Last Updated on March 22, 2026 by omgbart
This blue tin has been around for over a century and the German-made formula still hits different.
Side note as of March 2026: if you're looking for info on the new NIVEA Creme Natural Touch vegan formula, please check out THIS POST. I recently reviewed it comparing it to the original. Enjoy!
With more than 100 years under the blue belt, there is nothing more iconic in the beauty industry than the NIVEA Creme signature tin. Loved or hated for its simplicity and basic ingredients, this snow white, thick and smooth cream with its powdery milky scent is known and sought after worldwide. Sadly, the formulas vary in quite a few countries, based on prevailing local regulations.
My NIVEA story…
Having grown up in Northwest Poland, only a 10-minute drive from the German border, NIVEA Creme has been a staple in our house ever since I can remember. Originating in Hamburg, Germany, it was the first water-in-oil blend created by the Polish born pharmacist Oscar Troplowitz back in 1900. Being ‘old school’ and all, I always hunt down the original “Made in Germany” tub (or two) when I travel home.
Wait, not all NIVEA creams are the same???
I definitely notice a difference in formulations of the American made NIVEA Creme and that manufactured in other countries. Having used them all, I refuse to use anything but the original. Fluffier in texture and with a lighter scent, the German made NIVEA liquifies and absorbs more quickly leaving a soft sheen that soaks in beautifully. The US version spreads poorly and stays greasy on my skin.
What's in the German NIVEA?
NIVEA’s water and mineral oil base also contains water binding glycerin, panthenol (aka healing Vitamin B5) and ultra moisturizing lanolin (no sheep were harm in the making of this creme). Ignore any “Made in Mexico,” “Made in Thailand,” or the USA versions. Amazon can be sketchy.
Try a European grocery store if you have one nearby. How do you find one? Google “German food stores or delis nearby” and one is bound to carry international products. This is what you get: the preservative-free German one. In a pinch, I’ve even used it on my face.
Where can you buy NIVEA (Made in Germany)?
Whether I'm experiencing chapped hands or chapped lips–or whether my skin needs some after-sun soothing, a tin of NIVEA Creme is an absolute must-have. Some places carry the baby size blue tins which are super portable and travel-friendly. The jumbo ones make a great addition to our night table (especially during winter months).
Check out the various size options of this German original over at boots.com.
The nivea creme i bought says that “Manufactured in hamburg, germany” but when i searched the formula of german version, there are some ingredients that are not included in my nivea creme. Neither the formula of american version that i searched is not presented on my nivea creme.
Original is it made from which place
Hamburg, Germany
Mine says Made In Poland, lol. I’m obsessed with this creme.
Author
Made in Poland – just like me! I do think there may be a slight difference when it comes to ingredients but hey, if you love it… It’s all good!
Mine says made in Poland too and beneath it’s also says Beiersdorf AG. Kindly helo me identify if it’s fake or not
Author
It’s not fake. I just believe that the ingredients are *slightly* different than the Made in Germany original.
i was buying it and it made from thailand….it is same with from another place or not…because i worry…my face will become bad after use that
Author
I don’t think it will be bad for your skin but it’s simply not the *original* formula that comes from Germany.
I wish I had read this before I purchased the Creme. 😂
We have both German produced Nivea Creme (online official stores) and Thai ones (supermarket & local stores) in Indonesia.
The prices are very similar.
There are probably 10 ingredients missing in the Thai one. 😢
I’m gonna get the German one next time!