Ever found yourself staring at a sea of over-the-counter products, wondering which brand actually works? You’re not alone — and now, you don’t have to guess. U.S. News & World Report, the trusted name in health care rankings and consumer advice, has just dropped its third annual Best OTC Medicine & Health Products list — your go-to cheat sheet for navigating the pharmacy aisle with confidence.
This year’s edition is bigger and better, covering 133 product categories. Created in partnership with The Harris Poll, this year’s report gathered insights from nearly 500 U.S.-based pharmacists and dermatologists, all surveyed in March 2025. Their recommendations span every stage of life — from prenatal care and kids’ health to adult wellness and senior needs.
So before your next trip to the drugstore, take a look — your medicine cabinet will thank you.
Some popular product category winners evaluated by pharmacists among the 2025-2026 edition, ranked No. 1, include:
- Children’s Cough Medicines: Children’s Delsym
- Cough Drops: Halls
- Cough Suppressants: Delsym
- Daytime Cold and Flu Medicines: Mucinex
- Eye Drops for Dry Eyes: Refresh Tears
- Laxatives: MiraLAX
- Multivitamins: Centrum Men’s Multivitamin, One A Day Women’s Multivitamin
- Probiotic Supplements: Culturelle
- Stool Softeners: Colace
Some popular product category winners evaluated by dermatologists among the 2025-2026 edition, ranked No. 1, include:
- Face Moisturizers: La Roche-Posay
- Face Washes and Cleansers for Sensitive Skin: CeraVe
- Lip Balms: Aquaphor
- Retinol Creams and Serums: Neutrogena
- Stretch Mark Treatments: Mederma
- Sunscreen for Face: La Roche-Posay
- Vitamins for Hair Growth: Nutrafol
- Wrinkle Creams: Neutrogena
Those looking to choose a health product that’s right for them or their child should consult a medical professional as part of their decision-making process.
