indicates that “we should not consider it an anti-aging treatment. By hydrating and reducing water loss, it can temporarily improve softness and conceal small lines of dehydration,” she explains. Perhaps because of this deep hydration effect, some people have this perception of a temporary filling effect.
“However, we cannot expect it to treat established wrinkles or stimulate collagen like certain specific active ingredients. Hydrated skin appears smoother and more luminous, but that does not mean that it is really acting on skin aging,” highlights Marta.
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