By Julie Bonnell, vice president, operations
It is generally thought that the best retail outlet for skin care is mass; however, don’t overlook independent drug when launching new items that are therapeutic in nature. Due to the consultative heritage of independent drug, these products do very well in this channel.
Of the 583 new skin care items reviewed by HRG in 2017, 30% (178) showed unit movement through September 2017. Fourteen percent of the 178 are categorized as therapeutic or acne related. Listed below are the top 10 therapeutic or acne-related skin care items based on HRG Rank1.
| UPC | Product description |
| 18629500022 | Mederma AG hand and body lotion 6oz |
| 07214002179 | Aquaphor Ointment Body Spray 3.7oz |
| 34533439033 | Vanicream Z-bar 3.36oz |
| 83997700648 | Clearasil Ultra Overnight Spot Patches 18ea |
| 07214002090 | Eucerin Daily Hydration Moisturizer & Sunscreen Hand Cream SPF 30 2.7oz |
| 65006600170 | Goicoechea Calming Touch Body Lotion 13.5oz |
| 31074201803 | Hada Labo Facial Mask Anti-Aging .7oz 4 count |
| 30259601416 | Aqualieve Gentle Soap-free Cleanser Unscented 16oz |
| 65006600172 | Goicoechea Skin Firming Lotion 13.5oz |
| 30259600216 | Aqualieve Everyday Lotion 16oz |
The therapeutic heritage of a brand can also influence consumer perception, even when the product is not specifically therapeutic. Within the top 10 overall skin care items based on HRG Rank1 listed below, notice the number of SKUs from Mederma AG, the successful rebranding of Alpha Glycolic, a popular skin care line.
| UPC | Product description |
| 18629500023 | Mederma AG Facial Cleanser 6oz |
| 18629500020 | Mederma AG Face Cream 2oz |
| 18629500024 | Mederma AG Toner 6oz |
| 18629500022 | Mederma AG Hand and Body Lotion 6oz |
| 18629500025 | Mederma AG Advanced Dry Skin Body Cleanser 8oz |
| 07418244571 | Softsoap Liquid Hand Soap Crisp Clean 11.25oz |
| 73362034016 | Gloves in a Bottle Lotion 3.4oz |
| 01111119294 | Dove Nourishing Body Wash Winter Care 22oz |
| 07418244576 | Softsoap Liquid Hand Soap Lavender & Chamomile 11.25oz |
| 07418244798 | Softsoap Liquid Hand Soap Crisp Cucumber & Melon 11.25oz |
Setting strategies for 2018 marketing? Independent pharmacy consistently performs well within categories that require a little extra consulting or those containing products that are treatment-oriented. If this sounds like a good match for your portfolio, don’t forget this trusted drugstore channel.