Beiersdorf in the third quarter of 2026 – La Prairie and Eucerin grow – Consumer division posts a loss. Beiersdorf’s consolidated turnover fell organically by 1.3 per cent to €2.4 billion in the third quarter. Whilst the derma business, comprising Eucerin and Aquaphor, and La Prairie posted growth, NIVEA’s turnover continued to decline, though it performed better than in the previous quarter. The company confirms its forecast for the full year 2026.
La Prairie and the derma business show significant growth – the Consumer division posts a decline
Beiersdorf achieved consolidated turnover of €2.4 billion in the third quarter of 2026. On an organic basis, this represents a decline of 1.3 per cent. In the first nine months, turnover amounted to €7.3 billion, an organic decline of 2.8 per cent.
In the Consumer division, the organic decline in revenue in the third quarter was 0.7 per cent. For the first nine months, it stood at 2.9 per cent. Performance within the division varied: the Derma business, comprising Eucerin and Aquaphor, grew organically by 10.6 per cent in the third quarter. La Prairie increased its revenue by 8.5 per cent.
According to Beiersdorf, Eucerin and Aquaphor performed well across regions and categories. The expansion of Aquaphor into body care in North America made a significant contribution. Eucerin also launched DERMOPURE CLINICAL PROBIOM8 for acne-prone skin. According to the company, the approach is based on the cosmetic active ingredient TopiC.A™ and on microbiome research.
For La Prairie, China remained the key growth driver. In September, the brand launched Swiss Pristine. The new entry-level range is aimed at younger customers and is intended to enable a targeted expansion of distribution.
NIVEA: Decline in turnover, but better momentum than in the previous quarter
NIVEA recorded a 4.9 per cent organic decline in sales in the third quarter. This represented an improvement on the second quarter. Tensions in the retail sector and the reduction of stock levels by retail partners continued to weigh on shipments. Beiersdorf expects these temporary factors to gradually ease by the end of the year.
At the same time, NIVEA’s retail sales grew worldwide. These reflect sales to consumers and thus differ from the company’s shipments to retailers. Beiersdorf sees this as an initial indication that the brand’s reorientation is having an effect.
The turnaround plan announced in the first half of the year focuses on innovation across all categories, an attractive price-performance ratio and greater adaptation to local needs. Measures already introduced include FACE+, a facial care concept that was brought to Europe from emerging markets and adapted to regional consumer expectations. The ‘Sweet Treats’ limited edition in the shower and deodorant categories draws on fragrance-oriented product concepts.
In addition, Beiersdorf intends to step up targeted consumer engagement. This includes a five-year partnership between NIVEA SUN and the Tour de France, which begins in 2027.
Health Care grows, tesa impacted by semiconductor shortages
The Health Care division, comprising Hansaplast and Elastoplast, increased organic turnover by 5.7 per cent in the third quarter. Beiersdorf attributes this development, amongst other things, to innovations in wound care. At tesa, organic turnover fell by 4.3 per cent. According to the company, the main reason was a shortage of semiconductors, which weighed on the Electronics business. Other parts of the Industry portfolio performed well: Electrical Systems continued its positive trend, and the Automotive business gained momentum with new orders in the electric vehicle sector. tesa’s Consumer business remained below the previous year’s level due to weaker demand outside Europe.
Beiersdorf stands by its full-year forecast for 2026 – revenue decline in the low single-digit percentage range
For the full year, Beiersdorf continues to expect a decline in organic revenue in the low single-digit percentage range at Group level. The EBIT margin, excluding one-off items, is expected to reach at least 11.8 per cent.
For the Consumer division, the company also anticipates an organic decline in revenue in the low single-digit percentage range. The EBIT margin, excluding one-off items, is expected to be at least 11.0 per cent. Beiersdorf cites the decline in revenue over the first nine months and a more challenging basis for comparison in the fourth quarter.
For tesa, the Group expects organic sales to remain flat or show slight growth, with the EBIT margin excluding one-off items slightly below the previous year’s level. Persistent semiconductor shortages could continue to hamper the Electronics business and, via an unfavourable product mix, also affect profitability.
Beiersdorf’s quarterly report paints a mixed picture for the sector
For the perfumery retail sector and the cosmetics industry, the quarterly report thus paints a mixed picture: growth is concentrated in Derma skincare and La Prairie, whilst NIVEA, despite improved sales momentum, is still grappling with headwinds in its retail business. The extent to which the measures introduced will alter the course of the year will also become apparent from the development of shipments and demand towards the end of the year.
The full quarterly report can be found here on the company’s website.
[Text: epcnews/Image: Beiersdorf]
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