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Report
en_GB
OTC brands return to the basics, focusing on convenience, functional benefits and formats, value and efficacy in new product launches. Ziyu Tian, OTC & Personal Care Research Analyst…
Global
OTC Medications
simple
A Year of Innovation in OTC Medications 2025
"OTC brands return to the basics, focusing on convenience, functional benefits and formats, value and efficacy in new product launches."
Explore the latest innovations in OTC medications with Mintel’s global innovation report. The report identifies the major launch activities, pivotal consumer attitudes and most important product developments over the past 12 months.
Key innovation trends in the global OTC medications market are analysed and succinctly presented alongside Mintel’s consumer data and insights. So you can understand changing consumer demands and identify future growth opportunities.
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What we have seen
Our pick of the most innovative launches in this review
Other innovative launches
EUROPE, MIDDLE EAST & AFRICA (EMEA)
Europe: speed and ease are prioritised
Convenience has universal appeal
Under-tapped space for convenience beyond speed
Graph 1: OTC medication launches, by select convenience claims, 2020-25
Stick formats power up easy use and on-the-go occasions
Brand innovation: Popmask
Europe: private label could win more ground
Health at doorsteps
Private label launches saw small growth
Graph 2: OTC medication launches, branded vs private label, 2020-25
Focus on active ingredients
Brand innovation: Sainsbury's Pro Fit
The Middle East & Africa (MEA)
Gut health focus with additional benefits
ASIA PACIFIC (APAC)
Asia: stress-relieving and sleep-aiding benefits hold potential
Graph 6: OTC medication launches, by select functional claims, 2020-25
Brands are innovating around pre-/probiotics
What is 'A Year of Innovation' Report?
To truly understand a market, it’s essential to look at the products that are shaping it. Our ‘A Year of Innovation’ reports provide a detailed review of specific categories, focusing on the most notable product launches from the past 12 months. These reports are designed to give you a clear and comprehensive picture of recent innovation and its impact.
How We Analyse a Year of Innovation
By deconstructing the past year’s activity, we can provide valuable context for your current and future strategies. Here’s how we do it.
A Deep Dive into Product Launches
The core of these reports is a thorough examination of new products. We go beyond simply listing what’s new. Our analysis delves into the “why” behind each product launch, exploring the strategies, ingredients, and marketing claims that are driving innovation. This helps you understand what’s working, what’s not, and where the market is headed.
Powered by the Global New Products Database (GNPD)
Our insights are built on a foundation of robust data from Mintel’s Global New Products Database (GNPD). This powerful tool tracks and catalogues new product launches from around the world. By leveraging the GNPD, we offer a complete exploration of innovative activity within your category, ensuring our analysis is comprehensive, accurate, and relevant.
Uncovering Trends and Consumer Shifts
Our ‘A Year of Innovation’ reports are designed to equip you with actionable insights into how to lead innovation in your category. By studying recent product launches, we can identify shifting consumer habits and preferences. These reports help you connect the dots between what consumers want and how companies are responding. You’ll gain a deeper understanding of emerging trends, allowing you to refine your own product development and marketing strategies with confidence.
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