REX AWARDS 2022: OTC AND PREVENTIVE HEALTH
Providing Solutions DSN’s Retail Excellence Awards spotlight companies that develop innovative over-the-counter products By Nora Caley
Self-care is more important than ever. Whether they are reluctant to visit healthcare providers during the ongoing pandemic, or just to take charge of their own health, consumers are seeking over-thecounter medicines. The demand is still growing for products that provide solutions for cough-cold, pain, sleep, stress and other maladies. According to the Consumer Healthcare Products Association, citing figures from The Nielsen Company, retail sales of OTC medicines totaled $36.5 billion in 2020 compared with $35.2 billion in 2019. Among the largest categories in 2020 were upper respiratory at $8.65 billion, internal analgesics at $4.5 billion, heartburn at $2.16 billion, first aid at $1.56 billion and eye care at nearly $1.3 billion. The pandemic did not stop innovation, and manufacturers developed innovative products that answer key consumer needs. This month, DSN recognizes some of the leaders in the OTC medicine and preventive health space. Here are this year’s Retail Excellence Awards – OTC and Preventive Health.
Xlear Xlear is a manufacturer of xylitol-based products. The American Fork, Utah-based company makes Xlear Sinus Care products, Spry Dental Defense products and XyloSweet natural sweetener. Nathan
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Jones founded the company in 2000, after his father, Dr. Lon Jones, developed a xylitol nasal spray after reading extensive research done in Finland about the benefits of xylitol. Last year, Xlear (pronounced “clear”) reformulated its Spry toothpaste. Nathan Jones explained that the reformulation is based on a new study, published in the Journal of Dentistry, which found that the combination of fluoride and nanosized trimetaphosphate, or TMP, more effectively hardens teeth against damage and decay than fluoride alone. “The inspiration for this innovation came from where Xlear finds inspiration and innovation as a rule: sound science,” he said. “We fund research and pay close attention to the everevolving state of health knowledge. Then we use that data and research to produce products that help people stay healthier and happier.” In 2022, Xlear will highlight Spry and focus on the nasal spray. “The last two years have demonstrated the importance of nasal hygiene in a world full of novel pathogens,” Jones said. “We want to educate people about the importance of washing your nose as a way to both breathe
better and be healthier.” Additionally in 2022, the company plans to focus on the benefits of Xlear nasal spray in helping reduce snoring, an issue that makes many relationships suffer. “Not only does it impact both partners’ sleep, but it can put a huge damper on intimacy,” Jones said.
WishGarden Herbs A provider of whole herb liquid extracts, WishGarden Herbs pioneered conditionspecific blends that are fast acting and gentle on the body. The Louisville, Colo.based company makes several immune support products for children and adults. Among the newest products are two cough syrups. Serious AM Cough Soothing Syrup has wild cherry, elecampane, linden, hawthorn, marshmallow and elderberry to open up the chest, soothe the bronchioles, relax the cough reflex, evict the excess phlegm from the body and support a healthy inflammatory response in the throat and upper respiratory. Serious PM Cough Soothing Syrup has passionflower, wood betony, hops and wild lettuce to promote restful sleep and wild cherry, elecampane and mullein to open the airways.
March 2022 DRUGSTORENEWS.COM
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