Full Breakdown
U.S. News & World Report Releases 2026 Rankings of Best Over-The-Counter Medications and Health Products
5/13/2026, 10:56:54 AM
Survey Methodology and Core Findings
U.S. News & World Report, in partnership with The Harris Poll, published its 2026 rankings of over-the-counter (OTC) medicines and health products. The rankings derive from a March survey of 357 pharmacists and 129 dermatologists nationwide. Participants were randomly assigned 128 product categories—including supplements, allergy treatments, and skincare—and asked to identify the brands they would most likely recommend to consumers. Eleven new categories were added for this year’s evaluation. Only brands meeting the survey’s statistical performance standards received a “Best OTC Medicine & Health Products” designation.
Key Brands and Product Winners
- Nature Made led with 12 products ranked number one.
- CeraVe secured six top-ranked products.
- La Roche-Posay achieved four number-one placements.
Companies with the most number-one products overall were Haleon, followed by Pharmavite, Kenvue, L’Oreal, and Prestige Consumer Healthcare.
Top pharmacist-recommended items included:
- Flonase (allergy nasal spray)
- Children’s Delsym (cough medicine)
- Pedialyte (electrolyte powder)
- Zyrtec (oral antihistamine)
Dermatologist-favored products featured:
- Differin (acne treatment)
- CeraVe (multiple skincare categories)
- La Roche-Posay (sunscreens and vitamin C serums)
A full list of category winners is available at [health.usnews.com](https://health.usnews.com).
Expert Endorsements and Official Statements
Shanley Chien, senior editor of health at U.S. News & World Report, emphasized the relevance of professional input: “These are the experts who are day-in, day-out, recommending these products and brands to their patients. So, they know best.” She added that the rankings aim to simplify consumer decision-making amid a crowded market.
Verbatim Quotes
- “These are the experts who are day-in, day-out, recommending these products and brands to their patients. So, they know best,” — Shanley Chien, Senior Editor, Health, U.S. News & World Report
- “Navigating our health and our wellness, whether it’s for ourselves or for our loved ones, can be incredibly overwhelming,” — Shanley Chien
- “This offers consumers a starting point for when they’re trying to navigate their health and wellness journey.” — Shanley Chien
Implications for Consumers
The rankings provide a data-driven reference point for shoppers seeking OTC solutions, potentially reducing the time spent comparing products. By reflecting the preferences of pharmacists and dermatologists, the list highlights items with demonstrated efficacy and safety profiles, though it does not replace professional medical advice.
Limitations and Gaps
The survey captures only the perspectives of pharmacists and dermatologists; other health professionals (e.g., primary-care physicians, pediatricians) were not consulted. Consumer preferences and real-world usage data are absent, limiting insight into market demand versus professional endorsement. No information is provided on the statistical thresholds applied to determine eligibility for the “Best OTC” label.
What’s Next
U.S. News & World Report plans to update the rankings annually, incorporating additional health-care specialties and expanding the category set as new OTC products emerge. Readers are encouraged to review the detailed rankings on the U.S. News website and to consult health-care providers before initiating any new medication or supplement regimen.
