Products to Watch: HRG’s 5 picks from July 2021
Even in the dead of summer, the new product team at HRG is looking for the most innovative new products. The Waukesha, Wis.-based company’s analysts sifted through 173 products that hit the market in July, including 81 health products, 38 wellness items and 54 beauty offerings. The five they identified as standouts were:
1. Aspercreme Arthritis Gel
Sanofi’s well-known topical pain relief brand Aspercreme is getting in on the hottest ingredient in arthritis pain relief. The new Aspercreme Arthritis Gel contains prescription-strength diclofenac gel — the active ingredient that entered the OTC fray when Voltaren switched from Rx-only in early 2020. The product is designed to penetrate the skin and reduce inflammation at the source, according to the company.
2. QuitGo Smokeless Inhaler
Old habits die hard, and smoking may be the best example of that. Harmless Products has developed the QuitGo Smokeless Inhaler as a nicotine- and tobacco-free product to help with the psychological hand-to-mouth habit and oral fixation that accompanies smoking. The vaporless product, which can be used in conjunction with traditional nicotine replacement therapy products, is designed for use at home or on the go. It is available in a fresh mint flavor.
3. Aquaphor Itch Relief Ointment Maximum Strength
Beiersdorf’s Aquaphor brand has developed an itch-relief product designed for consumers with sensitive skin. The hypoallergenic anti-itch ointment features 1% hydrocortisone to treat such outdoor irritations as insect bites, poison ivy, poison oak and sumac, and conditions such as dry skin, rashes, eczema and psoriasis. The product is designed to work for up to 12 hours.
4. CeraVe Acne Control Cleanser
With 2% salicylic acid and three essential ceramides, CeraVe Acne Control Cleanser is formulated to fight tough acne while being gentle on skin. The L’Oréal brand’s cleanser features an oil-absorbing technology to remove excess sebum and reduce blackheads while preventing breakouts and improving the appearance of pores.
5. Tylenol Extra Strength Cold + Flu Multi-Action Caplet, Day
After a year with a relatively soft cough-cold and flu season, more vaccinated people wearing masks less frequently is bringing the common ailments back — and Tylenol is looking to relieve symptoms associated with them. The Johnson & Johnson Consumer brand’s Tylenol Extra Strength Cold + Flu Multi-Action includes a combination of acetaminophen, dextromethorphan and pseudoephedrine to relieve head and body aches and lower fever while easing sore throat, cough and congestion. It marks the first Tylenol Cold + Flu product to contain pseudoephedrine and is located behind the pharmacy counter.