Most of our research takes place at our Skin Research Center in Hamburg which, with more than 450 scientists, is one of the largest and most advanced research centers in Germany, and one of the most important in the world. The unit had a budget of €149 million in 2009 alone. This is where new products are developed and substances and formulas are tested to ensure that they do not pose a threat to health and are compatible with the skin. This is done without animal testing: For more than 20 years the Skin Research Center in Hamburg has been one of the world's leading and most respected research-driven enterprises when it comes to developing in vitro alternatives such as cell culture tests.
Attached to the Research Center in Hamburg is a dedicated Test Center where the effectiveness and tolerance of new products are tested on some 27,000 volunteers every year. The center is equipped with 35 examination rooms and with technology that is capable of measuring even the minutest changes in the skin and so demonstrate and document the effectiveness of anti-aging products, for example. The direct contact with the test persons also gives us important information about product optimization and allows us to gain insights into the needs and wishes of consumers.
An important success factor for Beiersdorf's products around the world is our in-depth focus on the specific features of regional markets. Since 2005, Beiersdorf has had a special Asia Laboratory in which skin care products are developed to meet the needs of Asian consumers and the climatic requirements in this region. This facility was joined in 2007 by a LATAM Laboratory that develops products for Brazil and other Latin American countries. Research and development for our Chinese hair care and styling brands take place locally.
