New Products

The teeth-whitening strips segment has lost some of its luster, according to data from SymphonyIRI Group, likely due in part to the economy, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that products that promise to whiten teeth are losing popularity.

According to 52-week data ended July 8 from the Chicago-based market research firm, sales of tooth bleaching/whitening products dropped about 11% at food, drug and mass (excluding Walmart).

NEW YORK — L’Oréal Paris is looking to make the hair color aisle at mass easier to shop and is eliminating the guesswork out of choosing the right hair color shade with its new “My L’Oréal Colorist” mobile app, which serves as a personal color consultant.


CHARLESTON, S.C. — The Food and Drug Administration has approved a treatment for a disease that causes brittle nails.

Innocutis announced the FDA approval of Nuvail (poly-ureaurethane) nail solution in the 16% strength. The drug is used to treat nail dystrophy, which causes fragile and brittle nails that crack and split.

One of the most common forms of nail dystrophy is brittle nail syndrome, which affects about 20% of the population, with women disproportionately affected. Patients with the condition report that their nails are painful and impair daily activities.

SUPPLIER NEWS — Yoplait has introduced Yoplait Smoothies, which feature frozen fruit, fruit juice and real Yoplait Greek yogurt. The smoothies can be made by adding skim milk and blending, and each 4.5-oz. freezer package yields a single 12-oz. serving. “Each smoothie provides 10 grams of protein when prepared with milk and are sweetened with all-natural stevia,” Yoplait Smoothie marketing manager Maija Aittola said. Available in mixed berry and strawberry banana orange flavors, Yoplait Smoothies carry a suggested retail price of $2.99.

ORLANDO, Fla. — UrgentRx's line of fast-acting, flavored powder, nonprescription medications was named “Best New Product” by retailers attending the ECRM Health Care show held late last month.

“We’re pleased and excited to receive this honor from the retailer attendees of the ECRM Health Care show,” stated Jordan Eisenberg, president UrgentRx. “Recognition of this kind holds even greater meaning when it comes from such an informed, influential audience.”

It’s a little hard not to say “Oh, how the mighty have fallen” when a retailer announces that it will give away for free what was once the world’s top-selling drug. But for retailers, it also makes good business sense.


The hair care segment has lost some of its luster. However, manufacturers of ethnic hair care products have been working feverishly to bring greater innovation to 
the market. 


According to SymphonyIRI Group, sales of hair styling gel/mousse slipped about 1.5% during the 12 weeks ended July 8 at food, drug and mass (excluding Walmart). During the same period, sales of women’s hair coloring dropped 4.6%, and hair relaxer kits were 
down 12.5%. The double-digit drop in hair relaxer kits comes as little surprise as many ethnic beauty shoppers are choosing to 
go natural.


The overall foot care category was relatively flat — down 0.9% — with $587.2 million in sales for the 52 weeks ended Aug. 12 across food, drug and mass (excluding Walmart), according to SymphonyIRI Group data. However, almost 2-out-of-3 foot care products sold are insoles, which bodes well for sales 
going forward.