REX Awards 2024: Natural Products
Consumers’ interest in natural products has been growing over the past decade, but with the pandemic heightening their awareness about the importance of staying healthy, their interest in natural products has exploded.
Consumers are increasingly reaching for products that are natural, and they are looking closely at their product choices, especially when it comes to boosting their immune system, hydrating, improving their sleep, caring for their skin and soothing their children when they are sick.
Drug Store News’ REX Awards—Natural Products recognizes those manufacturers who have made a difference in their respective industries, be it with innovative products, promotions or merchandising. These are companies that have gone above and beyond assisting their retail partners as they seek to create a point of differentiation between themselves and other merchants.
Jean Pierre Cosmetics
Jean Pierre Cosmetics is a skin care company specializing in beauty and personal care products for everyday use. Developed in New York City in 2003, Jean Pierre Cosmetics is known for using formulations that enhance products to meet evolving skincare and beauty needs. Brands include Skip the Spa, WeWell and Spa Studio, among others.
The line of fresh and gently fragranced skin care products includes cleansing and moisturizing wipes, make-up remover products and hydrating masks for different skin types. The products are all tested and approved and the company’s laboratories surpass in research and product development.
Launched in 2008, Blum Naturals was created to meet the need for natural skin care with organic ingredients. The line of products was designed using organic oils and natural extracts to target the specific needs of different skin types and complexions. Facial towelettes are made with organic ingredients, earning an NSF/ANSI 305 certification for personal care products, and are biodegradable, solidifying the company’s commitment to transparency.
The formulations are pH balanced, hypoallergenic and alcohol-free, using only the finest quality ingredients, such as rare flowers, herbs and natural plant extracts.
Both Jean Pierre Cosmetics and Blum Naturals products are sold at regional and nationwide retailers including food and drug stores, mass market chains and specialty retail stores. Products are manufactured to the highest standards of quality, safety and customer satisfaction.
Kenvue
Kenvue’s Zarbee’s, based in Skillman, N.J., was founded in 2008 by Dr. Zak Zarbock, a pediatrician and father who was inspired to create wholesome and effective alternatives to traditional over the counter medicines. His first product was a honey-based kids’ cough syrup made with vitamin C and zinc, that is free of artificial flavors and artificial sugars.
“Today, Zarbee’s is the No.1 pediatrician-recommended cough syrup, immune and sleep support brand for kids 12 and under and has grown into a broad-based health and wellness brand,” said Katiria Butler, commercial lead at Zarbee’s.
This year, the brand expanded its bedtime portfolio with the launch of Children’s Gentle Bedtime—a line of melatonin-free nighttime solutions to help little ones unwind and relax before bed. The line includes a gummy and syrup offering made with natural honey and calming chamomile, and a bedtime spray made with lavender and chamomile.
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The brand also introduced Children’s Calm Gummies, its first product in emotional health support that uses a blend of magnesium, chamomile and vitamin B6. (These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.)
“These products provide gentle support to help kids relax and unwind, day or night,” Butler said.
Liquid I.V.
Based in El Segundo, Calif., Liquid I.V. was founded in Los Angeles in 2012. The company was acquired by Unilever in September 2020.
“Liquid I.V. is a hydration company with a portfolio of great-tasting, non-GMO powdered hydration mixes that are designed to hydrate you more effectively and efficiently than water alone,” said Marc Adler, director of sales, drug at Liquid I.V. “Our products have three times the electrolytes of the leading sports drink and eight vitamins and nutrients for faster hydration and everyday wellness with 100% daily value of essential B vitamins: B3, B5, B6 and B12.”
Adler went on to say that the company takes a hydration-first approach to 360-degree wellness. “We offer line extensions that deliver hydration and additional benefits such as immune support, energy, sleep and gut health,” he said.
The brand’s most innovative launch to date is Hydration Multiplier Sugar-Free, a science-backed solution with a proprietary amino acid-allulose blend. Adler explained that the formulation took over two years to formulate by a team of scientists and was clinically studied to improve hydration in the absence of sugar when combined with amino acids and electrolytes.
Hydration Multiplier Sugar-Free is available in lemon lime, green grape and white peach. Lastly, Adler said that as a purpose-driven brand, giving back is at the core of Liquid I.V.’s DNA. “To date we’ve donated over 48 million servings to people in need around the globe. We are committed to donating a total of 150 million servings by 2032,” Adler said.
Mason Vitamins
Based in Miami Lakes, Fla., Mason Vitamins has one of the largest health and wellness offerings with a selection of over 350 products under the Mason Natural brand.
“Our valued clients worldwide include community pharmacies, mass market retailers, food stores, e-commerce and healthcare facilities,” said Katherine Rizcala, project management analyst. “One of our latest innovative products is Renal Multivitamin, a customized formulation created through our pharmacists’ forum relationships for dialysis patients to support kidney function and general health.
Pharmacists and other healthcare professionals have been in our company’s core values for over 55 years. This unique multivitamin allows us an opportunity to break into a niche health segment within the vitamin category, while also providing an affordable option for consumers and patients within this specialty group.”
“Additionally, with the global nerve and brain health supplements in the market on the rise, Mason brings another unique innovative product into the mix by launching Neuro Complex with Alpha Lipoic Acid formula, which focuses on providing nutritional support for nerve and brain function,” the company said.
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“Formulated with B vitamins that are essential for the development of the brain and nerves, it also promotes cognitive function. The bonus of the added Alpha Lipoic Acid promotes healthy blood flow and may help protect nerve and brain tissue,” Rizcala noted.
The Mentholatum Co.
The Mentholatum Co., based in Orchard Park, N.Y., is a global health and wellness powerhouse with a rich history dating back to its establishment in 1889 in Wichita, Kan.
Originally a small purveyor of soaps and toiletries, The Mentholatum Co. has evolved into a renowned business focused on delivering quality and value. In 1988, it joined with global Rohto Pharmaceutical Co., combining forces to drive advancements in health and wellness.
Allison Sanders, head of marketing for Rohto Cooling Eye Drops USA, described one of their latest products, Rohto Dual Light Relief, as one that stands out as an eye drop designed to soothe eyes from irritation caused by the sun and digital eye strain. “This innovative solution features dual lubricants for enhanced hydration, provides relief for five dry eye symptoms and employs HydroCorneal Protection Technology to protect corneal cells from UV damage,” Sanders said.
Adding to their repertoire is Mentholatum All-Natural Medicated Vapor Rub, an FDA-accepted topical cough suppressant. This eco-friendly marvel boasts 100% plant-based ingredients, a soothing minty lavender scent and is petrolatum-free.
As Mentholatum celebrates OXY Acne Care’s 50th anniversary in June 2024, they are unveiling two products tailored for teen skin. The dermatologist-recommended OXY Moisturizing Anti-Acne Body Wash (9.0 fl. oz.) offers a comprehensive solution, cleansing, clearing and hydrating acne-prone skin. Its unique formula includes Salicylic Acid, Chamomile, Vitamin E and Hyaluronic Acid. Complementing this is the Fragrance-Free OXY Moisturizing Sensitive Skin Acne Cleansing Pads (90 ct.), featuring a patented skin conditioner with oat technology and a gentle level of clinically proven Salicylic Acid to cleanse, moisturize and treat acne-prone skin.
“For customers seeking groundbreaking products that combine science, innovation and consumer-driven solutions, The Mentholatum Co. has you covered for health and wellness,” Sanders said.
Pharmavite
Pharmavite is a pioneer in the health and wellness industry, earning the trust of consumers, healthcare professionals and retailers by developing vitamin and supplement solutions backed by science that adhere to strict manufacturing practices for over 50 years.
Through its Nature Made, Nature Made Wellblends, EQUELLE, MegaFood, Nurish by Nature Made and Uqora brands, Pharmavite is dedicated to helping people live healthier, more vital lives.
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Based in West Hills, Calif., Pharmavite is a subsidiary of Otsuka Pharmaceutical. In 2023, Nature Made launched a variety of new innovations. Within the growing magnesium segment, Nature Made launched Magnesium Complex Capsules with D3 & Zinc, Magnesium L-Threonate Capsules with Vitamins C & D3 and more recently, High Absorption Magnesium Glycinate Gummies. Nature Made Wellblends launched Calm Mind & Body Gummies, a three-in-one Blend with clinically studied Ashwagandha, Magnesium and GABA to reduce stress and relax the mind and body.
